What is Medical Massage?

(copied from https://education.abwinternational.org)

Medical massage is a common term used to describe a wide variety of manual therapy techniques that are prescribed by a physician. It is also called "clinical" or "treatment" massage. It treats medical conditions or injuries using an "assess - treat - reassess" approach to achieve the client's goals or desired outcome. The CDC advises alternatives to opioids for pain relief, and a growing number of physicians are prescribing massage and manual therapy. "Medical massage" is no single technique!

Which Conditions Can it Improve?

Medical massage may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including injuries, chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related conditions. Treatments can also help with recovery from cosmetic or orthopedic surgery. Many therapists offering these treatments have additional training to work with complex health history and diagnosed conditions.

A massage therapist may use Swedish or deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, muscle energy techniques, cupping, and trigger point therapy to name a few. Sought outcomes can vary from increased range of motion in the joints, to pain relief, to improvement in daily activities such as getting dressed, performing tasks around the home, and quality of sleep. 

Medical massage may be used in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment plan to ensure that it is appropriate for your needs.

Is it Different from Massage at a Spa?

While both types of massage are therapeutic and have similar benefits, medical massage requires detailed assessment and documentation for healthcare providers.  

A spa typically focuses on relaxation and stress relief. Some may offer techniques used in medical massage, such as lymphatic drainage and cupping. Depending on the spa, doctor's prescriptions may be accepted.

It is important to note that there is no specific technique called "medical massage," rather it is an approach to achieve a specific outcome based on the client's needs, health history, and prescription (if applicable).

What are Medical Treatments Like?

Treatments are similar to other massage environments in that they use a massage table, dimmed lights, relaxing music, and a pleasant atmosphere. Depending on the therapist's training, doctor's prescription (if applicable), and the patient's needs, several different modalities may be used. Treatments usually take place in a clinic or wellness center. 

Does Insurance Cover Treatment?

It is possible that insurance may cover or reimburse for medical massage, but it depends on the specific coverage of your insurance plan and the reason for seeking treatment.

In general, insurance companies will only cover what is deemed medically necessary. This usually means that the treatment must be prescribed by a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or physical therapist, and must be deemed necessary for the treatment of a specific medical condition or injury.

If you are seeking medical massage for a specific medical condition or injury and your healthcare provider recommends it as part of your treatment plan, it is possible that your insurance plan may cover some or all of the costs. However, it is always best to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage before starting any medical treatment.