What is Medical Massage?
According to the American Medical Massage Association (AMMA), medical massage is:
'A system of manually applied techniques designed to reduce pain, establish normal tissue tension, create a positive tissue environment and to normalize the movement of the musculoskeletal system. A scientifically based method of manual therapy that seeks a clear understanding of the scientific principles of physiology that affect connective tissue healing and treatment.'
Medical Massage is a result oriented massage treatment that is specifically designed to resolve conditions that have been diagnosed and prescribed by a Physician or other Licensed Health Care Provider. Your Medical Massage Practitioner has been trained in advanced techniques to address specific issues and conditions. Focusing treatment only on the areas of the body related to the diagnosis and prescription, your therapist may use a variety of modalities or procedures to release abnormal soft tissue tension. (i.e. soft tissue massage, passive and active stretching, range of motion exercises and the use of supportive therapeutic modalities such as heat and cold.)
Medical Massage Therapy strives to achieve the following clinical criteria:
- It is not a general treatment. Rather Medical Massage is applied as manual therapy to the specific area and the primary pathology of the client's chief complaint.
- It is delivered to an anatomical region based on soft tissue and join findings and after assessment procedures, such as muscle tests and palpation.
- Medical Massage protocol involves several progressive steps or stages of treatment that attempt to correct abnormal conditions affecting the joint complex.
- It adopts the medical techniques and protocols of other systems of health care.
- Medical Massage therapy is not limited to myofascial tissues, but includes the joint complex and highly specialized joint mobilization techniques, such as stretching.
Medical Massage Therapy is re-emerging in the United States as a manual therapy system of treatment that does address the needs of clinical rehabilitation.
Do I need a Prescription to receive this treatment?
No, you don't need a prescription to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy. Non-prescribed therapy may be administered to address issues where assessment shows soft-tissue imbalances. However, it is beyond the scope of practice for a massage therapist to diagnose conditions. As powerful as Medical Massage Therapy can be, in certain cases it may be contraindicated. Please consult with your physician or health care provider to determine the appropriate treatment protocol.
Insurance companies will also require a Physician prescription for possible reimbursement.
What are the benefits of Medical Massage Therapy?
Many of the benefits of Medical Massage Therapy are:
- Releases tight and sore muscles which can cause Ischemia
Ischemia: A lack of blood supply to soft tissues, which causes hypersensitivity to the touch and allows for further injury to the tissues.
- Helps relieve nerve compression or entrapment.
- Deactivates Myofascial Trigger Points
Trigger Points: Areas of high neurological activity, which refer pain to other parts of the body. Research has shown, trigger points may be responsible for as much as 74% of everyday pain.
- Decreases Pain And Inflammation
- Massage can restore suppleness and strength to your muscles, improving their overall function. It's the ideal treatment for releasing tension or muscles in spasm and helps to release toxins such as lactic acid (produced by muscle tissue during exercise.)
- Alleviates Stress and Improves Circulation
- Aids in Digestion
- Increases Flexibility And Range Of Motion
- By reducing hypertonicity and hypotonicity the muscles allow for normal ranges of motion to be restored. This also reduces the forces being applied to the joint capsule and diminishes the potential for joint and disk degeneration.
- Calms The Nervous System
The nervous system is your communication network, sending messages constantly that determine proper functioning throughout your body. The first sense to develop is your sense of touch. A simple touch has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart rate. Touch can also signal the brain to produce endorphins, your body's natural pain suppressors. Stress can affect the ability of the nervous system to do its job. The many nerve endings found in the skin and muscles are soothed by massage.
- Improves Posture And Coordination
- Medical Massage is cost effective.
Medical Massage also helps to prevent future chronic pain conditions by effectively dealing with the cause of the problem and eliminating it. It is shown in scientific literature that over 80% of the pain is coming from soft tissue injuries, and over 74% is directly attributed to Trigger Points. Overall Medical Massage achieves results and substantial cost savings to the client, employer and to society. As the general public becomes more familiar with the role of the Medical Massage Therapist they will be better able to handle their everyday soft-tissue pains.
In certain cases, massage therapy may be contraindicated. Please consult with your physician or health care provider to determine the appropriate treatment protocol.
Am I able to get Medical Massage Therapy covered by Insurance?
Most people have insurance coverage that covers massage services for personal injury claims, such as automobile accidents and work-related injuries. When you meet specific criteria, your massage services may be billed directly to your insurance provider under a separate schedule of Insurance Billing rates.
For insurance billing, the following is required:
Prescription / treatment plan from your doctor
Verification of adequate insurance coverage. (We will be happy to call your insurance company to verify coverage.)
Massage Therapists are not permitted by law to diagnose medical conditions or develop treatment plans for medical conditions. The diagnosis codes provided by your doctor specify the medical condition to be treated; while, the procedural codes designate the treatment approaches.
Consequently, your massage treatment is under the specific direction of your doctor. We work together as a team, providing you with more integrated and comprehensive treatment approaches.
