Some of the most common questions our clients ask are:

What is the difference between relaxation and remedial massage?

Which you benefits you?

And why do you feel so good after a massage?

RELAXATION MASSAGE

A relaxation massage specifically reduces superficial muscle tension, improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, causes a release in dopamine; the chemical in the brain termed ‘the happy hormone’ due to it’s mood improving qualities, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and enables you to go into a meditative state.

REMEDIAL MASSAGE

Remedial massage on the other hand goes further into the body’s physical and psychological functioning. Remedial massage stimulates the blood supply to areas of tissue that are dysfunctional, increases mobility in joints, investigates into the why of a muscular pain or injury, and creates a plan to improve or remove specific muscular issues. Through different massage techniques muscles are either relaxed or activate. This process aims to restore the balance of functioning muscles. Different pressure of techniques is applied; the glutes for example generally require firmer pressure usually with an elbow, compared to the neck with softer pressure using the fingers.

Research (Bervoets et al. 2015) indicates relaxation massage assists with short-term relief of pain, including back and shoulder pain. This research demonstrates that relaxation massage does indeed help however relaxation massage alone is not as beneficial for long-term relief as is remedial massage.

Remedial massage treatments have significant pain improvement and positive health outcome because of the additional advice provided including exercise prescription and stretching suggestions by the therapist (Joseph et al. 2018).

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

The psychological effects of massage are reduction in anxiety and depression, and an increase in general mood, with hand pressure being a major factor in outcomes (Hohl, Deslandes & Marmora, 2019).

Overall massage has multiple benefits which if included in your regular self-care routine, decrease your risk of pain and injury, and increase your mood and functionality in every day life.

ORGANISE YOUR MASSAGE TREATMENT PLAN TODAY

Contact us on 86584087 to organise your “massage health and well-being treatment plan”, and let our therapists help you feel your best and get back to doing what you love.

Massage the natural way to keep you active and feeling your best.

References

Bervoets, D, Luijsterburg, P.A, Alessie, J.J, Buijs, M.S & Verhagen, A.P 2015, ‘Massage Therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders cpompared ro no treatment: a systematic review’, Jphysiother. vol. 61, no. 3, doi: 10.1016, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26093806>.

Hohl, R, Deslandes, A.C & Marmora, C 2019, ‘The effect of single-dose massage session on autonomic activity, mood, and affective responses in major depressive disorder’ J Holist Nurs, doi: 10.1177/0898010119832493, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30810079>.

Joseph, L.H, Hancharoenkul, B, Sitilertpisan, P, Pirunsan, U & Paungmali, A, 2018, ‘ Effects of Massage as a combination Therapy with Lumbopelvic stability exercises as compared to standard massage therapy in low back pain: a randomized cross-over study’ Int J Ther Massage Bodywork, vol. 11, no. 4, <.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30524633>.