Medical and orthopedic massage are sometimes used interchangeably, but both embody the idea that treatment is applied to a specific injury or condition that is not whole body. For the sake of ease, I will refer to these treatments as medical massage.
Medical massage is used to treat pain and dysfunction. Whiplash, sprains, strains, and carpal tunnel are just a few examples of conditions that can be improved by specific techniques for restoring function and reducing pain. IT DOES NOT treat pathology.
First, a thorough evaluation and history are taken. Whether the condition is the result of a direct injury or overuse, considering the whole body picture is necessary for determining the treatment plan. In some cases, consultation or clearance must be obtained from your primary care physician.
A plan will be laid out for your treatment that might include strengthening and stretching exercises, and a timetable will be mapped out for duration and frequency of treatments. In most cases, if the injury doesn’t respond after three treatments, other options for your care will be discussed.
Choose medical massage for focused pain and dysfunction. Be willing to embrace a plan that includes some homework, and possibly, a few lifestyle changes.
Choose medical massage to give the body an opportunity to heal itself and avoid other painful, and expensive, interventions.
Lastly, choose medical massage because it works, and because it keeps you working.
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