What is a Orthopedic Massage Therapy?

Orthopedic Massage (OM) describes a comprehensive system, rather than a single technique, that involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of soft tissues to resolve pain and dysfunction. OM’s focus is restoring function and structural balance throughout the body for both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. OM takes a multidisciplinary approach that looks to resolve the origin of the pain and dysfunction either from trauma-induced injuries or postural imbalances that exacerbate the pain through daily activities. Common orthopedic conditions can stem from sports injuries, postural imbalances due to poor work ergonomics, chronic pain and scar tissue from surgery or traumatic injury. Orthopedic massage therapy manipulates the muscles and other soft tissues around injured joints. Your provider may recommend orthopedic massage if you have musculoskeletal damage due to a sports injury, orthopedic surgery, overuse, or poor body mechanics. 

 

This type of massage therapy uses different strokes and techniques to release tension and stimulate healing in the tissues that support your joints, including:

• Muscles 

• Tendons

• Ligaments

• Fascia 

• Lymph nodes

 

Orthopedic massage therapy can help heal muscle and joint injuries to avoid long-term damage. In many cases, orthopedic massage therapy may keep you from undergoing orthopedic surgery, especially when combined with other alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, deep-tissue massage, and physical therapy. 

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What are some conditions that orthopedic massage therapy can treat?

Orthopedic massage therapy offers holistic solutions for treating musculoskeletal problems, such as:

• Plantar fasciitis 

• Sciatica

• Scoliosis

• Coccyx and sacral dysfunction

• Forward head postures

• Rib fixations

• Dowager’s Humps

• Back spasms/pain

• SI joint and iliac dysfunction

• cervical pain

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Frozen shoulder

• Thoracic outlet syndrome

• Carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow

• Plantar fascitis and foot pain

• Anterior compartment syndrome

• Shin splints

• Iliotibial band (ITB) issues

• Chondromalacia patella and knee pain

• Whiplash injuries

• Compressed disks

• Bursitis

• Tendonitis/tendinosis

• Scar tissue issues

• Arthritis 

• Muscle strains and sprains

• Ligament ruptures or strains 

• Whiplash 

• Tendonitis 

• Tennis elbow

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears 

Your orthopedic massage therapist creates a plan of care that meets your specific needs and functional goals.

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What are the benefits of orthopedic massage therapy?

The primary focus and benefit of orthopedic massage therapy are to stimulate healing and help you regain total function in your joints.

 

Other benefits include:

• Increased circulation around the injury

• Reduced swelling and pain

• Improved range of motion 

• Faster recovery and healing time

• Avoidance of surgery or other invasive treatments

• Enhanced postsurgical rehabilitation 

• Decreased buildup of scar tissue and adhesions

 

Your health care provider determines if this type of massage therapy is right for you and works with your massage therapist to ensure you get the most benefit from your treatment.

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How is orthopedic massage therapy different from other types of massage therapy?

Orthopedic massage differs from other forms of massage therapy in several ways. The purpose and length of treatment are different, and it has measurable results.

 

Purpose of treatment

Orthopedic massage therapy focuses on restoring damaged tissues and regaining function, rather than relaxing, preventing injury, or relieving tight muscles.

 

Measurable results

Unlike other forms of massage therapy, orthopedic massage therapy has an end goal with measurable results, such as being free of pain, improving range of motion, or being able to bear weight.

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Length of treatment

Unlike with Swedish or deep tissue massage, which could benefit your health indefinitely, orthopedic massage has a limited treatment time until you reach your goals or should consider another form of treatment. 

 

Your provider helps determine which type of massage is the best for your overall health and wellness. 

 

For expert orthopedic massage therapy, call AIM Health or schedule an appointment today.