When seeking relief from muscle tension or simply desiring a moment of relaxation, massage therapy often comes to mind to release and reduce built-up tension. The massage industry can encompass many different forms, each specializing in its diverse techniques, intentions, and applications. Understanding the difference and distinction between a “regular” massage and a “therapeutic” one can help people improve their overall well-being, meet their wellness goals, and determine which massage type provides the best benefits for their unique situations.
While both regular and therapeutic massages boast various benefits for healing and wellness, some applications are more beneficial than others. Therapeutic massage can often work alongside professional chiropractic adjustments to provide a holistic and targeted approach to pain management and mobility, especially when seeking treatment after an injury. Here, we will explore the nuances between these two massage application types, helping you determine which treatment suits your needs.
Assessing Your Needs — Relaxation vs. Rehabilitation
The main difference between regular massage and therapeutic massage lies in their intended outcomes. Many people utilize massage to de-stress or participate in self-care, while others may require a more therapeutic approach, such as releasing muscular tension after sustaining an injury.
A “regular” massage — often labeled as relaxation, Swedish, Thai, or Deep Tissue massage — primarily focuses on releasing tension as a relaxation method, stress reduction, and enhancing overall well-being. Massage professionals often involve gentle to moderate pressure, long, flowing strokes, and a calming atmosphere — designed to soothe the mind and body for instant rejuvenation and relaxation.
On the other hand, therapeutic massage, also known as medical or clinical massage, is specifically designed to address specific medical conditions, injuries, or chronic pain. In patients with strains, sprains, or circulatory issues that minimize blood flow, therapeutic massage aims to rehabilitate damaged tissues, improve mobility, reduce pain, and facilitate blood flow. Therapeutic massage practitioners usually incorporate deeper pressure and targeted techniques with a more clinical approach, helping patients reach their end goal of healing and rehabilitation.
Techniques and Approaches Used in Massage Therapy
While the “hands-on” facet of massage remains similar for both types, regular and therapeutic massage techniques also have various considerations. For example, a therapeutic massage typically involves classic Swedish or Thai techniques, such as long, gliding strokes, kneading, or percussive manipulations.
Therapeutic massage utilizes a broader range of specialized techniques tailored to address specific conditions and achieve certain therapeutic results. A few examples of these therapeutic techniques may include:
Deep-tissue massage: Deep-tissue techniques aim to release chronic muscle tension and deep knots within the muscle tissue. By addressing these points of tension, massage therapists can facilitate equilibrium within the body, allowing ease of movement and an increased range of motion.
Trigger Point Therapy: By targeting specific areas of muscle tension, massage therapists can refer pain to other body parts, allowing injured areas to heal and recover.
Myofascial Release: Restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissues around muscles and organs, can cause immobility and other muscular complications. Releasing these restrictions allows for ease of movement and facilitates healing.
Sports Massage: Designed to enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and aid in recovery, sports massage helps athletes maintain peak musculoskeletal health so that they can participate in their sport at the highest level.
Key Differences Between General Massage Therapists and Specialized Massage Therapists
Massage therapists — general and specialized — require a high level of specialized training and certification in specific techniques, conditions, and applications. While both are crucial in facilitating wellness, specific massage therapies require knowledge, training, and skills. A general massage therapist often performs relaxation massages, focusing on specific training techniques, such as Swedish or Thai massage.
Therapeutic or specialized massage therapists, however, often require more in-depth training and certification. They usually possess a deeper understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, giving them the knowledge and skills to apply proper techniques and assess and treat complex musculoskeletal issues. They may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors, physical therapists, or physicians. In many cases, chiropractors hold certifications in therapeutic massage, incorporating it into their chiropractic care plans as a supplemental treatment to regular adjustments.
The Benefits of Massage
Massage can carry a variety of benefits, ranging from general relaxation to addressing medical issues within the body. A few different benefits of each massage type include:
Relaxation Massages:
- Stress reduction
- Improved circulation
- Muscle relaxation
- Enhanced mood
- General sense of well-being
Therapeutic Massage:
- Pain reduction
- Improved range of motion
- Reduced inflammation
- Faster injury recovery
- Improved Posture
- Management of chronic pain or other medical conditions
Depending on your needs and requirements for care and treatment, massage therapy covers a broad range of benefits designed to facilitate overall well-being and holistic improvement.
Governor’s Park Chiropractic — Denver’s Destination for Comprehensive Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy
Understanding the differences between regular and therapeutic massage is essential for making informed decisions about wellness and healthcare. While both forms of massage offer valuable benefits for relaxation, healing, and function, their distinct approaches and goals cater to different needs. Consulting with a qualified massage therapist or healthcare professional can help you determine which type of massage is best for your health needs, offering insight for the best possible outcome. At Governor’s Park Chiropractic, our chiropractors provide thorough evaluations and assessments with tailored care plans to help patients receive the best care possible.
With locations in Denver, Lone Tree, and Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Governor’s Park Chiropractic aims to make chiropractic care and massage therapy accessible and available to all patients in the Denver metro area. Using specialized techniques and personalized care plans, chiropractors and massage therapists at Governor’s Park Chiropractic — under the direction of Dr. Omid Ferdowian — are prepared to help patients get back to the life they love and deserve. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us or visit our website today!
Governor's Park Chiropractic is the Colorado chiropractor team dedicated to helping individuals get out of pain and achieve better health. Offering a range of services and treatment options to meet the specific needs of each patient.