Your first corrective massage session at IKKYU is a 60-minute appointment that combines conversation, posture and movement assessment, hands-on treatment, and practical guidance. The aim is to understand your current concerns in the context of how your whole body moves—not simply to follow a standard massage routine.
If recurring neck, shoulder, back or hip discomfort keeps interrupting work, exercise or family life, it is understandable to want more than short-lived relief. This guide explains what happens during an initial appointment at IKKYU Corrective Massage Therapy in St Leonards, what to wear, and how Shige approaches assessment and treatment.
What is corrective massage?
Corrective massage at IKKYU is a personalised, goal-focused approach. It may combine remedial massage techniques with observation of posture and relevant movement, then use those findings to guide the session. The painful area is considered, but so are connected regions and everyday demands that may be influencing how you feel.
This does not mean every symptom has one simple “root cause”. Bodies are complex, and discomfort can be influenced by many factors. Assessment helps form a practical working picture, which can be reviewed as you respond to treatment.
Before your appointment
You will be asked about your main concern, relevant health history, daily activities and what you would like to improve. Consider the movements or situations that tend to aggravate or ease the issue—for example, sitting at a desk, driving, training, sleeping or lifting.
Comfortable clothing is helpful because part of the appointment may involve simple movement observation. Treatment options, boundaries and consent are discussed with you, and you can ask questions or change your mind at any time.
The six parts of your first session
1. Conversation and goals
Shige begins by listening. Rather than assuming that everyone with the same symptom needs the same treatment, the discussion considers your experience, priorities and day-to-day demands.
2. Posture and movement assessment
You may be asked to perform a small number of relevant movements. The purpose is not to judge “good” or “bad” posture, but to notice restrictions, differences and patterns that may help guide treatment. Learn more about IKKYU’s posture and movement assessment.
3. A clear explanation
Shige explains what has been observed in plain language and discusses an appropriate focus for the appointment. If something falls outside the scope of massage therapy or requires medical assessment, that should be addressed rather than covered by an exaggerated promise.
4. Hands-on treatment
Treatment is adapted to your presentation, comfort and consent. It may include focused work on the area of discomfort as well as related muscular and fascial connections. Pressure and positioning can be adjusted throughout the session.
5. Reassessment and movement
Relevant movement may be checked again after hands-on treatment. This provides useful information about how your body responded on the day; it is not a guarantee of a particular outcome.
6. Personalised self-care guidance
Where appropriate, you may receive a manageable exercise, movement idea or everyday adjustment. The goal is to give you something practical to use between appointments—not an unrealistic list that does not fit your life.
How long is the first appointment and what does it cost?
The Initial Consultation is 60 minutes and $175. It includes discussion, assessment and treatment. You can review all current options on the pricing page.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no honest universal answer. Your presentation, goals, health history and response to treatment all matter. Shige discusses follow-up only where it appears appropriate, without guaranteeing results or requiring a fixed treatment plan.
Who may find this approach useful?
IKKYU commonly works with professionals, business owners, active adults and busy parents experiencing neck and shoulder tension, lower-back discomfort, hip stiffness, posture concerns or desk-work-related discomfort. It may also suit people who feel frustrated by approaches that only focus on the sore spot. See the conditions IKKYU commonly helps with.
Massage therapy is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or emergency care. Seek appropriate medical advice for severe, unexplained, worsening or urgent symptoms.
A calm, consistent approach in St Leonards
At IKKYU, you work with the same therapist each visit. This continuity allows the conversation, assessment and guidance to build over time. The clinic is at Suite 10, 6–8 Pacific Highway, St Leonards, approximately two to three minutes from St Leonards Station.
If you would like more detail before booking, read what to expect on your first visit or plan your journey to the St Leonards clinic.