Here are two major differences between remedial massage and standard massage therapy.

The goals of the massage sessions are different

The goal a person has when they book a remedial massage session is usually quite different to the goal a person may have when getting a standard massage. Generally, a person opting for the latter at a spa will have a goal of feeling more relaxed and calm afterwards. When a person books a remedial massage appointment, their goal is usually not to relieve stress but to address musculoskeletal issues. They may intend to heal these issues, reduce their level of pain and restore the functionality of the affected area of their body.

For example, if a person has developed chronic tension and pain in certain muscles as a result of their bad posture or the overuse of that muscle group, their goal might be to have their massage therapist relieve the tension in these muscles so that their pain level will be reduced. Similarly, if a person has a chronic health condition like arthritis that affects their musculoskeletal system, they may want to utilise this form of massage to reduce the stiffness and aches their condition causes. Lastly, if a person has injured their tendons, muscles or ligaments when playing a sport and this has left them unable to participate in it anymore, their goal when having this form of massage might be to reduce inflammation, improve their flexibility and range of motion and promote tissue healing so they can begin playing this sport again.

A remedial massage therapist will usually do a full evaluation before they begin any treatment

Prior to having a standard relaxing massage at a spa, a person might be asked by the massage therapist which areas of their body they feel are the most tense so the therapist can then focus on massaging these parts. However, the massage therapist will not usually ask for any other information. Conversely, a remedial massage therapist will normally do a full evaluation before they begin providing any treatment.

They may, for example, analyse the client's posture and range of motion, discuss the specific health conditions the client feels are affecting their musculoskeletal system and talk to them about their pain levels and any other pain management methods they are currently using. After doing this evaluation, the massage therapist will then create a customised plan that addresses the client's issues. This plan might include using a combination of several techniques, such as trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage, to improve the client's physical well-being.

Contact a professional for more information about remedial massage. 

Share