What is Medical Massage Therapy?

Medical massage therapy is a type of massage that is designed to treat specific medical conditions, such as chronic pain, inflammation, and injuries. It is typically performed by a certified massage therapist who has received additional training in medical massage techniques.

Unlike relaxation massages, which are designed to promote relaxation and stress relief, medical massage therapy is focused on achieving specific therapeutic goals, such as pain reduction and improved range of motion.

Techniques in Medical Massage Therapies

There are several different types of medical massage therapies available, each of which is designed to target specific medical conditions. Here are a few examples:

1. Medical Swedish Massage: This type of massage combines traditional Swedish massage techniques with other therapies, such as deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy. It is typically used to treat musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain.

2. Neuromuscular Therapy: Neuromuscular therapy focuses on the treatment of trigger points, which are areas of muscle that have become tight and tender. It is often used to treat conditions such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.

3. Myofascial Release: Myofascial release is a type of massage that targets the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds muscles and organs. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain and injuries.

4. Craniosacral Therapy: This type of therapy involves gentle manipulation of the skull and spine to relieve pain and improve function. It is often used to treat conditions such as migraines, neck and back pain, and TMJ disorders.

How Medical Massage Therapy Differs from Relaxation Massages

While both medical massage therapy and relaxation massages involve hands-on manipulation of the body, there are several key differences between the two. 

1. Goals: The goals of medical massage therapy are specific and focused on treating a medical condition, whereas the goals of relaxation massages are generally focused on providing a calming and soothing experience.

2. Specialised Therapists: Medical massage therapists are professionals with knowledge in medical conditions such as geriatric, post-natal and chronic conditions. They know how to work with patients and has more in depth understanding of how the condition affects the body to react differently to each person.

3. Approach: Just like Lifeweavers general approach to therapy, the specialised massage therapists do not use a standard one-size-fits-all massage. Every person and their condition is different. They will first assess and then personalise the massage therapy to suit the person’s needs and align with the goals of the therapy team, often discussing and sharing notes with the attending physiotherapists or occupational therapists of the case to achieve a unified result.

Massage As a Prescription

Most of the time, we do not deploy our massage therapists as a standalone service. They work in tandem with the allied health therapists as a prescribed activity to enhance what the attending therapists are doing. The attending therapists need to assess the client first to get a clear understanding of their health and medical condition before the massage therapist can work with them so that to ensure the delivery of the highest standard of therapy.