Therapeutic massage vs remedial massage?

[Jon C]

I'm interested to know how people on this forum would define 'therapeutic massage' and 'remedial massage'. The word "therapeutic" would suggest that this form of massage is curative, but I wasn't aware that any form of massage could actually 'cure' anything.Thoughts?

 

[LeeV18]

Therapeutic massage vs remedial massage?

Meaningless terms. There is no agreed upon definition. Both often used to distinguish general full body massage from specific, focused work on one region or complaint.Curative? What treatment or modality is truely curative?

 

[LizzakaMel]

Therapeutic massage vs remedial massage?

Some refer to massage as palliative care, or,  care which gives relief to symptoms without reaching a cure.  THIS IS PURE HOGWASH Sure, there are times when massage doesn't achieve a cure, "end of life massag", parkinson's, CP, MS, Turrettes, etc... But there are times when the involvement of a massage therapist can bring total recovery to a patient. (oops, client)    Pehr Ling didn't start out working with relatively healthy people who were just " uncomfortable".    Amma was'nt a recreational activity offered to japaneese tourists.    Milton Trager didn't design "Fluff 'n' Buff".   Bonnie Pruden wasn't looking for a way to promote her latest spa.  Dr.s Travelle and Simons were'nt poking around for the fun of it.    Feldenkreis was not a mad scientist.  Though we cannot return the body to its original state after a severe injury, or redeam a genetic defect; we can bring some people back to homeostasis if the disfunction they suffer from is correctible without surgery, and they are willing to take responsibility for their own recovery.    Though we may not be able to "fix" those who are not willing to heal, we can facilitate healing for those who are determined to.

 

[raider nation]

The way things are set up here in Alberta ( and most of the rest of Canada as well ), the two are a lot more than just a difference in terms or definition.Remedial Massage or Basic Relaxation Massage is a one year certification program (CMT)...you will be certified to work in a spa, etc to give just that...basic relaxation massage.If you want to aquire a diploma you must attend another year of school to aquire at least 2200 hours...thus receiving your Therapeutic Massage diploma.  You must achieve this level of education to be able to be liscenced by the MTAA.  This is the only way your services can be billed through health care insurance.The second year of schooling focuses on deep tissue, specific body parts in depth, injury, disease, etc. and is more geared towards 'treatment' rather than 'luxury'or pampering.

 

[Greybeard]

And in Australia it is different again (OzMagicMan, is that an Aussie reference?) Remedial massage IS the theraputic one - you get a Diploma of Remedial Massage and you can get rebates from health insurance.  "Remedial" does come from Remedy, so it also implies a curative aspect.  Basic Relaxation Massage is something totally different again, not insurance billable.In Australia I think 'massage' is usually used for relaxation massage or something with extras ** rolls eyes ** and 'remedial massage' is the theraputic one. Licensed Massage Therapist, LMT, CMT, etc mean nothing out here, about the only way you can know someone does more than fluff and buff is if they mention health fund rebates. 'Massage Therapy' isn't even used that much - 'therapy' is very very linked to, well, therapy, going and talking to a therapist.

 

[Starla_C]

Yeah, i'm in Melb too  

 

[Twilight Brigade]

Therapeutic massage vs remedial massage?

I'm suprised that more posts haven't been made in reply to the comment about massage actually curing anything.yrusore did an excellent job in responding to that though!Just to add my 2 cents, it's been my experience that the majority of therapists are in it because they believe they have a curative effect. And from yrusore's awesome list it's obviously true. Fortunately, most clients experience a curative effect of some type or they wouldn't return.But to actually 'cure' something is rare, yet I can report that I know of clients that have been cured of an illness or disease as a result of massage. (not my clients -yet- but perhaps someday, and I don't want to turn this into a place for people to boast.) I couldn't tell you what other things those clients were doing that might have contributed to their recovery, but I can believe from the therapists that massage was what the client claimed made the difference.

 

[tracie]

I guess its semantics, but I'm really not fond of the word "cure" as it relates to bodywork...(I'm really fine with it as it applies to ham though  ;D)   I offer treatment based upon my training, intuition, and feedback from my clients...but "curing" imply's that I administer something and that I am responsible somehow for the outcome.  As yrusore has pointed out... its not possible to cure someone who chooses not to be well.I find it much more reasonable that I help the patient/client heal, or find comfort within, themselves...and yes, I can play a large role, or a small role...and I am responsible for my intent and my actions...but in no way do I want to be judged "responsible" for the client's outcome....healing is a multi-faceted process that amazes me constantly.  I feel honored to be a part of the healing process, but I am not "the" process, the "elixer", or even "the only possible set of magic hands"It seems a small step to having one's ego suddenly running the show if one starts to beleive that one can, should or is obligated to cure the sick/injured....and even with the best of intentions, that's an awful heavy burden to carry, being responsible for manifesting wellness in one's clients. JMHO,Rob"Stand in the place where you are"