Medical Massage Therapy vs. Massage Therapy?
One way that massage therapy differs from medical massage therapy is that traditional massage therapy focuses on general relaxation and stress relief, while medical massage therapy focuses on specific areas of concern on a patient’s body to relieve pain and improve function. With that in mind, medical massage therapy is often a part of a broader treatment plan that may include strengthening exercises, range of motion techniques, and other treatments, while also containing specific follow-up recommendations. Medical massage therapists often have a broader range of techniques in their arsenal to use that work the muscles deeper and in more tangible ways than what you would experience at a regular day spa.
What are the benefits of medical massage therapy?
Medical massage therapists are licensed massage therapists who treat patients with conditions or injuries that are diagnosed by a board-certified doctor and referred for medical massage therapy. Some examples of conditions that a medical massage therapist might treat include
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Sprains and strains
- Tendonitis
- Whiplash
- Improve Posture
- Improve Circulation
- Neck and Back Pain
- Tension Headaches
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Numbness and Tingling
If you’re suffering from back pain, other muscular pain or skeletal discomfort, the team at SOHMA Integrative Medicine works with your insurance carrier to be able to file directly under your coverage so you can find relief to avoid or reduce paying out of pocket. Medical massage is also a great complementary service to support chiropractic care.