Medical vs. Therapeutic Massage - Defining The Difference
Massage therapy can serve various purposes, from relaxation to targeted treatment of specific conditions. While there’s often a fine line between therapeutic massage and medical massage, understanding their differences can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy
- Focuses on general discomfort or tension in muscles.
- Aims to relieve tight, overstimulated muscles, which can lead to an immediate sense of relief.
- Provides a jumpstart to feeling better, often improving discomfort and range of motion in a single session.
Medical Massage Therapy
- Designed to produce permanent changes or maintain tissue health, especially in cases like paraplegia or chronic conditions.
- Often involves re-educating muscles and soft tissues to stay properly lengthened, allowing:
- Improved blood flow.
- Better nerve function.
- Full range of motion.
- Reduction in pain and discomfort.
- Utilizes advanced techniques and modalities in addition to therapeutic approaches.
- Results are measured by the duration of pain relief or improvement between sessions.
Which Type of Massage Is Right for You?
If your discomfort is due to muscle tension or stress, therapeutic massage may be the ideal choice. However, if you’re dealing with chronic pain, injuries, or medical conditions requiring targeted care, medical massage could be more beneficial.
We recommend speaking with your therapist to assess your specific needs. If you feel a medically geared approach would suit you better, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. Our expert therapists are here to guide you.
Consultations
We are committed to helping you find the best treatment for your needs. During a complimentary consultation, we will:
- Review your medical history.
- Perform a hands-on evaluation.
- Determine whether medical massage therapy is in your best interest.
There is no charge for consultations, ensuring you can explore your options with confidence.
Self-Pay Program
We understand that not all insurance plans cover massage therapy. That’s why we offer an economical Self-Pay Program for:
- Families and individuals without insurance.
- Clients with insurance plans we do not accept.
All prices for this program are listed on our website for transparency and ease of planning.
Advanced Medical Massage Therapy Techniques
At Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy, we provide the highest-quality medical massage therapy and relaxation spa experiences, including:
- Couple’s Spa Massages for shared relaxation.
- Advanced Medical Massage Techniques, such as:
- Manual Lymph Drainage.
- Myofascial Release (MFR).
- Prenatal Pregnancy Massage.
- Oncology Cancer Massage.
We are proud to be a Recommended Community Provider for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and are often referred to as the physician’s choice for advanced medical massage therapy and specialty programs.
Insurance and Reimbursement Options
We accept:
- NYSHIP Insurance.
- No-Fault Insurance for auto accidents.
Additionally, many insurance companies provide reimbursement for our medical massage services. Check with your provider to see if you’re eligible.
Why Medical Massage?
The science and research behind medical massage therapy speak volumes. From reducing pain and discomfort to improving mobility and overall wellness, it’s a proven approach to long-term health and recovery.
Medical Massage Therapy Session (Excluding MFR and MLD)
- Treats the muscles, fascia and Trigger Points
- Addresses shortened and over- lengthened muscles
- Sedates or stimulates muscles
- Specific, focused work, based on a treatment plan session
- Feedback from the client during the session is customary
- Often, sessions can produce some temporary discomfort
- 30-45 minute sessions.
- Each session will generally last longer and longer.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy Session
Medical Massage Therapy Session Most often for:
Pain, CT Syndrome, TMJ, Sciatica, Herniated Discs, Scoliosis, Migraines, Muscle Spasms, M.S., Whiplash, Injuries, Chronic muscle tightness/tension, etc.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy Most often for:
Stress, Discomfort, Insomnia, Depression, Fatigue, High Blood Pressure, Muscle tightness/tension, Asthma, etc
Fascia is a tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from head to foot. Much like a highly fluid, elastic body stocking, it functions without interruption. Fascia comes together at the end of muscles to become tendons, which attach to bones. It has been estimated that if every structure of the body except the fascia were removed, the body would retain its shape. A malfunction of one of the body’s systems due to trauma, poor posture, or inflammation can cause a binding, impinging or adhering of the fascia either to itself or to another body structure such as a muscle, bone or organ. This results in an abnormal pressure on any or all of the body’s components. Binding and restrictions in one area will affect other parts and areas of the body, similar to pulling on one end of a sweater, another area will be affected. The treatment used to treat myofascial restrictions is referred to as Myofascial Release.
Trigger points are accumulations of waste products around a nerve receptor. Trigger points form in muscles and/or fascia, which has been overused or injured. They can present themselves as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, etc. Active trigger points are those, which cause discomfort. Latent trigger points wait silently in the muscle for a future stress to activate them. It is common to attribute this discomfort to other conditions. The treatment used to treat trigger points is referred to as Trigger Point Therapy.
