Remedial Massage Therapist Adelaide - The Ultimate Guide – Your Questions Answered

Explore Everything You Need To Know About Remedial Massage Therapy In Adelaide.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain what remedial massage is, the types of remedial massage services available at Chiropractic On Winston, and we provide the answers to all your questions to help you recover from muscle pain, manage sports injuries, and improve your overall well-being.

Whether you’re looking for pain relief, recovery from sports injuries, or relaxation, our team located in Melrose Park is here to help!

Philip Coulson is a highly accredited, fully trained and experienced remedial massage professional at Chiropractic On Winston.

With a passion for helping others achieve pain relief and improved mobility, Philip uses his remedial massage therapy expertise to deliver effective, results-driven treatments.

Learn more about Philip and his approach to remedial massage therapy here.

Remedial massage is a specialised form of therapeutic massage aimed at assessing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle pain, tension, and discomfort.

Unlike general relaxation massages, remedial massage is tailored to target specific issues within the body, using a combination of techniques designed to both diagnose and alleviate physical dysfunctions.

This approach works on both surface and deeper muscle layers, as well as connective tissues, with the ultimate goal of restoring optimal function, mobility, and well-being.

Focus on Addressing the Root Cause

Remedial massage goes beyond temporarily relieving symptoms—it seeks to identify and address the underlying cause of pain or dysfunction.

Therapists often assess posture, muscle imbalances, and tension patterns to develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual.

Tailored Techniques for Each Condition

This type of massage incorporates a range of techniques, including:

Deep tissue work for chronic pain or tension.

Trigger point therapy to release specific muscle knots.

Myofascial release to address tightness in connective tissue.

Stretching and mobilisation to improve flexibility and range of motion.

Our Wholistic Approach

Remedial massage treats the body as an interconnected system. For instance, pain in one area may result from dysfunction or imbalance elsewhere.

By addressing the body holistically, remedial massage not only relieves pain but also promotes long-term recovery and prevention.

Deep Tissue Massage

Focuses on deep layers of muscle and connective tissue.

Helps relieve chronic muscle tension, stiffness, and pain.

Commonly used for conditions like back pain, neck pain, and muscle strains.

What It Is: Involves slow, firm pressure to target deeper layers of muscle and fascia (connective tissue).

What It Treats: Chronic pain, postural issues, and muscle adhesions.

How It Helps: Breaks down scar tissue, reduces inflammation, and releases tension stored deep within the muscles.

Sports Massage Adelaide

Designed for athletes to prevent or recover from sports-related injuries.

Enhances flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and speeds recovery.

Can be pre-event, post-event, or part of maintenance therapy.

What It Is: A performance-focused massage for athletes, using techniques to prepare for or recover from physical activity.

  What It Treats: Muscle fatigue, injuries, and overuse strain.

  How It Helps: Enhances performance, reduces recovery time, prevents injuries, and relieves tension in overworked muscles.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a specialised massage technique focused on identifying and releasing trigger points—tight knots or bands of muscle fibres that can cause localised pain or refer pain to other areas of the body.

These points often develop due to muscle overuse, injury, or stress, and they can lead to stiffness, reduced mobility, and chronic discomfort. The therapy involves applying sustained pressure to the trigger points using fingers, thumbs, or tools, which helps to relax the affected muscles, reduce pain, and restore proper function.

Trigger point therapy is particularly effective for conditions like tension headaches, neck pain, and lower back pain, as well as for improving overall muscle health and flexibility.

Focuses on relieving specific areas of tension known as trigger points (knots).

Effective for localised pain, headaches, and muscle stiffness.

Involves applying pressure to these points to release tension.

What It Is: Focuses on specific trigger points—knots or tight bands of muscle causing referred pain.

What It Treats: Neck and shoulder pain, tension headaches, and lower back pain.

How It Helps: Applying sustained pressure to these points encourages the muscles to relax, reducing localised and referred pain.

Myofascial Release

Targets the myofascial tissues surrounding muscles.

Uses gentle, sustained pressure to relieve tension and improve mobility.

Beneficial for chronic pain and restricted movement.

See More Here

What It Is: Gentle, sustained pressure is applied to the myofascial tissues, which surround and support muscles.

What It Treats: Chronic pain, restricted movement, and stiffness.

How It Helps: Releases restrictions in the fascia, improving flexibility and reducing tension.

Effleurage and Petrissage

Effleurage and petrissage are fundamental techniques in massage therapy, each serving distinct purposes.

 Effleurage involves long, gliding strokes applied with light to medium pressure, designed to warm up the muscles, enhance circulation, and promote relaxation.

It is often used at the beginning and end of a massage to soothe and prepare the body for deeper work. Petrissage, on the other hand, employs kneading, rolling, and lifting movements to target deeper muscle layers.

This technique helps to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and break down adhesions, making it particularly effective for addressing tight or knotted areas.

Together, these techniques provide a well-rounded approach to muscle therapy and relaxation.

Effleurage: Long, sweeping strokes used to warm up the muscles and enhance blood flow.

Petrissage: Kneading movements to release tension and improve circulation.

What They Treat: General muscle tension, stress, and stiffness.

How They Help: Promote relaxation, prepare muscles for deeper techniques, and encourage detoxification.

Pregnancy Massage

Specifically designed for pregnant individuals to relieve tension and discomfort.

Focuses on areas like the lower back, hips, and legs.

Improves circulation and reduces swelling.

See Also Pregnancy Chiropractic

What It Is: A specialised massage designed to support the unique needs of expectant mothers.

  What It Treats: Pregnancy-related discomforts such as back pain, swollen legs, and muscle tension.

  How It Helps: Promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces swelling, and alleviates strain on muscles and joints.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Stimulates the lymphatic system to remove toxins and reduce fluid retention.

Gentle, rhythmic strokes promote detoxification.

Effective for swelling, post-surgery recovery, and lymphedema.

What It Is: Uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system.

What It Treats: Swelling, fluid retention, and post-surgery recovery.

How It Helps: Removes toxins, reduces swelling, and promotes healing.

Relaxation Massage with Therapeutic Elements

Combines gentle strokes with targeted pressure to relieve muscle tension.

Perfect for those seeking relaxation alongside minor remedial benefits.

What It Is: A blend of calming strokes with targeted therapeutic techniques.

  What It Treats: Stress, muscle tension, and mild aches.

  How It Helps: Provides deep relaxation while addressing specific problem areas for improved physical and mental well-being.

Cupping Massage Therapy

Involves the use of suction cups to lift soft tissue.

Reduces pain, improves blood flow, and releases tension.

Often paired with myofascial techniques.

See More Here

What It Is: Silicone or glass cups create suction on the skin to lift soft tissues.

What It Treats: Muscle tension, poor circulation, and scar tissue.

How It Helps: Increases blood flow, reduces pain, and improves mobility by releasing deep adhesions.

Stretch Therapy / Active Release Techniques (ART)

Combines remedial massage with guided stretching.

Improves flexibility, range of motion, and reduces muscle tension.

Great for postural imbalances and injury prevention.

Stretch Therapy

What It Is: Guided stretching and joint mobilisation techniques to improve flexibility and range of motion.

What It Treats: Postural imbalances, sports injuries, and joint stiffness.

How It Helps: Relieves tightness, supports joint health, and prevents injuries.

(ART)

What It Is: Combines movement with targeted massage to break up adhesions and restore function.

What It Treats: Repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, and chronic pain.

How It Helps: Releases trapped nerves and restores normal tissue function.

Craniosacral Therapy

Gentle massage focusing on the skull, spine, and sacrum.

Improves the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and reduces tension.

Beneficial for headaches, migraines, and chronic stress.

What It Is: A gentle, hands-on technique focusing on the craniosacral system, which includes the skull, spine, and cerebrospinal fluid.

  What It Treats: Stress, migraines, tension-related disorders, and trauma recovery.

  How It Helps: Balances the nervous system, relieves tension, and enhances overall well-being.

Corrective Postural Massage

Focuses on correcting postural imbalances through targeted techniques.

Addresses muscle imbalances caused by poor posture or repetitive strain.

What It Is: A targeted massage addressing muscle imbalances and postural misalignments.

  What It Treats: Poor posture, back and neck pain, and repetitive strain injuries.

  How It Helps: Restores balance, alleviates strain on muscles and joints, and improves overall posture and mobility.

Scar Tissue Massage

Targets scar tissue to break down adhesions and improve tissue mobility.

Reduces pain, stiffness, and promotes healing after surgery or injury.

What It Is: Uses targeted pressure and movement to soften and break down scar tissue.

What It Treats: Post-surgery scars, injury recovery, and restricted movement.

How It Helps: Improves flexibility, reduces pain, and prevents further adhesions.

Dry Needling (as part of Remedial Massage)

Uses thin needles to release trigger points and reduce muscle pain.

Complements massage therapy for targeted relief.

See More Here

What It Is: A technique using thin, sterile needles inserted into trigger points or tight muscle areas.

  What It Treats: Muscle tension, chronic pain, and sports injuries.

  How It Helps: Relieves muscle tightness, improves blood flow, and reduces pain by targeting the source of discomfort.

Headache & Migraine Relief Massage

Targets neck, shoulders, and head muscles.

Releases tension contributing to headaches and migraines.

What It Is: A focused massage approach targeting tension areas in the neck, shoulders, and head.

  What It Treats: Tension headaches, migraines, and stress-related head pain.

  How It Helps: Releases muscle tension, improves circulation, and reduces the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Chronic Pain Management Massage

Tailored to address chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or ongoing tension.

Aims to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

What It Is: A therapeutic approach using a combination of techniques tailored to alleviate long-term pain.

  What It Treats: Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and persistent muscle pain.

  How It Helps: Reduces pain, improves mobility, and promotes relaxation by addressing underlying muscular issues.

Individuals With Specific Injuries

People suffering from sports injuries, workplace strains, or accidents can find relief and faster recovery through remedial massage.

Those With Chronic Conditions

Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sciatica respond well to the targeted and therapeutic techniques used in remedial massage.

Office Workers and Sedentary Lifestyles

Sitting for extended periods can cause postural imbalances, neck pain, and lower back tension, all of which can be alleviated with remedial massage.

Athletes

Remedial massage is invaluable for athletes to improve performance, prevent injuries, and aid in recovery.

General Maintenance and Well-being

Even without specific pain, regular remedial massages can enhance overall health, ensuring muscles and tissues remain in peak condition.

Remedial massage offers numerous benefits, such as:

Targeted Pain Relief

Relieving pain and and discomfort, effective for both acute and chronic pain.

Chronic Pain: Effective for conditions like back pain, lower back pain, sciatica, neck pain, tension headaches and arthritis.

Remedial massage reduces tension in deep muscle layers and alleviates discomfort.

Headaches and Migraines: By releasing tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, remedial massage can reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches and migraines.

Sports Injuries: Alleviates pain caused by sprains, strains, and overuse injuries, helping athletes recover faster.

Improved Circulation and Healing

Enhanced Blood Flow: Techniques like effleurage (long, sweeping strokes) encourage oxygenated blood to reach muscles, accelerating recovery and reducing inflammation.

Lymphatic Drainage: Removes toxins and reduces fluid retention, improving healing after injuries or surgeries.

Scar Tissue Breakdown: Gradually softens and realigns scar tissue, improving mobility and reducing discomfort.

Improved Joint Mobility and Muscle Flexibility

Reducing muscle tension. Enhancing mobility and flexibility by reducing muscle stiffness and increasing joint mobility, this therapy helps improve range of motion and physical performance.

Enhanced Recovery

Accelerating recovery. Remedial massage promotes blood circulation, which speeds up the healing process of muscles and tissues. It is particularly beneficial after injuries or surgeries.

Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity

While its primary focus is therapeutic, remedial massage also helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system.

Nervous System Relaxation: By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, remedial massage lowers stress hormones like cortisol and boosts mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin.

Better Sleep: Reduces muscle tension and promotes relaxation, helping clients enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.

Prevention of Future Issues

By addressing muscle imbalances, poor posture, and tension, remedial massage helps prevent injuries and chronic conditions from developing.

Correcting Muscle Imbalances: Identifies and treats areas prone to tension or weakness, chronic conditions and preventing overuse injuries.

Posture Improvement: Helps realign the body, reducing strain on muscles and joints caused by poor posture.

Maintenance Therapy: Regular sessions can keep muscles and connective tissues in optimal condition, reducing the likelihood of injuries.

Remedial massage is an effective treatment option for a variety of conditions, including:

Back and neck pain

Body aches

Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia)

Headaches and migraines

Joint stiffness or restricted movement

Leg and foot pain

Lower back pain

Muscle tension

Neck and shoulder tension

Postural imbalances

Plantar Fasciitis

Sciatica and nerve pain

Shoulder pain

Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, strains)

Stress and tension-related discomfort.

Work-related injuries

& More

Our skilled remedial massage therapists in Adelaide specialise in providing personalised care to address a wide range of conditions.

We have an easy to follow process, as detailed below. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, or everyday muscle tension, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and have you feeling great again in no time!

Assessment: Our remedial massage therapist will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to understand your condition.

Treatment Plan: We'll put together a customised plan to focus on your areas of concern.

Massage Techniques: Using a variety of techniques, our massage therapists will work to release tension, improve circulation, and restore function.

Post-Treatment Advice: Our therapists also provide guidance on stretching, exercises, or ergonomics to support long-term recovery.

Remedial massage is not just about temporary relief—it is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that addresses the root causes of pain and dysfunction.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply aiming to maintain optimal health, remedial massage offers personalised care to help you achieve your goals.

Ask our helpful and caring remedial massage therapists about your condition and how we can help you get back to feeling great again!

• Highly skilled therapists with a passion for helping you feel your best.
• Convenient online booking and waitlist options.
• On-the-spot health fund claiming through our Tyro system.
• Located less than 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD.

Explore more with our other remedial massage blogs below:

Remedial Massage - More Than Just a Rub

https://www.chiropracticonwinston.com.au/remedial-massage-more-than-just-a-rub

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

https://www.chiropracticonwinston.com.au/how-often-should-i-get-a-massage

What is remedial massage therapy?  

Remedial massage therapy is a targeted treatment to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve mobility by addressing specific areas of concern.

Who can benefit from remedial massage?  

Anyone experiencing muscle pain, tension, or discomfort can benefit, including those recovering from sports injuries or managing chronic conditions.

How long does a remedial massage session last?  

Sessions typically last between 30 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on your needs.

What is the difference between remedial massage and deep tissue massage?

Remedial massage is a therapeutic treatment targeting specific issues, while deep tissue massage focuses on relieving tension in deeper muscle layers.

Does remedial massage hurt?  

While some techniques may cause mild discomfort, our therapists adjust the pressure to ensure your comfort.

Can remedial massage help with sports injuries?  

Yes, it can accelerate recovery by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and restoring mobility.

Do I need a referral for remedial massage therapy?

No, you can book directly with us without a referral.

How often should I get a remedial massage?

Frequency depends on your condition and goals, but regular sessions are recommended for chronic issues.

Can I claim remedial massage on private health insurance?  

Yes, we accept all major and minor private health funds, with on-the-spot claiming available.

Is remedial massage safe during pregnancy?

Yes, but it should be performed by a qualified therapist trained in prenatal massage.

What should I expect during my first session?

Your therapist will assess your condition, discuss your needs, and tailor a treatment plan accordingly.

What is sports massage therapy?  

Sports massage focuses on preventing and treating sports-related injuries and improving athletic performance.

How do I prepare for a remedial massage?

Wear comfortable clothing and arrive hydrated. Your therapist may recommend specific stretches or exercises post-treatment.

What is the cost of a remedial massage?

Pricing varies, but we’re happy to provide details when you book.

Are there any side effects of remedial massage?

You may experience mild soreness or fatigue, which usually resolves within 24 hours.

How do I book a remedial massage at Chiropractic On Winston?  

Use our

online booking system

Or call (08) 7222 8701.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Availability varies, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Is remedial massage suitable for children?

Yes, but treatments are adapted to suit their age and condition.

What areas do you serve in Adelaide?

We welcome patients from all over Adelaide, including Melrose Park, the CBD, and surrounding suburbs. See our growing list of near me service areas welcoming new patients from across Adelaide.

Can I join a waitlist if appointments are full?

Yes, please register on our waitlist and we’ll notify you of availability.