OUR SERVICES

Achieve balance with
therapeutic massage

Specialists in Remedial & Sports Massage, Myofascial Release,
Stress Relief & Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy & Hotstone Massage

Therapeutic & Sports Massage Specialists

Ponsonby, Auckland

Body Matters is a Massage New Zealand registered clinic in Ponsonby, convenient to Auckland’s CBD.

Our team of highly trained and experienced therapists have knowledge of how our bodies work and move, and the stresses we put on them. It’s our goal to assist in finding the cause of pain or tension associated with dysfunction, imbalance, injury or disease, not just temporarily relieve it, using therapeutic massage designed especially for you.

We are specialists in therapeutic massage which is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of modalities and techniques that release the soft tissue including remedial, sports, deep tissue, relaxation response, trigger point therapy, myofascial release pregnancy and hot stone massage.

We use therapeutic massage techniques designed especially for you. We acknowledge that there is more than just one factor affecting our tissues and state of mind including exercise, nutrition, breathing, hydration stress levels, chemical imbalance and illness and injury. We can help to get you on the right path to physical and emotional freedom.

We also believe preventative care is paramount to our well-being. With such busy and stressful life demands today, adding regular therapeutic massage into your health and well-being regime is one of the wisest decisions we can make for ourselves. Skilled therapeutic massage is more than just a treat, you will be amazed at how it can improve the quality of your life in so many ways.

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BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

Massage is not only an incredibly satisfying way to facilitate achieving good physical and emotional health and wellbeing, but it is also a way to bring a new awareness to your body and can bring attention to areas that you may not realise may need a little attention, being preventative in care.

  • Decreases muscle tension and improves muscle tone
  • Reduces pain
  • Reduces stress
  • Improves posture and related issues
  • Reduces headaches and migranes
  • Increases quality of blood and lymph circulation and flushes metabolic waste and toxins from the body
  • Breaks down scar tissue
  • Increases rate of recovery from injury or post exercise pain
  • Reduces anxiety, mental and physical stress by calming the nervous system
  • Strengthens Iimmune system
  • Improves injury recovery
  • Improves sports performance and reduces risk of injury by conditioning the muscles
  • Improve range of movement
  • Improves quality of sleep

Gift vouchers

We no longer offer gift vouchers, but if you'd like to give a massage as a gift, you can pre-pay a session online. Simply request in the booking notes to pre-pay and we can email you a link to pay online.

Meet the Body Matters team

Our massage therapists

anna-barton

Anna Barton

MONDAY TO FRIDAY

PRIVATE BOOKINGS ONLY

OWNER & PRACTICE MANAGER, REGISTERED RMT
Remedial, Sports, Myo-fascia Release, Pregnancy, Hotstone, Relaxation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Specialist, Lymphoedema Specialist, Oncology Massage Therapist
PRESSURE SCALE: Very light to firm

 

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  • Dip. Health Sciences (Therapeutic Massage) NZCM
  • Cert Sports, Relaxation, Pregnancy, hot stone massage, NZCM
  • Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy Level 1&2 Casley Smith Method, Australia.
  • Scar Release Therapy, S.T.R.A.I.T Method, Foundations
  • Dr Vodder combined decongestive therapy and MLD II & III, Australia
  • Oncology Massage Training 1&2, Australia
  • Massage NZ registered RMT

NOTE: ANNA IS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE – CLICK HERE TO EMAIL TO MAKE A BOOKING.

Having lived a full and well-travelled life, and struggled with back and neck pain for many years, Anna has learned the importance of well-being and living a stress-free life in order to live longer, fuller and freer. With remedial massage, Anna enjoys working with clients alleviating chronic pain, particularly the shoulder and neck region, and enjoys freeing clients of high-stress levels by bringing down the nervous system and evoking the relaxation response with calming and relaxing massage. Anna also is extensively trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and enjoys helping people manage their symptoms of fluid retention with Lymphoedema, as well as many other symptoms that we can all benefit from through MLD. Also fully trained in Oncology Massage, she has the knowledge, as well as a personal understanding, of the journey one goes through with cancer. She loves to make a difference with gentle touch therapy for those who are at any stage of their cancer or treatment. She continually keeps up to date with upskill courses to learn more about the amazing machine our bodies are and how bodywork can help them function and feel better.

Nicola Hetzel

Nicola Hetzel

TUES, THURS, FRI, SAT

REGISTERED RMT

Remedial, Sports, Relaxation & Pregnancy Massage Therapist, Bowen Therapist, Hot Stone Massage, Structural Integration
PRESSURE SCALE: Very light to firm
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  • Remedial, Relaxation & Sports Massage, Germany
  • Cert. Fascial Kinetics, NZ (Bowen Therapy)
  • Dip. Physiotherapy, Germany
  • Massage NZ registered RMT

Nicola practised as a Physiotherapist in Germany and has been treating clients in the musculoskeletal, neurological and post injury/surgery field. Since being in NZ she has been following her passion for massage. Therapeutic massage is integral to her aim to restore function, treat the cause, achieve and maintain well-being. With relaxation massage, she calms the body’s systems and balances body, mind and soul. Through Bowen Therapy (Fascial Kinetics) Nicola releases fascia (connective tissues) to relieve pain, improve range of motion and organ function.

catherine-chu

Catherine Chu

TUES, THURS, SAT

REGISTERED RMT

Relaxation, Sports, Remedial, Trigger Point, Neuromuscular Therapy (including intra/extra-oral TMJ), Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Lymphoedema Management, Myofascial Release, Pregnancy & Hot Stone Massage Therapist
PRESSURE SCALE: Very light to firm
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  • NZCM, BHS in Massage & Neuromuscular Therapy
  • NZCM Dip. HSc. Massage and Sports Therapy
  • NZCM Dip. HSc. Therapeutic Massage
  • NZCM Certificate in Relaxation Massage
  • UOA BSc. in Physiology
  • Dr Vodder method of MLD and CDT (Therapy II & III)
  • Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
  • ELITE Dip. Spa Therapy (Hon)

Catherine is a very dedicated therapist and passionate about her work. Having completed the Bachelor degree in Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy with academic excellence recently Catherine continues her journey with the human body next year, starting her Post Graduate study into Pain and Pain Management. Learning more in-depth cause of different types and the psychosocial aspect of pain and gaining new tools for better pain management for her clients. Through her own experience, Catherine has a particular interest in working with clients suffering from chronic pain/conditions, migraines and headaches utilising different techniques. A fully qualified therapist in Dr Vodder method for lymphoedema management, Catherine incorporates MLD into her treatment for not just lymphoedema but a wide variety of conditions. With her strong work ethics, extensive knowledge of the human body, a love for continuous education, and experiences gained through many sports and charity events. Catherine has the skills to create individual treatment plans specific to your needs.

Charissa Lett

MON, WED, SAT, SUN

REGISTERED RMT

Remedial, Myofascial release, Sports, Relaxation, Pregnancy Massage Therapist
PRESSURE SCALE: Very light to firm
Read More
  • Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy (CCMH) Dip. Remedial Massage
  • CCMH Dip. Sports Massage
  • CCMH Dip. Relaxation Massage
  • Myofascial Release certified
  • 200hr Yoga Teacher

Charissa is an experienced Canadian Massage Therapist with a passion for helping her clients feel their best and educate her clients on how to maintain their health. A drive for travel and continued education has brought Charissa from Canada to England, Scotland, Australia, Greece and now to New Zealand to broaden her skill set. She enjoys working with all types of clients, from everyday people, to pregnant clients and infants , Sports and relaxation. Finding that massage is a useful tool for all clients in their health journey. With an extensive background in Myofascial Release, Remedial, Sports, Swedish, and integrative soft tissue Release techniques, she has a thorough approach to an query a client may have.

Menu of Services

Click the ‘Book Now’ button at the top of the page to book online

If your preferred time is not available please contact us and we will endeavour to make it happen.

Remedial Massage

Remedial Massage is a treatment based massage that covers a range of techniques that manipulate soft tissue and connective tissues of the body, addressing specific muscles or muscle groups associated with dysfunction, imbalance, injury, or disease. With knowledge of how the body works and moves, a remedial massage treatment can assist in addressing the cause of the pain or tension, not just temporarily relieve it. Specific techniques used, such as trigger point therapy, myo-fascial release i.e. skin rolling and stretching, ischemic compression and various assisted stretches, that are learned skills and normally of a deeper pressure are applied in a specific way to make change, promote healing and muscle relaxation, reduce pain and promote freedom of movement. If you have a specific issue and are needing a thorough treatment and longer lasting results, it is recommended to book your initial appointment for at least 60 minutes.
30 minutes Therapeutic massage$63
45 minutes Therapeutic massage$78
60 minutes Therapeutic massage$98
90 minutes Therapeutic massage$128

Relaxation & De-Stress Massage

Relaxation massage is performed in a safe and relaxing environment that promotes a physical state of deep rest that changes the physical and emotional responses to stress. Techniques generally used and adapted to your personal needs are long, slow flowing strokes that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system – changes the body from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”. This type of massage is therapeutic in itself with very powerful effects, especially to those of us who are caught up in this busy, manic life. This is time out just for you.
30 minutes Relaxation & stress relief massage$63
45 minutes Relaxation & stress relief massage$78
60 minutes Relaxation & stress relief massage$98
90 minutes Relaxation & stress relief massage$128

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a type of massage that assists and increases performance by increasing muscle tone with maintenance massage throughout the training schedule by addressing any issues that may arise before event with therapeutic techniques and stretches, and can also be applied as pre-event or post-event massage, with techniques applied accordingly. Whether you are training for the marathon, playing your team sport, or simply being active to keep fit and healthy, Sports massage can prevent or speed up recovery of injury and flushes metabolic wastes i.e. lactic acid that build up while training, increases energy and much more.
30 minutes Sports massage$63
45 minutes Sports massage$78
60 minutes Sports massage$98
90 minutes Sports massage$128

Bowen Therapy (Fascial Kinetics)

Fascial Kinetics is a Bowen Therapy and means 'moving fascia' by working with the superficial and deep layers of connective tissue in the body. A series of selectively placed, non-invasive moves are applied to release adhesions within the fibers in these tissue. This assists the structures housed in the fascial layers- nerves, muscles, lymph and blood vessels, and organs- to function more effectively. Postural misalignments are released, which improves body mechanics, increases range of motion, decreases levels of pain. Nutritional pathways to the cells are opened up and the removal of waste products/toxins from the body is promoted, balance restored. This leads to a better level of general health, relaxation and increased energy. Good hydration will benefit the lasting effects of the treatment. As fascia forms a continuous sheath throughout the body, each session addresses the whole body as well as the area of injury or pain.

Beneficial for Arthritic symptoms • Back & neck pain • Colic in infants • Digestive disorders • Headaches & migraines • Jaw problems • Joint injuries & restrictions • Menstrual irregularities & pain • Respiratory symptoms • RSI • Sciatic pain • Sinus congestion • Sprains/strains • Stress & tension

Fascial Kinetics can be carried out through light clothing or direct on skin. It is effective as a stand alone treatment and supports other modalities such as massage very well. It is recommended to book your initial appointment for at least 60 minutes.
If you are interested in learning more about Bowen please talk to Nicola Hetzel
30 minutes Fascial Kinetics$63
45 minutes Fascial Kinetics$78
60 minutes Fascial Kinetics$98

MYO-FASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY

Myofascial Release is an effective hands-on therapy which can directly change and improve health of the connective tissue known as Fascia. The purpose of Myofascial Release is to break down scar tissue, relax the muscle and myofascia in order to restore good posture. Myofascial Release techniques focus on relaxing the deep tissue of the body providing lasting and effective relief to the client.

The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. The therapist helps promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness. Myofascial Release therapy has been used effectively for:
Low back pain • Headaches • Neck stiffness • Shoulder injuries • Arthritic conditions • Sports injuries • Plus many more

The benefits of using Myofascial Release therapy are quiet profound, corrective and can create long lasting changes in a clients overall health.
30 minutes Myo-Fascial Release$63
45 minutes Myo-Fascial Release$78
60 minutes Myo-Fascial Release$98
90 minutes Myo-Fascial Release$128

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE - WELLNESS

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. It utilises techniques that are soft, gentle and pain-free. Here at Body Matters, we are trained under Schools of Dr Vodder and Casley Smith, internationally recognised, gold standard training, based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow.

MLD can help with swelling, post-trauma and has been used as a pre and post-surgery treatment to improve post-surgery recovery; congestion due to chronic sinusitis; and may also be beneficial for migraine sufferers (during non-attack phase).

Other conditions that may be helped or provide relieve by MLD: Whiplash, Tinnitus, Meniere’s disease, Traumatic eye injury (during recovery phase), Stress, Bronchitis, Multiple Sclerosis , Stroke (recovery phase), Adhesive capsulitis, Epicondylitis (tennis elbow), Post fracture recovery, Burn scar or scar in general, Venous insufficiency, Post-hip replacement recovery, Post-knee replacement recovery, Osteoarthritis and general well being.
Initial Consult (includes consult & treatment)
60minutes		$98
Initial Consult (includes consult & treatment)
90minutes		$128
Follow up session 45 minutes$78
Follow up session 60 minutes$98
Follow up session 90 minutes$128

LYMPHOEDEMA MANAGEMENT

Lymphoedema is swelling caused by build up of lymph fluid in the body’s tissues. There are 2 types of Lymphoedema - Primary Lymphoedema, which is a congenital disorder of the lymphatic system that can appear later in life, or Secondary Lymphoedema, which is swelling as a result of trauma to the lymphatic system or nodes, most commonly caused by cancer treatment involving excision or irradiation of the lymph nodes.
Lymphoedema causes swelling in the limbs and may involve the trunk or head as well. Other than swelling, lymphoedema can lead to discomfort, loss of movement and tissue changes. These can all impact the patient’s quality of life.

Here at Body Matters, we are trained under Schools of Dr Vodder and Casley Smith, internationally recognised, gold standard training, based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow. With Manual lymphatic drainage applied in a very skilled way using clinical reasoning and mapping of the body lymphatic system, we can reduce swelling by moving fluid from the swollen area into a place where the lymphatic system is working normally. MLD is also beneficial for other forms of oedema such as phlebolymphedema, venous insufficiency and lipedema.

We can discuss options if Decongestive therapy is required to reduce the size of your swelling. And we can offer advice on compression garments and home care to manage your symptoms, significantly improving the quality of your life.

You can email us or speak to your GP if you think you might have lymphoedema.
Initial Consult (includes consult & treatment)
90minutes		$128
Follow up session 30 minutes$63
Follow up session 45 minutes$78
Follow up session 60 minutes$98
Follow up session 90 minutes$128

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life where there is a lot of changes happening in her body and her environment that can naturally cause stress, discomfort and sometimes pain. With this understanding, Pregnancy massage is adapted to support these changes in a safe and nurturing manner, by listening and adapting strokes and positioning to her comfort level. Pregnancy massage can assist in physical and mental relaxation, reduce muscle tension, fluid retention and anxiety, and increase blood and lymph flow as well as removing metabolic waste. It can also be a special bonding time for mother and baby.
30 minutes Pregnancy massage$63
45 minutes Pregnancy massage$78
60 minutes Pregnancy massage$98
90 minutes Pregnancy massage$128

Deluxe Hot Stone Massage

The use of hot stones to soothe tired and aching muscles has been around for more than 5000 years. Today, we have incorporated the use of hot basalt stones with therapeutic massage, not only placing the warm stones around the body, but also massaging with them. This not only relaxes the body and nervous system quickly and effectively, but also relieves tension in those tired and aching muscles, with less pressure, yet still achieving the same powerful results as deep tissue massage. Hot Stone Massage is a premium massage experience, resulting in the deepest relaxation, either for yourself or as a special gift to that special someone.
60 minutes Deluxe Hot Stone massage N/A
90 minutes Deluxe Hot Stone massage $165

Basic Hot Stone Massage

Basic hot stone set is combined with your therapeutic massage using the heat of the stone to further assist with the soft tissue release. This can be a great application for muscle release if deep tissue is not able to be applied, or if your prefer a lighter touch, whilst getting that deep release.
60 minutes Basic hot stone combo$118
90 minutes Basic hot stone combo$148

If your preferred time is not available please contact us and we will endeavour to make it happen.

What our clients have to say...

Testimonials

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Hi. My name is Yana Papaya and I love massages. However, I am also a people person, so basically to satisfy my massage taste, you should have not only great and nice hands, professional touch, but you should be a good person too. I know it’s only my personal experience and requirements though, but I really fell in love with Anna’s personality and the way she is dealing with the client. I am happy to say that she is the one who is looking after my body and knows exactly what kind of massage fix I need to get. So I would like to address the following message to all current and future customers: please do look after your bodies and problematic zones before it’s too late. We need a constant massage therapy to keep ourselves going through stressful times. The more you do, the greater you look and the better you feel afterwards. And Anna Barton is one of the best to help you with. Besides the massage salon is fully equipped to make you feel relaxed: music, interior, candle light and great massage – all great things come at once when we are talking about Body Matters! Keep it up guys, you are awesome!!! Thanks again to beautiful Anna who is so passionate about her calling that made her so goooood at her job.

Yana Papaya

I have been seeing Anna now for about 5 years. I often suffer from tension headaches and Anna has helped me not only with the pain relief of remedial massage but also with a more holistic (or lifestyle) approach – offering additional tools and teaching me preventative measures so I can self-manage. Anna is super friendly, and I would certainly recommend her and any of the team at Body Matters to anyone after a great massage, or to those who take rehabilitation and relaxation seriously!

Sandra Beacham

Anna Barton is an intuitive Therapist who knows exactly how to apply the correct treatment for every session I ‘ve experienced. I would highly recommend Anna to everyone and as a Massage Therapist myself, her techniques, are of the highest standards possible and her professional ethics unquestionable.

 

Shayne-Louise Johns

I had stopped walking for exercise about 5 years ago due to the pain of plantar fasciitis (weird name, painful as!) and rock hard calves.   I recently had a heart attack so exercise is a vital part of recovery.  I started walking again and the pain from my calves and plantar fasciitis was not so good, I could maybe manage 30 minutes walking before the pain set in,  then the next day the pain would be very bad. I decided to try “Myofascial Release” as I thought it would be great for my plantar fasciitis.  I booked a session with Body Matters and told my therapist all my woes. She set to work very diligently on my calves and the soles of my feet.  My calves started to improve after the first session and now after about 4 sessions they feel like new calves, soft and no pain while walking, did I mention they are soft like they were 20 years ago.  My plantar fasciitis has improved leaps and bounds, maybe a little tight for about 2 minutes in the morning, by the time I put the kettle on, gone. I can’t praise and thanks her enough, her dedication and craft getting my legs back into shape has set me up to get back into shape.

Leonard – O’Quigley

I’ve been having regular massage with Body Matters for the last year and I would very highly recommend them. I have had regular massage over the the last few years with various massage therapists and I can honestly say Anna is one of the best massage therapists I have yet encountered. She is very skilled with her hands, and provides sensitive and highly attuned treatments responsive to my changing needs. Anna has a warm and easy going personality and I feel totally safe in her hands. Anna is naturally an incredibly caring person, and I feel very grateful for the level of care and attention shes brings to each session. She manages her business with great professionalism, and is connected to a great network of health professionals. Anna is a gem, and I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting a fabulous massage experience

Andrew Jary

I’ve been going to Body Matters for deep tissue massage for a number of years now. As a flight attendant I find my body gets very sore and tired. The team at Body Matters are awesome and I always look forward to seeing them, they are all amazing at putting you at ease. I have massages from time to time when I’m away and most of them are too fluffy and soft and I feel like shouting “that’s the spot!” but they seem to travel set routine and never focus I what you need as an individual. That’s what I appreciate most about the team at Boy Matters, they listen to what areas are bothering me and adjusts the massage to suit. I always arrive with my shoulders and neck feeling extremely tense and very painful and I leave feeling much lighter! I recommend Body Matters to anyone looking for an excellent, effective massage with a wonderful friendly approach.

Raeleen Prentis

I’ve been going to Body Matters for about for a fews year now, as I have a number of issues – mainly a tight lower back and the usual tense shoulders and neck which result from working at a computer five days a week. Catherine who I see now is a great massage therapist, as each session we catch up on any pains/issues I’ve had between sessions, what the causes may be, ways to possibly eliminate them, and then decide the areas to focus on during that session. Catherine is easy-going, has great expertise and knowledge, and I feel very comfortable around her.

 

Ruth Appleyard

Where to find us

Body Matters

Level 1, 177 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby, Auckland

Monday to Thursday 11am to 8pm
Friday  10:45am to 6:30pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6pm

Call

09 948 4300 or 021 661 775

Email

info@bodymatters.co.nz