What is Medical Massage?
Results-Based Massage
Medical Massage is not the same as a regular massage.
Medical massage modifies standard massage therapy techniques to safely work with various medical conditions, including very recent surgeries.
Someone seeking Medical Massage has a specific goal in mind. They wish to improve a problematic condition relieve a very specific problem such as the inability to bend or straighten a knee after knee surgery. Therefore, the objective is to have the person leave the session with tangible results.
What is Medical Massage Like?
The session is more akin to “massage” performed by a physical therapist rather than your typical “spa massage.” Spa Massage aims to de-stress and relax a person.
The purpose of Medical Massage, by contrast, is to address a particular problem such as a deep scar adhesion or correcting limited range of motion of a limb that has been injured or surgically altered.
Although it is similar in many regards to a massage you might get in physical therapy, it is not the same. Due to insurance dictating their schedule of what must be performed when, physical therapists only have a few minutes to work with you using massage techniques. As a result, they are usually very aggressive in their attempt to get results quickly.
Medical Massage at Pain & Swelling Solutions is geared towards gentle release techniques. The more relaxed you are during your session, the better your result. Additionally, the whole hour is dedicated to massage, so there is no need to rush through the work. The result is a very effective and targeted technique that is also relaxing and enjoyable.
Specialized Training
Many people who seek Medical Massage often have medically implanted devices like ports, insulin pumps, and colostomy bags.
Whereas most massage therapists must turn away clients who have these devices due to a lack of training, Shannon holds a number of hours of advanced training specifically for this purpose. Whereas many therapists don’t know what to do when a client comes in with these devices, this is just all in a day’s work for Shannon.
Her training ranges from elder care, to oncology massage, to scar techniques, to surgical recovery.
Specifically Tailored for Each Client
Each person who comes for medical massage has unique needs. Whereas one client may have had a car accident another may have twisted his or her knee while running.
Regardless of the reason a client comes for Medical Massage, the session is specifically designed to help that person reach a his or her goal.
Special Adaptations
Medical massage adapts standard techniques for other medical conditions such as the presence of arthritis, an active tumor, Lupus, or Fibromyalgia. Likewise, Medical Massage is appropriate for people who have mobility challenges, including paralysis.
Likewise, treatments such as radiation or implanted devices dictate that special care must be taken to modify techniques for fragile skin or to not disturb or contaminate implanted devices.
Other Considerations
People who are on medications that make them nauseated, incontinent, or who have a hard time breathing when laying flat can also be accommodated during Medical Massage.
Medical procedures and certain medications can cause people to be more delicate (such as blood thinners) and they require more attentive care and special accommodations. If performed by a therapist who is untrained in appropriate accommodation, getting a simple traditional massage could be potentially harmful.
Medical Massage Therapy certification ensures that a therapist knows what questions to ask and how to modify techniques to keep a client safe.
