Frequently Asked Questions

Remedial massage is often used for the prevention and management of injuries. It can also be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. Read on to find out what remedial massage is and how it differs from other massage types.

What is remedial massage?

Remedial massage is a hands-on massage modality that incorporates many different massage techniques to treat and prevent pain and injury. Specific techniques used include deep tissue release, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and joint mobilisation.

Remedial massage targets musculoskeletal imbalances or chronic/acute pain.

Treatment is used to identify and repair any damaged areas in the body including inflamed, tense, knotted or immobile tendons and joints. Remedial massage is often used to treat soft tissue injuries, but can also be an effective treatment for nerve compression, arthritis, delayed onset muscles soreness (DOMS) and neck and back pain.

What is involved in remedial massage?

Remedial massage aims to have the client feeling better and to notice marked improvements in their pain and mobility. To achieve this, a remedial massage therapist will begin by assessing the client and understanding their needs. This initial assessment will often include looking at a client's posture, flexibility and muscle strength to identify any possible underlying causes of pain.

Next, a treatment plan is drawn up. This treatment plan is uniquely tailored to the client and will incorporate different remedial massage techniques. Depending on the client, these techniques can include:

1. Deep tissue massage
2. Trigger point therapy
3. Dry needling therapy
4. Myofascial release or cupping
5. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) involving assisted stretching
6. Joint mobilisation
7. Manual lymphatic drainage

Each of these techniques offers different benefits as well as sensations to the body. Clients can expect to feel some firm pressure that may produce mild discomfort depending on their pain tolerance. However, remedial massage is designed to release pain and, therefore, clients should never expect any type of long or excruciating pain during their session.

After the session, the client will be given an at-home treatment plan to practise in between massage sessions.

Difference between remedial massage and deep tissue massage?

Remedial massage and deep tissue massage often go hand in hand, especially in the treatment of sports injuries and recovery. While remedial massage uses deep tissue techniques, the two are their own separate modality.

Remedial massage aims to treat both the immediate symptoms and underlying cause of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, aiming to correct any postural imbalances that are causing pain. Will assess each joint in the body to identify dysfunction and then use trigger point therapy and other techniques to treat the client. Focuses on treating a specific area or injury caused by muscle tension, postural imbalance or soft tissue injury or the body as a whole depending on what is found, It combines deep pressure, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, METs (Muscle energy techniques), mobilization & many more in order to restore function, alignment, mobility, blood flow & alleviate pain.

Deep tissue massage is used for generalised muscle soreness, tension or pain. It uses very firm pressure in the form of lengthening and cross friction massage to get to the deeper muscles, tendons and surrounding connective tissues. Deep tissue massage is particularly good for removing scar tissue and is therefore often used for treating common injuries sustained by athletes and active clients who are prone to sporting injuries or muscle overuse.

How does remedial massage complement other massage types?

Remedial massage takes a holistic approach to ease pain, prevent injuries and improve the body's recovery. It uses a combination of massage techniques which can be soft and gentle or deep and rhythmic, depending on the client's needs. Each massage type complements the other, forming a fully integrated treatment that works in providing relief and improving joint mobility and muscle function.

Remedial massage is a unique modality that can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other massage therapy practices to provide a client with the benefits they need.

Aside from pain relief and improved joint mobility, remedial massage plays an important role in healing and facilitating the body's core functions. In fact, remedial massage can have profound positive effects on the immune system, blood circulation and sleep regulation.

Let's define the key benefits of remedial massage and who can most benefit from regular remedial massage therapy.

What is remedial massage good for?

Remedial massage is effective in treating a range of physical conditions and ailments, including:

1. Muscle pain, tension and tightness
2. Neck pain
3. Back pain
4. Whiplash
5. Scoliosis
6. Jaw pain and tightness
7. Frozen shoulder
8. Arthritis
9. Sciatica
10. Tennis elbow
11. Plantar fasciitis
12. Muscle cramps and spasms
13. DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
14. Stress and anxiety
15. Joint pain and tightness

Remedial massage can also be used to help:

1. Improve muscle recovery
2. Repair scar tissue
3. Prevent muscular atrophy
4. Assist in lymphatic drainage
5. Back pain and tenderness related to pregnancy

Many clients seek remedial massage therapy to address either one or a mix of the above symptoms and conditions, as well as a form of relaxation to assist with stress and mental tension.

Benefits of remedial massage

Besides treating the above conditions, remedial massage provides additional mental and physical benefits, including:

Improved blood circulation — Remedial massage encourages healthy blood flow, helping to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and speeding up the body's healing process.

Boost immunity — Pain in the body can lead to an increase in stress that puts the body's nervous system into overdrive. Remedial massage allows the immune system to function optimally by increasing circulation, improving lymphatic drainage and encouraging the healthy production of mood-boosting and disease-fighting hormones.

Enhanced mental alertness — After a remedial massage, clients often feel more alert and clear-minded. This clarity occurs as a result of the relaxation and relief remedial massage provides both the body and mind.

How often should you be getting a remedial massage?

One of the most common questions massage therapists hear is how often should I get a remedial massage?

This can be a difficult question to answer as it largely depends on the client. For example, clients that are highly active, prone to injury or are dealing with chronic pain may benefit from multiple remedial massage sessions. Whereas, clients who present with an acute injury like whiplash or a back injury from lifting a heavy object may do well with just one or two sessions followed by an at-home treatment plan.

Regardless of your symptoms, remember – there is no such thing as too much when it comes to massage! However, it's best to first consult with a qualified Truly Wholistic remedial massage therapist who can then perform an assessment and provide you with a tailored treatment plan.