One of the most common questions I get from patients is “What is the difference between Remedial & Sports Massage?” This is closely followed by, “So which treatment is right for me?”

As therapist I customise my treatments to suit the individual needs of each patient however this is the nuts & bolts to help you understand the clear distinction between the two.

REMEDIAL MASSAGE

Remedial Massage stimulates the bloody supply which in return, helps to repair damaged tissues and increases joint mobility. Remedial Massage can assist with managing: -

• musculoskeletal pain & dysfunction

• management and rehabilitation of sports injuries

• management and rehabilitation of occupational injuries

• chronic pain & postural issues

Within a treatment I combine assessment with treatment strategies, adapting to each individual with a range of techniques such as Trigger point therapy, Muscle energy technique (MET), stretching, active release, cross-fibre friction, myofascial release and cupping.

How does this differ from Deep Tissue massage you may ask?

Deep Tissue massage is primarily a full-body massage using the benefit of firm pressure, different from Remedial Massage where it involves a clinical approach, focusing on a particular area to manage the pain that’s present, as well as treating any injuries and correcting postural imbalances.

What’s it Good for: Everyone! In particular, Office Workers who suffer from headaches, sore shoulders or stiff necks, Tradies who tend to suffer from a sore lower back, plus anyone with a muscle-related injury or imbalance, can be helped through remedial massage.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports Massage can play a big role in performance and recovery of your chosen activity. It is very similar to remedial massage, however as the name indicates, it is more sports focused and specific to the muscle groups being worked in gym sessions or sporting games. Whether it be Football, Netball, Cricket, Soccer, Running or Cycling, no matter what sport you participate in or what your goal may be (Injury/Rehabilitation, Pre-game, Recovery/Post-game, Endurance) there is a treatment tailored just for you!

The variety of techniques that can be implemented in a Sports Massage treatment are: -

• Deep Tissue

• Frictions

• Soft Tissue

• Muscle energy techniques

• Stretching

• Active release

• Cross-fibre friction

• Trigger point therapy

• Myofascial release

• Cupping

I use a combination of these techniques to assist in preventing injury, increasing blood flow and circulation, break up scar tissue, increase flexibility and mobility, reduce fatigue in the musculoskeletal system and kick-start your lead up to perform or recover; helping you be the best you can be!

Lactic acid and Carbonic acid are two waste products that build up in the muscles after exercise. With sports massage the circulation is increased, and this makes it easier and quicker to reduce and eliminate these toxins between workouts. Massage also helps the muscles relax between training and games to prevent “over-training” while supporting the nervous system to build the muscles effectively.

Good for: Sports players, anyone who has a keen interest in fitness/exercise – both professionally & recreationally. Anyone that is very active, with or without a specific issue or injury.

USING MASSAGE TO TREAT SPORTING & OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES

If you’re experiencing an injury in your sporting activity, in your workplace or at home that is preventing you from doing daily activities and overall just being a nuisance to your day - it may be a strained hamstring, a sprained ankle, cramping, carrying a heavy object, pulling out a stubborn weed – Massage therapy can assist you by improving circulation for a shorter recovery time, improving flexibility and mobility, break up scar tissue and stretch the connective tissue to prevent adhesions while reducing postural and functional imbalances. I’m here to help get you back to your best!