Effective Strategies to Fix Pain the Right Way
- Kim Noyce
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
If you’re dealing with pain, tightness, or tension in your body, you’ve probably come across terms like remedial massage, clinical massage, and sports massage. While they may sound similar, each type of treatment has its own specific purpose — and choosing the right one can make all the difference to your recovery, performance, or general wellbeing.
As a Clinical and Sports Massage Therapist, I often get asked: “Which massage is right for me?” This blog is here to break it down for you.
What does Clinical Massage entail?
Clinical massage is a more advanced, outcome-focused treatment. It’s tailored to clients with chronic pain conditions, complex injuries, or those recovering from surgery. It involves deeper assessment, treatment planning, and close monitoring of results — often in collaboration with other healthcare providers like physios or osteopaths.
Good for:
Chronic back or neck pain
Nerve entrapment (like sciatica or carpal tunnel)
Recovery from surgery or long-term injuries
Fibromyalgia, HeDS, Chronic Fatigue and similar conditions
Post hip, knee, shoulder replacement recovery
This approach uses a variety of techniques such as neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, EMMETT Technique and movement integration.
What does a Sports Massage entail?
Sports massage is designed for athletes or anyone who exercises regularly. It focuses on performance, recovery, and injury prevention. Whether you’re training for an event, increasing your workout intensity, or struggling with post-exercise soreness — sports massage helps keep your body moving efficiently.
Good for:
Pre- or post-event recovery
Muscle tightness from training
Overuse injuries (e.g., runner’s knee, tennis elbow)
Injury prevention
It can be both targeted and dynamic, depending on your sport or training goals.
What does a Remedial Massage entail?
Remedial massage focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction. It’s not just about relaxing tight muscles — it’s about working with your body to correct imbalances, improve movement, and support healing.
Good for:
Ongoing muscular pain or stiffness
Postural issues
Repetitive strain injuries
Tension headaches
This is a hands-on, problem-solving approach and often forms the foundation of my treatment plans.
How Do I Know Which One I Need?
Your Goal | Recommended Massage |
"I'm in pain and need help now" | Remedial |
"I have a chronic condition or a complex history" | Clinical |
"I train regularly, I have an sporting event soon, or I was to improve performance" | Sports |
Movement is Part of the Treatment, Too
Each Monday night, I run a Restorative Movement class that blends gentle mobility work, breath-led movement, and somatic awareness. These sessions are ideal for anyone dealing with tightness, pain, or a desire to move better without overloading the body.
As a massage therapist, I bring a deep understanding of how the body functions and compensates. My classes are informed by clinical insight — so you’re not just stretching; you’re learning to move in a way that supports healing and long-term resilience.
Some of my massage clients use these classes as a way to maintain the benefits of their hands-on treatment, and others find it’s a gentle gateway back into exercise after injury or burnout.
These Restorative Movement classes are small and held in a private studio, peaceful and warm! Classes are £9 per class, payable monthly in advance.
Ready to Book?
Whether you’re dealing with pain, training hard, or just want to feel better in your body, I’m here to help.
You can book online anytime, at https://www.completebalance.co.uk/
If you don’t see a time that works, get in touch directly — I keep some appointment times off the calendar for flexibility or follow-ups.
Or if you have a question you can reach me at info@completebalance.co.uk
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