The wellbeing benefits of remedial massage

You’ve tried stretching. You’ve adjusted your desk chair. Maybe you’ve even bought a foam roller. And still that tight shoulder, aching back or persistent neck pain keeps nagging at you.

For many people, muscle tension and pain are a part of daily life. But they don’t have to be.  

As interest in proactive health and wellbeing continues to grow, remedial massage is increasingly being viewed as a practical tool for managing pain, reducing stress and supporting overall wellbeing. 

What is remedial massage?

Unlike a relaxation massage, which is primarily designed to help you unwind, remedial massage focuses on assessing and treating the underlying causes of specific musculoskeletal concerns, such as pain, discomfort and restricted movement. 

“Remedial massage therapists study a lot more in depth around clinical assessment and testing, and looking at both acute and chronic issues that clients have,” explains Lisa Randall, a board member of the Massage Association of Australia, owner of Botanique Skin Wellness Spa and an educator in the health and wellness sector. 

“If you’re seeing somebody who knows their stuff, they’re going to assess you. They may look at your posture and get you to make a few movements to see what your range of movement is. They’ll then be able to identify where you’re restricted and what part of the body needs attention.”

This assessment helps therapists tailor treatment to each individual, rather than simply working on the area where pain is being felt.

Deep tissue versus remedial massage 

Depending on a person’s needs, a remedial massage therapist may use a combination of techniques to improve movement and reduce discomfort, including trigger-point therapy, myofascial release and stretching methods. 

Rather than being a separate kind of massage altogether, deep tissue is another technique that remedial massage therapists have at their fingertips.

“Deep tissue is just one technique that we use in remedial massage,” says Lisa. “Remedial is the bigger umbrella term.”

What are the benefits of remedial massage? 

Research suggests massage therapy may help reduce pain, ease muscle tension and support recovery from physical activity.

But according to Lisa, the benefits can extend beyond the physical.

“When you’re in pain, it affects every part of your life,” she says. “Getting relief means you can socialise and be part of your community again, you can go to work and feel productive, you can get off the couch and do things around the house.” 

This highlights an important point about wellbeing: our physical health doesn’t exist in isolation. Ongoing pain or tension can affect mood, sleep, relationships, confidence and our ability to participate in the activities that matter most. 

For this reason, many people view remedial massage as one part of a broader wellbeing toolkit, alongside exercise, movement, mindfulness and other healthy habits.

Of course, like any wellbeing strategy, results can vary depending on the individual and the reason they’re seeking treatment.

“I never like to promise that we’re going to cure anything with massage,” Lisa says. “But it’s certainly a valuable tool for managing pain, stress and chronic conditions.” 

Who can benefit from remedial massage?

One of the strengths of remedial massage is its versatility.

People seek treatment for a wide range of reasons, including: 

• back, neck and shoulder pain 
• sports-related aches and injuries 
• muscle tension and stiffness 
• rehabilitation following injury 
• stress management 
• pregnancy-related discomfort 
• general wellbeing and maintenance. 

“There are so many different applications,” Lisa says. “Some therapists specialise in specific areas, such as sports massage, pregnancy massage, aged care or chronic pain management, while others work with a broad range of clients.” 

However, she adds that while remedial massage is suitable for many people, there are situations where treatment may need to be modified or avoided. This includes recent surgery, certain medical conditions and high-risk pregnancies, all of which may require you to get medical clearance before booking an appointment. 

If you’re unsure whether remedial massage is right for you, have a chat with your healthcare provider or a qualified therapist. 

What happens during a remedial massage appointment? 

If you’ve never had a remedial massage before, Lisa says you can generally expect a more structured process than a standard relaxation massage. 

Your first appointment will usually begin with a consultation covering your health history, medications, injuries, symptoms and treatment goals. 

And while the treatment itself will vary depending on your needs, a qualified therapist should communicate with you about pressure levels and comfort throughout the session. 

“Some areas may feel tender or uncomfortable during treatment, but clients shouldn’t leave feeling battered or bruised,” Lisa stresses. 

“We’re trained to relieve tension and deal with chronic and acute issues, and to do it within the client’s comfort level. I 100 percent do not believe in the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy.” 

She adds that professional remedial massage therapists also maintain treatment notes to monitor progress and help guide future care. 

How to find a qualified remedial massage therapist 

When choosing a practitioner, look for someone with recognised remedial massage qualifications who belongs to a professional association, such as the Massage Association of Australia. 

“Professional associations help maintain standards around education, ethics and continuing professional development, and many provide online practitioner directories,” Lisa explains. 

If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may also be eligible for rebates on remedial massage treatments, depending on your level of cover. Check with your health fund for details. 

Another tool for your Real Wellbeing toolkit? 

According to Lisa, changing attitudes towards health and wellbeing are one reason more Australians are turning to remedial massage.  

Whether it’s a sore neck from hours at a desk or persistent lower back pain, she notes that many of us are looking for ways to feel and function better. 

“We’re not expected to just put up with pain anymore,” she says. “Especially since the pandemic, people are looking for tools that can help them stay active, healthy and engaged in their daily lives.”

So if you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury or looking for another way to support your Real Wellbeing, remedial massage may be worth a try. 

“We live in a pretty stressful world, so I think it’s great that we take time out for these sorts of things,” Lisa says. “We all need these tools in our toolbox to help us keep moving forward.”