There are many different types of massage therapy, but perhaps one of the most versatile is Remedial Massage. Many people think this type of massage is only useful if you have a specific injury, but nothing could be further from the truth.
All massage therapies are known to provide relaxation to the muscles, but remedial massage takes this concept one step further.
Remedial massage differs from the Swedish or Relaxation massages you would expect in a spa in a number of key ways. A Remedial Massage Therapist is required to have a thorough clinical knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. This knowledge is applied to the treatment of the patient in order to achieve specific health-related goals. These goals may be related to the ‘remediation’ of a specific injury – caused by either sport or accident. But there are many other conditions – such as headaches, illness, depression and sleep disorders that have been shown to benefit from Remedial Massage.
Injuries are treated with Remedial Massage to reduce pain, improve and increase healing and restore normal function to the injured area. This is achieved by careful evaluation of the injury by a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist, and development of a treatment plan that will provide the optimum return to normal function.
Remedial Massage can also be used in the treatment of conditions such as anxiety and depression. In addition to relaxing muscles that create tension in the body, this style of massage decreases the production of cortisol, which is a hormone related to stress. At the same time, it increases the release of endorphins and calms the sympathetic nervous system. All of which aid in the reduction of anxiety and depression.
These same benefits can assist people with serious illness, such as cancer. As well as providing stress relief for patients struggling with the emotional effects of an illness, Remedial massage can provide relief from the pain and discomfort caused by some treatments.
The science of Remedial Massage is in the understanding of the human body and how it works – knowing not only what to work on, but how. The art is in structuring a treatment that provides patients with both the physical and emotional benefits in one very relaxing massage!
It is easier to stay well, than to get well. And a regular Remedial Massage will help you stay there.