What is remedial massage?

Remedial massage may help ease symptoms of health conditions that affect the muscles, tendons and bones.

Problems with your muscles can cause pain in other parts of your body. Remedial massage is a massage therapy technique that aims to locate and treat the problem, as well as to manage pain and discomfort.

Remedial massage is a complementary therapy. This means it is generally used alongside conventional medical treatments. Remedial massage should not replace care from your doctor.

What does a remedial massage involve?

Remedial massage involves rubbing, pressing or massaging your muscles and soft tissues.

Your therapist may use techniques ranging from strong, deep pressure to gentle, shallow touch, depending on your symptoms.

Before your remedial massage, your therapist will ask you about:

• the reason for the appointment
• your health and lifestyle
• any medical problems or health conditions

You’ll be asked to lie on a massage table. Areas of your body that aren’t being treated can be covered with a towel or sheet, if you prefer.

Your massage therapist may use creams or oils to help their hands glide over your skin and muscles.

The therapist will use a range of massage techniques to locate and ease painful areas of your body.

Common remedial massage techniques include:

• effleurage — smooth stroking along a muscle
• petrissage — strong stroking applied across a muscle
• friction — deep, circular motions
• kneading — squeezing a muscle
• hacking — lightly striking a muscle

Specific types of remedial massage include:

• deep tissue massage
• trigger point therapy
• myofascial therapy

Other complementary therapies that can help with pain in your muscles, tendons and bones include dry needling and cupping.

If you feel uncomfortable during your massage, tell your therapist. They can change their technique to help you feel more comfortable.

Read more about massage therapies.

What are the health benefits of remedial massage?

Remedial massage may provide health benefits by:

• increasing circulation (blood flow)
• increasing the mobility (movement) of your joints
• stimulating damaged tissues to support healing
• relaxing your body

Remedial massage may help relieve problems such as:

• neck, shoulder or back pain
• muscle spasms
• sports-related or other injuries

Massage might also help ease:

• headaches
• low back pain
• chronic pain
• fatigue (tiredness)
• arthritis and frozen shoulder

These problems have a range of possible causes, so if you experience these symptoms, you should see your doctor. You can ask your doctor about whether remedial massage might be helpful in your situation.

Remedial massage may also help with:

• symptoms of anxiety or depression
• side effects of cancer treatments
• injury prevention

What are the possible risks and side effects of remedial massage?

Remedial massage therapy is generally considered safe, but as with all procedures, side effects can occur.

For some people seeking treatment for pain, there is a small risk of massage therapy making their pain worse. The risk is higher if you are treated by an unqualified massage therapist.

Other possible side effects include:

• bruising
• soreness
• tiredness

In some situations, remedial massage may not be recommended. If you are living with a health condition and are interested in trying remedial massage, ask your doctor for advice.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? The Pain Question Planner can help you create a list of questions for your doctor.

Resources and support

Visit healthdirect's massage therapy guide to:

• learn about some of the different types of massage available
• get help in choosing a massage therapist

You can use healthdirect's service finder, which is a free tool to help you find your nearest health professional or clinic. You can search for health services such as:

• physiotherapy
• massage therapy
• natural medicine practitioners
• chiropractors

Always look for a therapist who is registered so that you know they are properly trained. You can find a therapist in your area through:

• Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA)
• Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
• Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
• Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
• Myotherapy Association Australia (MAA)

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.