What is
medical massage?
Medical massage is a combination of advanced soft tissue, neurological, and lymphatic techniques which are organized to address the particular needs of each individual client. A single treatment is focused on a specific region or type of dysfunction and is based upon the client’s complaints or the therapist’s findings. It is seldom a full body treatment and is distinctly different from a therapeutic relaxation massage. It is not necessary for a client to have a prescription from a physician, however, in certain circumstances one may be required.
A treatment plan is developed based on each client’s individual needs. Each treatment is different and changes as the client’s condition improves.
The protocol for medical massage is as follows:
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A complete detailed client history
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Assessment of posture, movement, and soft tissues
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Treatment of abnormal tissues
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Re-assessment
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Additional treatment
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Repeat as necessary through the session
A medical massage therapist has advanced training in anatomically specific assessment, palpation and treatment. Mastery in these modalities takes years of advanced training. To learn more about our certified medical massage therapist, click here.
A medical massage treatment may contain one or a combination of the following modalities listed below. Each of these therapies are very specific and can be combined for a powerful therapeutic impact.

modalities
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an advanced manual therapy in which the therapist uses a range of specialized and gentle, rhythmic, pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of lymph flow. This stimulates the lymphatic vessels which carry substances vital to the defense of the body, removes waste products, and excess fluid (swelling). This is a delicate and deeply relaxing therapy to receive.
Myofascial Release (MFR) is performed without the use of oils or creams. It involves application of gentle sustained pressure into fascial restrictions, eliminating pain, and restoring motion. Trauma or inflammatory responses can cause these restrictions in the fascia, which is the uninterrupted connective tissue that surrounds and attaches to every structure in the body.
Neural Reset Therapy (NRT) works with specialized nerve bundles called mechanoreceptors. The receptors respond to pressure, velocity, vibration, stretch, and other forces. When receptors detect a change, a signal is sent to the spinal cord and then relayed to the brain. With NRT, the therapist briefly stimulates the receptors embedded in the selected muscle by asking for a position to be held or for a movement in a particular direction. Or the therapist taps on a muscle in such a way as to cause receptors to send a special message to the spinal cord. That new message goes through the spinal integrating center which will reset the nervous system so the muscle is optimized neurologically. With the reset, the muscular pain and tightness disappear within seconds.
Visceral Manipulation (VM) assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. VM increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.
Lympho-Fascia Release (LFR) combines lymphatic, fascial, and visceral techniques for a very precise, gentle, yet powerful therapy. LFR can be successfully applied to chronic conditions as it addresses the stagnant fluid as well as the adhesions which are present in many chronic dysfunctions. LFR can be applied within an organ, between the organ and its ligamentous attachments, and between organs at organ interfaces. LFR is such a gentle approach that it may be used with acute conditions, the elderly, the medically frail, and those who may react negatively to strong touch.
MediCupping™ brings myofascial release and manual lymph drainage together in a complementary therapy. A vacuum pump machine with wide variety of glass and plastic cups is used to create suction, which lifts the tissue and releases restrictions, scars, tight knots in muscles, facilitates joint mobilization, and pulls out metabolic waste so the lymphatic system can take them away. The cups are moved over the skin using gliding and other various techniques while the therapist gently pulls up on the cups, or they may be left stationary for a short time. This therapy is excellent for issues such as pain, sprains, deep tissue injuries, and lymphedema. It is also deeply relaxing and pressure can be adjusted from very light to very deep work.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
Brain Therapy (BT) This advanced-level manual therapy releases brain-centered restrictions and works to alleviate the damaging effects that these restrictions cause. Often overlooked in clinical practice, brain and spinal cord structures are very important components of dysfunctions throughout the entire body. This gentle and deeply relaxing therapy treats the brain, spinal cord and related pathologies including: closed head injury, whiplash, headaches, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, cognitive behavioral dysfunctions, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, post-meningitis syndrome, dementia, post-polio syndromes, birth difficulties or trauma, feeding difficulties, and more.
Neural Manipulation (NM) is a gentle, precise, light-touch, hands-on treatment that releases local nerve restrictions while at the same time examines the effect these local fixations have on the rest of the body, and by accessing this relationship, changes the more comprehensive (global) dysfunctional patterns. It also enhances proper functioning of the nervous system.
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching combine gentle, passive and active stretching to obtain maximum flexibility and increase range of motion.
Kinesiology Taping (KT) is a rehabilitative taping technique, which facilitates the body’s natural healing process. It helps to stabilize joints without restricting movement, provide pain relief, speed the drainage of swelling and bruising, and can extend the benefits of therapy for several days after treatment.
Medical massage modalities are effective in treating the following:
Musculoskeletal
Back & neck pain
Tension headache
Muscle spasms
Chronic pain
Bursitis
Frozen shoulder
Sprains/strains
Muscle/ligament tears
Fractures/dislocations
Scoliosis
Herniated discs
Rheumatoid arthritis
Thoracic outlet syndrome
TMJ/jaw pain
Tendonitis
Tennis/golfer’s elbow
Shin splints
Plantar fasciitis
Whiplash
Postural issues
Edema & bruising from injury
Dermatological
Acne/eczema
Leg ulcers
Lipomas
Hematomas
Scars & adhesions:
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Burns
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Surgical
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Radiation
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Trauma
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Keloid
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Hypersensitive/painful
Cancer
Mastectomy pain
Scars/adhesions
Radiation burns
Lymphedema
Neurological
Anxiety/stress reduction
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Migraines
Sciatic nerve pain
RSD/CRPS
Multiple sclerosis
ALS
Trigeminal neuralgia
Concussion
Surgical
Pre-surgery preparation
Post-surgery recovery
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Speed healing
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Pain
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Edema
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Adhesions
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Scarring
Post mastectomy
Post hysterectomy
Post amputation
Post vein stripping
Pre/post cosmetic surgery
Pre/post liposuction
Post bariatric surgery
Post facial/eye surgery
Post orthopedic surgery
Women's Health
Pre- and post-natal issues
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Back & hip pain
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Foot pain
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Edema
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Round ligament pain
Breast pain
Fibrocystic breasts
Breast implants
Breast reduction
Breast reconstruction
Lactation problems
C-section scars
Menstrual problems
Pelvic pain
Infertility
Ear, Nose & Throat
Sinusitis
Tinnitus
Allergies
Congestion
Digestive
Constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Other
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial pain syndrome
Chronic fatigue
Toxic poisoning
Scleraderma
Lipedema
PTSD