subject: Medical Massage, What Is It? [print this page] Medical massage is defined as a diagnostic and therapeutic treatment that involves stroking and pulling deep connective tissues to release the existing tension and return them to a natural alignment. May be uncomfortable and produce vasodilatation and sweating.
It is primarily the application of specific treatment protocols targeted to the specific problem the patient presents with physician's diagnosis and administered after a thorough assessment by a massage therapist. Until a specific symptom is treated with a specific set of procedures to bring about a specific outcome then massage it is not "medical massage". Medical massage is useful in addressing conditions such as:
Pain associated with bulged or injured spinal disks (medical massage cannot 'fix' the disk, but can help alleviate much of the pain associated with the injury).
Sciatica
Migraines/headaches
Carpal Tunnel
Piriformis Syndrome
Rotator Cuff injuries
Pain associated with pregnancy
Constipation
Range of motion issues
Fibromyalgia
Back and Neck pain
Plantar Fasciitis (involving pain in the foot)
Repetitive use injuries such as those listed and Tennis elbow, Golfer's elbow
TMJ
Pain associated with restricted fascia
Pain associated with postural imbalances
Muscle cramps
Restless Legs Syndrome
Sports injuries
Work Injuries
Auto Injuries
Edema (swelling)
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (numbness/tingling in hands/arms)
Doctors prescribe medical massage to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Medical massage may be used as part of a physical therapy program to build strength and increase flexibility, and a wide variety of other physical problems.
More Info This is a link to a local website on Medical Massage.
