Remedial Massage is a type of Therapeutic massage that aims to target physical and muscular conditions to alleviate pain, reduce tension and increase range of motion. If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or mobility issues, seeking help from a Remedial Massage Therapist could be the solution you need. Here’s a closer look at when someone should see a Remedial Massage Therapist.

Chronic Pain:

If you experience chronic pain, it has been found that Massage Therapy improves both the discomfort and limitations associated with the condition (Majlesi,Beyrami, and Etemadifar, 2018). Remedial Massage works to increase blood flow to the areas in need, promoting healing processes, and assisting decreasing pain levels, perhaps even down to a scale of zero. This type of treatment provides many benefits that are worth seeking.

Sports Injuries:

Remedial Massage Therapy can be an effective treatment for sports injuries, such as strains and sprains. Studies have shown that Massage can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and speed up the healing process (Weerapong et al., 2005). For athletes looking to avoid injuries, massage can be beneficial in prevention by breaking down adhesions, allowing for increased range of movement and decreased tightness.

Poor Posture:

Due to the prevalence of technology, it has become increasingly difficult to avoid extended periods of sitting and engaging in repetitive activities. This lifestyle change has led to an increased risk of developing poor posture, which can cause pain and tension in the neck, shoulders, and back. To alleviate this discomfort and improve posture, Remedial Massage Therapy can be an effective option (Wadsworth et al., 2014; Brummitt, 2012).

Headaches and Migraines:

Remedial Massage can be a successful treatment for reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines, in addition to reducing the use of pain medication (Lawler & Cameron, 2006). Research suggests that Massage Therapy can increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality, all of which may contribute to the reduction of headache symptoms. These findings suggest that Remedial Massage Therapy can be a valuable and non-invasive treatment option for those who suffer from headaches and migraines.

Stress and Anxiety:

Evidence indicates that Massage Therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hou et al., 2010; Moyer et al., 2004). Massage assists in increasing the release of endorphins (a hormone associated with pleasure and relaxation) whilst working to decrease cortisol levels (a hormone which increases stress). Throughout the use of techniques and working with the body’s hormone levels, this treatment can be an effective way to manage levels of stress.

Pregnancy:

Pregnant women may experience a variety of physical symptoms, including back pain, swelling, and insomnia. Remedial Massage Therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for these symptoms and can also help prepare the body for childbirth (Field et al., 2004; Smith et al., 2010).

Rehabilitation:

If you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, Remedial Massage Therapy can aid in the healing process by increasing blood flow to the affected area, reducing scar tissue formation, and improving range of motion (Moyer et al., 2004).

Maintenance:

Regular Remedial Massage Therapy can be a helpful addition to your self-care routine to maintain optimal physical health and prevent future injuries or issues. It can help keep your muscles and joints in good condition and address any issues before they become chronic (Brummitt, 2012).

In conclusion, Remedial Massage Therapy can be a useful treatment for a wide variety of physical and mental health concerns. If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, it may be worth considering seeing a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

References:

Brummitt, J. (2012). The role of massage in sports performance and rehabilitation: Current evidence and future direction. North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 7(3), 131-139.

Majlesi, J., Beyrami, M., & Etemadifar, M. (2018). The effect of massage therapy on chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(6), 505-514. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0139

Cherkin, D. C., Sherman, K. J., Kahn, J., Wellman, R., Cook, A. J., Johnson, E., … & Deyo, R. A. (2011). A comparison of the effects of 2 types of massage and usual care on chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(1), 1-9.

Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., … & Burman, I. (2004). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 25(2), 115-122.

Hou, W. H., Chiang, P. T., Hsu, T. Y., Chiu, S. Y., Yen, Y. C., & Kang, J. H. (2010). Treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(7), 894-901.

Lawler, S. P., & Cameron, L. D. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 50-59.

Moraska, A. F., Stenerson, L., & Butryn, N. (2015). Myofascial trigger point-focused head and neck massage for recurrent tension-type headache: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(2), 159-168.

Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3-18.

Perlman, A. I., Sabina, A., Williams, A. L., Njike, V. Y., & Katz, D. L. (2008). Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 168(12), 1317-1324.

Smith, C. A., Levett, K. M., Collins, C. T., & Crowther, C. A. (2010). Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD009514.

Weerapong, P., Hume, P. A., & Kolt, G. S. (2005). The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention. Sports Medicine, 35(3), 235-256.