Key Differences Between Remedial Massage and Relaxation Massage

The massage has been an accepted part of medical science for over 2,500 years, dating way back to the ancient Egyptian era. And in 2019, the therapy is as popular as ever as a way to combat stress and reduce the pain associated with a variety of chronic conditions.

A skilled masseuse can help a patient manage a wide range of medical issues, so a massage could be just what the doctor ordered for you. The first step towards determining whether a one could help you is to understand the two basic types: remedial and relaxation.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two, and how they can help the patient.

What Is A Relaxation Massage And How Can It Help Me?

As the name suggests, this type of massage is specifically designed to help the patient relax, thus enhancing their mood and overall mental wellbeing. The masseuse will systematically use long and flowing strokes to manipulate soft tissue and muscles. Not only does this method relieve muscle tension, but it’s excellent at enhancing lymph flow and improving circulation as well.

Most patients tend to opt for a relaxation massage when they’re feeling particularly stressed, perhaps at the end of a tough day in the office or before a nerve-racking presentation. But the question remains: relaxing is nice and all, but is it really that good for us?

The short answer is yes; it is.

Stress is a modern-day endemic. The Centre for Disease Control estimates that it contributes to the death of 110 million people each year through increased blood pressure and a reduced immune system. Therefore, stress among the most life-threatening medical conditions on Earth. Stress also wreaks havoc on our life by causing or exacerbating conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, migraines, headaches, weight gain, and hormonal balance, among other things.

A good relaxation massage will stimulate dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin in the brain, not only during the massage but for an extended period after as well.

What Is A Remedial Massage And How Can It Help Me?

Unlike a relaxation massage, a remedial massage is designed to target a specific physical ailment such as a sports injury, a musculoskeletal disorder, or chronic pain.

The remedial masseuse typically has more experience, skill, and qualifications than the more generalist relaxation masseuse. After all, in addition to providing an effective massage, they must also be able to identify the cause of the pain and recommend a suitable treatment. A remedial masseuse will often specialize in one particular therapy to fully master the practice. Therefore, if you’ve suffered a sports injury, for example, it would be wise to find a specialist to perform a sports remedial massage.

The precise process of a remedial massage varies depending on the desired outcome. The masseuse will use a range of stroking techniques to strengthen or stretch the desired region, usually with the aim of alleviating pain or correcting posture. Other supplementary therapies could include heat therapy, acupressure, myofascial release, and joint mobilization.

A remedial massage can help a wide array of ailments including tennis elbow, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, arthritis, muscle strains and sprains, sports injuries, and lower back pain. As a bonus, a skilled remedial massage will improve blood circulation, eliminate metabolic waste, and promote the supply of nutrients to your muscles. There’s even evidence to show that a remedial massage can enhance your cognitive abilities and reduce the discomfort associated with PMS.

As you can see, both relaxation and remedial massages provide a range of health benefits. Whether you’re worried about the side effects of stress or suffer from a chronic disorder, you’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel after a nice massage.