Most of us have suffered from a
soft tissue injury at some time in our lives.
Soft tissues are defined as the muscles,
tendons, and ligaments throughout your body. An
injury to one or more of those tissues can be caused
by overuse, repetitive motion (as when demand over
time exceeds the tissue’s ability to recover), or a
single event, such as a collision or fall.
Soft tissue injuries can be some of the most
painful and difficult to treat because we can’t see
what is going on under the skin with the soft
connective tissue, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
If someone is in a motor vehicle accident, for
example, the body may be thrown forward, backward,
and/or sideways. The resulting hyper extension or
hyper flexion can cause micro tears of the neck
tissues (as in whiplash), back, shoulder, or other
areas. In response the body immediately switches
into high gear, increasing circulation to the area
to facilitate healing. Regardless of the mechanism
of injury, the result is the same – swelling,
instability, and PAIN. Acute or chronic pain in
the neck, back, or other part of the body can make
daily activities much more difficult, interfering
with work, family, and social life.
Typically your physician will prescribe
medication to reduce the pain and inflammation. If
indicated he/she may recommend an x-ray to rule out
other significant injuries, such as a broken bone.
Treatment may also include physical therapy or
referral to a specialist such as an orthopedic
surgeon, neurologist, pain management physician,
chiropractor, or other specialist.
A
New Treatment Idea
Another treatment modality that has been around
for many years but is being increasingly employed by
the medical community as an effective injury
recovery and pain management tool is Medical
Massage. While its therapeutic benefits
have been appreciated for thousands of years, many
think of massage solely in the context of “spa”
massage. Although enhancing health and wellbeing,
spa massage (or more appropriately called a wellness
massage) is very different than a medical massage.
The differences between wellness massage
and medical massage therapy
relate to clinical approach. The following
chart outlines the differences:
|
Medical Massage Therapy |
Wellness Massage |
| Requires a
prescription and referral from a physician |
Does not require
any prescription or order from a physician |
| Requires
physician’s medical diagnosis and treatment plan |
Not required |
| Uses a specific
technique to address a specific dysfunction or
pathology |
Does not use
specific technique for specific dysfunction |
| Needs detailed
documentation and requires that initial
evaluation and per treatment medical notes be
completed. Progress notes written and given to
referring physician |
Requires minimal
documentation |
| Through advanced
education the therapist has a higher level of
competency and understanding |
Does not require
higher level of competency |
| Insurance-based
reimbursement |
Cash-based
reimbursement |
How Medical Massage Works
In Medical Massage, the therapist utilizes a
variety of techniques to restore structural muscle
balance. The goal is to lengthen shortened muscles,
strengthen overstretched muscles, and realign the
scar tissue. Although scar tissue is a normal part
of the healing process, it can constrict muscles and
impinge upon blood vessels and nerves at the injury
site, a major cause of pain. Knowledgeable
therapists are able to identify, isolate, and
manipulate the affected muscles, and break up and
realign scar tissue. Treatment results in a
reduction in pain, increased circulation to the
affected area, and improved flexibility and range of
motion. The restored muscle balance minimizes strain
at the injury site. This pain relief
allows you to “get your life back!”
Without pain, you can resume work, recreation,
hobbies, or care-taking.
To maintain healthy soft tissue following
treatment, therapists educate patients in self-care
techniques. This empowers them to speed their
recovery and quickly minimize and control any pain
from future injuries.
Conditions Responding to Medical Massage
Some of the medical conditions that benefit from
medical massage include: neck pain, whiplash, frozen
shoulder, rotator cuff or other shoulder injuries,
headaches, numbness and tingling, repetitive motion
injuries, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome,
and sciatica or low back pain. Currently in the
state of Illinois, medical massage is covered under
automobile insurance and worker’s compensation.
Medical Massage specialists are working diligently
to get this treatment covered by all forms of
medical insurance. Private pay is always available.
Contact your health care provider today for a
prescription referral.
