Two different goals
Remedial massage and relaxation massage both involve hands-on soft tissue work, but they’re designed to achieve different things. Understanding the difference helps you book the right session for what you actually need.
Relaxation massage
A relaxation massage is generally a full-body treatment using smooth, flowing strokes at a light to moderate pressure. The main goal is general wellbeing — easing everyday stress, improving circulation, and providing a calming experience. It isn’t typically based on a specific assessment of your posture or movement.
Remedial massage
Remedial massage, by contrast, starts with an assessment of your posture, movement patterns and areas of tension. Our qualified remedial massage therapists then use targeted techniques — which may include deeper pressure, trigger point work, or stretching — aimed at a specific muscular issue, whether that’s tightness from training, postural strain, or supporting recovery from an injury.
- Relaxation massage: general wellbeing, lighter pressure, full-body focus
- Remedial massage: assessment-based, targeted pressure, focused on specific areas or issues
Which one should you book?
If you’re managing a specific ache, recovering from training, or working alongside a physiotherapy or chiropractic plan, remedial massage is generally the better fit. If you simply want to unwind and don’t have a particular issue you’re treating, a relaxation massage may suit you better — though our clinic in Yagoona focuses on remedial massage as part of comprehensive allied health care.
Quick tip
Not sure which you need? Mention your goals when you book, and our team can help point you in the right direction.
Can they overlap?
Many remedial massage sessions still feel relaxing, even though the underlying approach is more targeted and assessment-driven. The key difference is intent: remedial massage is working toward a specific outcome related to your muscles and movement, guided by what your therapist finds during assessment.
The right massage depends on what you’re actually trying to achieve.
What to mention when booking
If you’re not sure which type of massage suits you, let our reception team know what you’re hoping to achieve — whether that’s general stress relief or addressing a specific muscular issue. They can help match you with the right therapist and session length for your needs.
It’s also fine to change your mind partway through a course of treatment. If a series of relaxation massages hasn’t addressed an ongoing issue, your therapist can suggest transitioning to a more targeted remedial approach instead.
Pricing and session length
Session length and pricing can vary between the two approaches, so it’s worth checking our current fees when booking, particularly if you’re deciding between a shorter targeted session and a longer full-body treatment.
A note on qualifications
Both approaches should be delivered by a properly trained massage therapist. At our clinic, our qualified remedial massage therapists are experienced in tailoring pressure and technique to whichever approach best suits your goals on the day.
Learn more from independent sources: the healthdirect Australia. Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a qualified practitioner.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a registered health practitioner. Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA.