Remedial Massage and Deep Tissue Massage - What's the difference + FAQs

Peter Petroff Remedial Massage Therapist

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a deep tissue massage and a remedial massage? You wouldn't be alone as the modality has evolved throughout the years as our understanding of pain and the human body has improved.
 
Medibank defines remedial massage as 'the systematic assessment and treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management.'
 
When a client presents with pain either from an injury or due to repetitive stresses at work, your therapist will first perform a physical assessment to determine whether the pain is related to the soft tissues of the body and from there create a treatment plan with the goal of reducing or eliminating pain and restoring soft tissue function to the targeted group of muscles. This assessment can take up to 10 minutes, but will ensure the hands-on treatment is far more effective resulting in fewer treatments needed to see results.
 
Massage is a tool utilised by many professions including physios, osteopaths, and chiropractors but for remedial massage therapists it is our speciality. We use our hands to encourage a safe and feel good environment for your muscles, in order to disrupt the cycle that many with chronic pain experience, where there is pain but no obvious signs of tissue damage or where an initial injury has healed but there is still a feeling that something isn't quite right.

Techniques that are used in a remedial massage appointment include

• Muscle energy techniques
• Joint mobilisation
• Myofascial release
• Deep tissue massage
• Trigger point therapy
• Exercise prescription

Exercises given during a remedial massage session are generally movement based and don't require weights or any equipment, this means they can easily be incorporated into your daily routine without having to make a major commitment. Doing these movements help cement positive changes gained during your remedial massage session and turn them into long lasting results.

How about deep tissue and relaxation massage

Massage provides many benefits such as stress relief, a reduced feeling of tension throughout the body and an overall feeling of wellness. A therapeutic deep tissue or relaxation massage may provide all the above benefits, but the approach is broad and less specific than a remedial massage, where the entire body is treated, usually through a full body massage.
 
A therapeutic massage or deep tissue massage requires less participation from a client during treatment. During a remedial massage a client will sometimes be asked to perform movements during certain techniques whereas in a therapeutic session the client will be able to relax for the entire duration of the session.
 
A common misconception is that deep tissue massage should be painful, while there can be
some discomfort working in sensitive areas, it should never be painful and a client should never be grimacing on the table. Your therapist will keep in constant communication with you ensuring the treatment is within a comfortable pain threshold and adjusting accordingly to your needs.

Which option is best for me

If you're feeling sore or stressed because of work or maybe you just need to unwind, address a few niggles and relax, a deep tissue / therapeutic massage is a good place to start. But if you have an ache or pain that just won't seem to go away or keeps coming back, a remedial massage is the better option to take as the assessment and variety of techniques used will overall be more efficient in meeting your goals.

FAQ

Will I be sore after my massage

It is a common reaction to massage to feel sore and tender for a few days after a massage but it is usually an indication that the pressure used by the therapist was too much. We want our clients to feel light and free the day after their massage.

What should I wear to the appointment

Comfortable loose fitting clothes is recommended as it'll make the physical assessment easier to perform.

Which oils do you use

​We use organic coconut oil but if you don't like the feeling of oil, we also have sorbolene
available. Clients are also welcome to bring their own oils if they like.

Can I claim a rebate through health insurance

Yes, remedial massage is claimable though most policies under extras. Note: Relaxation / Deep tissue is not eligible for rebates.