Remedial massage therapy is used in the treatment of sporting injuries and other ongoing medical conditions, such as arthritis. But what is remedial massage and how can it work to help your recovery?
Remedial massage
Remedial massage is often used in conjunction with drug therapy and pain relief medication in order to help promote the healing process in muscles and other soft tissues that have been damaged as a result of sporting injuries. Chronic medical conditions such as arthritis and even recurrent migraines also benefit from remedial massage therapy.
During an initial consultation, the massage therapist uses his or her hands to test the patient's body for signs of tightness and tension and to identify areas that may be causing physical problems. An experienced therapist will be able to determine any sources of pain and areas of restricted movement in order to bring about recovery. As a result of this examination, the therapist will liaise with the patient's medical practitioners to draft a proposed treatment programme.
Unlike the long, slow gentle strokes that are applied during other forms of therapeutic massage, remedial massage techniques use a deeper, stronger touch and include deep tissue manipulation and kneading of the muscles. Remedial massage involves the manipulation of the body's soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
How can remedial massage help to promote recovery?
The action of remedial massage treatment works by stimulating mechanical and reflex responses within the body.
Reflex actions are triggered when one part of the patient's body interacts directly with another, rather like pressing a switch in order to turn on a light. In some cases, the connection between two areas of a patient's body is not obvious; for example in the case of sciatica, massaging the lower back can help to relieve pain the patient's legs and buttocks. These seemingly diffuse pathways of energy within the body are referred to as 'meridians', and they form a key aspect of remedial massage therapy.
Mechanical actions are stimulated when the therapist moves the soft tissues of the body through the application of pressure and stretching. This mechanical action can help to break down accumulated fibrous tissue, working to relieve stiffness and aid mobility.
In conclusion
Remedial massage could help you if you have suffered a sporting injury or a medical condition such as arthritis. Ask your doctor for a referral to a remedial massage specialist for treatment. For more information about the massage itself, talk to a specialist.
Share
