There are many types of massage available under the umbrella of massage therapy in Houston. Massage therapy is a holistic healing practice rooted in the natural science of the muscular system used to provide benefits such as:
- Reduction of muscle tension
- Increased relaxation
- Soft tissue healing
- Overall wellness
Out of all the types of massage that exist, medical massage is the one that stands out most as a specialization with focused therapeutic benefits. At Atlas Sports Therapy, We always want our patients to be well-informed. So we’re going to talk about this important therapy, the benefits it offers, and why one might need medical massage therapy in Houston.
What is Medical Massage Therapy?
Medical massage is also referred to as clinical or therapeutic massage. It’s a comprehensive massage method that treats specific medical issues and soft tissue injuries using massage. Where traditional massage focuses mainly on relaxation and stress relief, this massage therapy is more in-depth.
It involves an analysis of the patient’s medical history and symptoms to develop a personalized treatment plan. The massage is performed by highly-trained massage therapists that are certified and work in tandem with physicians, chiropractors, physical rehab specialists, and other providers. The ultimate goal is to correct the underlying issues causing discomfort or pain, rather than give temporary relief.
These therapists employ a wide range of techniques and often combine them with other modalities to achieve the best results. Modalities can include stretching, infrared therapy, and hydrotherapy as well.
Benefits of Medical Massage
The benefits of medical massage therapy go far beyond what your traditional massage offers. As we’ve discussed, most massage is strictly for relaxation and has little benefit in terms of correcting medical issues. However, with medical massage therapy, you can expect to see results such as:
Pain Relief
One of the top benefits of the treatment is its ability to reduce or remove pain. Whether that be a pain in your back, migraines, strained muscles, or conditions like restless leg syndrome—it can alleviate it.
Medical massage accomplishes this by targeting the affected regions, inflammation, tense muscles, and trigger points causing pain. Our therapists are trained to identify these pain points and use the proper technique to correct them and promote healing.
Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery
It can also play an important role in the rehabilitation process after an injury or invasive surgery. Since it improves circulation, reduces scar tissue development, and enhances flexibility, it expedites recovery.
It also restores more function, flexibility, endurance, and range of motion of muscles and joints. That is why this form of massage therapy is one of the top modalities recommended for individuals recovering from sports injuries, car accidents, or surgery.
Improved Range of Motion
One of the biggest problems that develop with injury, surgery, or chronic conditions is a restricted range of motion. This restriction can seriously impact a patient’s quality of life. With medical massage, we use techniques such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, and functional stretching. These techniques increase flexibility, break down adhesions, and restore the full range of motion. This benefit is especially valuable to patients with arthritis or a frozen shoulder.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
While medical massage differs from traditional massage modalities, is that it focuses mainly on therapeutic benefits and healing. However, the added benefit is that it also induces relaxation and reduces anxiety. So, you get the best of both worlds in one treatment. The soothing touch and movements of medical massage release endorphins into the bloodstream and lower cortisol levels.
Cortisol, as you may know, is a steroid hormone that the adrenal glands produce and distribute throughout the body. In moderation, this hormone is very beneficial. However, constant stress can cause an overload of cortisol which, at elevated levels, counteracts the good it does.
Elevated levels of cortisol lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and even high blood sugar. By using medical massage therapy to lower these levels back to a healthy balance you’ll get better sleep and a mood boost.
Improved Circulation
Medical massage techniques stimulate your blood flow and boost circulation throughout your body. Increased circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your vital organs and tissues. Additionally, it removes toxins, and waste more effectively. This leads to an improvement in the overall health of the cardiovascular system which also boosts the body’s ability to heal itself.
Improved Posture
Poor posture can develop from bad habits, but also due to compensating for injury or pain from surgery. This can lead to muscle imbalances, restricted mobility, and chronic pain. Medical massage targets specific muscle groups to release tension and realign your body. By improving posture, it helps prevent future strain on your muscles and joints which reduces the risk of future injuries as well.
Management Of Chronic Conditions
When living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, MS, and fibromyalgia, one deals with pain and restricted mobility daily. By reducing that pain, improving mobility, and boosting overall well-being, quality of life is much improved.
Are You A Good Candidate?
Medical massage is a beneficial treatment for any patient. However, it is especially beneficial to patients dealing with specific symptoms or conditions. In fact, in most cases, this form of massage therapy can be a life-changer.
While many circumstances make a patient a perfect candidate for medical massage. The top three we see are:
Those suffering from chronic pain whether due to musculoskeletal conditions, chronic conditions, or permanent injury are great candidates for medical massage. Our skilled massage therapists can target the source of the pain and use their specific techniques to alleviate and improve their situation.
Individuals recovering from injuries or surgery tend to experience a reduction of motion and scar tissue during recovery. If during the recovery process, medical massage is implemented into the process it can promote the regeneration of healthy tissues, and expedite the rehab timeline.
Individuals with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, tension headaches, and arthritis can get great relief and support from medical massage therapy. While it won’t cure the conditions, it can at least alleviate the symptoms and reduce pain, making life a little more bearable.
Medical Massage Therapy Can Improve Your Life Too
Medical massage offers a host of benefits beyond simple relaxation and reduced stress. If you’re struggling with a chronic condition, pain from injury, or recovering from surgery—contact us!
We can help you achieve better overall well-being with reduced pain and inflammation and improve mobility. Book your therapy session today!
