At Stevenson Therapeutic Massage we take pride in offering our clients Medical Massage therapy. Medical Massage therapy is different from a typical spa massage because it will focus on the root cause of the issue. Every patient that comes in for a medical massage will have a full evaluation.
What is a Medical Massage Practitioner?
A Medical Massage Practitioner is a massage therapist who specializes in using massage techniques for therapeutic purposes to address specific medical conditions and injuries. This type of massage is often prescribed by a healthcare provider and is part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Here are some key aspects of what a Medical Massage Practitioner does:
1. Specialized Training and Certification
Advanced Education: Medical Massage Practitioners receive additional training beyond standard massage therapy programs. This includes learning about anatomy, physiology, pathology, and specific medical conditions.
Certification: They may hold certifications from recognized bodies that validate their expertise in medical massage therapy.
2. Clinical Approach
Assessment: They perform thorough assessments to understand the patient's medical history, current condition, and treatment goals.
Collaboration: They often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors, to ensure an integrated approach to patient care.
3. Customized Treatment Plans
Individualized Therapy: Treatment plans are tailored to address the specific needs and conditions of each patient. This might include chronic pain, injuries, post-surgical recovery, or other medical issues.
Goal-Oriented: The focus is on achieving measurable outcomes, such as pain reduction, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life.
4. Techniques and Modalities
Therapeutic Techniques: They utilize a variety of massage techniques, such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and lymphatic drainage, to address specific issues.
Rehabilitation Focus: Techniques are chosen based on their effectiveness in aiding rehabilitation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair.
5. Conditions Treated
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conditions like back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and joint pain.
Injuries: Sports injuries, work-related injuries, and car accident injuries.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Assisting in recovery from surgeries by reducing scar tissue formation and promoting healing.
Chronic Pain Management: Managing conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
6. Documentation and Reporting
Detailed Records: Maintaining detailed patient records, including assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
Insurance: Medical Massage Practitioners may provide the necessary documentation for insurance claims if the massage therapy is covered by the patient’s insurance plan.
7. Professional Environment
Clinical Settings: They often work in medical settings such as clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and chiropractic offices.
Continuing Education: They engage in ongoing education to stay updated on the latest research and techniques in medical massage therapy.
Overall, a Medical Massage Practitioner plays a crucial role in the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, using their specialized skills to help patients manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve their overall health and well-being.