Medical massage therapy is a treatment that is prescribed by a physician to treat a specific condition, or conditions. A physician must determine the need for medical massage therapy.  This kind of therapy cannot be diagnosed or prescribed by a massage therapist.  Medical massage therapy will primarily focus on the specific areas that are affected in the diagnosis. Medical massage therapy is a natural and non-invasive treatment to health care. Medical massage therapy can help alleviate pain by releasing endorphins and amino acid, which works as the body’s natural painkiller.  Medical massage therapy can help promote tissue regeneration, which can reduce scar tissue and reduce adhesions and swelling after surgery. Medical massage therapy can help distribute oxygen & nutrients into tissue and vital organs, which can improve circulation.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits to massage therapy treatments. But it is important to know that a massage therapist that provides a medical massage is different than an orthopedic massage therapist. Both therapists have been trained and certified in massage therapy. But a medical massage therapist has a more detailed and thorough knowledge of the human body. A medical massage therapist has also had extensive training in the actual treatment of the human body and it’s pathology.  A medical massage therapist studies one body part at a time.  They will cover the joints of that body part, the connective tissue as well as the soft tissue.  They will have knowledge of the basic pathologies commonly seen in practice, in regards to that body part.  A medical massage therapist will have a thorough knowledge on the techniques used to treat the problems or conditions of that specific body part.  Medical massage therapy is not a full body massage. Medical massage therapists do not provide relaxation, or use oils or spa products. A medical massage therapist has been trained to use medicated oil based products or liniments, in conjunction to the massage, (these products are normally applied once the treatment has been completed).