The purpose of remedial massage is to work specifically with the muscle groups and soft tissue that are related to a specific problem, for instance, a tight neck resulting from too much screen time, or an aching back from a busy day. Remedial massage is offered within the context of a physical therapy session at Pivotal Motion. This means the focus is on fixing the problem at its source, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. If you know that your body needs attention, then you can easily book yourself an appointment online or by calling us on 07 3352 5116.
What remedial massage treats
The most common reason for a person seeking a remedial massage treatment is because something specific has started getting in the way. These may be:
- Tightness in the neck and shoulders as a result of working at a desk for a prolonged time
- Stiffness of the lower back
- Headaches originating from tight muscles
- Recovering after a strain
It helps treat the muscle tension and knots that affect your range of motion by providing direct pressure to the muscles and the areas surrounding the muscle. For chronic pain that keeps returning, it can ease the muscular load while the underlying cause is assessed.
Remedial massage vs relaxation massage: which one do you need?
Relaxation massage involves light strokes that are meant to soothe your body and help you relax. Following a relaxation massage, you will feel less tense, but that’s about it. This is a good massage if you are looking to unwind after a busy week. A remedial massage, however, would be too intense for this purpose.
For instance, if you are suffering from problems such as persistent pain, muscle spasms, restricted movement of joints, or tight muscles, then remedial massage would suit you better. In this case, the therapist evaluates the trouble spot and devises an appropriate treatment technique. Here, much firmer techniques are used to make actual changes.
To decide which massage suits you, consider this: If you can’t pinpoint a specific area of discomfort, go for relaxation. If you can clearly identify the problem spot, opt for remedial. We prioritise giving you honest advice over selling the wrong service.
Remedial massage techniques we use
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage employs slower and deeper pressure that helps in reaching the deepest muscle layers. This type of massage works very well for chronic stiffness and tightness, which usually develop on the upper back, shoulders, neck, and glutes. The pressure remains at a level that you can breathe through, and is decreased as the muscle relaxes.
Trigger point therapy
The knots in your shoulder causing you headaches are known as trigger points. Trigger points are tight muscle bands that cause pain in other parts of your body. Treatment for trigger points is done through applying pressure continuously at that point.
Sports massage
Sports massage targets active muscles either when you’re training for an event or starting to train again after taking time off. It is useful in controlling the amount of stress put on your muscles through training and in supporting the healing of any injuries, so that your muscles continue to function properly.
Dry needling
Dry needling involves the use of fine sterile needles inserted in the trigger point with the aim of releasing tension by penetrating the deep tissue. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture, as it focuses on the muscles, targeting the tight knot in order to alleviate the tension.
What happens in a remedial massage session
Your first therapy session begins by having an initial conversation about what problems you have and what goals you wish to achieve through the treatment process. Your physical therapist will likely watch how you move or stand in order to locate the cause of your problem before applying any hands-on treatment techniques.
Once the therapist identifies the problem area, they focus the treatment there. You’ll likely relax on a massage table, covered with towels except for the part being treated. Throughout the session, the therapist explains the pressure they’re applying and frequently checks to ensure you remain comfortable and relaxed.
Before wrapping up, the therapist typically shares helpful tips you can practice at home, such as a specific stretch or a small adjustment to your desk setup to improve posture. After the session, you might feel a bit sore, much like the day after exercising, but this usually eases within a couple of days.
Physio-led remedial massage: how our approach is different
In Brisbane, most remedial massages take place at day spas or dedicated massage rooms, where the service is limited to just the massage. However, Pivotal Motion offers a different experience by integrating massage within a physiotherapy clinic, which significantly enhances the scope of your treatment.
When you book a treatment session with us, the massage is included within a much more extensive assessment and rehabilitation regimen, as opposed to being an isolated therapy treatment. For example, if you have tight hamstring muscles, that may point out an issue with proper movement, or if you experience chronic pain in your back, that could suggest a structural issue. Our physiotherapists will perform a complete analysis for you.
This technique is vital. Although massages can help relieve any muscle tension or tight soft tissues, massages cannot fix all problems. In cases where you have increasing pain, or where you are feeling numbness or weakness, massage alone will only mask the problem that needs to be solved.
A clinic led by physiotherapists can make these distinctions objectively because we don’t depend on you rebooking the same treatment indefinitely. Sometimes, remedial massage is the perfect solution, and we continue with that method. Other times, a detailed assessment or a few weeks of targeted exercises might be more beneficial, and we can seamlessly transition you onto that path, all within the same facility. This foundational strategy, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms, is the same approach our physiotherapy team has successfully employed in Newmarket for over 18 years.
Book a remedial massage in Brisbane
Booking is a two-minute process online, and you can select an appointment time that suits your work schedule or training program. If you’re unsure whether this is the right option for you, tell us what’s bothering you. and we’ll show you the right way forward. You can find our clinic located at 240 Enoggera Road, Newmarket, just a short drive away from inner north Brisbane or by dialling 07 3352 5116.
Remedial massage FAQs
Can I claim remedial massage on private health insurance?
For the most part, yes, but only if your extras package covers remedial massage, and your therapist is listed with a professional body. How much you get back depends on which health fund you belong to and what level of cover you have, and some funds limit how many sessions you can have per year.
How often should I get a remedial massage?
This all depends upon what you are being treated for. For a condition that is still active or a flare up, treatment on a weekly or fortnightly basis for a short period usually proves effective before spacing the sessions out. In the case of general muscle tension, most patients find that once a month is enough.
Does remedial massage hurt?
Remedial massage can be firm, particularly on tight spots or knots, but not to the point where it hurts to the extent that you can’t breathe through it. There will usually be a feeling of “good hurt” when the knot starts to release. If the pressure is too intense for you, make sure to communicate that to your therapist.
How long is a remedial massage session?
Remedial massage treatments normally last for an hour, and this is sufficient time to conduct an assessment of the affected area and carry out the treatment. Thirty-minute treatments are ideal for addressing only one area, such as a stiff neck or a single group of muscles. Your first appointment may run slightly longer to allow for the initial assessment.
What should I wear to a remedial massage appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothes that you can easily move around in. You will be asked to undress to your personal level of comfort before receiving the massage therapy, and remain covered with towels, except for the part where the therapy is being administered.
Do I need a referral for a remedial massage?
No referral is needed to book a private remedial massage. You can book directly online or by phone. A referral will only be required if you are using specific funding like workers' compensation or third-party claims, where your case manager guides the process.
