Relaxation, Deep Tissue and Remedial Massage - How are the Styles Different and what type should I have?
There are about as many definitions of relaxation, deep tissue and remedial massage as there are massage therapists and clients. In reality not many massage clinics will offer just a Relaxation Massage or a Deep Tissue massage only. Many therapists combine styles and the techniques used will be dictated by the needs and presenting conditions of the client. A therapists’ interpretation will be influenced by the training they received and what kind of environment they have worked in after learning massage. For example working in a chiropractic clinic will have a different focus to a Day Spa. To help you we have given a broad definition of Relaxation, Deep Tissue and Remedial and discussed the different circumstances where they could be combined. This page gives an intro to the styles and you can click through to a more detailed page about each if you would like more information.
Relaxation Massage
What is Relaxation Massage Good For?An excellent massage when you are feeling highly stressed and overloaded. Relaxation massage is typically a flowing massage comprised of long soothing strokes with pressure building gradually. Muscles are warmed well first and the techniques used come mainly from Swedish and Ka Huna massage styles. Relaxation massage is designed to soothe the nervous system, slow down brain wave activity allowing a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in "feel good hormones" and to decrease the blood pressure. A highlight of relaxation massage is that attention is given to areas such as feet, head, hands, face and head. The whole point is to let go. Emotionally it is excellent for those times when we really need caring touch and the feeling of being looked after. Relaxation is often combined with Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue
As the name suggests a deeper form of bodywork very beneficial for people suffering from tight muscles and with particular areas of tension or injury. Techniques used in Deep Tissue are drawn from Swedish, Ka Huna, Shiatsu and Trigger Point and Myofacial release. Deep Tissue massage often has a focus on particular areas so for a 1 hour treatment you may only have one or two areas of the body worked on. Even though the massage is deeper the strokes are performed with care and always with the pain threshold of the recipient in mind. Deeper work can also be relaxing, it is the feeling of Good Pain. The deeper you work in massage the slower the stroke so we always ensure we are working with your needs in mind. We work with a pressure scale so the client controls how deep the massage is. Deep Tissue requires the client to give feedback to the therapist about pressure. Who Will Benefit From Deep Tissue? If you have particular sore or tight areas or work out at the gym deep tissue is excellent. Anyone with old injuries that still cause stiffness or flare up will enjoy a deep tissue massage. Also good for people who like a firm massage but do not want Remedial Treatments. Deep Tissue and Relaxation massage are often combined.
Remedial
A very specific form of bodywork, it does differ from Deep Tissue on a number of levels. Remedial Massage involves postural assessment to isolate muscles that are not functioning as they should and to identify muscle and postural imbalances in the body. The therapist will take some time on your first visit to do an assessment and this can take up to half an hour. An assessment may involve checking leg length, looking at the spine and hip alignement, checking range of motion and asking about the client's general activity. Remedial massage has more of a focus on helping specific problems such as frozen shoulder, tendonitis, decreased flexibility, and injuries.Techniques used include Myofascial Release (MFR), Trigger Point, Acupressure, Cross Fibre Mobilisation and Positional Releases, PNF Stretches. The best results come from Remedial massage when you commit to having at least 3 to 5 sessions. As this massage is dealing with more complex problems a commitment to regular treatments is best. This massage is performed by a therapist with a Remedial Massage Certificate and therefore the knowledge to assess your needs correctly.
No Matter Which Style You Choose You Will Benefit
All massage provides wonderful benefits to the physical, emotional and mental planes. Touch is an essential part of our well being and pivotal in our mental and emotional health. So often we neglect ourselves due to the pressures of juggling work, children and life in general.
Receive Permanently Discounted Massage
We have developed our
Knead Life Program
with the aim of providing regular affordable massage in the CBD. It's free and great if you want to have a regular massage.
We Look Forward to Helping You Look After Your Most Important Asset - You!
To Make a Booking Please Call 3003 0801
Opening Hours
Monday and Tuesday10 - 6 Wednesday - Friday 10 - 9 Saturdays by appointment
Our Location
First Floor, 99 Elizabeth Street Brisbane.The doorway is in-between the entrance to Elizabeth Arcade and Dogstar. We are on the same floor as Govindas Vegetarian Restaurant. See you soon The Team at Knead

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