Remedial Massage

Remedial Massage

Experience release from pain, postural imbalances and mental stress with targeted touch therapy

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How can remedial massage nourish you?

Remedial massage involves the manipulation of soft tissues[1] to restore normal health and function to areas of the body that are tense, damaged or in pain. Pain in the body may be due to injuries, repetitive movements or imbalances in the body, which could injure the musculoskeletal system over time[2]

As a tailored modality, therapists may employ a range of techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy[3] or myofascial release techniques to assist you. This variety of techniques makes it useful for issues ranging from poor posture to occupational injuries[4].

Remedial massage stems from a Western philosophical base[5], with practitioners trained in human anatomy and physiology[6]. Unlike oriental systems of massage that aim to encourage the flow of energy in the body, therapists often apply deep pressure or direct application of a technique[7] to affected and related muscles, tendons and ligaments. 

To ensure you receive the highest standard of treatment, choose a therapist registered with a professional association such as Massage & Myotherapy Australia[8], Massage Association of Australia[9] or the Association of Massage Therapists[10]. These national organisations are committed to upholding excellence in practice, and require its members to undertake continuing professional development. 

Benefits of remedial massage

Even with remedial massage encompassing a wide variety of techniques, practitioners widely agree that it assists in rehabilitation, pain and injury management[11]. Some other major benefits[12] include improved joint mobility, an increased sense of relaxation and reduced depression and anxiety. A literature review of complementary approaches found that massage therapy may provide cancer survivors with improvements[13] in physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue, and mental symptoms such as anger, depression and stress. 

Clinical studies have also been conducted into various techniques that are used in remedial massage. For instance, deep tissue massage is reported to reduce pain and improve the perception of recovery for those with chronic neck pain[14], while case studies found that trigger point therapy may reduce the frequency of tension headaches[15]. Both these techniques target the deeper layers of muscle and surrounding connective tissues[16], and can be beneficial for conditions such as lower back pain, osteoarthritis, and tennis elbow. 

There is even research to show that remedial massage may benefit non-musculoskeletal conditions such as gastro-intestinal disorders. A clinical trial of 122 children conducted over two years found that remedial massage to the psoas muscle[17] (an important, large muscle wrapping around your back and legs) resolved all symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea[18] in 92% of children after treatment. Over half of these children remained symptom-free two years later. These findings may also be relevant for adults, as this study came about due to a therapist reporting anecdotal evidence of improved gastrointestinal symptoms in adults when tightness in their psoas muscles was resolved.

Remedial massage may assist in relieving symptoms related to:

Anxiety Arthritis, rheumatism and osteoarthritis Back pain Cancer Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Circulation and cardiovascular conditions Depression Digestive and gastrointestinal issues Fatigue, burnout and exhaustion Foot, heel and ankle issues Headaches and migraines Immunity issues Joint issues Mobility and movement Muscle spasm, tightness and cramps Muscle strain and injury Neck pain Pain relief Posture and spine issues Sports injuries Sports performance Sprains, strains and ligament injuries Stress and tension Tennis elbow and repetitive strain injury (RSI) Show all

What to expect from a remedial massage session

Given the range of conditions remedial massage can assist with, it is important that you do research to find a therapist with relevant expertise. At your first session, your therapist will ask questions about your health, lifestyle[19] and obtain information about any areas of concern or discomfort. The therapist should then conduct assessments that test your posture and range of motion[20] to gain a proper understanding of how to treat your condition. 

You may be asked to remove some clothing as part of the session, but only do so if you feel comfortable. Qualified therapists who are part of a professional association should always give you privacy while changing, and provide draping[21] to cover any area that is not being treated. Your therapist wants to make sure you are comfortable, so don’t be afraid to communicate with them throughout the session, for instance if they are applying more pressure than you wish. 

After the session, you may feel calm and relaxed, or you may experience some stiffness or muscle soreness[22]. This is particularly if your therapist has used techniques such as deep tissue massage, or if you have had an injury or tension for some time[23]. This is entirely normal, but if the pain does not fade you should contact your therapist to discuss it.

As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing remedial massage. If you have an injury, health issue, or any concerns at all, do speak to your therapist who will be happy to address these and tailor the approach to your individual requirements. 

References

  1. Remedial massage | healthdirect
  2. Pain Management: Musculoskeletal Pain | webmd.com
  3. What is  remedial massage therapy? | wellbeing.com.au
  4. Remedial Massage | melbournenaturaltherapies.com.au
  5. What is? | massagemyotherapy.com.au
  6. Do Massage Therapists Need to Know about Anatomy? | Gwinnet Colleges & Institute
  7. What is? | massagemyotherapy.com.au
  8. Home | massagemyotherapy.com.au
  9. Home | maa.org.au
  10. Home | amt.org.au
  11. Types of Massage | amt.org.au
  12. Massage | betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  13. A systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  14. Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy | sciencedirect.com
  15. Remedial Massage Therapy Interventions | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  16. Is a Deep Tissue Massage What Your Muscles Need? | healthline.com
  17. Psoas muscles sore? What are they and why is it so important? wellbeing.com.au
  18. Exploring the Clinical Response of Childhood Functional Gastro-Intestinal Disorder Symptoms to Deep Tissue Massage of Psoas Muscles: Results of Two-Year Clinical Audit with Telephone Follow-Up | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  19. Remedial massage | healthdirect.gov.au
  20. Textbook of Remedial Massage | maa.org.au
  21. What to expect | amt.org.au
  22. What to expect from a first deep tissue massage | massagemyotherapy.com.au
  23. Remedial Massage | totalbodywellness.com.au

Frequently asked questions

Remedial massage involves the manipulation of soft tissues to restore health and function to areas of the body experiencing tension, damage, or pain. It differs from other types of massage as it is specifically tailored to address underlying musculoskeletal issues.

Remedial massage is effective for a range of issues, including injuries, repetitive movement strain, poor posture, and occupational injuries. Therapists use techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release to address these concerns.

By targeting specific areas of tension, damage, or pain, remedial massage helps improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance the healing process. It is particularly beneficial for addressing musculoskeletal imbalances that may cause pain.

Remedial massage therapists are trained in Western anatomy and physiology, distinguishing them from practitioners of oriental massage systems. Their training equips them with a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system and the ability to apply targeted techniques.

Remedial massage can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, but it's essential to communicate any pre-existing health conditions or concerns with the therapist. They can then adapt the treatment to ensure it is safe and effective for each individual.

A remedial massage session typically involves an assessment of the client's specific issues, followed by the application of various techniques to address those concerns. Clients may experience some discomfort during deep tissue work, but therapists strive to ensure a comfortable and effective session.

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