Medical massage is different from other types of massage in that it is outcome-based and is prescribed by a physician as part of a multi-disciplinary approach resolve the condition. Medical massage is now an accepted form of complementary and alternative medicine. It is used in conjunction with standard medical therapies for a variety of health conditions and situations.
People who have undergone serious injuries are often referred for a medical massage as part of their rehabilitation. Medical massage helps patients who suffer from an assortment of health conditions; it is often prescribed for back and neck pain; sports injuries; soft tissue injuries; headaches; muscle and joint pain; fibromyalgia; paresthesias (tingling sensations and pain from the nerves); Myofascial pain (a chronic form of muscle pain); insomnia from stress; gastrointestinal disorders; and TMJ (Temporomandibular joint pain). Unlike massage therapy for relaxation and stress reduction, fees for a prescribed medical massage are sometimes covered by health care insurance. A licensed massage therapist can bill for a medical massage as long as they are able to show improvement in your condition.
A Clinical Massage Therapist performs medical massage; to do this required a sound knowledge of pathology and specific treatments for numerous diseases and injuries. The massage is performed with the goal of improving the diagnosed medical conditions or pathologies as prescribed by a physician; the therapist focuses on areas of the body specifically related to the diagnosis. The therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body related to the injury; and combines movement and touch to improve the medical condition. The techniques used during a medical massage can ease inflammation, alleviate muscle spasms and tension, decrease stiffness and pain, increase range of motion, improve blood circulation, speed healing time, ease the effects of depression and anxiety, and even cure insomnia. Medical massage therapy assists the body in its own natural healing processes.
Your physician will provide specific recommendations for the medical massage and along with your medical history. Your massage therapist will also discuss your condition and situation with you before beginning the first session. You may require a number of massage sessions to reach the desired outcome. Your massage therapist will customize a treatment plan for you, and may employ a variety of massage techniques during each session. The therapist may also advise on an exercise plan that includes stretching and other body work to speed and aid your recovery.
If you believe medical massage is right for you, ask your physician for a prescription and referral to a Clinical Massage Therapist. There is a national certification for medical massage therapists, but no licensures in any state. When considering a medical massage you should make sure the Clinical Massage Therapist has been trained to treat your specific type of injury. Make sure your massage therapist has been certified by the: National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCST), or the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). You can also contact the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) at 888-THE AMTA; or the American Medical Massage Association at 888-375-7245 to find a qualified Clinical Massage Therapistin your area.
Jacqueline Trovato - Jackie is a published writer with over twenty five years of experience in marketing communications and public relations for the Department ...
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