What is Remedial Massage?

Remedial massage is about therapy to treat a specific ailment. It is a therapeutic form of massage for treating musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and sports injuries. Unlike other forms of massage, which concentrate on relaxation and overall well-being, remedial massage will target a specific area of the body. It aims to treat issues that affect the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. Sometimes it might be combined with some ongoing medical treatment.

Techniques and Methods Used in Remedial Massage

Deep Tissue Massage: This method involves applying firm pressure to deeper layers of muscle and fascia to release chronic muscle tension and adhesions.

Trigger Point Therapy: This will focus on identifying and releasing trigger points, which are tight areas within muscle tissue that can cause pain in other parts of the body.

Myofascial Release: This technique involves stretching and loosening the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles) to enhance movement and reduce pain.

Stretching and Mobilization: A series of techniques that increase the range of motion and flexibility in the affected muscles and joints.

How is Remedial Massage Combined with Medical Treatment?

Remedial massage might be combined with medical treatment to complement its healing benefits.

Pain Management

It is often used alongside conventional pain management techniques to provide relief from chronic pain conditions. By reducing muscle tension and improving circulation, remedial massage can help decrease pain levels and improve quality of life.

Rehabilitation

Post-injury or post-surgery rehabilitation often includes remedial massage to aid recovery. By improving blood flow and reducing muscle stiffness, remedial massage can accelerate healing and restore function. We can think of this as improving overall health so your body is best able to heal itself.

Enhancing Physical Therapy

Physical therapists may incorporate remedial massage into treatment plans to enhance the effectiveness of physical exercises and improve overall mobility.

Reducing Medication Dependency

By providing effective pain relief and reducing muscle tension, remedial massage can decrease the need for pain medications. This helps prevent a situation where a patient can become dependent on medication.

Conditions and Ailments Addressed by Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is effective in addressing a wide range of conditions and ailments:

Musculoskeletal Pain

This includes neck, back shoulder and limb pain. Conditions such as sciatica (pain in legs), fibromyalgia (widespread musculoskeletal pain that affects condition and mood), and repetitive strain injuries can benefit from remedial massage.

Sports Injuries

Athletes can often use remedial massage to treat sprains, strains, tendonitis and other injuries. It restores flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and promote faster recovery.

Chronic Pain Conditions

Remedial massage is beneficial for managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis, migraines, and myofascial pain syndrome by alleviating muscle tension and improving blood flow.

Postural Problems

Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and pain. This can lead to many other muscular and skeletal ailments as we age. Remedial massage can correct these imbalances by relaxing overused muscles and strengthening underused ones.

Stress and Anxiety

While primarily physical, remedial massage also has psychological benefits. It can reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins.

Circulatory Issues

By improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage, remedial massage can help with conditions like edema (swelling from fluid retention) and improve overall cardiovascular health.

How Remedial Massage Works

Remedial massage works through a combination of mechanical and reflexive actions:

Mechanical Action

The physical manipulation of tissues helps to break down adhesions, stretch muscles, and improve circulation. This mechanical action enhances tissue elasticity and reduces muscle stiffness.

Reflexive Action

The stimulation of sensory receptors during massage triggers responses in the nervous system that lead to muscle relaxation, pain reduction, and improved mood.

Choosing a Remedial Massage Therapist

When seeking remedial massage therapy, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced therapist. Approach this as you would approach a medical treatment. Look for practitioners who are certified and have appropriate training. Either they should conduct a thorough assessment of your condition, or refer to an assessment from a medical expert and tailor the treatment to your specific situation.

Conclusion

Remedial massage is therapeutically valuable for managing many different musculoskeletal and chronic pain conditions. It can be compared to physical therapy, with which it is often be combined. Its approach, targeting specific areas of tension and dysfunction, can provide significant relief and restore general physical function. When combined with medical treatment, remedial massage can accelerate recovery, reduce dependency on pain killers, and improve the quality of life. We recommend Remedial Massage in Mount Waverley if you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or someone dealing with chronic pain. We believe remedial massage offers a holistic approach to healing and wellness.