Massage therapy is a great way to relax and unwind, but it can also be used to treat specific ailments. Remedial and relaxation massage are two types of massage that have different goals and techniques.
The difference between a relaxation massage and a remedial massage is that a relaxation massage is meant to be a calming experience using gentle strokes to promote increased relaxation and reduce stress levels, while a remedial massage focuses on specific areas of the body that are causing pain or discomfort.
This article will compare and contrast remedial and relaxation massage to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
What is massage?
Massage is the application of pressure to the skin and underlying tissues to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Massage therapy is an ancient practice that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. It uses a variety of massage techniques to help relax the body and reduce stress, pain, and tension. Massage therapy has numerous benefits, including improving circulation, flexibility, and mobility.
If you’re considering giving yourself or someone else a massage and not sure which type of massage to choose, here are 10 types of massage to consider:
- Swedish Massage:This is one of the most popular forms of massage. It helps promote relaxation by gently kneading superficial muscles in long gliding strokes with gentle circular movements.
- Deep Tissue Massage: A massage that applies firm pressure and manipulation on the deeper layers of muscle tissues, this type of massage is ideal for people who have chronic muscle tension or injuries that need addressing.
- Hot Stone Massage:Using heated stones in combination with traditional Swedish massage techniques, a hot stone massage can be wonderful for promoting deep relaxation and reducing stress levels.
- Thai Massage:Popularly known as “lazy man’s yoga” due to its stretches and compressions, this type of massage combines yoga-like postures with acupressure point compressions to aid with flexibility and relaxation while relieving muscle tensions all over the body.
- Sports Massage: – Athletes benefit greatly from this type of deep tissue manipulation focusing on preventing injury as well as helping athletes reach peak performance levels through increases in strength and endurance training sessions
- Reflexology:This is based off the concept that certain points on your feet correspond to other areas in your body by “reflexes”–which can help reduce inflammation associated with these reflex points
- Craniosacral Therapy:Involves a light touching technique used to release energy blockages that often occur within our bodies
- Shiatsu Massage:Known as finger pressure therapy–a shiatsu practioner uses their palms or thumbs to apply pressure at various points along meridian lines allowing blocked energy (or qi) to unblock itself leading to healing
- Trigger Point Therapy: This targets specific areas where your muscles have become irritated due to injury or overuse–using pressure applied directly to these points in order provide relief
- Remedial massage: Focuses on treating and rehabilitating injuries. It uses a combination of different techniques to target the affected area. The goal is to restore balance in the body and reduce pain and inflammation.
What are the benefits of massage?
1. Reduction in pain and discomfort
Massage can reduce pain and discomfort by loosening constrained tissue clusters, which are often the cause of pain. By applying firm pressure over these areas, massage can help relieve the tension in muscles and decrease pain.
By receiving regular massages, people with chronic lower back pain, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis or arthritis can experience reduced pain levels as well as an improved range of movement day to day and a better night’s sleep.
2. Increased relaxation
Massage can reduce superficial muscle tension, improve circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, reduce stress hormone cortisol and enable you to go into a meditative state.
This prompts a physiological relaxation response in your body which slows down your heart and breathing rate, reduces blood pressure, helps muscles to relax and decreases production of stress hormones.
Massage therapy has been shown to increase serotonin levels, which can positively impact your sense of wellbeing and happiness.
Furthermore, it improves circulation which has several benefits such as better flexibility and healthier skin. It can also enhance concentration and productivity while lowering blood pressure slightly.
3. Improved circulation and blood flow
Massage can improve circulation and blood flow by reducing superficial muscle tension, stimulating the lymphatic system, releasing dopamine and reducing stress hormones such as cortisol. These actions help to increase oxygenation of tissues, reduce pain and inflammation in the body, increase energy levels and promote overall health and wellbeing.
4. Stress relief
Massage promotes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and relaxes the body. It also reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can cause physical strain on the body.
Massage can bring relief from physical symptoms, including tightness in the neck and shoulders as well as headaches.
It also enables you to go into a meditative state by reducing superficial muscle tension, improving circulation, stimulating the lymphatic system and releasing dopamine – known as the ‘happy hormone’.
5. Improved mood and wellbeing
Massage has been proven to have numerous psychological benefits, such as reducing anxiety and depression, improving general mood, and increasing functionality in daily life.
This is due to the hand pressure used during massage being a major factor in these outcomes. Massage also reduces superficial muscle tension, improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, releases dopamine – the “happy hormone” – reduces stress hormone cortisol and enables you to go into a meditative state.
6. Increased muscle flexibility
Massage can break up stiff scar tissue and stimulate the lymphatic circulation, promoting better drainage of trapped fluid and improved flexibility.
This helps to reduce muscle stiffness and pain, as well as improve range of motion in previously restricted areas.
7. Improved muscle recovery after exercise
Massage helps to flush toxins and promote pain relief in the muscles, reducing the discomfort and pain associated with exercise.
This is beneficial for both professional and amateur athletes who need to keep their recovery actions at optimal levels to avoid injury, manage fatigue better, and delay onset muscle soreness.
By receiving regular massages after exercise, athletes can benefit from faster muscle recovery as well as reduced pain in the area of injury or strain.
8. Reduced muscle tension
Massage reduces muscle tension by stimulating the lymphatic system, causing a release in dopamine, reducing stress hormone cortisol, and enabling you to go into a meditative state.
This results in a decrease in superficial muscle tension, improved circulation and relaxation of the body.
9. Improved lymphatic drainage
Massage can improve lymphatic drainage by stimulating the lymphatic system and causing a release of dopamine, the chemical in the brain that is known as “the happy hormone”.
This leads to improved mood and reduced stress levels, resulting in an overall reduction of cortisol – the stress hormone.
This reduction in cortisol enables a person to enter into a meditative state which helps promote better lymphatic drainage. Additionally, frequent deep tissue massages can break up stiff scar tissue due to its effects on flexibility and range of motion in previously restricted areas.
10. Improved digestion and elimination
Research shows massage therapy boosts circulation and leads to extra benefits like increased flexibility and better skin.
It also enhances your concentration and productivity, lowers your blood pressure and provides a small immunity boost.
As a result of improved circulation, massage therapy can help improve digestion and elimination by reducing stress levels, increasing relaxation and relieving muscle tension that may be contributing to digestive issues such as constipation or bloating.
Additionally, it can help increase the movement of waste through the digestive tract for better elimination.
How to choose the right massage for you?
Like the sound of a massage but unsure which type to go for?
Step 1: Research the different types of massage
Consider why you want a massage. Is it to help you relax? Relieve pain? Knowing the desired outcome will help you decide which is best. Fortunatly thanks to this article you now know what each massage type does.
If you’re still unsure it’s best to speak to a massage therapist who will be able to guide you.
Step 2: Consider your needs and preferences
Think about your comfort levels and goals. Do you want a gentle, relaxing massage or focused attention on problem areas?
Consider the level of pressure you want, as well as your expectations for the session.
Warm up beforehand to allow the massage therapist to stretch out your muscles more easily and reduce any discomfort during treatment sessions.
Hydrate before and after your massage session by drinking plenty of water; this will help keep muscles relaxed during treatment sessions and aid in recovery afterwards (since water is essential for muscle repair). After repeated treatments with no hydration breaks in between them, this can lead to post-massage soreness.
Step 3: Look for a massage therapist that matches your style
Familiarize yourself with the differences between deep tissue and Swedish massage. Deep tissue massages are more focused on problem areas and provide relief from chronic pain. Swedish massages are more gentle, relaxing strokes that can be used for general relaxation or to reduce stress and tension in the body.
Consider your comfort levels and goals when choosing a massage therapist. Do you want someone who will focus on specific problem areas? Or do you just want to relax? Ask questions about their style of massage, so you can make an informed decision before making an appointment with them.
Look for a registered massage therapist (RMT) who has experience providing either deep tissue or relaxation massages depending on what you’re looking for in terms of comfort level and results achieved after each session.
Step 4: Read reviews and research the therapist’s background
Reading reviews and researching the therapist’s background can help you choose the right massage for you.
By doing this, you can determine if the therapist is qualified and experienced in the type of massage they provide. This will allow you to have peace of mind that they are providing quality care while also meeting your needs.
Step 5: Check if the therapist is licensed and qualified to work in your country
Research your country’s massage therapy laws to find out what qualifications are required to work as a massage therapist.
Ask the potential therapist for proof of their license and qualifications, such as a Diploma in Remedial Massage or Certificate IV in Relaxation Massage.
Check if they have any relevant certifications from reputable organizations such as the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT).
Research online to see if any complaints have been made against them or their business in order to determine if they are trustworthy and reputable practitioners of their craft.
Ask them questions about their experience, techniques used and services offered so that you can make an informed decision about whether they are suitable for your needs/wants/budget etcetera .
Step 6: Ask questions during an initial consultation
During an initial consultation for a massage, clients should ask the following questions:
- What is the difference between relaxation and remedial massage?
- Which type of massage benefits me the most?
- What should I do after the massage?
Step 7: Consider cost, coverage, and other factors
When choosing a massage, it is important to consider cost, coverage, and other factors such as experience level of the therapist.
Different massages offer different benefits and it is important to find one that fits your needs.
Depending on your insurance plan or budget, you may need to weigh the pros and cons of different types of massages in order to choose one that best meets your needs while staying within your budget.
Additionally, you should make sure that any massage therapist you choose has appropriate experience in order for them to provide quality care.
Can Remedial Massage Help with Better Sleep?
Remedial massage can indeed improve sleep quality by reducing stress and tension in the body. The meditation and sleep relationship is heightened by the relaxation brought on by massage therapy, leading to better sleep patterns. This type of therapy can help ease the mind and body for a more restful night.
FAQ
How do therapists perform relaxation massage?
The therapist will begin by setting the mood for your massage session, either by dimming the lights or playing relaxing music.
They will then ask you to lie down on the table and make sure that you are comfortable and have enough space around you.
Next, they will use light to medium pressure as they apply long, gentle strokes along your body in order to create a soothing flow for your entire body.
They may also use kneading or gentle chopping motions to target specific trigger points if needed; these movements help promote relaxation by releasing tension in muscles and easing any pain you may be experiencing in those areas.
End with slow breathing techniques that further promote relaxation while helping reduce stress levels in your body .
What techniques are used in relaxation massage?
Relaxation massage uses general Swedish techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration and pressure point stimulation. Therapeutic massages also use general Swedish techniques but may also incorporate non-Swedish techniques such as frictions to break up adhesions and increase range of motion.
How does relaxation massage help reduce aches and pains?
Relaxation massage helps to reduce aches and pains by providing gentle manipulations of the muscles, kneading, and flowing strokes.
This helps to relax both the strengths and mind, reduce superficial muscle tension, improve circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, release dopamine – a chemical that improves mood – reduce stress hormone cortisol, and enable you to go into a meditative state.
How does relaxation massage improve circulation?
Relaxation massage increases circulation by applying pressure to muscles in the direction of blood flow to the heart.
This increases blood flow throughout the body, stretches tendons and ligaments, energizes the skin and nervous system, and results in whole-body relaxation. It also helps reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, reduce high blood pressure levels, and boost immune system function.
What are the differences between a relaxation massage and a deep tissue massage?
Both a relaxation massage and a deep tissue massage involve the use of hands-on techniques to relieve tension in the body.
A relaxation massage typically uses lighter pressure and focuses on relaxing the muscles and reducing stress, whereas a deep tissue massage uses heavier pressure to target specific areas that are causing pain or discomfort.
The main difference between these two types of massages is the amount of pressure used.
A relaxation massage typically uses lighter pressure while a deep tissue massage uses heavier pressure to target specific areas that may be causing pain or discomfort.
Additionally, Swedish massages tend to focus more on releasing tension in the muscles while deep tissue massages focus more on treating specific issues such as injury or pain points.
How does a massage therapist use trigger point therapy?
The therapist will begin by identifying the area of pain and any trigger points that may be causing it.
They will then use their hands and fingers to apply pressure to the affected area in order to locate and release these tight “knots” in the muscles.
As they continue applying pressure, they may also use other techniques such as stretching or cross-fibre friction in order to increase blood flow and promote healing of the tissue surrounding the trigger point(s).
Once all of the knots have been located, they can then use myofascial release techniques on them in order to ease tension and restore movement range of motion back into that muscle group(s).
What kinds of massage therapy techniques can be used for injury rehabilitation?
Injury rehabilitation can be achieved through a variety of massage therapy techniques, such as:
- Deep tissue massage: This type of massage focuses on aligning deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, breaking down bands of painful tissue or adhesions in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Trigger point techniques: Our qualified massage therapists can use trigger point techniques to treat injuries by applying direct pressure and releasing movements to improve blood flow to the area.
- Stretching techniques: These help lengthen muscle fibres and improve postural alignment. Other techniques may include soft tissue manipulation, acupuncture needles, rehabilitative exercises etc..
How does massage therapy help reduce chronic stress and tension?
Massage therapy helps reduce chronic stress and tension by promoting a rise in the levels of a hormone known as oxytocin, which relaxes the body and reduces amounts of cortisol in our system.
Having a massage can help ease physical symptoms like tightness in your neck and shoulders, as well as headaches.
Relaxation massages prompt a physiological relaxation response in your body, slowing your heart and breathing rate, reducing blood pressure, helping muscles to relax and decrease production of stress hormones.
A massage can boost your body’s serotonin levels, which can lead to feelings of happiness and wellbeing.Tthere are other benefits such as improved circulation which has several benefits including better flexibility for healthier skin.
In addition, massage therapy can help to improve concentration and lower blood pressure, and it can also boost the immune system.
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