Have you ever wondered what the difference between a regular massage and a remedial massage is? Is a standard massage what you are looking for, or could you benefit more from a remedial massage? In this article, we’re going to highlight the key differences between both a standard massage and remedial therapy, so that you can identify which is best suited to your individual situation.
That’s the thing about massage, everybody’s needs are different—which is fortunate given the vast amount of different therapies that there are available today. In any case, rather than go too deep into the rabbit hole that is massage therapy, we’ll stay focused on standard, and remedial, for your convenience.
What is a standard / traditional massage?
What is typically referred to as a standard or traditional massage in the west, is a Swedish massage. This is also one of the most popular forms of massage therapy as it can help you to relax, give you a boost in energy, and may even help after an injury (however, there may be more suitable massage therapies out there depending on the nature of your injury).
A Swedish massage typically involves long, kneading strokes which are combined with various rhythmic tapping and regular movement of the joints. This form of massage is designed to target the uppermost layers of muscle, with the overall aim of relieving muscle tension and rendering the recipient loose and relaxed.
Who is Swedish massage for?
Swedish massage is for anybody. If you are simply looking for a way to unwind and relax, then a Swedish massage is one of the least invasive massage therapies available. And by least invasive, we simply mean that there will be less pressure applied and you will not experience as much pain or discomfort (some massage therapies designed to treat injuries such as deep tissue massage may feel slightly painful at times).
So, if you don’t particularly have any major injuries, though you have been feeling tense and a little sore, then a Swedish massage is for you. These therapies typically treat the neck, shoulders, and back. They may even be coupled with oils and other topical lotions to make the process easier and subsequently more relaxing on your part.
All in all, you can think of Swedish massage as an entry-level/generic massage for the purpose of unwinding and relaxing.
What does Swedish massage involve?
Swedish massage involves the following techniques:
- Friction: deep circular movements intended to increase blood flow and break up scar tissue
- Effleurage: smooth and gliding strokes to help relax your soft muscle tissues
- Petrissage: squeezing, rolling, and kneading your muscles
- Tapotement and vibration: tapping cupped hands and fingers across your body
What is a remedial massage?
So, what is remedial massage? Remedial massage is a medicinal therapy that is designed to treat muscles that have been damaged, knotted, are tense, or immobile. Remedial massage is particularly helpful for a number of problems that can affect the tendons, bones, and muscles, including a selection of other health issues as well.
Your remedial massage therapist will use various techniques to locate and repair the damaged areas of your body and ultimately speed up the healing process. With the application of pressure throughout this healing treatment, you may experience either strong and deep movements, or shallow and gentle (depending on your problem and preferences).
It is also known that issues with muscles can lead to pain radiating from other parts of your body as well. The purpose of remedial massage is to trace the root cause of these aches and pains and then tackle both the cause and the subsequent symptoms.
Who is a remedial massage for?
Who is a remedial massage for? Here are some of the ailments that the treatment can help you with. If any of the following apply to you, then remedial massage is worth exploring further:
- Injury from sports or other strenuous activities
- Neck, shoulder, and/or back pain
- Persistent headaches
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Antique
- Depression and anxiety
- Side effects of diabetes
- Addition rehabilitation
In some cases, remedial massage is used to treat the side effects of certain cancers, such as lymphoedema, and the anxiety associated with it. If you or someone you love are battling cancer, then we’d recommend exploring the benefits of remedial massage; the stress relief alone is incredibly valuable.
What does remedial massage involve?
What does remedial massage involve? Before you begin your therapy, a qualified remedial massage therapist will ask you about your health and lifestyle situation. Following that, once they have a clearer understanding of what you are suffering from and which problem areas you would like to target, you will be asked to lie on the massage table.
Your body will be covered with towels to keep you warm and protect your privacy. Once you are comfortable, your therapist will likely use various oils and creams to help massage your skin smoothly.
Using a number of different techniques, your remedial massage therapist will locate and begin to repair the damaged areas of your body, using deep penetration and a variety of different stretches.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this article educational and now have a better understanding of the differences between remedial massage therapy, and a standard Swedish massage. If you would like to explore either therapy further, find yourself a reputable massage parlour and day spa like Royal Paradise Thai Massage.
We wish you the best of luck with your massage experience. You certainly won’t regret it when you eventually float out of the massage parlour, feeling loose, relaxed, and at ease.
