What Is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is a powerful therapy often applied with other treatments such as acupuncture and cupping to produce effective results. Remedial massage focuses on the connective tissues such as muscles, ligaments and tendons to help manage health complaints and rejuvenate the body.
There are many types of Massage techniques, which include kneading, pushing, gliding, trigger pointing and, PNF stretches (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation).
Firm pressure is used to target injured areas releasing tension and improving blood flow to assist with the body’s natural healing process.
The client will either be faced up or down and will be covered with a towel to keep safe and warm. The therapist will move the towel accordingly as the treatment progresses. Oil is applied to the skin to help improve the flow of massage and aid with the transitional techniques.
What Can Remedial Massage Help With?
When the body is exposed to constant stress, the body releases high levels of adrenalin, noradrenalin and cortisol. These hormones help reduce inflammation and manage stressful situations, but if it circulates in the body for long periods, it may impact on the immune, metabolic and digestive systems.
Remedial massage is a great way to reduce stress by helping the body release hormones, which relaxes the body and lifts the spirit.
There are plenty of situations that benefit from receiving a professional remedial massage. Some of these involve, but are not limited to:
- Body aches/tension of the: Neck, shoulders, upper/lower back, hands and feet
- Particular Joint Pains such as arthritis, bursitis and gout
- Stress
- Strained muscles
- Tennis/Golfers elbow
- Nerve impingements such as sciatica
- Muscular cramps
- Muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fibromyalgia
It is essential to be cautious about seeking massage when:
- you have a fracture: attention and care is needed by the massage therapist when working with fractures
- you are pregnant: Care is taken to ensure the patients are safe and avoid any pressure points that may induce labour.
Remedial massage is avoided:
- when there is an infectious skin disease or where there are open wounds or rashes
- in life-threatening situations.
What Are The Benefits Of Remedial Massage?
Studies show the benefits of massage therapy are:
- Reduction in pain and muscle tension
- Improved flexibility
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Relaxation
Does It Hurt?
There is some pressure involve it can either be strong and deep or soft and superficial depending on the circumstances. However, the critical thing to remember is communication between the therapist and client to determine the right amount of pressure can be applied.
What Is The Difference Between A Relaxation Massage And A Remedial Massage?
As the name suggests, relaxation massage helps the body and mind to relax and unwind. Clients often receive this type of therapy after a long day of stress or hard work. The techniques applied are usually gentle and soft, whereas remedial massage therapy uses techniques that target specific areas with a firmer pressure to help the body heal itself.
The Best Type Of Massage For Pain
When it comes to injuries and pain, it is essential to consider what kind of massage therapist you seek out. There are lots of different types of massage therapists.
Some are focused purely on relaxation massage techniques aiming to relieve stress after a long week, while other therapists have undertaken training to achieve qualifications and are trained to both assess health complaints and deliver safe treatments to improve the situation.
If you are looking to treat a health complaint with massage therapy, it is vital to seek out a qualified health professional. A qualified health professional such as a remedial massage therapist is necessary to both avoid further injury from treatment and also achieve the best possible outcomes.
Are Massages Bad For You?
Like everything, massage treatments are best in moderation. Some types of massage, such as relaxation or Swedish massage, can be performed daily without any adverse health effects.
Other types of massage such as Deep Tissue, Remedial or Thai should be used less frequently due to the intensity of techniques-they are intended to correct contracted muscle tissue and release myofascial adhesions/tension. Used in excess, they will cause bruising, inflammation and pain without significant improvement in symptoms.
With consideration of the adverse effects of robust massage techniques, it is always recommended to combine remedial massage therapy with other techniques such as heat packs, stretching, cupping therapy and acupuncture to achieve optimum outcomes from a therapeutic session.
How Does Remedial Massage Work?
Remedial massage involves the use of mechanical force (pushing/pulling) to:
- Stimulate movement of fluid and blood circulation throughout the body. This results in the removal of lactic acid and other waste materials from muscle tissues and reduction in tension.
- Stretch out myofascial (connective) tissue to improve flexibility and range of motion
- Trigger the nervous system to signal the brain to produce endorphins, oxytocins and other feel-good hormones that decrease mental stress/anxiety and improve quality of sleep.
Massage is an excellent complementary therapy in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture and cupping therapy.
Powerful, Time-Tested And Proven
Massage is a highly potent therapy that is used throughout many disciplines to promote health.
If you need a form of massage therapy to treat a specific health complaint, it may be well worth your while to seek out a qualified remedial massage therapist that can both assess your situation and implement a highly effective treatment to meet your individual needs.
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