What Is Clinical Massage Therapy?

Clinical medical massage has grown over the years and has now gained a place of respect in the medical community. Many states license therapists, but extra hours of education are needed to do deep tissue medical massage responsibly. A good way to find a well-trained therapist is word of mouth. There are associations that will refer you to a qualified therapist. A license number in a therapist's advertisement can tell you how long he has been in practice.

History of Massage

The Chinese have records dating back to the year 3000 BC of therapeutic massage being performed on patients with medical afflictions. A biblical reference from 493 BC documents daily massage with olive oil and myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes. (Esther, 2:9-12) Hippocrates advocated the use of massage and was known as the Father of Medicine. Throughout history, we have a pictorial and written description of massage being performed to help heal the sick and injured. The practice became popular in the 1800s, and as time went on, it became known as massage therapy rather then just massage.

Clinical Massage

Clinical massage, or medical massage, is a form of therapy that is usually not performed in a spa setting, though many spa's do offer deep tIssue and lymphatic drainage. Normally, medical massage is done in a clinic and is for rehabilitation from some form of injury. In most cases, a doctor writes a prescription with a treatment plan. Clinical massage involves addressing the deeper muscles of the body versus a relaxation massage being performed with a very light touch on the surface of the skin. The therapist has extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and addresses the range of motion limitations by using a variety of modalities. Heat may be applied along with cold packs or hydrotherapy to relax the muscles and make them more responsive to the work.

Benefits

The benefits of massage are to release muscles that have been traumatized either through repetitive action or by accident and bring them back to a natural state. This includes improving the range of motion of the joint or muscles involved. Improved circulation helps to flush stagnant lactic acids that have accumulated in the muscles creating the muscle pain. A healthy muscle does not hurt. After releasing the tight muscles a slow stretch is usually performed to elongate them bringing it back to its original flexibility. for insurance purposed this falls under neuromuscular re-education

Availability

Clinical massage is usually performed in a private massage office, physical therapy department, doctor's office or hospital. In some states, insurance will reimburse you for your services as a massage therapist if you are licensed and have a prescription stating a diagnosis and treatment plan. Over the years, doctors have become more receptive to massage and many orthopedic centers and neurologists now employ massage therapists as it is a billable service to insurance carriers.

Additional Benefits

Over the years Medical massage has grown in leaps and bounds. People no longer just view it as something you do when you want to relax and eliminate stress. Most people respond to a good deep tissue medical massage. Often, they do not realize how restrictive their range of motion is until they get it back.