Remedial Massage - Brisbane MSK Clinic
Remedial Massage Therapy
Remedial Massage is a form of manual soft tissue therapy that aims to restore normal tissue function and mobility,reducing tension and pain. Soft tissues may become dysfunctional for many reasons,such as injury,illness,stress,and lack of use. These changes to soft tissues then impact how tissues function. The function of tissues then affects mobility and can lead to pain. Remedial massage therapy aims to identify and treat these dysfunctional tissues. Treatment often involves a mix of soft tissue therapy techniques. A remedial therapy session may include prescriptive exercises and aftercare advice,too. Hence,although the aim of treatment is not relaxation per se,relieving pain can have the same effect.
Soft Tissue Therapy and advanced Remedial Massage tends to be more focused than other forms of Massage therapy and treats specific injuries,such as sports injuries or work-related ailments. Such injuries may have occurred due to activity,or more commonly lack thereof,overuse or misuse. Some medical conditions may also lead to changes in the tissues and thus function. The main aim of remedial massage is to restore normal or near normal functional movement by treating dysfunctional tissues. Remedial massage involve applying superficial and deep tissue massage techniques to soft tissues and fascia under treatment. Restoring normal tissue function usually relieves Musculoskeletal / MSK related symptoms and pain,which is a "stressor". Any "stressor" has a reasonably immediate effect on the human body,as is explained in the article on the Stress Response. Movements are affected by the function of various structures within the body,which can lead to changes far from the problem source.
Massage vs Remedial Massage
Massage has many forms or styles and various training levels. The lowest level of training is base-level Massage,which covers basic massage techniques. Basic Massage courses may vary in content and name,though they are often at the certificate level. The focus of such courses is not to treat specific issues. Holistic Massage,Swedish Massage,Traditional Massage,and Relaxation Massage are all at the basic level. The main aim of such therapy sessions is relaxation,and treatments are often full-body. Such courses also teach routines to cover the body within a set time. Hence,there is little time to focus on just one area or to gain a detailed history. Many outlets,such as spas,hotels and beauty therapy clinics,offer base Massage.
A Diploma in Remedial Massage is at a higher education level,with a current base-level course requirement. Training focuses more on treating specific issues and covers more soft tissue techniques,such as Deep Tissue Massage. Such courses also provide much more in-depth knowledge. Although remedial therapists cannot diagnose,they learn some diagnostic skills,conditions,and prescriptive exercises. Massage courses can vary greatly,even at the same level. Hence,some courses are not accepted by professional associations or health providers. As a Remedial session focuses more on specific problem areas,there is no time to cover the whole body. Thus,the routines of base massage do not apply. Equally,there is often a more in-depth history taking and assessment before treatment starts. A single session may focus on just one or two areas of the body in a one-hour session. Some clinics offer two-hour sessions,though you can overdo soft tissue work.
A Remedial Massage therapist has a broader scope of practice than a base-level masseur. Scope relates to what a therapist has the training to treat,though that does not stop people from going outside their scope. Many countries have no regulations covering Massage. Hence,anybody can use the term massage with or without any education. Such a problem may explain why the public can have different experiences with the same type of therapist.
Is Remedial Massage Painful?
There is a myth that Remedial Massage must be painful and that pain is a sign of good treatment. Dysfunctional tissues are likely to be sensitive when worked on. Hence,a remedial therapy session may involve discomfort,as treatment aims to treat such tissues. However,an excruciating therapy session has more to do with the therapist than anything else. One therapy method might prove painful in one situation and not in others. Remedial training may also vary between training providers in terms of techniques taught. Remedial therapist training often includes Myofascial Release,though there are many forms. Yet,effective use requires more than just learning a technique. Remedial Massage training also often covers techniques from Sports Massage. More advanced qualifications in the UK include Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage.
What are the benefits of Remedial Massage?
Remedial Massage therapy has many known health benefits. Therapy can reduce muscle tension and pain,aiding recovery. Reducing tension and pain can also lead to relaxation. Other benefits include increased circulation,flexibility,and mobility. Remedial therapists can also treat a variety of work-related and sports injuries. Other benefits include injury prevention via treatment and advice. Headaches and myofascial pain are other areas where therapy may relieve symptoms. Many health funds in Australia recognise remedial Massage but do not recognise base massage. Some therapists will have more in-depth knowledge than others due to personal areas of interest.
Massage and Myotherapy Registrations
Terry brings over 16 years of experience treating in the MSK Therapy field back to Brisbane from the UK. He is highly qualified with relevant education and training spanning from Certificate level through to higher education and a Masters. His training and experience cover many assessment methods,treatment types and soft tissue therapy (STT) skills. Besides the sixteen years of clinical experience,Terry has a further eight years of experience training and working at the highest physical performance levels within the elite British forces environment. He has a personal experience with a range of running injuries and a vast amount of professional treatment experience. He is still an avid distance runner to this day. Such knowledge has proved highly valuable in the treatment of elite-level athletes and members of the public. His ongoing sporting activities,experiences,and interests have naturally led him to specialise in human performance and treating trauma and myofascial pain. As a result,he has developed expertise in advanced myofascial release therapy treatment and techniques and has specialised in these soft tissue therapy skills since 2008. He also taught as a senior course coach on the first myotherapy course in Brisbane. His skills are now available at the Morningside clinic,where he works as a Myotherapist.