What is the difference between massage therapy and medical massage therapy? As far as techniques go, nothing is different. Medical massage therapy incorporates all forms of massage techniques. The one important difference that would separate medical massage would be that the therapist would receive specific prescriptive direction from a primary care physician as to what the client needs in regards to their healthcare problems. This form of massage therapy is generally billed to health insurance companies in 15 minute increments and proper and accurate patient charting is absolutely required by the therapist.

 Techniques

Various techniques may be performed when applying medical therapy for a client. Some of these techniques include trigger point therapy, myofascial release, muscle testing, neuromuscular therapy, rehabilitation procedures and many more. The therapist would apply these techniques to the specific prescribed areas instead of a full body treatment. It is important to acquire exceptional palpation skills when working with medically referred clients, as the ability to palpate and locate musculoskeletal issues will result in better benefitting the clients’ overall health progress. It is also very important for healthcare providers to be aware that the term “medical massage therapist” does not imply formal medical training and such should only be recommended for a patient that does not have any serious underlying health condition that would be a contraindication for receiving massage therapy services.

References Cited in this Article

www.mmpa.us

www.massagetoday.com

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).

Chiropractic clinics often will feature Massage Therapy as a way to enhance the effectiveness and satisfaction of patient visits.  A Massage Therapist can offer a specialized course of treatment focused on the particular condition that the patient is exhibiting. 

Benefits

Conditions that often benefit from Manual Therapy include:  pain, joint stiffness, muscle tightness, and inflammation.  Massage Therapy consists of the application of force either through the use of the hands or a specialized device to the muscles and areas of discomfort.  The massage increases blood flow in the entire body and helps to facilitate healing.  The increased blood flow allows more oxygen to arrive in areas of pain while sending toxins out of problem areas. 

Types of Massage:

Massage Therapists are trained in a variety of specialized techniques. 

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage involves the application of soft pressure in one pathway followed by strong force applied in the opposite direction. 

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue Massage involves slower application of high amounts of pressure to remedy very tense muscles. 

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release Massage involves even deeper massage concentrated on fascia surrounding muscle. 

Trigger Point

Trigger Point Massage consists of zoning in on bothersome, painful areas and applying specific pressure to relieve tension.  In addition to visiting a Chiropractor on a regular basis, pay a visit to a Massage Therapist regularly to further support your body’s innate healing ability.[1]

Although people have been seeking massage therapy as a form of relaxation for many years, it has only been since recently that the effects of massage and your health have been studied and proven to be a very useful form of complementary care to mainstream medical treatments. Most people who receive a massage state that they feel more energized and relaxed after the session. Most people don’t know just how many benefits massage therapy offers. A massage client may feel relaxed because massage can slow their heart rate, reduce blood pressure, increase delta waves in the brain causing drowsiness, and reduce overall stress and anxiety.

Conditions Improved Through Massage

Many athletes who experience sports-related muscle soreness are referred for massage therapy because massage can increase the blood flow to muscles, helping the athlete to recover faster from their injuries. People who suffer from chronic low back pain discover long lasting results from massage; receiving deep tissue massage focuses more on the chronic pain areas in the body. A short session of massage helps to boost alertness which in turn improves attention. Massage also boosts natural killer cells in the body helping to strengthen the immune system by decreasing cortisol levels which will then decrease stress and depression. Patients with compromised immune systems often benefit from boosted immunity from massage as well. Breast cancer patients often receive massage therapy because it can increase lymph flow and decrease lymphatic fluid reducing pain and swelling in the area. Some hospitals now offer massage therapy for high anxiety patients or patients going through chemotherapy because massage reduces their stress before procedures. So, no matter what the reason for a visit, your body will benefit in some form or another from a therapeutic massage and you’ll get a chance to enjoy a little relaxing time during your day.

Reference Cited in this Article

www.cnn.com

www.mayoclinic.com

www.amtamassage.org

www.webmd.com