Remedial and Relaxation Massage: What’s The Difference?

You have decided to explore the world of massage, so you type, “Massage near me” into google
and suddenly you are overwhelmed by the various options available to you out there. There
seem to be so many forms of massage, remedial massage and relaxation massage being your
main disciplines with a plethora of different subcategories from which to choose from. Now you
are wondering, what form of massage are you after and how are you supposed to know which
one will cater to your specific needs?

Remedial Massage (also known as neuromuscular therapy) uses a range of techniques that will
address any and all of your complaints. Whether you are suffering from a specific injury, chronic
pain or issues caused by postural or joint difficulties, remedial massage is all about the
rehabilitation, most commonly, soft tissue complaint. Remedial sessions can often be specific –
focusing on only a couple of target muscle groups or improving the range of motion of a
particular joint. These massage appointments can be reasonably intense and therefore, not
necessarily relaxing although still enjoyable. Techniques used in remedial massage include
trigger point, deep tissue, cupping, myofascial release and muscle movement techniques.
If you are still a little overwhelmed by the massage jargon a brief explanation of a few of the
massage techniques involved won’t go amiss:

● Trigger point massage therapy targets sensitive muscle tissue within the tight
muscle bands (sometimes referred to as knots) that have developed due to
overuse or stress and tension on the muscle fibres. The therapist will focus
directly on the “trigger points” to release the tension, encourage circulation and
relieve the targeted area, allowing the muscle to relax .

● Cupping is an ancient Chinese massage technique using suction cups to assist
with pain, inflammation and blood flow and can also be used in relaxation
sessions.

● Myofascial release therapy, as the name suggests, focuses on relieving pain and
constriction of your myofascial tissue (the tissue connecting your muscles, joints
and bones), your massage therapist will use dry massage techniques which
stretches this tissue to release tension and help you regain flexibility.

Relaxation massage, on the other hand, incorporates the use of hot oils infused with essential
oils and more rhythmic, broader, sweeping strokes (although the pressure can still cater to your
preference). It can address the full body depending on the length of your session and leaves
you feeling rejuvenated. Relaxation, as much as remedial massage, is an incredibly effective
preventative measure. Regular massage keeps you feeling good, raises energy levels and
boosts overall wellbeing.

With a trained Neuromuscular therapist such as the one you can find at Cairnhill Physiotherapy
Clinic, you don’t need to know which form of massage you are after before your original
consultation. Nicole Berry, Cairnhill Physio’s in-clinic therapist will make an individual
assessment of your body and after a consultation, posture analysis and range of motion
assessment, you may discover that you need more than one form of massage treatment. In that
case, your sessions will be designed to combine different techniques in a personalised
treatment plan. It’s all about you and that very unique body of yours. Start your massage
journey, make an appointment with Cairnhill Physiotherapy Clinic’s massage therapist today.