SO, I get asked this a lot. And by a lot, I mean like every other person. “isn’t Remedial Massage, just relaxation massage regardless”?
What you say now???
“uh uh huni…no NO remedial massage and general massage are nothing alike, even by definition”
“Remedial massage is the assessment and treatment of dysfunction, supported by a treatment plan and documented treatment notes.”
“Relaxation massage helps to de-stress and loosen up your body”
Can the 2 types cross over? Yes and no. In relaxation, you wouldn’t be applying deeper pressure as the goal is to soothe tired muscles and have a greater sense of de-stressing. Too firm application of technique could counteract that with the client. However, a good masseuse (and yes I use the term masseuse here in this context as it drums up an image of a blissfully relaxing spa setting with a beautiful well-groomed, soft handed beauty therapist and LOTS of oil ) will still assess the client and ask if there are any areas of greater concern or heightened tension to give higher focus too.
An RMT can and should use some Swedish or relaxation massage techniques within a treatment, BUT an RMT is there to assess the possible reasons of chronic OR acute pain for a client as well as the massage itself.
Think of us (some of us) as a physiotherapist without the ability to DIAGNOSIS you with what we may SUSPECT is going on.
And if you come across ANY remedial massage therapist who DOES diagnosis you…RUN…RUN far far away from them. A quality practitioner will refer you on if they believe there is something more going on.
And for the RMT’s out there that aren’t sure?? Get comfortable with writing referral letters.
Like my queen Missy says
“Ain’t no shame lady, do your thang!”
(hahaha that song gonna be stuck in your head now)
Your good quality RMT should also prescribe you some form of movement correction.
Far too many don’t (thoughts for another blog). Cause here is the kicker, MOVEMENT HEALS. Massage helps to deal with the SYMPTOMS to your ISSUE. IT DOESN’T CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
(yes, feel free to envision me shouting at the top of a mountain for that last bit)
SOOOOO, WHICH ONE TO GO TO?
Simples, my babes!
Do your muscles ache?
Do you have a sense of tension? EVERYWHERE?
Do you just need to chill and come back down from the cloud of stress?
A good quality RELAXATION MASSAGE is for you!
(I might add here that your regular RMT can do this for you too! Ya just gotta ask)
Have you recently had an injury?
Dealing with chronic headaches?
Shoulder, back, neck, knee, wrist, foot (pretty much any joint) pain?
Then you need a suitably qualified clinical remedial therapist!
Someone who knows the diagnostic testing required and who has good affiliations with physio’s, chiros and other allied health professionals.
Someone like…you guessed it…ME (shameless plug)
If you can’t come to see me, (cause you live too far away as that’s the ONLY reason why you wouldn’t…RIGHT) then check out my blog with a listing of professional’s I highly recommend
Cause they my kind peoples 😊
Otherwise, come see me, I do all of the above and then some. Check out the details on my website
Till next time xx
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