When the term “remedial massage” is used, it is natural to respond with “what is that?” It is a form of massage otherwise referred to as a sports massage. Remedial massage therapy is typically used to relieve a range of ailments or injuries and is performed by a qualified, professional practitioner. It is a form of massage commonly used to help relieve chronic pain or to provide relief for aches and pains after a healthy workout.
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Remedial Massage after a Healthy Workout
After a healthy workout, mild discomfort in muscles and soft tissue is often experienced. It is, therefore, crucial to do cool down exercises to reduce lactic acid build-up in the muscles. Also, remedial massage therapycan offer considerable relief from these common after-effects of a healthy workout. When the massage is performed by a trained professional, the objective is to significantly reduce or eliminate Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
The purpose of remedial massage therapy is to aid the body’s natural recovery by increasing blood flow to the muscles and soft tissue. The massage therapist will manipulate the body to alter neural responses throughout the body facilitating rapid recovery. The massage needs to be performed by a trained professional to avoid injury and is classified as therapeutic massage.
In addition to remedial massages after a healthy workout, it can also be used to prevent or manage injuries and is adopted by professional sports teams around the world. With focus on soft tissue, massage therapists work with physical therapists, physiotherapists and other medical professionals to design a bespoke treatment plan.
Other Uses of Remedial Massage
Stressis a phenomenon that we all encounter when the body releases the hormone cortisol. Stress and the release of cortisol are essential to how humans have evolved throughout history. It is often referred to as the “flight or fight” response. However, in the today’s society, we are more likely to encounter stress from relationships, the workplace or because of financial pressures. The response of our bodies remains the same; our muscles tense and tighten up. While remedial massage therapy cannot help to eliminate the factors causing stress, it can help with the symptoms.
The most common manifestations of stress in the body are tightness in neck, shoulders, back and jaw although they can occur anywhere in the body. A massage therapist will know the exact amount of pressure that needs to be applied to provide muscle relief.
Other health problems can also be treated using remedial massage. Frequent muscle cramps that occur as a result of poor circulation or an imbalance in minerals in the blood can also be relieved (after prior consultation with your doctor). It can also be used to help with muscular atrophy (muscle shrinkage), frozen shoulder, arthritis, whiplash, fibrositis and spondylitis – all relatively common medical conditions. Remedial massage therapy can also be used to stabilise muscles to offer relief from headaches and sciatica.
What Happens During Remedial Massage?
As with many forms of medical treatment, it is important that the therapist knows more about your background and will ask questions regarding your overall health and lifestyle. Depending on your ailment, the practitioner will ask you to lie on a couch or a massage table. If necessary, you will be covered with towels to protect your modesty. Creams or oils are normally applied to the skin to reduce friction and aid the massage.
Due to many conditions being treated using remedial massage, your therapist will use a variety of techniques to initially establish the location of the problem and then to begin treatment. In most cases they will apply deep, firm penetration to the muscles and manipulate different joints. It may cause mild discomfort although nothing too severe.
The Importance of Seeing a Professional
Here at The Neighbourhood Clinic, we have a highly trained and qualified team of medical professionals to treat your ailments. It is vital that you seek professional treatment to avoid excessive pain or even injury. Experts will identify the cause of the problem and suggest appropriate forms of treatment. Trained therapists know exactly where to apply pressure and how much to exert. This comes from professional training.