What exactly is remedial massage?
Remedial massage is a hands-on therapy that focuses on particular areas of pain, tension or restricted movement. Before the massage, your therapist will usually talk to you about your reasons for having remedial massage and any areas you would like them to focus on. This can help them decide which techniques may be appropriate for you.
Remedial massage may use a variety of techniques, including effleurage (light, gliding strokes), deeper strokes with firmer pressure, wringing (lifting, squeezing, and releasing soft tissues), compression (applying direct pressure), and skin rolling (gently lifting and rolling the skin and underlying tissues).
People may seek remedial massage for reasons including muscle tension, discomfort or stiffness, or as part of their approach to managing some musculoskeletal concerns. Evidence for the effectiveness of massage varies depending on the condition, so it should not be considered a replacement for appropriate medical assessment or treatment.
The number and frequency of sessions will vary depending on your reasons for having remedial massage and your individual needs. Your massage therapist can discuss this with you following your initial consultation.
What is the difference between massage and remedial massage?
While remedial massage uses many of the techniques associated with Swedish (or classic) massage, it typically focuses more closely on particular areas of pain, tension or restricted movement. Swedish massage generally has a greater focus on relaxation.
Remedial massage is also different from deep tissue massage and sports massage. Deep tissue massage typically uses firmer pressure to work on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. In a remedial massage, the therapist will change techniques and pressure, focusing on problem areas. Sports massage and remedial massage can have some similarities, but sports massage is generally geared towards people who exercise or take part in sport regularly.
If you’re not sure which type of massage may be suitable for you, talk to a massage therapist about what you hope to gain from the massage. They can discuss the different options with you.
Why people choose remedial massage
People choose remedial massage for a variety of reasons, from relaxation to addressing specific areas of muscle tension or discomfort. If you’re considering remedial massage, here are some of the potential benefits to consider:
Relaxation
Some people find massage relaxing and enjoy having time to unwind while focusing on areas of tension or discomfort.
Muscle tension and stiffness
People may choose remedial massage when they are experiencing muscle tension or stiffness. The therapist can adapt the pressure and techniques used to focus on areas that feel particularly tight or uncomfortable.
Movement and flexibility
Some people seek remedial massage when stiffness or muscle tension is affecting how comfortable they feel moving. A therapist may use different techniques depending on the area being worked on and your individual needs.
Pain and discomfort
Pain or discomfort is another reason some people consider remedial massage. How helpful massage is can vary depending on the type and cause of pain and the individual. If you have persistent, severe or unexplained pain, speak to an appropriate healthcare professional.
What to expect from remedial massage
Your appointment will usually begin with a consultation. This is where your massage therapist will talk to you about why you’ve come to remedial massage, any conditions or injuries you have and what you hope to gain. This gives your therapist an opportunity to understand your needs and discuss how they will approach the massage.
You will then have the massage, likely lying down, but you may also be asked to sit in a chair, depending on the focus of your massage. Afterwards, your therapist will let you know if there is any aftercare you should be aware of and, if necessary, any advice to help maintain progress between sessions.
Are remedial massages painful?
While some people find remedial massage relaxing, you may notice some tenderness or discomfort when particular areas are being worked on. The massage should still remain within a level you feel comfortable with. Tell your therapist if anything feels painful so they can adjust their approach.
Ready to book a remedial massage?
If you're considering booking a remedial massage, it can be helpful to find a therapist with relevant training and experience. Before you book, you might want to ask about their approach, qualifications, and whether they have experience working with your particular needs.
When you’re ready to book a remedial massage, you can use our advanced search to find a remedial massage therapist near you.
Disclaimer: At Therapy Directory, we verify that massage practitioners have qualifications and insurance, or membership of a professional body, associated with massage only. We encourage you to check that they have the specialised skills required to offer remedial massage specifically.
