Massage that targets the problem area.
At Therapy Now, we use the term therapeutic massage to describe massage therapy that focuses on a specific injury, painful area, or movement concern—such as neck pain, shoulder tension, low back pain, headaches, or bicipital tendinitis.
Therapeutic massage is goal-focused care.
Therapeutic massage is not just a general relaxation massage. At Therapy Now, we use this term when the massage is focused on a specific problem area, injury, pain pattern, or movement limitation.
For example, if you have bicipital tendinitis, neck pain, shoulder tension, low back pain, headaches, or pain after an accident, your massage therapist may focus the session around the tissues, joints, and movement patterns related to that concern.
The goal is simple.
We want to understand what is bothering you, where your symptoms are coming from, and how massage therapy may help reduce tension, improve movement, and support recovery.
- ✓Focused on a specific concern
- ✓May include assessment and reassessment
- ✓Uses techniques based on your goals and comfort
- ✓Can be part of injury recovery or maintenance care
What can therapeutic massage help with?
Therapeutic massage may be helpful when your body has a specific area that feels painful, tight, restricted, or irritated.
Neck Pain
Focused massage may help reduce neck tension, improve comfort, and support mobility when muscles and soft tissues feel restricted.
Shoulder Pain
Therapeutic massage may focus on the shoulder, upper back, chest, arm, and surrounding tissues when shoulder pain is limiting movement.
Bicipital Tendinitis
Massage therapy may help address surrounding muscle tension, shoulder mechanics, and discomfort related to irritation around the biceps tendon.
Low Back Pain
Massage may focus on the low back, hips, glutes, and surrounding areas that contribute to stiffness, tension, or discomfort.
Headaches & Tension
Therapeutic massage may help with tension patterns involving the neck, shoulders, jaw, scalp, and upper back.
ICBC Injuries
If your symptoms started after a motor vehicle accident, therapeutic massage may be part of your ICBC recovery plan.
Your massage is based on your goals.
A therapeutic massage appointment often starts with a conversation about what you are feeling, what movements bother you, what has helped before, and what you would like to improve.
Brief Intake
Your therapist will ask about your symptoms, injury history, goals, and any areas you want to avoid or focus on.
Assessment When Needed
Your therapist may check movement, tenderness, tension patterns, posture, or functional limitations related to your concern.
Targeted Treatment
Your massage may include focused soft tissue work, Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, myofascial work, trigger point therapy, or gentle relaxation-based techniques.
Home Care Suggestions
When appropriate, your therapist may suggest stretches, movement strategies, posture tips, heat or ice guidance, or follow-up recommendations.
What makes therapeutic massage different?
Relaxation massage is usually focused on calming the nervous system, reducing stress, and helping the whole body unwind. Therapeutic massage can still feel relaxing, but it is usually more goal-specific.
Therapeutic massage may be right for you if:
- ✓You have a specific area that hurts
- ✓You are recovering from an injury
- ✓You want help with stiffness or restricted movement
- ✓You want massage therapy with a treatment goal
Other services that may support recovery.
Some patients benefit from combining massage therapy with other services depending on their goals, pain pattern, and recovery needs.
Registered Massage Therapy
For direct billing, official RMT receipts, assessment, treatment planning, and injury-focused massage therapy.
Acupuncture
May support pain relief, headaches, stress, sleep, muscle tension, and whole-body regulation.
Kinesiology
Helpful when pain is connected to strength, posture, mobility, function, or return to activity.
Student Massage & Bodywork
Affordable massage and bodywork for general tension, relaxation, stress relief, and wellness support. Not directly billable to insurance.
Therapeutic Massage FAQ
What is therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage is massage therapy focused on a specific concern, injury, painful area, or movement limitation. At Therapy Now, we use the term for massage that targets a problem area such as neck pain, shoulder pain, low back pain, headaches, or bicipital tendinitis.
Is therapeutic massage the same as deep tissue massage?
Not always. Therapeutic massage can include deep tissue techniques, but it may also include gentle work, Swedish massage, myofascial work, trigger point therapy, or movement-based treatment depending on your needs.
Can therapeutic massage help bicipital tendinitis?
Therapeutic massage may help with surrounding muscle tension, shoulder mechanics, and discomfort related to the area. Your therapist will assess your symptoms and adjust treatment based on your comfort and presentation.
Can I use insurance benefits?
If your appointment is with a Registered Massage Therapist, you may be able to use extended health benefits or direct billing when eligible. Student massage and bodywork services are not directly billable to insurance.
Do you offer ICBC therapeutic massage?
Yes. If your pain is related to a motor vehicle accident, visit our ICBC injury treatment page to learn more about treatment options.
Where is Therapy Now located?
Therapy Now is located in Newton, Surrey at 240 - 13711 72 Avenue, Surrey, BC, across from the Newton Bus Loop.
Ready to book therapeutic massage?
Book online or contact Therapy Now if you need help choosing the right massage appointment for your injury, pain pattern, or problem area.
