What is the difference between remedial and deep tissue massage?

There are so many different types of massage out there that when considering what kind of treatment is best for you it can become very confusing. Swedish massage, Thai massage, sports massage or hot stone treatments, there are many more types of massage out there than we can keep track of. So here is the difference between two of the more popular types of massage chosen by people who are looking to maximise the benefit of their treatments; remedial and deep tissue massage.

 What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage in that it focuses on setting a rhythm and using flowing strokes to apply pressure to muscles throughout the whole body. The main difference between deep tissue massage and Swedish massage is that deep tissue massage uses more pressure to push deeper into the muscle. This added pressure can be a little uncomfortable for some but is often described as a “good pain” by fans of the technique. This added edge enhances the therapeutic benefits of the massage, reduces tension throughout the body and helps patients recover from exercise and injuries. The overall effect of the deep tissue massage is a relaxing, whole-body treatment.

What is remedial massage?

While often mistaken for deep tissue massage, remedial massage is intended as a more targeted treatment for pain and injury. Therapists that employ remedial massage are required to study for longer than many of their colleagues and must thoroughly understand the way the body works and the tissues that they are treating.

While deep tissue massage is a whole-body treatment, remedial massage focuses on parts of the body that requires rehabilitation. Remedial massage first starts with a review of the muscles, ligaments, tendons and posture. Once the therapist understands the issues causing the injury or pain they will then perform a targeted massage of the area. While deep tissue massage requires firm pressure, the pressure used during the remedial massage will vary depending on what is best for treating the specific issue.

Finally, remedial massage is done with a goal in mind, like treating a knee, shoulder or back injury. This means that it will often be done over a series of sessions, where the therapist is constantly assessing the state of the patient and noting any improvements or deterioration. This allows them to adjust their treatment and give their patient the best possible chance of recovery.

Is deep tissue or remedial massage best for you?

Everybody is different and requires a specific treatment depending on what issues are salient in their muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Deep tissue massage is best for people who want a whole-body experience and the therapeutic benefit of firm pressure. It is a strong and relaxing massage that helps release muscle tension and enhance recovery from physical exercise.

Remedial massage on the other hand is a targeted treatment that identifies specific issues in the body and then uses expert massage techniques to treat them. It is perfect for those with chronic pain or injuries that require specialist treatment.

Would you like to discover more about these incredible healing techniques?

Find out more about both Remedial Massage and Deep Tissue Massage to see which one may be best for your body.