What Is Orthopedic Massage Therapy?
Orthopedic massage therapy focuses on treating painful medical conditions which affect the soft tissues of the body, and is not as harsh as deep tissue massage. Treatment focuses on problems with the client's musculoskeletal system, and may include releasing tight muscles, stretching shortened muscles and tendons, and decompressing joints. The goal is to normalize the soft tissues of the body and to achieve balance. The orthopedic massage therapist will customize the session for each client because every person's body is slightly different. Orthopedic massage may be recommended by a physician or chiropractor, and people can also see an orthopedic massage therapist independently.
Can any massage therapist perform orthopedic massage?
Because it is designed to treat medical conditions, orthopedic massage requires extensive training. Always ask your therapist to furnish proof of credentials and licensure. Massage therapists will assess but we do not diagnose. We will refer you to the appropriate health care provider if any assessment indicates conditions that should be diagnosed prior to receiving massage. As muscle specialists, we welcome the opportunity to be part of your health care team.
As part of our continuing commitment to provide the highest quality care to our clients, in 2010 Joe Cinquina completed a 100-hour program and evaluation to become one of the first two LMTs in Kentucky to be certified in Orthopedic Massage by James Waslaski's Center for Pain Management. He also takes continuing education classes regularly and is a teaching assistant for James Waslaski. If you have chronic pain or are recovering from an injury, this work is highly recommended.
What Can I Expect During My Visit?
- First, we listen. The therapist will talk with you about your problems and areas of concern. If you have been referred by a physician or chiropractor, the therapist also looks over their notes.
- The second step in an orthopedic massage session is assessment, after which the therapist will work with you to establish a treatment plan.
- The third step is a bodywork session. By using various soft tissue manipulation techniques, the orthopedic massage therapist can alleviate an assortment of painful conditions caused by soft tissue strain. Depending on your condition, the orthopedic massage therapist may recommend multiple sessions to treat the problem, to ensure that it is eliminated and to build up strength and resistance in the affected area so that the condition does not recur.
- The fourth step is the therapist's recommendations for client self-care, which is an essential component of the treatment. You must commit to taking part in your healing process.
Typically, the first session is between 60 and 90 minutes long. Followup sessions may last 30 to 60 minutes.
What Conditions Are Ideal For Orthopedic Massage?
- Frozen shoulder and other shoulder problems
- Whiplash and other cervical spine conditions
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other elbow, forearm and wrist conditions
- Knee and thigh conditions
- Plantar fasciitis and other lower leg, ankle and foot conditions
- Repetitive motion injuries
Precautions
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage.
Massage is not recommended:
- if you have an infectious skin disease, rash, or open wound
- immediately after surgery
- immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
Always check with your doctor before getting a massage:
- if you have osteoporosis
- if you are prone to blood clots
- If you have heart disease
- if you are pregnant
Based on your pre-session interview, the massage therapist may conclude that it would be prudent to refer you to a physician and reschedule your session. Massage therapists are neither trained nor legally permitted to diagnose. However, they are trained to be observant and to be aware of signs that may contraindicate massage. In keeping with the massage therapist's code of ethics, it is always better to err on the side of caution for your protection and well-being. It is strongly recommended that you follow your therapist's advice if you are referred for consultation. Our policy is that you will not be charged for the unused session.
ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE AND KINESIOTAPING
Soular Massage - Orthopedic Massage and Kinesiotaping in Lexington KY
Kinesiotaping (Applied by Joe Cinquina LMT, CKTS)
The application of kinesiotape provides extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy. It creates a mechanical lifting effect, expanding the narrow space between the skin tissue and adjacent muscle tissue. This space is rich in blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and neural receptors. The expanded space allows blood and lymphatic fluid to flow more easily, helps reduce swelling, and relieves pressure on nerve endings that send pain messages to the brain.
Muscle injuries typically lead to fascial tightness and scarring, and one goal of massage therapy is to stretch the fascia to promote the return of normal function. Kinesiotaping allows the fascial tissue to be held in a stretched position for extended periods following the therapy session.
Kinesiotaping requires special training and knowledge in order to achieve the desired results. While it is possible to buy the tape in some retail outlets, it is not always of the highest quality and it is not recommended that you tape yourself unless your therapist has worked with you to show you the proper application. Choose your therapist carefully and ask for credentials. - Joe is a Certified Kinesiotaping Specialist.
Now Is The Best Time To Feel Better™
We are specialists in treating chronic muscle pain and stress.
copyright © Soular Massage | All Rights Reserved