difference between massage and remedial massage?
- 89johnp
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 10
What’s the Difference Between Massage and Remedial Massage?
When it comes to massage therapy, people often get confused between general massage and remedial massage. You might wonder, “Is there really a difference?” The short answer is yes — but it’s not a huge one when it really comes down to it. Both are forms of hands-on therapy that help the body feel and function better. But the intent and application of each can vary quite a bit.
Let’s break it down simply and clearly.
What Is Massage?
Massage, in general terms, is a hands-on therapy that involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues — muscles, fascia, tendons — using different strokes, pressure, and techniques. It’s most often associated with relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being.
Massage can be an amazing way to unwind, ease mental tension, and give your body a much-needed reset. It improves blood flow, reduces anxiety, helps the lymphatic system do its job, and even improves sleep.
It doesn’t always have to be deep or clinical. Sometimes it’s just about zoning out for an hour while someone works the knots out of your back or loosens up your legs after a long week. That’s where the different styles of massage come in.
Common Types of Massage
1. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most common form of massage worldwide. It uses long, flowing strokes, light to medium pressure, and kneading techniques. The goal is simple: relaxation. It’s great for people new to massage or anyone wanting to de-stress without focusing on deeper muscle issues.
2. Deep Tissue Massage
This style aims to work into deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It’s often described as “firm” or “intense” but can still be very relaxing.
Interestingly, “deep tissue” massage isn’t a technical term — all massage is soft tissue therapy. This is because we are massaging soft tissue which is muscle. That's what its called. example is when an injury occurs you may hear the term "its only a soft tissue injury" meaning no organs have been damaged, just muscles. The thing is we need to use this term to help in marketing because the term “soft” sounds gentle, people often ask for “deep” thinking it’s more effective. In truth, it’s just a firmer style of treatment targeting stubborn tension.
3. Sports Massage
Sports massage is tailored for active people, whether they’re elite athletes or weekend warriors. It can be used pre- or post-exercise to reduce muscle soreness, prevent injury, and improve recovery. Fun fact: some athletes receive massage mid-game during half-time! But for most, it’s a maintenance tool to keep the body moving well.
What Is Remedial Massage?
Now here’s where things get a bit more clinical.
Remedial massage is a more focused, therapeutic treatment. It’s used to assess, treat, and manage musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction. The idea is to work with the body — not just to relax it, but to improve function and reduce pain.
You might see a remedial therapist if you:
Have ongoing neck, shoulder, or back pain
Suffer from headaches or migraines
Are recovering from an injury (like a pulled hamstring or sprained ankle)
Deal with postural imbalances from work or daily life
Experience chronic tension or restricted mobility
Remedial massage therapists use a combination of techniques, often with some assessment and testing, to determine what’s going wrong and how to fix it. It’s not always “relaxing” in the traditional sense — but many clients walk away feeling a huge sense of relief.
Key Differences Between Massage and Remedial Massage
Category | Massage | Remedial Massage |
Purpose | Relaxation, stress relief, general wellness | Targeted treatment for pain, tension, or injury |
Techniques | Flowing, rhythmic strokes; light to medium pressure | Trigger point therapy, deep release, myofascial work |
Assessment | Usually none — just a quick chat before starting | Postural checks, range of motion testing, health history |
Therapist Qualification | Varies — relaxation massage doesn’t require a health provider level | Must be trained and usually registered with health funds |
Health Fund Rebate? | Not usually | Often covered under private health extras |
Common Techniques Used in Remedial Massage
Trigger Point Therapy – Focuses on releasing tight knots that refer pain to other parts of the body.
Myofascial Release – Works with the connective tissue (fascia) to reduce restriction and improve movement.
Cross-Fibre Friction – Breaks up scar tissue or adhesions in healing muscles.
Muscle Energy Techniques – Uses light contractions from the client to release restrictions or realign joints.
These are just a few tools a remedial massage therapist might use. They’re applied based on what the therapist finds in the body during assessment and throughout the treatment.
Benefits of Each
Massage (Relaxation or General Massage)
Reduces stress and anxiety
Promotes relaxation and mental clarity
Boosts circulation and lymph flow
Helps with mild muscle tension
Encourages better sleep
Supports overall wellness
Remedial Massage
Reduces chronic pain and tension
Treats injuries and musculoskeletal dysfunction
Improves posture and range of motion
Releases tight muscles and trigger points
Enhances recovery from physical activity or injury
Prevents future injuries by addressing root causes
Can a Treatment Be Both?
Absolutely.
This is something a lot of people don’t realise: a skilled therapist can blend both approaches in one session.
You might come in for tight shoulders caused by desk work. A therapist might assess your posture, treat the cause with remedial techniques, and then finish the session with some general massage to calm the nervous system. You walk away feeling relaxed and in less pain.
It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Many clients benefit from an integrated approach, especially in a mobile setting where you want to feel good and see results at the same time.
Choosing the Right One for You
So, how do you choose between massage and remedial massage?
Here’s a simple guide:
Choose massage if you:
Just want to relax and de-stress
Don’t have any specific injury or chronic pain
Prefer lighter to medium pressure
Want a “treat-yourself” experience
Choose remedial massage if you:
Have a specific issue (like neck pain, tight hips, sore lower back)
Are recovering from an injury
Sit or stand in the same position for long hours
Want a treatment plan for long-term results
Still unsure? Just chat with your therapist before the session. At Remedial2You, we regularly combine both techniques depending on your needs that day. The goal is to help your body function better — whether that’s through clinical work, deep pressure, or soothing flow.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between massage and remedial massage helps you make better choices for your health and wellness. While the differences are there — in purpose, technique, and outcome — they’re not set in stone. A good therapist can adapt the treatment on the fly, offering a mix of relaxation and rehabilitation in the same session.
Whether you’re after a stress-busting massage or looking for long-term relief from pain, there’s a treatment style to suit your needs. And sometimes, the best results come from combining both worlds.
firstly Remember, if you’re in areas like Tuggeranong, woden valley or queanbeyan region. You don’t have to worry about paying the extra travel fee that North Canberra has to pay. I Just thought to mention it as an added perk of being local.
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Enough from me,
Bye bye
John Power
Soft Tissue Massage therapist
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