There is nothing quite relaxing like a good massage. It can help you unwind, release stress, break the tension in your muscle, and get rid of pain and aches. In addition, it can get your blood flowing, which helps your body heal and repair minor damages.
Some people wonder whether massage therapy is considered healthcare or just an excellent way to relax with no science-backed benefits. The answer is – it depends.
Read on to learn more about medical massage therapy and how it is different compared to typical massages.
The Evolution of Allied Healthcare Workers
Healthcare has come a long way from doctors and nurses doing everything. We now understand that it takes a whole team of medical professionals to support treatment, recovery plans, and overcoming different health problems.
The term for these medical professionals is allied healthcare workers, and they include:
- Medical massage therapists
- Paramedics
- Psychologists
- Radiologists
- Nutritionists
- Audiologists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational and speech therapists
- EKG and ultrasound technicians
- Medical assistants
This is just a small number of allied healthcare workers, and some estimates state that up to 60% of employees in healthcare are in allied care.
So, by definition, massage therapy is part of healthcare services, and massage therapists are medical professionals.
What Does a Medical Massage Therapist Do?
A licensed massage therapist aids in treatment and recovery diagnosed by a doctor. There are over 600 muscles in the human body, and injuries can impair their functioning. That leads to pain, stiffness, tension, reduced range of motion, and other issues. Luckily, a massage therapist can help overcome these problems.
There are many different massage types, including:
- Swedish
- Deep tissue
- Sports
- Neuromuscular
- Trigger point
- Shiatsu
Each technique provides unique benefits, and research has confirmed the potential of massage to aid traditional medical treatments.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Depending on the massage and technique performed, you may experience several health benefits. That includes:
- Induced relaxation
- Better stress management
- Improved circulation
- Pain relief
- Reduced muscle tension
- Better immune system functioning
- Deeper sleep
- Enhanced sports performance
- Increased range of motion
- Improved mental health and well-being
The great thing about massage therapy is that it can supplement almost any type of treatment plan for better overall results. For instance, some experts suggest that adding regular massage therapy sessions to the management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and depression could improve health outcomes.
Medical Massage Therapy vs. General Massage Therapy
Medical massage therapists have to go through extensive training and education to be able to provide services that aid the recovery of injuries. On the other hand, general massage therapists work in spas and other places, and the goal is to eliminate stress and deliver relaxation. Their massages may provide some pain relief, but they don’t have medical training, and their services are not supposed to treat any health conditions.
Where to Get Medical Massage Therapy?
If you are looking for licensed medical massage therapists, you can find them at Spring Chiropractic & Rehab. Our experts are trained and experienced in different massage techniques that can offer a full spectrum of health benefits, including pain relief and stress reduction. Click on the button below to learn how you can contact us and schedule your massage therapy session.