Medical massage is a manual therapy directed at a specific issue, pathology or dysfunction of soft tissue. Different techniques are used according to what presentations are found in the tissues. These techniques can affect the tissue by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia to eliminate spasm, nerve entrapment, adhesions and scar tissue as well as treat tendonosis.
A medical massage therapist will have training in assessment protocols and may use manual resistive tests (or muscle tests) to evaluate the condition and create a treatment plan. Medical massage therapists will not be able to diagnose a client with a condition as it is out of our scope of practice. However, medical massage therapists are well trained at ruling out conditions and treating specific causes of pain.
In addition to stress relief and relaxation, a medical massage is outcome based and focuses on a medical need. It is often used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relieve nerve compression, improve digestion, increase flexibility and many other health care concerns. It targets your needs through a variety of techniques.