Massage is perfect for easing sore muscles and aiding with injury rehabilitation. With so many different forms it can be hard to know which one will best for you. In this article, i’m going to discuss two popular forms; remedial and deep tissue. Whilst both focus on manipulating the muscle to relief tension, it’s important to understand when to use one and not the other as they each have different focus areas and objectives. So let’s break it down: remedial massage vs deep tissue massage – which one should you choose?
What Is Massage?
Massage is a therapeutic practice that involves the manipulation of soft tissues, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and muscles in the body to promote relaxation, ease stress and anxiety, alleviate tension, improve overall well-being and rehabilitate injuries. It is a practice that has been used for centuries!
What is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is a technique that focuses on specific injuries, tension and chronic pain. It is intended to target pain and injuries and is used as a form of rehabilitation and pain management.
This specific technique improves blood flow and removes blockages, scar tissue and dead cells which encourages healing. Unlike other forms of massage, remedial massaging targets certain areas of the body with specific goals and outcomes in mind.
Remedial massage is a skilled form of massage and therapists train much longer to perfect the technique. Remedial therapist must throughly understand the body and the specific tissues they treat. Therapists must not only be able to identify immediate pain or discomfort but also the source of the pain or discomfort. They do so by analysing muscle, ligaments, tendons and posture. From there, remedial therapists are able to tailor treatment plans that will help rehabilitate patients for long term relief. This includes regular sessions, stretching exercises, limiting or replacing certain movements during exercise and at home care advice such as ice/heat packs and pain relief gels. Therapist’s will continue to assess the patients progress in sessions and regularly update the treatment plan based on how the patient is responding.
What Techniques Are Used In Remedial Message?
Therapists use a range of highly skilled techniques in order to target specific areas of the body and relief pain and tension. These techniques include;
- Deep tissue massage
- Trigger point therapy
- stretching and strengthening exercises
- Joint mobilisations
- Myofascial release
- Assisted stretching
- Cupping
- Dry needling
- Hot and cold therapy
When Should I Have A Remedial Message?
If you’re suffering from reoccurring discomfort, an injury or experiencing chronic pain, then seeing a remedial therapist may be best for you. Therapist are trained to relief pain in the long run not just temporarily. They will create customised plans to help you treat and prevent pain and discomfort from happening in the future.
What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep Tissue Massage is known as a complementary therapy. It’s similar to Swedish massage as it uses similar rhythmic strokes but the pressure is firmer as hits the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia. It can be more uncomfortable than a Swedish massage but I’d describe it as an almost ‘good’ pain as it feels very relieving if your muscles are tight. Deep tissue is usually a whole body treatment but therapists can focus more on certain areas if the patient needs. Deep tissue therapists target knots caused by stressed and overused muscles and connective tissue. Once treated the body feels instant relief and relaxation.
What Techniques Are Used In Deep Tissue Massage?
The techniques used in deep tissue target the deeper tissue structures. These techniques include;
- Cross fibre friction
- Active release technique
- Trigger point therapy
- Myofascial and positional release
When Should I have A Deep Tissue Massage?
If your muscles feel sore from exercising or sitting at a desk all day, then a deep tissue massage could be just what you need. This type of massage is very popular with people that do highly physical sports and exercise. The firmer pressure can be a bit uncomfortable but will help to relieve tension in the whole body therefore enhancing the therapeutic properties of a massage. Deep tissue encourages blood flow and reduces inflammation. If you have an injury this can help with the healing process.
Should I have A Deep Tissue Massage or A Remedial Massage?
This question is very subjective as it definitely depends on what you want.
If you suffer from reoccurring pain and discomfort, injuries and chronic pain, then I would suggest having a remedial massage session. Therapist are highly trained to not only give you instant relief but will also help you prevent injuries in the future and manage pain and discomfort by devising a treatment plan.
If you’re feeling sore and want some relief then book yourself in for a deep tissue massage. Whilst deep tissue therapists wont tailor you a prevention plan they can help you feel instant relief from discomfort and ease stress and anxiety.
If you’re wanting a long term solution then remedial massage is the way to go but if you want something just to ease a bit of soreness every now and again, then you cant go wrong with a deep tissue massage.
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