Remedial Massage
Remedial Massage at Santi
A remedial massage is recommended for muscles that are significantly tense, knotted, injured or even immobile. It can be used in conjunction with other physical therapies, or alone, and can sometimes involve additional elements like sports taping or acupuncture. An experienced remedial massage therapist can locate the cause of pain or immobility and suggest a treatment plan: either a series of massage sessions – or – referral onto a physiotherapist or other specialist. As muscular problems can radiate to other areas of the body and trigger subsequent issues, tracing the original cause can resolve multiple issues at once.
How is it different from other massage?
Remedial massage is strictly dependent on the unique needs of the client. While a strong, deep pressure is often used – a range of different pressures and techniques are applied throughout the treatment. A gentle approach may be necessary in addressing one area, while deep sustained pressure is required in another. While therapeutic, a remedial massage is also diagnostic – so a slow and exploratory approach is often taken – and communication encouraged. Making your therapist aware of any pain or unusual sensation is key in identifying sources of pain or immobility.
What happens on the day of the massage?
If you have opted for a remedial massage – or it’s been recommended – there is probably a specific issue you want addressed. Your therapist will ask you about the current problem, any past injuries and your general health and lifestyle. Before treatment can begin your muscles must be warm – warm towels and gentle strokes will be used to induce a relaxed state. Slowly your therapist will begin to address the pain or mobility concern, using varied techniques to identify then treat the area in question. Stretching is a common component of remedial massage as your therapist tests and works to improve your range of motion. Additional therapies such as acupuncture are sometimes offered, or requested, and post treatment sports taping may be recommended for support between sessions.
What are the benefits of Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is effective in initiating and speeding up muscle repair – it improves circulation, encouraging the body’s natural healing processes. Tissue healing rates improve when the blood supply is stimulated and muscles, tendons and bones are correctly aligned. As injury to muscles can trigger further physical complaints, this remedial ‘realignment’ can have far-reaching benefits for the whole body. Easing chronic muscle tension has a ‘flow on’ benefit, meaning associated problems such as back pain, abdominal pain, sciatica and headaches can all improve post-treatment. Some common problems which may benefit from a RM are sports injuries, chronic cramps, muscular atrophy, arthritis, fibrositis and whiplash.
Post-Remedial Massage Treatment
Remedial massage is not a pampering treatment and can be quite uncomfortable at times. It’s important to prepare for this, breathe and focus on the relief you will likely experience. There is often a ‘recovery period’ after a remedial massage, depending on the intensity of the treatment. It’s not uncommon for some soreness to persist for 24 to 72 hours – any longer than that may indicate a chronic issue in need of further attention.