What is Remedial Massage
By targeting specific problem areas, this therapeutic technique helps alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a medical condition, or simply aiming to improve your health, remedial massage plays a key role in promoting relaxation, boosting circulation, and restoring balance to the body.
Often used as an adjunct therapy alongside physiotherapy, remedial massage can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments by addressing muscular imbalances, reducing pain and improving circulation. When combined with conventional therapies, it supports faster recovery, reduces side effects and helps prevent future injuries, offering a holistic approach to healing and wellness.
We recommend scheduling a physiotherapy assessment before booking a remedial massage appointment. This ensures that any underlying conditions or injuries are thoroughly identified and addressed. By incorporating massage as an adjunct therapy, alongside physiotherapy, you can maximise the benefits of both. This promotes more effective healing, pain relief, and a better long-term outcome. Physiotherapy often addresses the cause of the tight muscles and helps more in the long term, whereas massage typical provides temporary relief.
What Type of Massage is Right for Me?
At Restore Function Physiotherapy, we offer a range of massage services, including remedial and sports massage, tailored to meet your specific needs. If you are experiencing muscle tension or reduced flexibility in your joints, our skilled physiotherapists will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
While there are some similarities between the different massage techniques, the choice of treatment largely depends on the nature of your injury or condition and your preference.
Remedial massage is often used to address chronic pain, tension and general aches, while sports massage focuses on relieving discomfort from exercise or sports-related injuries, targeting the affected areas for optimal recovery.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage uses a range of techniques to treat muscles that are tight and may assist in:
- Improving joint mobility or flexibility
- Reduce muscle tension and pain
- Aiding in rehabilitation in conjunction with physiotherapy informed exercises
- It can also promote relaxation, improve mood and mental health
Sports Massage
Sports massage aims to improve performance or recovery from training or games. In conjunction with you, your therapist will determine whether you will benefit from additional:
- Muscle or trigger point release techniques, or
- Techniques focused on improving muscle relaxation or muscle length
How Long Should I Book For?
When choosing the right massage appointment duration at Restore Function Physiotherapy, consider the nature of your condition and how many areas need treatment.
- 30-minute sessions are ideal for addressing specific, localised areas of tension or discomfort, such as a tight neck or shoulders, or to focus on a particular muscle group that needs relief.
- 45-minute sessions are perfect if you require a bit more time to treat multiple areas of tension or stiffness, allowing for a more thorough approach without overextending your time.
- 60-minute sessions are recommended for more comprehensive treatments, especially when you have multiple areas of concern, chronic pain, or if you’re looking for a full-body relaxation or injury recovery session.
Our physiotherapists will help guide you in selecting the ideal appointment length based on your needs and goals.
Contraindications
While massage therapy can offer numerous benefits, there are certain conditions where it may not be recommended or may require modifications. Contraindications to massage include, but are not limited to:
- Acute injuries or inflammation (such as sprains, strains, or fractures)
- Infections, fever, or systemic inflammation
- Severe skin conditions (e.g., open wounds, rashes, or contagious skin infections)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clotting disorders
- Bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners
- Cancer or recent surgery (without medical clearance)
- Heart conditions (such as uncontrolled hypertension or recent heart attack)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or circulatory issues
- Pregnancy (without professional consultation or specific adjustments)
- Areas containing medical devices/implants
If you have any of these conditions, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider or our physiotherapists prior to booking a massage, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your situation. Our team will always tailor treatments to your individual health needs.
References:
Salvo, S.G. (2022). Massage Techniques, Mobilizations, Stretches, Endangerment Sites, and Contraindications. Massage Techniques: Principles and Practice; Elsevier: St. Louis, MI, USA, 136.