CLINICAL / REMEDIAL / THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Clinical Massage, also called Remedial Massage or Therapeutic Massage, is outcome-based massage applied to treat specific physical problems usually following an assessment/evaluation (please note that massage therapists are not authorized to diagnose in the UK). The problems range from general conditions such as stiff shoulders and back pain to more specific conditions such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, piriformis syndrome and repetitive strain injury. Clinical Massage can take whatever style of massage the practitioner knows to bring about specific outcomes, but in western countries, Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage techniques are commonly used as its base.

In the UK, Clinical or Remedial Massage is usually taught as part of the curriculum of advanced Sports Massage courses (Level 4 or above), and therefore many clinics hire advanced Sports Massage therapists as their practitioners. They have a better knowledge of anatomy and are skilled in and can apply more advanced techniques than Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage techniques (see Qualifications page for more details).

Your local massage facilities and providers are often seen to offer Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage on their menu, but not Clinical/Remedial Massage. It is however recommended that they clearly list these four types of massages on their menu to help clients/patients understand what’s offered there:

• Swedish Massage (for relaxation)
• Deep Tissue Massage (for general conditions such as stiffness and tightness)
• Clinical/Remedial Massage (for specific conditions, dysfunctions and injuries)
• Sports Massage (for people who engage in athletic activities)

If you need a treatment for a specific physical condition at a clinic which offers both Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage, it is advisable to book a Sports Massage session rather than a Deep Tissue Massage and get treatment from a Sports Massage therapist.

Medical Massage is another term used with the same meaning as Clinical Massage in other countries, but this term is not used in the UK because massage as a whole is NOT considered as conventional medical treatment by UK law but only as complementary therapy or alternative therapy. For this reason, massage therapists are not authorized to diagnose in this country.

In a Clinical/Remedial Massage session, you will be asked to take your clothes off the body part to be treated, and the therapists apply oil, wax or massage cream to the skin.

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