01 Mar Who Should I See For a Massage?
Massage therapy is a popular method for relieving pain and addressing injuries. Whether you’re dealing with chronic discomfort or recovering from a recent injury, seeking the right type of massage therapy and the appropriate professional can make a significant difference in your healing journey. With various specialties within the field of massage therapy, it’s crucial to understand who you should see for your specific needs.
Different Qualifications in Massage Therapy
When considering who to see for a massage, it’s essential to recognise the diverse qualifications within the field. Here are a few common types of massage therapy practitioners:
- Massage Therapists: These professionals have completed a 6-12 month training program and are certified to practice non-therapeutic massage therapy. They often offer general massage services for relaxation and stress relief generally seen in a spa setting.
- Remedial Massage Therapists: Remedial massage therapists have undergone additional training to specialise in treating musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. They assess the underlying causes of pain and develop treatment plans to address specific issues. (READ MORE HERE)
- Myotherapists: Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy focused on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions. Myotherapists often use a combination of massage techniques, trigger point therapy, and exercise prescription including treatment options such as joint mobilisation and Dry Needling to manage pain and promote recovery.
The Benefits of Remedial Massage and Myotherapy
While many people seek massage therapy for pain and injury relief, remedial massage and myotherapy stand out for their targeted approach to addressing musculoskeletal issues. Here are some reasons why these qualifications are beneficial:
- Focused Treatment: Remedial massage therapists and myotherapists assess your specific condition and tailor treatment plans to target the underlying causes of your pain or injury.
- Holistic Approach: These practitioners consider your overall health and lifestyle factors that may contribute to your condition, providing comprehensive care beyond just massage.
- Evidence-Based Techniques: Remedial massage and myotherapy techniques are based on scientific evidence and clinical research, ensuring effective treatment outcomes.
- Long-Term Relief: By addressing the root cause of your pain or injury, remedial massage and myotherapy aim to provide long-term relief and prevent future issues.
How long do I generally see a Remedial Massage Therapist/Myotherapists
Length of treatment depends mainly on the injury as well as other factors that may be contributing such as lifestyle (Work, Sport etc.) as well as phase of injury (Acute/subacute). For acute sport like injuries treatment is most effective within 1-4 weeks of the injury. Whilst for chronic may take longer due to also working on other areas such strength building and exercise for the muscles. These will typically take more of a management/maintenance type of approach which may take 6 months and longer to settle.
Other forms of treatment that may be beneficial
Like most forms of therapeutic practices, for the most benefit to overall health any type of hands on treatment needs a combination of therapies to achieve health goals. This may include clinical and rehabilitative exercise to achieve pain relief and reduction of re-injury. psychological interventions may also be helpful for chronic pain as other lifestyle and social factors can have an impact on pain.
When seeking relief from pain and injury through massage therapy, it’s crucial to choose the right professional with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. Remedial massage therapists and myotherapists offer specialised care tailored to your specific needs, focusing on addressing the underlying causes of your condition for long-term relief. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment approach for your individual circumstances e.g chronic conditions etc. By understanding your options and working with a qualified practitioner, you can start moving towards an improvement in health and well-being.
Mo Bhatnagar
Clinical Myotherapist
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At SportsFit, we have the benefit of providing both Remedial Massage and Myotherapy in Malvern East and Glen Iris.