Remedial massage is one of the allied health professions that work alongside physiotherapy. It reduces muscle tightness, improves range of motion and removes scar tissue adhesions.
Your therapist will start with an assessment and range of motion tests to gain more insight into what’s going on in your body.
During this time your therapist will also perform a remedial massage.
Reduces Stress
Remedial massage is a therapeutic technique that balances the length, tone and tension of soft tissue. This improves joint mobility and enhances flexibility and muscle function while decreasing pain. It also aids in the removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid from the muscles, thus improving circulation and blood supply to the area which can decrease inflammation.
Aside from its physical effects, it can help reduce stress psychologically. This is because it stimulates the peripheral nervous system allowing messages of calmness and relaxation to be relayed from the brain to the extremities. It also releases feel good hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which can boost a person’s mood. These positive feelings can decrease anxiety and a person’s level of cortisol which in turn lowers stress levels.
In addition, massage increases the elasticity of muscle tissues and decreases the amount of strain on the muscles when movement is required. This decrease in stress and tension allows the body to heal faster reducing the risk of re injury.
Remedial massage is also known to encourage a sense of well-being and a positive frame of mind, increasing a person’s ability to sleep better and concentrate which in turn can help them deal with the daily stresses of life. This can decrease the risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease that are linked to stress.
Increases Flexibility
Remedial massage therapists and local Ballarat podiatrist use treatment techniques that help increase the flexibility of the soft tissues and ligaments. This improves joint positioning and movement. Tight muscles restrict movement increasing the risk of injury. Remedial massage balances muscle length, tone and tension allowing the body to function better.
Increased range of movement increases physical relaxation which decreases stress levels. This is why it is recommended to have a remedial massage before a major event such as a sporting activity or an exam.
Tight muscles become tight for a number of reasons including poor posture, over use and injury. Massage encourages a reduction in tissue inelasticity which helps to loosen the muscle allowing it to stretch to its full length. This is a good thing because it decreases tightness and allows the muscle to reach its full potential during an event.
Massage also encourages vasodilation and increased temperature which increases tissue elasticity. This is because the elastin fibres within the tissue become more flexible when they are warmed up. This is why it is so important to warm up before exercising or participating in any strenuous activity as this is when the muscles can most benefit from the increase in flexibility. This in turn can reduce muscle injury and pain.
Relieves Pain
Remedial massage relieves pain by interrupting the cycle of inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response to injury. However, when this response becomes chronic, it can lead to a cycle of pain and tight muscles. Massage helps break this cycle by using techniques such as trigger point therapy, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching and dry needling.
Dry needling is a remedial massage technique that uses thin needles to target and deactivate trigger points. This alleviates pain, decreases stiffness, increases flexibility and promotes healing. It is often used in combination with other remedial massage techniques to maximize effectiveness.
Another way that massage relieves pain is by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. When these chemicals are released, they reduce the levels of cortisol in the bloodstream and decrease tension. This makes you feel more relaxed, and it also boosts your immunity.
Remedial massage can be used on a regular basis, but the frequency depends on your specific circumstances and needs. Those looking for relaxation or stress relief may find that regular massage is sufficient, while those with more serious injuries or chronic pain conditions will benefit from more frequent and more intense remedial treatments. Your physiotherapist will create a comprehensive treatment plan that will include a combination of therapies. For example, they might suggest a combination of remedial massage and acupuncture to address your issues.
Promotes Healing
Remedial massage aims to repair damage and alleviate pain by improving the flow of blood around the body. This is done by manipulating the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The massage can also help to remove any fluid build-up that may be contributing to the pain and inflammation. It can also encourage the production of new muscle tissue and increase flexibility and mobility.
It is important to note that remedial massage therapists are qualified health professionals. They have completed a diploma which takes between 18 and 24 months, and they are trained to understand your condition and how best to treat it. The therapist will ask questions about your health history and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also observe how your body moves, which can provide valuable information to assist in their diagnosis.
During your remedial massage, you will be fully or mostly clothed and the therapist will use creams and oils to manipulate the muscles. Generally, a remedial massage will feel more like a physiotherapy session than a spa massage and it is normal to experience some discomfort during treatment.
If you are considering a remedial massage, it is essential to seek the advice of your physiotherapist, who can guide you in crafting a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Additionally, exploring multiple remedial massage therapists can help you find the right fit for your preferences and ensure open communication about your symptoms.
