Should I have a Remedial or Relaxation massage?

Having a massage is a fabulous experience. It’s a way to feel grounded, calm and physicaally, emotionally and mentally. Choosing which style of massage you want can be a bit confusing as you navigate what you would like and how your body is feeling at that point in time. Finding a therapy at that time that suits you and your needs is what’s most important. This blog will help you make this choice and hopefully leave knowing what to choose.

What to expect with a Remedial massage

Are you after definite physical benefits? Perhaps you have sore muscles? Or you have chronic pain that is affecting the way that you move or the lifestyle you are accustomed to. If this is you, remedial massage could be very beneficial. In your mind you might be thinking that remedial massage requires very deep tissue pressure. A good therapist will talk to you about the pressure that your body can handle. For your first massage, you may require a lighter massage, rather than a deep pressure massage, for impact it doesn’t have to be someone getting into your muscles with elbows and forearms. The best thing to do is to talk to your therapist about your expectations and what pressure you think your body can handle.

Remedial Massage benefits: Remedial massage helps treat conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body. It is beneficial for anyone with pain or injury in a particular area of the body. It is simply the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body—the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A lot of my clients come in when they have sciatic pain, pain in their piriformis and shoulder tension, most of us have some kind of tension that remedial massage can help with. My hands are my most important tool and it’s important your therapist has magic hands! Your therapist will palpate your body to determine the condition of tissue and the source of pain. I like to use myofascial release, cupping, energy healing and trigger point when I’m working on a client – one size does not fit all.

What to expect with a relaxation massage?

Relaxation massage is also known as a Swedish massage. It is great for general relaxation, relieves muscle tension and improves blood circulation. It’s main goal is to help the body relax and to reduce stress and create grounding throughout the body. This treatment involves long smooth, gliding strokes that are flowy. The pressure on the whole is lighter, but you can also request a firm pressure if this suits you. Relaxation will help to relax you mind, body and spirit. The intent is not to work on chronic pain or underlying conditions, however it will support your overall well being.

When you come to Larissa for a massage, you may want to choose a general relaxation massage, or a Raindrop massage. Raindrop is a light massage which works on the body physically, but also energetically. Larissa will use Young Living essential oils which work in with the body systems for specific purposes. For example, marjoram oil is great for muscles! Raindrop is very light. It works to balance out the body’s energy, or vibration to help it come into energetic alignment. This massage is amazing for creating still and peace throughout the body.

So what massage should I choose?

When it comes to massage some people would just like an amazing massage. Remedial and Relaxation are both amazing and can give you the benefits that your body needs… Have a think about the following?

1. How are you feeling? If your muscles need some deep pressure, or you are needing someone to release tension then remedial massage is for you. If you would prefer to simply relax, feel at ease and perhaps even allow your spirit to rest, then relaxation is a much better option.
2. What benefits would you like to receive? Like #1 the benfits you would like depend on how you are feeling and what you are used to. Set your goals and expectations and talk to your therapist about this.
3. Do you want to use your health fund Rebate? To receive a rebate from your health fund you will need to have a remedial massage. Remember though, your massage does not need to be deep pressure. Your therapist will help you to work out what your body can handle and what your body needs at that point in time.
4. You can always swap between remedial and relaxation massage. You don’t have to stick to the one modality, you can have one month of relaxation and a different with remedial, depending on how you are feeling.

In the end Relaxation and Remedial are different types of massage, but they both have benefits and both leave you feeling amazing during and after your massage. Talk to your therapist about what will impact your body and go from there. Happy massaging!

Larissa works as a Remedial, Relaxation, Raindrop massage therapist, as well as Energy Healing. She is available throughout the week. She is able to give Health Fund Rebates. Larissa is also learning Lymphatic Drainage and Healing Touch.