You probably experience aches and aches on a daily basis if you are like the majority of people. It could be a stiff neck caused by hunching your shoulders all day while using a computer, a sore lower back due to yard work, or tight shoulders as a result of carrying a heavy bag. All of us seem to get minor body aches.

Although popping pain medications provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause. Massage can be of great help in this situation.

Remedial massage focuses on treating chronic injuries and pain that restricts your movement or causes discomfort. It is designed to treat the root cause and not just mask symptoms.

This article will cover everything you need about remedial massaging, including what it is, the benefits, how to prepare for a massage, and who could benefit. Learn how remedial massage can help you feel better quickly and what is involved with a remedial massage.

Finding the source of pain

In a remedial session, the first step is to determine what’s causing your pain or restriction. Your therapist may ask you questions about your medical background, daily activities and posture. They will also pinpoint the area where you are experiencing pain.

Then, they will perform a hands-on test, palpating muscles and joints in the area of the problem to determine where tightness or imbalances are occurring. If you suffer from shoulder pain, your chest muscles may be pulling your shoulders in a forward position.

Experts are needed to find the cause of discomfort. Remedial therapists have been trained to pinpoint areas that may be contributing to your body pain.

Targeted Treatment Techniques

Your therapist will then use techniques that are tailored to the specific problem. Remedial Massage is a combination of different hands-on techniques:

• Myofascial release. Gentle sustained pressure is applied to release scar tissue adhesions and connective tissue restrictions. This is helpful for limited range of movement and tightness after injury.
• Trigger point therapy. Isolating trigger points or knots in muscles, and applying pressure on them to “deactivate”, reducing referred discomfort.
• Muscle stripping. Long, slashing strokes are used to lengthen muscle fibres that have been shortened, causing pain in other parts of the body.
• Joint mobilisation. Applying gentle oscillating pressure or movement around the joints in order to increase mobility and flexibility of the surrounding connective tissue.
• Stretching passively. The therapist will stretch tight muscles and joints until they reach their full range. Relax as the therapist moves the body parts.

Your specific condition will determine the combination of techniques that are used in your session. A remedial therapist is equipped with a wide range of treatment options that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Offering lasting relief

When done correctly, remedial massage can last for many sessions. You’ll notice:

• As muscle tension is released, you will experience increased flexibility and range-of-motion in the affected area.
• As trigger points and connective tissue restrictions are released, pain and discomfort will be reduced.
• As muscle imbalances are corrected, posture and body mechanics improve.
• Increased blood flow speeds up the healing process of injuries.
• Reduced risk of future pain due to addressing causes such as posture habits.

By focusing on the source, remedial massage can create measurable and long-term improvements.

What to Expect during a Session

What is a typical remedial massaging appointment? Here’s a quick rundown:

• Fill out a questionnaire to alert your therapist of any injuries, sensitivities or medical conditions.
• The therapist will ask you about your activities, lifestyle, pain symptoms and thoroughly examine any problem areas.
• The therapist will use a variety of massage techniques to target the problem tissues.
• You may also receive lifestyle advice, stretching and strengthening exercises.
• The sessions are usually 30-60 minutes long and focus on just the problematic areas. You are fully clothed.
• You can expect some mild soreness to persist for a few days as the tissues adapt to the new environment. This is normal.

The hands-on, specialized treatment offers immediate relief during the session as well as lasting flexibility and function after a complete course of therapy.

Who can benefit from remedial massage therapy?

Remedial techniques can provide relief to anyone suffering from chronic pain or injury. It can help with a variety of conditions.

• Whiplash
• Sciatica
• TMJ dysfunction
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff injury
• Tennis elbow
• Lower back pain
• Tight IT Bands
• Migraine
• Postural problems

Takeaway

No longer do you have to suffer from nagging pains and aches that limit your mobility. It is not just a great way to relieve tension, it gets to the core of the issue for a long-lasting fix. Consider booking a session of remedial therapy the next time you feel your body aching. You’ll get lasting relief. Your body will be grateful.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.