When most people think of professional massage, they think of going to a spa and relaxing while a masseuse works through the knots in their muscles. However, doctors and other medical professionals have recently started to include massage therapy as a part of the treatment plan for their patients, and this type of massage is known as medical massage.
Integrative medicine involves integrating traditional medicine along with alternative therapies, and this personalized combination of treatments has been working for patients across the country and around the world – such as taking medications in addition to receiving medical massage and perhaps other treatments. It is no longer assumed that a patient will rely on a single approach, either traditional or alternative medicine.
Let’s discuss what medical massage is, what conditions it can help treat, whether Medicare covers it, and where you can go in Davenport and throughout Central Florida and South Florida to receive excellent massage therapy.
How Medical Massage Therapy Works
Medical massage, or therapeutic massage, can be used to help treat a medical condition that has been diagnosed by a doctor. It can help to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. Medical massage is often used in conjunction with other medical treatments, which is why it is being recognized as a key part of integrative medicine.
Medical massage is distinct from relaxation massage, or the type of massage you would get at a spa. Whereas the purpose of relaxation massage is to relieve stress and tension in the body, medical massage is performed to treat health conditions related to the muscles and joints – and this type of massage is only performed in a hospital, medical clinic, or doctor’s office.
What Conditions Can Medical Massage Help to Treat?
Medical massage therapy can be used to help treat a variety of health conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Multiple sclerosis
- Sports injuries
Because the symptoms of these conditions can get worse as we age, many seniors turn to medical massage as a drug-free, nonsurgical way to manage chronic pain.
What Should You Expect During a Session of Medical Massage Therapy?
When you go for massage therapy, the medical massage therapist will first talk to you about your medical history and any conditions that you are currently being treated for. They will then tailor the massage to your specific needs. The massage may include light, moderate, or deep pressure, depending on your preference and what the therapist thinks will be most beneficial for you.
It is not uncommon to feel a degree of soreness or tenderness after a medical massage therapy session, as sometimes deep pressure is applied when manipulating the body tissue. However, make sure to communicate with your therapist anytime during your treatment session if the pressure is too much or too deep. Do not feel that you just have to endure something that is painful.
Medical Massage and Medicare
Original Medicare does not currently cover the cost of medical massage therapy, but some Medicare Advantage plans do cover medical massage as an extra benefit. If you are interested in medical massage to help treat a health condition, be sure to check with your Medicare Advantage provider to see if this treatment is covered under your plan.
Massage Therapy with Medicare in South Florida.
At Palm Medical Centers, we believe in the power of massage therapy as a way to improve overall health and well-being. Our team of licensed massage therapists are experienced in providing medical massage for all of the conditions listed above and much more.
We invite you to call us today at (833) 500-PALM (7256) to schedule an appointment, or register as a patient now. We look forward to serving you!
