Chronic pain is a widespread issue, affecting 1 in 5 Brits, according to the Brits Institute of Health and Welfare. It can stem from conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, or past injuries and unlike acute pain, it persists for months or even years. Beyond physical discomfort, chronic pain can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing, sleep, relationships, and ability to work or exercise.
Managing it often requires more than just medication. A comprehensive approach that includes movement, rest, support, and hands-on therapy can make a significant difference.
This is where remedial massage comes in. Unlike general relaxation massage, it is a targeted, clinical form of therapy that focuses on identifying and addressing the source of pain. It helps improve circulation, release muscular tension, and restore mobility without the need for invasive treatments.
Understanding Chronic Pain and How It Affects Daily Life
Chronic pain is more than just persistent discomfort it’s a complex condition that can deeply affect how you live, move, and feel each day. Defined as pain that lasts more than three months, it often lingers well beyond the original cause, becoming a condition in its own right.
The study of chronic pain affects one in five Brits, and it’s even more common in older adults, with one in three people over 65 living with ongoing pain. It’s a major cause of disability, reduced independence, and lowered quality of life.
Some of the most common chronic pain conditions include:
- Fibromyalgia: known for widespread muscle pain, tenderness, and fatigue
- Sciatica: often linked to nerve compression in the lower back or hips
- Arthritis: which causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility
- Chronic migraines: which can lead to intense head pain, nausea, and light sensitivity
But the impact goes beyond physical symptoms. Chronic pain can interfere with sleep, mood, energy levels, work, and even social relationships. Over time, the ongoing struggle can trigger feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression making day-to-day life even harder.
Understanding the wide-reaching effects of chronic pain is the first step toward managing it effectively. With the right support, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to ease the burden and reclaim a better quality of life.
What Is Remedial Massage and How Does It Work?
Remedial massage is a clinical approach to soft tissue therapy that’s designed to address specific pain points, muscular dysfunction, and long-term tension. It’s commonly used to support recovery from injury, reduce chronic pain, and correct postural imbalances.
Unlike relaxation or Swedish massage which focus on calming the nervous system and promoting general wellbeing remedial massage targets the source of the problem. It begins with an assessment to understand what’s causing your discomfort and what techniques are best suited to relieve it.
A typical remedial massage may include:
- Trigger point therapy: to release knots and tight bands in the muscles
- Deep tissue work: to reduce chronic tension and restore mobility
- Myofascial release: to ease tension in connective tissues
- Stretching and mobilisation: to improve range of motion and support alignment
What makes remedial massage effective is its ability to:
- Improve circulation to affected areas
- Support the body’s natural healing response
- Ease muscle tightness and reduce inflammation
- Restore functional movement and posture over time
At Blys, you don’t need to visit a clinic to access this level of care. Our mobile remedial massage service brings fully qualified and insured therapists straight to your door. Each practitioner is experienced in treating chronic pain, muscular injuries, and tension built up from daily stress or overuse.
Whether you’re dealing with persistent back pain or recovering from a repetitive strain injury, we’ll match you with a professional who can help.
If you’re also dealing with muscle soreness from exercise, you might find it helpful to read about how remedial massage supports post-workout recovery.
Key Benefits of Remedial Massage for Chronic Pain
Remedial massage is more than just a feel-good treatment it’s a proven therapeutic approach that delivers real results for people living with chronic pain. Whether you’re dealing with persistent muscle soreness, nerve-related discomfort, or stiffness from conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, this type of massage can offer a range of physical and neurological benefits.
1. Improved Circulation
One of the core benefits of remedial massage is its ability to stimulate blood flow. By improving circulation, the body can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues in need of repair. This also helps flush out metabolic waste, reducing inflammation and promoting faster recovery.
2. Muscle Tension Relief
Tight, overworked muscles are a common source of chronic pain. Remedial massage works to release built-up tension and break down adhesions or “knots” in the muscle tissue. Techniques like deep tissue work and trigger point therapy target specific areas of tightness and restore soft tissue function.
3. Nervous System Support
Massage therapy supports the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body enter a relaxed, healing state. For those living with chronic pain, this shift can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and promote a sense of calm and comfort especially important when pain is linked to anxiety or poor sleep.
4. Better Range of Motion
Chronic pain often leads to reduced mobility and stiffness in the joints. Remedial massage can help improve flexibility by loosening surrounding muscles, breaking down scar tissue, and increasing joint movement. This is especially useful for people with arthritis, sciatica, or postural issues.
Studies, such as this one from the National Institutes of Health, support massage therapy’s effectiveness in reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life for people with chronic pain conditions.
Conditions That May Benefit from Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is especially effective for managing pain related to musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions. Unlike general massage, it focuses on the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction using tailored techniques to release tension, restore movement, and support healing.
Here are three chronic pain conditions commonly treated with remedial massage:
| Condition | Massage Focus | Benefit |
| Fibromyalgia | Light to moderate pressure, gentle trigger point work | Reduces widespread muscle sensitivity and promotes relaxation |
| Sciatica | Releasing tight gluteal and piriformis muscles | Relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve and improves mobility |
| Arthritis | Joint mobilisation, soft tissue release | Increases flexibility, reduces stiffness, and eases joint pain |
Fibromyalgia
Characterised by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch, fibromyalgia requires a gentle, therapeutic approach. Remedial massage uses light to moderate pressure, helping to improve blood flow, ease muscle tenderness, and calm the nervous system. With regular sessions, clients often experience improved sleep and reduced flare-ups.
Sciatica
This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed, often due to tight muscles in the lower back or hips. Remedial massage focuses on releasing the piriformis, gluteal, and lower back muscles, which can reduce nerve irritation and improve walking, standing, and sitting comfort.
Arthritis
For those living with arthritis, stiff and inflamed joints can limit daily activities. Remedial massage helps by gently mobilising the joints and improving circulation around affected areas. The result is often better range of motion, reduced pain, and improved comfort during movement.
When tailored to the individual, remedial massage can be a key part of managing these ongoing conditions without relying solely on medication.
If you’re unsure whether remedial massage is right for your needs, this breakdown of the differences between sports and remedial massage.
How to Make Massage Part of Your Pain Management Plan
When it comes to managing chronic pain, consistency matters. Remedial massage isn’t a one-time fix it works best as part of an ongoing, multi-faceted care routine tailored to your body’s needs. The goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and maintain progress over time.
1. Build a Consistent Massage Schedule
Establishing a regular massage schedule is one of the most effective ways to manage chronic pain. For many people, a weekly or fortnightly session helps prevent muscle tension from returning and keeps inflammation at bay.
Over time, regular treatments can help improve tissue function, circulation, and even sleep quality. Your therapist may adjust the frequency depending on your condition, pain levels, and how your body responds.
2. Work Alongside Other Health Professionals
Remedial massage works best when it complements your broader treatment plan. If you’re already seeing a GP, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or specialist, let your massage therapist know. Sharing relevant medical history or current treatments ensures your massage is safe and aligned with your overall care. In some cases, your GP or physio may even recommend massage as part of a long-term plan.
3. Maintain Healthy Habits Between Sessions
What you do between massage appointments can significantly impact your recovery and comfort. Consider the following supportive habits:
- Stretch daily: especially areas that tend to tighten up
- Hydrate well: as water supports tissue repair and toxin removal
- Move mindfully: even gentle activity helps maintain joint function
- Check posture regularly: particularly if you work long hours at a desk or drive often
- Use heat or cold therapy: to manage flare-ups when needed
With the right approach, massage can be a long-term ally in managing pain—not just a temporary escape.
What to Expect During Your Blys Remedial Session
A remedial massage with Blys brings personalised, therapeutic care to the comfort of your home. The process is simple and designed around your needs, with everything handled by a qualified professional.
Your Blys therapist will arrive fully prepared with:
- A clean, professional massage table
- Fresh towels and linens
- Massage oils and treatment tools (such as trigger point balls or stretch bands)
- Optional calming extras like soft music or aromatherapy
You only need to provide a quiet, comfortable space where the massage table can be set up typically a lounge room or bedroom works well.
Before starting, the therapist will take time to:
- Discuss your health history: including any chronic conditions or past injuries
- Understand your symptoms: such as the location and nature of your pain
- Clarify your goals: whether that’s improving mobility, reducing flare-ups, or relaxing tight muscles
This initial conversation helps tailor the massage to your specific condition—whether it’s fibromyalgia, sciatica, arthritis, or general muscular tension.
During the session, your therapist will apply targeted techniques such as:
- Deep tissue massage: to release tension and reduce inflammation
- Trigger point therapy: to relieve knots and referred pain
- Myofascial release: to restore soft tissue movement
- Stretching: to improve range of motion and support joint mobility
Every treatment is customised to your comfort level, and your feedback during the session is always welcomed.
Once the massage is complete, you may receive aftercare tips such as gentle stretches, hydration reminders, or postural advice to help you maintain the benefits between sessions.
To learn more or book your first session, visit our remedial massage service page.
When to Avoid or Modify Massage
While remedial massage is generally safe and effective for managing chronic pain, there are certain situations where it should be avoided or modified. Knowing when to pause or adjust your treatment is essential to prevent further discomfort or complications.
You should avoid massage or seek medical clearance first if you have:
- Acute flare-ups or active inflammation: If you’re experiencing a sudden spike in pain, swelling, redness, or heat in the affected area, massage may worsen symptoms. It’s best to wait until inflammation subsides or seek advice from a health professional.
- Open wounds, bruises, or skin infections: Massage should not be performed over broken skin, recent injuries, or any area that shows signs of infection. These can be vulnerable to further irritation or the spread of bacteria.
- Recent surgeries or medical procedures: If you’ve had surgery or an invasive medical procedure in the last few weeks, always consult your GP or specialist before booking a massage. Some scar tissue work may be helpful later on but only once healing is well underway.
- Certain health conditions or medications: If you have circulatory issues, blood clotting disorders, or take medications like blood thinners, massage may need to be adjusted or avoided altogether.
Always check with your GP or healthcare provider before starting remedial massage, especially if you’re managing a complex health condition. A qualified Blys therapist will also conduct a pre-treatment consultation to ensure your safety.
Support Is Within Reach With Blys
Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming—but with the right support, it’s possible to regain control over your comfort and quality of life. There’s no single solution that works for everyone, but a well-rounded approach can make a real difference.
Remedial massage is one of the most practical, evidence-backed tools available for ongoing pain management. By addressing the root causes of tension and discomfort—rather than just the symptoms it helps support your body’s ability to move, heal, and feel better over time.
Whether you’re managing fibromyalgia, sciatica, arthritis, or general muscle fatigue, listening to your body and responding with the right care is key. Consistency, lifestyle adjustments, and working with qualified therapists all contribute to better outcomes.
If you’re not sure where to start, trying a remedial massage at home could be the first step. It’s safe, tailored, and entirely focused on your needs.
Book your remedial massage with a Blys therapist today and experience the benefits in your own time and space.
