Remedial Massage and Body Re-Alignment Therapy

Remedial Massage (RM) is a most beneficial therapy when correctly administered: helping to improve blood and lymph circulation, restore normal nerve supply, remove metabolic wastes from body tissues, improve sleep and general well-being, and support normal immune system functions.

When Is Remedial Massage and Body Re-Alignment Therapy Used?

Skilfully used, Remedial massage can assist the body in its own healing processes, where disease or injury has occurred in muscles, connective tissues, bones, joints and internal organs. There are many situations where metabolic imbalances occur in the soft tissues of the body and most of these can be treated with Massage. Relaxation, pain relief and increased range of movement can be achieved through the application of Remedial massage and passive movements.

Massage can also assist healing through its effect on confidence, well-being and mental relaxation.
In addition to the treatment of ill and injured people, Remedial Massage can be used in Athletics and Sport where it aids in the preparation of muscles, joints and associated structures for strenuous activity, or to assist these same tissues in recovery from strenuous activity. This reduces the incidence of injuries and improves the Athlete’s performance.

Massage is a useful and integral part of the healing process.
During the Massage treatment the Therapist encourages the patient to become part of their own healing journey by developing increased awareness of the levels of relaxation / stress that they may experience and by becoming more connected to how their body feels during illness and health.

Types of Remedial Massage Techniques

There are many types of Massage in use today. Some of the more commonly used forms are:
Swedish Massage: a technique that concentrates on working on one side of the body at a time. It is more intense than Essalon Massage, and unlike Deep Tissue Massage, it works within the pain / comfort threshold of the patient, encouraging gradual and gentle release of tension and stress.

Remedial Massage includes the use of Passive Movements and Joint Mobilising Techniques, working towards a specific goal in the treatment of the patient, and often working on a specific and limited body region until that goal is accomplished.

Essalon Massage: a technique in which both sides of the body are massaged simultaneously. It is a symmetrical Massage technique, very gentle, and designed to enhance maximum relaxation in the patent.

Deep Tissue Massage: a technique that is designed to manipulate the deep fascia layers and deep muscle layers of the body. It is based on the theory that stress can be stored deep within the body, and is arranged in “layers”, trauma after trauma, each layer relating to a different level of consciousness. It can be quite a painful experience for the patient, and is said to evoke emotional responses as each layer of stress and trauma is “unlocked” and released.

Shiatsu / Chinese Massage: techniques with similar philosophical approaches. Each technique works with the concept of body energies. The techniques employed are designed to ”unblock” energy meridians and restore health by balancing the patient’s energy (Qi).

Zone Therapy / Reflexology: techniques which are localised to specific body regions, e.g.: Hands, feet, ears. The various regions are said to have reflex relationships to all parts of the body, and various techniques are used to bring about specific reactions in a chosen body area.

What Happens During a Massage Treatment?

After a brief consultation, the massage therapist must decide the approach to be taken in order to best help the patient with their specific health problem.

Many people, who do not know much about massage, erroneously think that every massage is a “Full Body” Massage and the longer it takes the better – but this is far from the truth of the matter.

When treating a patient with a specific problem e.g.: Sciatica, Osteoarthritis in the spine, muscle pain etc, the treatment approach must be focused at treatment of the specific problem area in order to obtain the best results.

On the other hand, if someone suffers from stress, tension and anxiety, a “Full Body” Massage would be the prescription most likely given. A “Full Body” massage involves massage of the arms, legs, face, neck and back. Sometimes the abdomen may be massaged if there are digestive problems. (NB Professional Massage Therapists do not massage erogenous areas, such as breasts or genitals).

Full Body Massage is mostly employed for relaxation therapy, and it is recommended that a Full Body Massage should never exceed 45-60 minutes duration, as after this time the positive effects of the Massage treatment are reversed. This is due to “The Principle of Sensory Adaptation”. Sensory receptors in the body have a characteristic function called adaptation, that is, a change in sensitivity (usually a decrease) to a prolonged stimulus. Receptors associated with touch and pressure in the skin rapidly adapt and can lead to further adaptation in the central nervous system as incoming signals are processed. Excessive stimulii can also produce undesirable Reflex Responses.

The level of general health of the patient must also be considered. Debilitated and very ill persons do not tolerate long duration massage well. Once a person has had a course of several Massage Treatments and is in reasonably good health, long duration Massage can be given.

Structural Analysis and Body Re-Aligment

Body Re-alignment Therapy is a highly effective and non-invasive approach that is used to help correct postural and muscle imbalances that cause chronic muscle and joint pain and other health problems.

At its heart, it utilises all the different remedial massage techniques, including: stretches, passive movements and where applicable deep tissue massage.

In addition, body realignment therapy incorporates exercise therapy. This is the use of specific exercises that help to balance and realign muscles that are too tight/flaccid in an attempt to relieve resulting immobility, stiffness or pain.

A Standing Structural Assessment and tests that assess muscle strength and the range of movement of joints are performed prior to prescribing a treatment program that includes Remedial Massage, Passive Movements, Resistive Stretches and Therapeutic Exercise.

Treatment is usually long term in nature as poor postural habits and changes in muscle flexibility and joint mobility cannot be corrected after one or two treatments.

Over the past 30 years, Susan and Danny Siegenthaler have developed a unique and highly effective treatment regime that utilises a combination of Structural Analysis, Remedial Massage and body re-alignment therapy that will help many health problems that have a musculoskeletal origin or component.

If you would like to know more about Remedial Massage or Body Realignment Therapy call Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre on: (02) 4573 0784

A Brief History of Remedial Massage

Remedial massage, a therapeutic practice with roots deeply embedded in ancient civilizations, has evolved over centuries to become a widely recognized and respected form of healthcare. The history of remedial massage is a testament to the enduring human quest for physical well-being and the acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.

The origins of massage therapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as China, Egypt, India, and Greece. In ancient China, around 2700 BCE, the practice of massage was documented in the Huangdi Neijing, an ancient Chinese medical text. The Chinese believed in the flow of vital energy, or “qi,” within the body, and massage was seen as a means to balance this energy and promote overall health. Similarly, ancient Egyptians utilized massage as a healing modality, as evidenced by hieroglyphics depicting the art of therapeutic touch.

In India, Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine, incorporated massage as an integral component. Ayurvedic texts dating back thousands of years detail various massage techniques aimed at restoring harmony and balance to the body. The Greeks, too, recognized the benefits of massage, and renowned physician Hippocrates advocated for the use of rubbing and friction as therapeutic tools.

However, it was the Swedish gymnast and fencing master Per Henrik Ling who formalized and systematized the practice of massage in the 19th century. Ling’s system, known as the Swedish Movement System, emphasized the use of specific movements and strokes to enhance circulation and promote overall well-being. Ling’s work laid the foundation for what we now know as Swedish massage, a popular and widely practiced form of therapeutic massage.

As massage gained popularity in the Western world, various branches and specializations emerged, including remedial massage. Remedial massage, also known as medical or clinical massage, is a targeted form of therapy aimed at addressing specific musculoskeletal issues, injuries, or chronic conditions. This specialization goes beyond relaxation and focuses on the assessment and treatment of soft tissues to restore function and alleviate pain.

In the mid-20th century, the field of remedial massage saw further development with the integration of scientific principles and anatomy. Researchers and practitioners began to explore the physiological effects of massage, validating its efficacy in improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing overall well-being. The increased emphasis on evidence-based practice helped elevate the status of remedial massage as a legitimate and effective therapeutic intervention.

Today, remedial massage is practiced globally, with qualified therapists employing a range of techniques to address diverse health issues. These may include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and stretching exercises. The incorporation of modern technology, such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, has further expanded the therapeutic capabilities of remedial massage.

The recognition of remedial massage as a valuable component of healthcare has led to its integration into various medical settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sports clinics. It is often prescribed as a complementary treatment alongside conventional medical interventions to support the healing process.

In conclusion, the history of remedial massage is a rich tapestry woven from ancient healing traditions, pioneering individuals, and ongoing scientific exploration. From its roots in ancient civilizations to its modern-day application as a specialized therapeutic intervention, remedial massage continues to play a vital role in promoting holistic health and well-being.

Bibliography

Healing Massage Techniques: A Study of Eastern and Western Methods 1978 by Frances M. Tappan

Shields G, Smith JM. Remedial Massage Therapy Interventions Including and Excluding Sternocleidomastoid, Scalene, Temporalis, and Masseter Muscles for Chronic Tension Type Headaches: a Case Series. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2020 Feb 26;13(1):22-31. PMID: 32133042; PMCID: PMC7043717.

Massage with or without aromatherapy for symptom relief in people with cancer. Shin ES, Seo KH, Lee SH, Jang JE, Jung YM, Kim MJ, Yeon JY. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jun 3;(6):CD009873. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009873.pub3. PMID: 27258432

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