Methods and Benefits of Remedial Massage Therapy

Essentially, remedial massage therapy differs in its nature and scope than the relaxation treatments that spas offer to their customers. The remediation of muscle tissue to reduce swelling and pain is one of the primary purposes of this treatment. In particular, a remedial massage therapist palpates the patient's body to identify the source of pain. A common solution is for the therapist to mechanically manipulate the muscles, tendons and ligaments to loosen up stiff joints and to break down knotted tissues. A second technique makes use of nerve pathways called meridians to treat the patient.

Using Pressure and Stretching Exercises

Generally, a trained professional would know how to palpate and apply the right amount of pressure to the area using the knuckles or the heel of a hand. Repeatedly pulling and pushing tightened muscles eventually breaks them down and melts away the tension. Apart from the relaxing effects, a massage treatment also releases the harmful deposits from the body through stretching and joint rotation exercises. These toxins trapped in the lymphatic nodes usually lead to acid buildup, which causes muscle and joint problems.

Understanding the Neural Pathways and Flow of Energy

A remedial massage treatment that combines similar styles, such as shiatsu and Swedish massage, recognizes the role of nerve points in keeping a smooth flow of chi or life force within the body. This hidden river of energy continuously flows through the body's major organs, muscles, and veins. Practitioners in traditional massage techniques believe that clogged pathways cause problems with one's physical and emotional health. Thus, getting rid of the blockages opens up the circulation of chi, which bursts through the body similar to an electrifying sensation.

Western medicine often prescribed drugs to treat the psychosomatic symptoms of an imbalance in the body's life force. These drugs certainly relieve the person of the symptoms, but they mostly missed the mark in resolving a deeper emotional problem. And so, many remedial massage practitioners have been working with doctors and physical therapists to treat muscular and skeletal dysfunctions, such as whiplash injury, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, lower back pain, migraines, and sports injuries. During treatment, the remedial massage therapist may massage the arms to alleviate stomach pains or apply pressure to the lower back area to treat leg cramps.

All in all, a remedial massage brings several health benefits to a patient without the use of drugs or mechanical devices to manage the pain or treat emotional problems. The massage techniques affect different body systems, including circulatory, endocrine, and excretory systems. The most significant effect, however, is the calming of the peripheral nervous system, which manages sensations of pain. In the end, the toning and relaxation of muscles and joints lead to better mobility and flexibility for the patient.