What is Remedial Massage?
Remedial Massage is a therapeutic, deep tissue massage used to holistically treat specific soft-tissue dysfunction and pain. Our muscles work by contracting and lengthening, and generally when we feel pain or stiffness its because the effected muscles are constantly shortened or contracting making it difficult for us to get the full range of movement we would normally expect.
During a Remedial Massage treatment, the therapist aims to establish the underlying cause of the pain or decreased range of motion. It may be due to a sports injury, a build up of stress and tension over time, poor posture or biomechanics or a chronic condition such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or asthma. Once determined, a variety of techniques are employed to assist the body to resolve the problem.
During a Remedial Massage treatment, the therapist aims to establish the underlying cause of the pain or decreased range of motion. It may be due to a sports injury, a build up of stress and tension over time, poor posture or biomechanics or a chronic condition such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or asthma. Once determined, a variety of techniques are employed to assist the body to resolve the problem.
The holistic aspect comes into play when we look at how the body works as a whole – if one part is experiencing pain or simply isn’t working the way it should, the healthy functioning of your whole being can be affected. For example, a person suffering from arthritis of the right hip will have pain in that joint, and may alter their posture and weight-bear more on their left side to try to reduce the pain. But changing their posture can lead to muscles and soft tissue in the left leg, hip and even back being held in awkward or unusual positions which can cause further pain – and round it goes in a vicious cycle!
Pain can manifest itself in many ways too – not just muscle pain, but also headaches, general fatigue, abdominal pain and trouble breathing (e.g. with asthma the muscles associated with breathing can be in spasm/contraction) depending on the muscles effected. By relieving the muscles stiffness and contraction, these other symptoms may also be relieved.
As well as treating soft-tissue injuries, remedial massage is also a relaxing treatment that can provide relief for tired, stressed muscles in general.
As well as treating soft-tissue injuries, remedial massage is also a relaxing treatment that can provide relief for tired, stressed muscles in general.
What conditions benefit from Remedial Massage Therapy?
A range of conditions and dysfunctions can be improved with remedial massage, including:
- Back and neck pain
- General muscle tightness and spasm
- Osteo & rheumatoid arthritis
- Pregnancy
- General fatigue and tension
- Muscle injury/sports injury including sprains and strains
- Headaches
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer (inc palliative care)
- Asthma
- Fibromyalgia
How long will it take to see results?
It really depends on the underlying cause of the pain as to how many sessions you need. Some people may get relief after 1 or 2 sessions, others fit massage therapy regularly into their well-being regime as they feel that the on-going benefits help them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What are the main benefits of Remedial Massage Therapy?
- Easing of pain from muscle stiffness and tension
- Stimulation of circulation
- Removal of toxins from the muscles and surrounding soft tissues
- Remedial Massage can provide improved recovery time after muscle injury
- Increased joint range of motion
- Reduction of muscle fatigue
- General relaxation for the whole body
I’ve heard that deep tissue massage can be painful – does Remedial Massage hurt?
The therapist will work with you and monitor your comfort levels throughout the treatment. While some people adhere to the ‘no pain no gain’ way of thinking, you should be comfortable with the pressure at all times to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. No point coming away feeling more tense because you’ve spent the hour flinching from pain!
Can I claim Remedial Massage Therapy treatments on private health insurance?
Yes, remedial massage therapy is claimable on most private health plans – just check with your fund to determine the refund available as this varies between policies.
Make an appointment for Remedial Massage
Mafalda Bojanic is Vitalchi’s massage therapist. Mafalda is trained in Remedial Massage,
Hot Stone Therapy, Relaxation Massage, Indian Head Massage, Pregnancy
Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Her treatment can be claimed with your private health insurer if you have extras (check with your health fund). Call the clinic on 9894 0014 for bookings or make an appointment online.
