Remedial massage therapy is a complementary therapy which aims to heal the body’s mechanical functions and to soothe muscle spasms, knotted, strained or limber muscles. It can also address some other health issues and is useful for many different conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. The most common areas that are treated with remedial massage are back pain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, cramps and tightness in the muscles and joints, stress and general stiffness. Remedial massages provide a gentle, safe, effective and convenient form of treatment which can be used in place of, or in addition to, traditional therapies such as physical therapy and chiropractic medicine. It is often seen as an alternative treatment alongside acupuncture, acupressure and herbal medicine.
A variety of remedial massages can be used on the soft tissues and muscles of the body. These range from full body therapy, which addresses the whole body, including the face, head and neck, right down to targeted therapies that are more suitable for particular problems or ailments. Remedial massages help to restore damaged or weak soft tissue tissues by stimulating the body’s natural healing capabilities. It can help to increase the strength of the underlying muscles and improve the function and mobility of joints.
A remedial massage can have a regenerative, restorative and toning effect on your muscles, tissues and ligaments. You will feel relaxed, refreshed, invigorated and pain-free after a session. It is also said to have a positive effect on circulation and this may reduce blood pressure and the risk of stroke. You may feel like having a hot bath or shower, similar to how you feel after stretching and exercising for a while. You may also notice that your muscles feel softer to touch after the session. The warm water of the bath and massage will relieve the tension in your muscles and soft tissues.
The remedial massage also works on your nervous system. As it repairs damaged or broken nerves and muscle tissue, it can also relieve pain and prevent the onset of chronic pain. The deep tissue types of remedial massages work deeply on your muscles. These include the neck, back, shoulder, leg and thigh muscles.
Sports Injuries Often sports injuries occur when the muscles or joints are overworked and stretched beyond their limits. This causes a reduction in flexibility, strength and range of movement. A remedial massage technique such as a Swedish massage can restore the range of motion in the affected areas of the body, improving movement and reducing the risk of further injuries.
Muscles Pain and tightness or stiffness can affect different parts of the body at different times and can cause significant discomfort and even pain. A remedial massage technique such as a Shiatsu or deep tissue lymphatic massage can loosen tight muscles, which reduce the amount of aches and pains you feel. These kinds of massages can repair damaged soft tissue and help relieve muscle pain and stiffness. In addition, they can help increase mobility and strengthen weak or injured muscles.
Tendonitis affects the tendons, which connect muscles to bones. It is the most common tendonitis symptom and usually appears as a rash on the inner tendon layer or pain, swelling and redness. A remedial massage therapist will use gentle strokes to release the inflammatory symptoms and encourage healing. The techniques used will depend upon the specific condition and the severity of the condition.
Soft-Tissue Injury When you have an acute injury like a sprain or ligament sprain, it is not always possible to get a medical attention for your injury, no matter how severe it may seem. This is why it is important that you seek therapy such as remedial massage, to aid you in getting immediate relief from the pain caused by this kind of injury. This kind of therapy will not only relax the affected muscles but will also stretch them to encourage the growth of new tissues which will relieve the pain. You will feel the effects almost immediately.