What Is Remedial Massage? A Plain-English Guide

Remedial massage is a familiar term, but it is not always clear what makes it different from other types of massage.

At Living Health Group, we’re often asked what remedial massage involves, whether it needs to be firm or painful, and how it differs from a relaxation massage. This guide explains the basics, what you can expect during an appointment, and where remedial massage may fit into your care.

So, what is remedial massage?

Remedial massage is a form of hands-on therapy that focuses on specific areas of muscular tension, discomfort or restriction. People may seek remedial massage when muscle tightness or discomfort is affecting everyday movement, work, exercise or physical activity.

A remedial massage therapist uses a range of massage and soft-tissue techniques depending on the area being treated and your individual needs. This may involve broader techniques across a muscle group or more focused work around a particular area.

Importantly, remedial massage does not have to mean very firm pressure. The techniques and pressure used should be appropriate for you and can be adjusted throughout the appointment.

How is it different from a relaxation massage?

There can be overlap between remedial and relaxation massage, but the main difference is generally the focus of the appointment.

Relaxation massage is usually centred around relaxation and general wellbeing, with treatment often involving broader areas of the body. Remedial massage tends to focus more specifically on areas of muscular tension, discomfort or movement that are relevant to why you have booked.

That does not mean one needs to be gentle and the other firm. Both can use different levels of pressure, and remedial massage should still be comfortable and adapted to the individual.

Neither is necessarily better than the other, they simply serve different purposes.

What happens in a remedial massage session?

Your first appointment begins with a conversation about why you have come in, any relevant health history, your usual activities and what you would like to get from the session. Depending on your concern, your therapist may also look at relevant movement before beginning treatment.

Your therapist will then focus treatment on the areas relevant to your presentation, using techniques and pressure suited to you. Your comfort and privacy are respected throughout the appointment, and you can ask for the pressure, positioning or approach to be changed at any time.

Depending on your needs, your therapist may also suggest simple stretches, movement or practical strategies that you can use between appointments.

Is remedial massage right for you?

People come to remedial massage for a range of reasons, including muscular tension or discomfort, stiffness, recovery from physical activity, or the demands of work, exercise and everyday life.

At Living Health Group, remedial massage is available alongside osteopathy and myotherapy. Where appropriate, our practitioners can work collaboratively so your care reflects your individual needs and goals.

Our clinic is located in Wheelers Hill, near Glen Waverley, and welcomes people from across Melbourne’s south east, including Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Rowville and surrounding suburbs. Easy on-site parking is available.

How often should you get a remedial massage?

There is no single right answer, and a good therapist should not give everyone the same schedule. How often you come in will depend on why you are attending, how you respond, your preferences and what you are hoping to achieve.

Some people book remedial massage while managing a particular period of muscular tension or increased physical demand, while others choose occasional appointments around work, training or everyday activity.

Our aim isn’t to have you coming in more often than you need to. Where appropriate, your therapist may also suggest simple stretches, movement or practical strategies to support you between appointments.

Common questions