What Does a Medical Massage Therapist Do?
Medical massage therapy is a results-oriented technique that works hand in hand with physicians to achieve the best health outcomes. It can help patients increase range of motion and learn better body mechanics.
It is also able to help alleviate pain, boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and more. It’s a healthcare solution that has benefits way beyond relaxation and stress reduction.
Relieve Pain
Medical massage therapy can treat a wide variety of pain conditions. In fact, studies have shown that it can reduce the need for opioid medications for chronic pain(12).
Medical therapists work to break up scar tissue and increase range of motion in joints as part of their treatment plans. They also teach patients better body mechanics to prevent injuries.
Another way medical therapists relieve pain is by targeting the myofascial tissue, which holds muscles together. Tightened fascia can cause muscle pain, such as in the back and neck. Medical massage therapists use trigger point therapy and other techniques to release these areas.
Medical massage therapists take classes like anatomy and physiology, myology, and kinesiology in addition to their training as massage therapists. These professionals are detail-oriented and passionate about researching and solving issues related to their field. They must be open-minded and flexible because they need to adapt to each patient’s unique needs. The therapist must also be able to work with other health care providers to ensure the best outcome for their clients.
Increase Circulation
Medical massage is a technique that uses specialized methods to treat injuries and chronic pain. It also helps the body heal itself and improves function. Unlike relaxation massage, medical massage involves a therapeutic relationship over multiple sessions and is focused on achieving functional outcomes.
For example, medical massage may include myofascial release therapy, which helps to eliminate trigger points. This condition is caused by hypersensitivity and tension in the body's myofascial tissues, which connect to muscles and bones. The therapy can help reduce pain and muscle spasms and decrease the fluid pooling that causes inflammation.
Studies have shown that massage can increase circulation. This may be because it increases venous and lymphatic flow back to the heart by creating a "muscular pump" effect. It could also be because it stimulates the nervous system to control the heart rate, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular functions. This makes it a safe and effective method to increase arterial blood flow, which may help with the treatment of various medical conditions.
Promote Relaxation
Injuries and chronic health conditions can leave the body feeling tense. During medical massage sessions, the therapist may use various techniques to help reduce tension and promote relaxation.
When muscles are relaxed, nerves can function properly and nearby organs can be relieved of pressure. In addition, the circulation of blood improves, ensuring that the brain and other organs receive the nutrients they need to perform optimally.
A growing number of individuals are no longer satisfied with just visiting a doctor and being prescribed a pill or procedure. Instead, they want options that treat underlying issues. This is driving an increase in alternative forms of healing, including medical massage therapy. This type of therapy is being used in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings, as well as by private practitioners. Many health insurance plans also cover these treatments. Medical massage therapists are trained to assess their clients in order to outline comprehensive treatment plans and track their progress over time.
Reduce Stress
Medical massage techniques are used to strategically target specific injuries or pain that has been diagnosed by a physician. This type of massage is more specialized than what you would experience at a spa.
This treatment can also help reduce stress and enhance your mood, making it a great choice for people with stress-related health conditions like anxiety or depression. A massage promotes relaxation, which in turn decreases negative physical reactions to stress such as a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.
In addition, a medical massage can improve your flexibility by stretching tight muscles and improving your range of motion. For example, it can help treat injuries like whiplash that cause stiffness in the neck. It can also be used to relieve tension in your fascia, which connects muscle groups together and supports your bones. Over time, this can become inelastic and hard, which leads to pain. Medical massage therapists can help your body break down these areas of fascia and improve your movement, flexibility, and posture.
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Medical massage therapy is a results-oriented technique that works hand in hand with physicians to achieve the best health outcomes. It can help patients increase range of motion and learn better body mechanics. It is also able to help alleviate pain, boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and more. It’s a healthcare solution that has benefits way…