Remedial Massage is a hands-on manipulation of soft tissue (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Remedial Therapists use a range of techniques to alleviate muscular tension, improve function and aid relaxation.

The main distinction between Remedial Massage and Myotherapy is that a Myotherapist has a higher level of qualification and is trained to identify the underlying cause of a problem, using a much wider variety of treatment techniques.

1. Relieves Tension and Stress

Remedial massage targets the root cause of an injury, relieving tension and improving flexibility. It also helps the body recover from injuries and supports a healthy immune system.

Remedial massage differs from relaxation massage in that it is more specific to the individual’s needs and uses different techniques. It often uses essential kneading movements and deeper pressure than other massage styles. It may feel a little uncomfortable at times, but this is usually because it is manipulated deep muscles in the body which have a different pain threshold to the rest of the muscles.

During the initial assessment, your remedial massage therapist will use muscle tests and joint movement to identify tight muscles or damaged joints. They may also ask you to lie down and perform a range of postures to gain more information about the problem area. They will then decide on the best course of treatment to suit your individual needs. The Myotherapy profession was developed by Bonnie Prudden based on the research of medical doctors Travell and Simons who published their Trigger Point Manual in the early 1970’s.

2. Decreases Inflammation

Using the mechano-transduction process (in which cell’s convert mechanical signals – pressure massage technique – into a biochemical response) remedial massage decreases inflammation by releasing feel good hormones like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. This helps reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality which can be disrupted by chronic pain.

Remedial Massage can also help break down adhesions in the soft tissue – these are created by tight, overused or injured muscles. These adhesions can then restrict blood flow, causing more pain and further damage. Remedial massage uses deeper techniques to help treat these areas and get the body back to its normal function.

Myotherapy is a clinical approach to treating soft tissue damage and dysfunction – it’s based on Remedial Massage and Western medical evidence-based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation principles. Myotherapists use a range of therapies and techniques to help rebalance muscle/soft tissue length, tension and tone and return to their natural joint/capsular/bone position.

The first thing a myotherapist will do is assess the client and find out the underlying cause of their muscular pain/dysfunction. This will usually involve a detailed health history and an inspection of the problem area(s).

3. Relieves Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are often caused by tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. Remedial massage relieves these knots by increasing blood flow to the area and releasing the body’s natural pain-killing endorphins. Regular remedial massage also reduces tension and stress, which can be major triggers for these conditions. Specific Physiotherapy Preston target these issues more precisely, offering tailored treatments for lasting relief.

Remedial massage can also alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that causes compression of the nerves in the chest, which can cause pain and tenderness. Remedial massage uses gentle manipulation of the soft tissues to reposition any misaligned bones and to improve the flow of blood and lymph in the area.

Remedial massage also addresses muscle knots, which are referred to as myofascial trigger points and can be found throughout the body. These knots are hard, sensitive spots in the muscle that feel like little knots of pressure and can be very painful when touched. Remedial massage identifies these trigger points and applies pressure to them, which helps release the tight muscle and ease the pain. This type of massage has also been found to increase the levels of white blood cells, which help fight off infections and disease.

4. Increases Joint Flexibility

Remedial massage increases joint flexibility by squeezing and stretching connective tissues. This loosens tight muscles and improves range of movement while increasing blood flow to supply healthy oxygen to muscles. When muscles are more flexible, it’s easier to avoid injury and recover faster after exercise or physical activity.

During a remedial massage, the therapist will ask questions about your health history and observe how you move as they work on your body. This helps them understand your body better and determine which areas need treatment. They may use a combination of techniques such as passive stretching, myofascial cupping and remedial massage to treat your symptoms.

Remedial massage can help if you have an acute injury, chronic pain, or if your muscles are tight and restricted in movement. This treatment can also help you return to regular activities, like sports or work, that were previously unable to be performed due to a painful condition. This enables you to continue doing your favorite activities, and can even allow you to try new ones! Depending on your situation, your therapist will recommend an appropriate schedule for regular remedial massage.

5. Reduces Pain

The healing effects of remedial massage help reduce pain associated with a wide range of health disorders. Remedial massage is able to locate and repair damaged areas of the body and speed up the bodies own healing process. It can also alleviate pain from chronic conditions and rebalance the length, tension and tone of muscles.

Remedial massage also helps increase the range of motion of joints. This is achieved by releasing the tension in the muscles that surround the joint. This can be very beneficial for those suffering from frozen shoulder, as well as arthritic and sporting injuries.

Studies have shown that people experiencing pain benefit greatly from regular remedial massage. This is because as the muscles become more relaxed, the stress hormone cortisol decreases. This allows the immune system to function more effectively as it does not have to deal with the blockages caused by stress. Remedial massage has also been found to stimulate natural killer cells, improve lymphatic drainage and boost white blood cell count. These are all positive outcomes that result in the immune system functioning better.