Orthopedic Massage
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease” Thomas Edison ~ 1901
Orthopedic massage is a multidimensional approach built by each therapist dependent on their belief and abilities. Every body is different, needs change, and your health does not come from a cookie cutter. It takes time, a lot of the thought, and problem solving skills to take an individualized approach. Patience is a virtue, and getting out of pain and into balance is a necessity for longevity and quality of life.
What is it?
A therapist who performs orthopedic massage focuses on problems with the client’s musculoskeletal system. He or she may release tight muscles, help to stretch shortened muscles and tendons, and decompress joints. Neuromuscular techniques are used to normalize the message that is sent between the nervous system and motor system, which causes a relax response. The goal is to normalize the soft tissues of the body, both to treat specific conditions and to keep clients generally healthy and fit. It is very important to find a Massage Therapist trained specifically in Orthopedic Massage because it addresses medical issues which necessitates a much more dynamic approach to treatment.
Orthopedic Techniques Offered at Agape
- Spinal reflex analysis (neuromuscular approach)
- Myoskeletal alignment
- Strain-counterstrain (neuromuscular approach)
- Cranial sacral
- TMJ work
- Muscle energy stretching
- And MORE
What are the steps of treatment?
The first step in Orthopedic Massage is the client realizing the need for a whole-istic approach to their healthcare. Once the client comes in they will fill out a medical history and the therapist will begin a thorough evaluation. Evaluations will consist of the medical history, gait analysis, postural analysis, questionnaire, leg length check, and muscle stretch testing. The needs of the patient and the goal in mind will affect the exact treatment look. If the massage therapist partners with a physician or other healthcare professional, he or she will also look over notes from the physician. Then, the therapist establishes a treatment plan, which considers the physiological effects of various massage techniques. Orthopedic massage is very flexible since it integrates a wide range of bodywork styles with the end goal of improving the client’s condition. One technique may be used in one session and another in the next session, always dependent on the needs of the patient and the best means of treatment.
Finally, the therapist begins the hands on work. By using various soft tissue manipulation techniques, the Massage Therapist can alleviate an assortment of painful conditions caused by soft tissue strain. Depending on the client’s issue, the Massage therapist may recommend multiple sessions to treat the problem in order to ensure that it is eliminated and to build up strength and resistance in the affected area, so the condition does not recur.
A home exercise program is crucial in the continued improvement and lasting effect of the treatments. A well-founded treatment plan will include a very specific exercise plan to fit the patient’s need and ability.