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By Cristiane Souza (Remedial Massage Therapist)

What is Remedial Massage good for?

Remedial Massage Therapy has a number of proven health benefits:

1. Remedial Massage improves blood flow 

Remedial Massage isn’t considered as relaxing as other types of massage, but can still create a relaxing state that lowers blood pressure, increases blood flow to major muscles, improves digestion, balances blood sugar levels, and dampens chronic pain.

The pressure applied through remedial massage stimulates the body’s circulatory system, improving blood flow. More blood flow results in quicker healing as the body flushes out toxins and repairs the damaged tissue.  

2. Releases tight/overworked muscles 

Muscles can become tight as a result of stress, overuse, injury and dehydration. The increased blood flow stimulated by remedial massage can help release tight and overworked muscles. It can also reduce spasms and assist in tissue regeneration at the muscle.  

3. Injury treatment and prevention is one of the big benefits of Remedial Massage

Sports massage is often sought by athletes as a means of injury prevention and treatment. Stretching, relaxing, and loosening muscles during a massage helps improve muscle condition. This form of prehabilitation reduces the muscle’s likelihood of damage during exercise.  

It can also be used as a treatment method in the wake of an injury. Manually manipulating muscles aids the healing process by improving circulation, breaking down scar tissue, and lengthening the tissues as they heal. Massage can help relieve symptoms associated with sporting injuries, muscular cramps, arthritis, and whiplash. 

4. It facilitates Mental Health improvement 

Remedial massage has been shown to improve more than just physical well-being. Its therapeutic benefits can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, too.  

You’re probably familiar with the relaxing sensation that a massage delivers. This effect promotes the release of endorphins which lowers adrenaline and cortisol levels (stress hormones). It also lowers the heart rate and reduces muscle tension, which is what’s often associated with the ‘calming’ sensation.

5. It improves sleep 

Many of the benefits outlined above translate into improved sleep for patients. Remedial massage helps reduce stress and muscle tension – both of which are common barriers to a good night’s sleep.  

Remedial massage also triggers the release of serotonin – a neurochemical linked to the production of melatonin which is responsible for winding the body down for sleep. 

6. It helps increase range of motion in joint 

Remedial massage can be beneficial for joints as well as muscles. As tension in muscles around a joint is released, the range of motion of the joint improves.  

This has proven particularly beneficial for sufferers of frozen shoulders, where mobility is significantly impacted. Remedial massage is often sought by sufferers to help restore normal functioning to the joint.  

7. It offers pain relief  

When it comes to pain management, every little bit helps, and remedial massage has proven helpful for many pain sufferers. The manual treatment of muscles can help reduce pain in acute injuries and relieve pain associated with chronic conditions.  

Techniques such as deep and soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy can help release muscles around the affected area. This can reduce pressure on the nerves which are responsible for the sensation of pain.  

8. It treats a wide range of health disorders 

You may have realised by now that the benefits of remedial massage extend far beyond muscle repair. Remedial massage offers a holistic approach to wellbeing, simultaneously treating the mind and body.  

It can assist in injury treatment, improve mental health, and relieve symptoms associated with a range of chronic health conditions.  

9. It releases muscle tension 

Office workers can be prone to developing shoulder and neck tension as a result of being seated before a computer for prolonged periods of time. Over time, this can lead to poor posture.  

Remedial massage can help release muscle tension, leading to improvements in posture. 

10. Finally, it is adaptable to your needs 

Remedial massage is a deeply personalised treatment method. It can be delivered as anything from a more relaxing and shallow massage, to a stronger deep-tissue massage. 

Your massage therapist will conduct an initial consultation to understand your goal for the session. This may include identifying any particular areas of focus or existing injuries and conditions and addressing any concerns.  

Is it Painful?

Of course, everyone has a different pain threshold and discomfort tolerance, but to be able to manipulate muscles in the body a certain amount of discomfort is required. For example, deep tissue massage can often be slightly painful as it requires a deep and strong movement that penetrates the muscles. Remedial massage can leave you a bit sore afterwards, but you can expect any pain to subside within 24 to 48 hours of your treatment. Therefore, it is helpful to ask your remedial massage therapist about the best way to treat tenderness following your massage.

What do I need to know before my remedial therapy?

How to choose a Remedial Massage therapist

Choosing a remedial therapist can be challenging, especially if you have never received Remedial Massage treatment before.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

  • Qualifications: Ensure you select a qualified, nationally accredited Remedial Massage therapist with formal qualifications.
  • Current knowledge: Check whether your Remedial Massage therapist is well-versed in current research. Make sure your chosen remedial therapist is up-to-date on the latest techniques and practices.
  • Expertise relevant to your condition: Remedial Massage therapists will carry out a thorough physical assessment before applying any treatment. This will ensure that they target and address the specific problem quickly.
  • Cleanliness: Ensure your therapists’ treatment room is clean and presented professionally.

References: ANTA(Australian Natural Therapists Association)

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