{"id":36695,"date":"2022-07-19T12:26:12","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T17:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.massagebook.com\/massage-therapy\/?p=36695"},"modified":"2022-07-19T12:29:34","modified_gmt":"2022-07-19T17:29:34","slug":"medical-massage-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/massagebook.com\/massage-therapy\/medical-massage-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Medical Massage Therapy: Why and When You Should Use It"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Medical<\/span><\/h1>\n

Should I Get a Medical Massage?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Have you ever felt that your body needs more than a procedure or pill to get back into its proper form? Do you think addressing the underlying problem is more urgent than catering to symptoms? If yes, you may want to experience medical massage therapy.<\/p>\n

Most of us understand that massages are known to relieve stress and allow our bodies to relax for a specific time. However, a lesser-known fact about massage therapy is that it can help eliminate specific medical issues.<\/p>\n

Professionals in a hospital or clinic perform medical massage therapy. It aims to find problem areas in your body and help you deal with each long-term. For example, suppose you have been suffering from excruciating pain in your body and cannot get rid of it through pills. In that case, a medical massage may work wonders. Dig into this article to learn more about medical massage therapy and when you should use it to treat your chronic aches and pains.<\/p>\n

What Is Medical Massage Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It isn’t easy to live with pain or a medical problem for a long time. Therefore, you need a particular plan and solution to eliminate all the disturbances that might be bothering your body. And for that, you may want to experience medical massage therapy.<\/p>\n

This therapy is often part of a treatment plan and is designed according to the condition and medical diagnosis. Medical massage treatments may vary for every patient according to age, gender, and underlying health conditions.<\/p>\n

Medical massage therapy involves different types of therapeutic procedures that focus on your body’s tendons, tissues, muscles, and ligaments. In short, this therapy works on all your components that support and move your body.<\/p>\n

One of the best qualities of a medical massage is focusing on the problem area instead of your entire body. It involves various massage techniques to support your treatment. Massage therapists use varying procedures that cater to specific medical conditions, and all of this is performed for 30 minutes to one hour per session, depending on the severity of your situation.<\/p>\n

How Is Medical Massage Therapy Different From a Traditional Spa Massage?<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the differences between a spa and a medical massage, so they opt for the former to treat their sore muscles. However, the truth is that both of them have distinct differences.<\/p>\n

Medical Massage Therapy Is Outcome-based<\/h4>\n

A medical massage does offer immense relaxation and stress relief like a spa massage. But in addition to that, it also meets the medical requirements of a patient. As stated earlier, a medical massage is designed to manage your pain in a particular area. Additionally, it also helps improve circulation, digestion, and flexibility. Further, the massage relieves your nerves from compression and tackles various health concerns. Simply put, a medical massage is an all-rounder therapy. It ensures that your body gets a break from all its health issues and starts optimally functioning as it used to before.<\/p>\n

Designed to Target Needs<\/h4>\n

Through various techniques, medical massage therapy helps to target all your needs. The methods used in a spa massage vary from that applied in a medical massage. For instance, a spa massage’s primary focus is to offer you instant relaxation. But on the other hand, a medical massage uses procedures that help muscle recovery and health.<\/p>\n

Comes With a Follow-up Plan<\/h4>\n

A medical massage is a treatment that you can’t take for granted. You can get a spa massage every once in a while and go months until you book your next. However, to reap the maximum benefits of medical massage therapy, a practitioner will provide you with a follow-up plan that you should follow. This targeted plan differs for each patient and contains the number of visits required to make the entire treatment successful.<\/p>\n

A Spa Therapist’s Focus Isn’t on Medical Massage<\/h4>\n

Finally, suppose you believe you can visit a spa and ask the professionals to give you a medical massage. In most cases, you may not be in the right place. A spa therapist may have good training in general massage techniques. Still, they might not be as skilled as a massage therapist focusing on treating medical conditions. On the other hand, a therapist who excels in providing medical massage therapy has the experience and certifications to perform this job correctly. The treatment style and care required in a medical massage are advanced. Therefore, you should only consult a specialist to offer you medical massage therapy.<\/p>\n

Why You Should Use Medical Massage Therapy<\/h2>\n

Here are some reasons that may convince you to get a medical massage:<\/p>\n

Heals Repetitive Stress Injuries<\/h3>\n

One of the main benefits of a medical massage is that it allows you to heal from previous injuries you may suffer when standing or sitting for a long time. In addition, it ensures correct posture so you can save your body from further pains.<\/p>\n

Treats Migraines<\/h3>\n

If you suffer from migraines regularly, a medical massage may help you get rid of them for good. Properly massaging the neck and head promotes effectiveness. Simply put, it releases the muscles that might trigger pain, providing quick relief from chronic headaches.<\/p>\n

Treats Whiplash<\/h3>\n

Whiplash<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is a neck injury caused by bending the neck forward or backward with great force. This injury usually affects your neck’s discs, nerves, and muscles. There are many ways to treat this problem, and one of them is medical massage therapy.\u00a0<\/span>A massage therapist uses various techniques to balance muscle tone and restore the flexibility of joints. If done consistently, the therapy aims to achieve a painless experience for the patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heals Sprains and Strains<\/h3>\n

We often suffer from inflammation after an injury or treatment. Medicines help reduce inflammation, but then it all results in further strains and sprains. In that case, a medical massage works as a savior. A massage increases blood flow which initiates a speedy recovery and rehabilitation process to help create new tissues and generate relief from the pain.<\/p>\n

Eliminates Post-surgery Scar Tissue<\/h3>\n

After an injury or surgery, many people develop unattractive and lumpy scar tissue. If left untreated, it can become a permanent part of your existence. Therefore, it is imperative to use medical massage to break the tissue down and restore the natural structure but only after your doctor’s approval.<\/p>\n

Treats Muscle Disorders<\/h3>\n

A deep tissue massage can help treat muscle disorders. The technique applies strokes and pressure to target your inner tissues and reduce the tension stored in your muscles. But, again, if your condition is too severe, it is best to consult your doctor before visiting a therapist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits of massage therapy can last up to\u00a0<\/span>one month<\/span><\/a>. However, most people may experience the benefits vanishing within a week. This is why it is essential to get a massage regularly and according to the advice of a specialist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of Medical Massage Therapy<\/h2>\n

A medical massage uses various techniques to treat problems. Below are six different medical massage techniques you can try:<\/p>\n

Deep Tissue Massage<\/h3>\n

A\u00a0<\/span>deep tissue massage<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is a technique that focuses on and treats musculoskeletal issues. These problems usually consist of sports injuries and strains. The massage uses deep and slow strokes to apply a certain pressure. This procedure helps target the inner tissues and muscles, reducing tension. Furthermore, a deep tissue massage also improves blood circulation and is quite beneficial in reducing inflammation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This massage therapy is designed to improve muscle pain and help you unwind mentally. According to a\u00a0<\/span>study<\/span><\/a>, a deep tissue massage works as effectively as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. A d<\/span>eep tissue massage is also beneficial for treating issues such as:<\/span><\/p>\n