Taking time to relieve bodily tension and stress is something we put off all too often, but even the occasional treatment can offer significant benefits to our quality of life.
The secret weapon? Remedial massage therapy.
It’s not just an indulgence; it’s a research-backed method for boosting your overall health while addressing muscle pain, soreness, and stress. Our specialists at BodyMotion Physiotherapy go into this in more detail.
What is Remedial Massage & What is it Good For?
Remedial massage therapy is a holistic treatment involving manipulating the body’s soft tissue to alleviate physical discomfort and promote healing.
From accelerating recovery from sports injuries to improving mobility, it serves a multitude of purposes, zeroing in on specific areas and utilising techniques that target both superficial and deep muscle layers.
Whether it’s a stiff neck from long hours at the computer or chronic lower back pain, remedial massage therapy may be the answer.
Remedial vs Deep Tissue Massage
Although they may sound similar, remedial massage and deep tissue massage serve different purposes.
- Deep tissue massage: Focuses on easing general levels of tension and stress, primarily targeting the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.
- Remedial massage therapy: A more targeted, therapeutic approach. It’s designed to relax and treat injuries, chronic pain, or muscular-skeletal disorders, offering the ultimate blend of relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
What are the Health Benefits of Remedial Massage?
Relieving Muscle Pain
Among the key benefits of remedial massage is its profound impact on muscle pain. Imagine tight, knotted muscles loosening under the expert touch of a massage therapist. This therapy revolves around manipulating soft tissue – muscles, tendons, and ligaments – to address discomfort at its roots.
The precise kneading and stroking techniques in remedial massage stimulate blood flow to the affected muscles. This increased circulation delivers a rush of nutrients and oxygen, vital for healing. At the same time, it helps to flush away metabolic waste products that contribute to pain, such as lactic and uric acids. Over time, these effects culminate in decreased muscle tension and a significant reduction in both acute and chronic pain.
Aiding in Recovery to Overcome Soreness
Soreness is not just the bane of athletes or fitness enthusiasts but also of people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or have physically demanding jobs.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), a common occurrence after an intense workout or unaccustomed physical activity, can make movement feel like a Herculean task. Remedial massage therapy works to decrease this inflammation by increasing blood and lymphatic circulation. The enhanced blood flow speeds up the delivery of nutrients needed for repair and regeneration, while the lymphatic system effectively removes waste products and reduces swelling.
The result? An accelerated recovery, improved flexibility, and a swift return to your active lifestyle.
Alleviating Stress
Stress is, unfortunately, an everyday companion for many of us slugging through the hustle and bustle of modern life. As such, finding ways to manage stress effectively is crucial to maintain your overall health and well-being.
When under stress, the body shifts to ‘fight or flight’ mode, causing several adverse effects, including an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Over time, chronic stress can lead to a myriad of health issues, including insomnia, depression, and heart disease.
Remedial massage therapy acts as an antidote to this. The soothing manipulation of the muscles triggers the body’s relaxation response, reducing cortisol levels and increasing the production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine – chemicals that act as natural mood elevators.
Regular sessions can significantly lower stress levels, promoting a sense of well-being, improving sleep quality, and boosting overall mental health.
Remedial Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy brings boundless joy, certainly, but also a slew of discomfort due to the rapid physical changes the body undergoes.
A specialised, remedial pregnancy massage can provide a wealth of relief as it’s a safe, natural method to allay back pain, reduce fluid retention (oedema) and improve sleep quality. Always consult with your doctor and a trained massage therapist to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Why Introduce a Lower Back Massage into Your Routine
Many of us are plagued by lower back pain due to our sedentary lifestyle and a lack of ergonomic support. Regular lower back massages can significantly improve this condition, enhancing flexibility and reducing pain. It’s a simple addition to your routine that can reap huge benefits.
Book an Appointment for Remedial Massage Therapy with BodyMotion Physiotherapy Today
BodyMotion Physiotherapy has long been a trusted provider of personalised remedial massage therapy in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Want to know how our services can help with pain relief and rehabilitation? Reach out to our friendly team anytime.
Ready to feel the difference? Book your session with our expert remedial massage therapist today.
References:
Davis HL, Alabed S, Chico TJA. Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2020 May 7;6(1):e000614. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614. Erratum in: BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021 Apr 21;7(2):e000614corr1. PMID: 32426160; PMCID: PMC7228568.
Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI J. 2017 Jul 21;16:1057-1072. doi: 10.17179/excli2017-480. PMID: 28900385; PMCID: PMC5579396.
Kumar S, Beaton K, Hughes T. The effectiveness of massage therapy for the treatment of nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review of systematic reviews. Int J Gen Med. 2013 Sep 4;6:733-41. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S50243. PMID: 24043951; PMCID: PMC3772691.
