Massage therapy and the Pilates method – care essentials for every body

Gail Dillon - Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

‘I suffer from chronic back and neck pain and I find that regular remedial massage helps to relieve the discomfort. Over the years I have received treatment from many massage therapists, both in Australia and overseas. Maria Ventura is a very professional, intuitive and thoroughly knowledgeable practitioner. I have complete confidence in her ability and am very happy to recommend her Essential Care.’

Bernadette Ioannou - Manager Community and Corporate Relations TAFE NSW

‘Having regular remedial massages has helped improve my muscular health and function and lends a helping hand in promoting a sense of wellbeing. My monthly remedial massage, coupled with regular Pilates classes has improved my range of motion and continues to aid in the prevention of injury.’

Gina Cusack

‘I’ve been a regular client/patient of Maria's for 15 years, and have always enjoyed a very professional, highly skilled massage from her. I would recommend her to anyone wanting a fabulous, therapeutic hour of wellbeing.’

Kylie

‘As a mother of six, I often don't take time out just for myself. But after experiencing the benefits from massage in the past with Maria, I decided it was about time I came back for a visit. By the end of my second treatment I walked away feeling like a different person. A huge burden had been lifted and I feel like I can be my best me again.’

Frances

‘I began massage therapy to address specific muscular skeletal problems, but quickly realised the overall benefits and have continued to enjoy regular remedial massages. They increase my general wellbeing and flexibility, as well as relieving muscle tightness. Mara's strong but gentle technique is much appreciated.

Deanne Jones

‘I have been visiting Maria on a monthly basis for the past five years and her services are amazing, as I no longer have regular headaches. I also have improved posture, improved sleeping patterns and a reduction in general body soreness. Maria offers very professional and friendly services, which I highly recommend.’

Vivien

After having arthroscopic surgery on both knees due to torn cartilage, my surgeon told me I would need a bilateral total knee replacement within 5 years. Thanks to Maria at Bodycare Essentials I managed to last 10 years before having the operation. With a tailored Pilates exercise program Maria has helped me manage those 10 years. I still continue Pilates twice weekly to maintain my flexibility and my core strength.

Barry Peden – Wollongong

From my own experience of practicing the Pilates Method for the past 10 years at Maria Ventura’s Bodycare Essentials studio, I consider that I have realised the following personal benefits:-

P osture improvement
I ncreased flexibility
L ooking and feeling healthier
A gility, awareness, and adaptability improvement
T otal body fitness development
E nergy level increase
S tability enhancement

I am 70 year’s old now, and I believe that the Pilates Method will continue to assist me for some years yet.

From S.M.

I first started Pilates to maintain my flexibility and tone my body. I was attracted by the small group size in the studio – never more than 6 - and the personalised workout everyone gets. After 10 years my expectations have been surpassed. I am suppler and much stronger than when I started. Maria teaches everyone the essential Pilates’ principles and then supervises an individualised exercise program to strengthen, condition and importantly to correct problematic body movements. She has improved and challenged me so much so that I can bend, stretch and twist my body with ease. Unlike many in my age group, I haven’t ‘shrunk’ but  walk tall and sit with a straight back which by the way never gives me any problems  (past X-rays show me with a slight scoliosis!).

No matter how stressed I am when I get to the studio, I always leave more relaxed and rejuvenated. I recommend this form of Pilates to everyone.

Suzie Kollaras

I have known Maria for over 18 years as my massage therapist and now as my Pilates practitioner. After an injury I suffered years ago I was told by my physiotherapist who was incorporating Pilates with my treatment to keep the Pilates, which I have done to this day.

Pilates has helped in so many ways, not only for my fitness, but my wellbeing and strength.I will continue doing Pilates for as long as I am physically able to do so.