Discover relief through remedial massage
As our lives become faster-paced than ever, it’s important to find ways to regain and maintain our mental and physical health. Remedial massage stands out as a complementary therapy that can effectively alleviate pain and stimulate healing for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain or simply feeling stressed and overworked, remedial massage offers holistic relief and restoration.
In this blog, we will delve into the world of remedial massage, uncovering its extensive benefits, diverse techniques, and who can benefit from it.
What is remedial massage?
Remedial massage is a therapeutic technique used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including pain, inflammation and injuries. Furtherore, it can improve range of motion, enhance flexibility and promote overall well-being.
Remedial massage therapists are extensively trained in human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. This enables them to pinpoint and alleviate the root causes of pain and dysfunction. They employ various techniques, including deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release, to achieve optimal results.
The rise of remedial massage
Remedial massage has experienced remarkable growth in popularity, particularly in Australia, where health consciousness is on the rise. Increasingly, people are turning to remedial massage to address a variety of physical, mental and emotional ailments while enhancing their overall well-being.
A recent report by Complementary Medicines Australia revealed that over 70% of Australians incorporate complementary medicines and natural therapies into their wellness routines with remedial massage ranking among the most sought-after complementary therapies.
What to expect during a remedial massage session
1. A remedial massage session typically begins with a thorough consultation. During this stage, your therapist will ask you about your medical history, including any surgeries, medications and existing health conditions. This information will help your therapist develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
2. Following the consultation, you will be asked to disrobe to the level of comfort that you prefer. Your therapist will then cover your body with a sheet or towel, leaving only the area being massaged exposed.
3. The session proceeds with your therapist employing different techniques to massage your muscles and tissues. The specific techniques used will vary depending on your individual needs but often include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, cupping, dry needling and neurolymphatic massage.
4. Throughout the session, your therapist will use moderate to firm pressure but will check with you throughout the session to make sure that the pressure is comfortable. If you experience any discomfort, don’t hesitate to let your therapist know. They will happily adjust the pressure accordingly.
5. The session typically lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your needs. At the end of the session, your therapist will assess your progress and discuss any recommendations for follow-up treatment.
Benefits of remedial massage
Remedial massage is a holistic approach to healing that offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Increased range of motion: Remedial massage can help improve joint mobility and relieve muscle tension and stiffness. This can lead to better flexibility and range of motion.
- Pain relief: Remedial massage therapists can identify and treat the root cause of pain, providing immediate and long-term relief.
- Relaxation: Remedial massage can help reduce muscle tension and stress, promoting relaxation and well-being.
- Accelerated healing: By increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage, remedial massage can help the body heal more quickly from injuries and other conditions.
- Improved sleep: Remedial massage can help improve sleep quality and duration by reducing pain and stress.
- Reduced inflammation: Remedial massage can help reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow and reducing cortisol levels.
- Headache and migraine relief: Remedial massage can help relieve headaches and migraines by reducing tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Anxiety and depression relief: Regular remedial massage can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by improving mood and reducing cortisol levels.
- Improved overall health: Remedial massage can help improve overall health and well-being by promoting detoxification, increasing energy levels and reducing stress.
Key techniques used in remedial massage
The range of techniques used in remedial massage is extensive and depends on your symptoms, medications and health history. Some of the most common techniques include:
- Targeted massaging: Using varying levels of pressure to address specific areas of concern.
- Myofascial release: Focusing on releasing the fascia, the connective tissue supporting muscles and bones.
- Trigger point therapy: Identifying and treating specific points that cause pain and discomfort.
- Cupping: The use of suction cups to relieve muscle tension and promote healing.
- Neurolymphatic massage: Stimulating lymphatic flow to aid in detoxification and healing.
- Dry needling: A technique that uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Who can benefit from remedial massage?
Remedial massage is a versatile therapy that can benefit people of all ages and genders, from athletes looking to enhance their performance to office workers seeking relief from the strains of prolonged sitting. It is also effective for treating a wide range of conditions, including:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Gluteal muscle and quadriceps pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis pain
- Occupational overuse
However, it is important to consult with a qualified remedial massage therapist before starting treatment, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer. Such a consultation ensures that the remedial massage is not only effective but also safe for your unique situation.
Choosing a qualified remedial massage therapist
When choosing a remedial massage therapist, it is important to consider the following:
- Accreditation: Make sure your therapist is a member of an accredited association, such as the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT) or the Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA). This ensures that your therapist has met the required training and standards of practice.
- Rapport: It is important to feel comfortable with your therapist. During the initial consultation, ask questions and share your concerns. If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, you can find someone else.
- Communication: It is important to communicate your comfort levels and needs effectively during the massage session. Do not be afraid to say if something is too painful or if you would like your therapist to focus on a particular area.
- Credentials: Verify your therapist’s credentials and experience. Ask about their training and qualifications. You can also check online reviews to see what other clients have said.
In addition to these factors, you may also want to consider:
- Cost: The cost of remedial massage can vary widely depending on your location, the duration of the session and the qualifications and experience of your therapist.
- Private health insurance: Many private health insurance funds in Australia offer coverage for remedial massage as part of their extras or ancillary cover. This means that if you have extras cover as part of your health insurance policy, you may be eligible to claim a portion of the cost of your remedial massage sessions. However, the coverage amount and specific conditions can vary between different insurers and policy levels.
It is important to check with your health fund to understand the extent of your coverage, including any annual or lifetime limits that may apply. Some policies may also have waiting periods before you can claim remedial massage benefits, so it is advisable to be aware of these terms and conditions. - Medicare: Medicare does not cover the cost of remedial massage. Medicare primarily provides coverage for essential medical services, such as doctor’s visits, hospital care and certain allied health services. Remedial massage is considered a complementary therapy and is therefore not covered by Medicare.
By incorporating remedial massage into your life, you are actively helping your body and mind stand strong against the strains of life. Experience the holistic benefits of remedial massage to discover your healthy resilient self. Your highly trained remedial massage therapist is ready to help.