Clinical Massage Body Work (Medical Massage)

Clinical MassageThe Licensed Massage Therapists at Prevention & Wellness Center perform Clinical Massage Body Work or Medical Massage. Medical Massage is primarily the application of specific treatment protocols targeted to the specific problem(s) the patient presents with, the physician’s diagnosis, and administered after a thorough assessment/evaluation by a medical massage therapist. Medical massage is useful in addressing conditions such as:

 

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Sciatica
  • Piriformis Syndrome
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Pain associated with bulged injured spinal disks (medical massage cannot “fix” the disk, but can help alleviate much of the pain associated with the injury)
  • Constipation
  • Range of motion issues
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Back and Neck pain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • TMJ
  • Muscle cramps
  • Restless Leg syndrome
  • Sports injuries
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Injuries sustained in traumas such as falls or automobile accidents
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (numbness/tingling in hands/arms)

 

Medical Massage uses a variety of techniques to achieve results such as:

 

Myofascial Release - A form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension.

 

Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) - Applies concentrated finger pressure to “trigger points” (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.

 

Deep Tissue - Releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons, and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

 

Friction - This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The results cause an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

 

Visceral Manipulation - Involves the release of tension in the ligaments of the organs in the body. It is a gentle, but relatively deep tissue therapy with the entire emphasis on making sure that the organs move and glide freely. Frequently the cause of the lack of motion in the organs is due to severe trauma to the body (i.e., car accidents, falls, or even stress). Visceral Manipulation sessions can last anywhere from 20-45 min. The therapists will do a lot of ‘listening’ with their hands initially. Then they will either have you sit up or lie down, and use their hands to locate the ligaments of an organ that is literally restricted in motion. At this point they will then gently encourage those ligaments to release their tension and return the organ to a more balanced position.

 

Visceral Manipulation helps with a variety of issues including:

  • Relaxation - when working with the organs, the body releases a fair amount of serotonin, a feel good/relaxing neurotransmitter.
  • Chronic back and joint pain
  • Indigestion
  • Infection
  • Incontinence
  • Migraines
  • Impotence
  • Sterility