Common Injuries Treated by Massage Therapists
By Jess Johns, Massage Therapist
Remedial massage therapy is a manual, hands on healthcare treatment that focuses on treating musculoskeletal imbalances, injuries and pain. However, remedial massage therapy can work, in conjunction with other modalities, to assist in many health care conditions. Our remedial massage therapists are skilled in a variety of techniques to assist the following common complaints or injuries! Here's an extended look at some of the most common issues that our massage therapists treat:
1. Muscle Tension and Pain
Causes
Muscle tension is often linked to stress, poor posture, overuse, or injury. Daily activities — like repetitive motions, sitting too long, or even carrying stress in your body — can all lead to stiffness and discomfort.
Treatment
Our massage therapists use techniques like remedial massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and cupping to release muscle knots and improve blood flow. These approaches reduce pain, restore mobility, and help your body feel lighter and freer.
2. Lower or Middle Back Pain
Causes
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek out care. It can range from simple muscle strains to more complex conditions and can significantly impact daily life. Lower back pain, in particular, is a leading reason patients turn to massage therapy, chiropractic care, or physiotherapy.
Treatment
Massage therapy for back pain may include deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and neuromuscular therapy. These techniques target deeper tissues, improve mobility, and help reduce persistent pain.
3. Headaches and Migraines
Causes
Headaches and migraines can stem from many factors: stress, poor workplace ergonomics, lack of sleep, or muscle tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders. For lasting relief, it’s important to identify and address the root cause.
Treatment
Massage therapy can reduce headache frequency and intensity by easing tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Techniques such as trigger point therapy, cupping, and dry needling can help release tight muscles and restore balance.
4. Sports Injuries
Treatment
Sports massage combines techniques like deep tissue release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation, myofascial release, and sports taping. These approaches reduce pain, improve recovery time, and help athletes return to performance safely.
Causes
Sprains, strains, and muscle tears often occur due to overuse, poor technique, or accidents. Athletes (and weekend warriors!) commonly seek massage therapy to speed up recovery and return to sport safely.
5. Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Treatment
Massage therapy supports mental wellbeing by calming the body and reducing muscle tension. It helps lower stress hormones while increasing endorphins — the body’s natural mood boosters. Regular massage can make a real difference for anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life.
Causes
Mental health conditions can often present physically, showing up as muscle tension, fatigue, headaches, or poor sleep. Stress, hormonal changes, and life challenges can make these symptoms worse.
6. Arthritis
Causes
Arthritis causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. It may result from wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis).
Treatment
Massage therapy helps by improving circulation, reducing stiffness, and decreasing associated muscle pain. Gentle techniques such as myofascial release, joint mobility, and deep tissue massage (where appropriate) support joint function without aggravating sensitive tissues.
7. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Causes
After surgery, patients often experience stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility due to scar tissue or muscle weakness. Rehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery.
Treatment
Massage therapy helps promote circulation, reduce scar tissue, and restore movement. Therapists may use lymphatic drainage, scar tissue mobilisation, or gentle stretching. Our team also works alongside your broader healthcare team (physiotherapist, orthopaedic surgeon, GP) to ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
Supporting Your Health with Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is more than just a relaxation tool — it’s a powerful, evidence-based treatment that can reduce pain, support recovery, and improve overall wellbeing. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or simply needing relief from stress, massage therapy can help restore balance in your body and mind
