Therapeutic Massage Styles

What type of massage techniques and therapeutic skills do I utilize through massage sessions? Here are some of the most specific. Whatever your physical condition is, I will utilize the best variety that will be most therapeutic for you!

Orthopedic Massage/ Medical Massage

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.

OM can be used to identify and correct conditions such as: sciatica • scoliosis • coccyx and sacral dysfunction • forward head postures • back spasms/pain • SI joint and iliac dysfunction • cervical pain • 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...the list goes on.

Deep Tissue Massage

“Deep Tissue” is a buzz word that has become increasingly popular in the world of massage… but what does it mean? Deep tissue is a corrective and therapeutic technique used to eliminate or reduce discomfort and pain and chronic holding in the body. This technique typically goes very deep into the layers of tissue relieving adhesions and scarring of muscles that cause chronic patterns of tension and limited range of motion.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is an intense massage modality that consists of focused, concentrated massage on one specific area of the body at a time. This includes the treatment of trigger points. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes this form of massage as an effective treatment for pain caused by soft tissue injury, such as a muscle strain.

Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial Release is a safe and effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial release is an attempt to bring about changes in the myofascial structures by stretching or elongation of fascia, or mobilizing adhesive tissues. The practitioner moves slowly through the layers of the fascia until the deep tissues are reached.

Sports Massage Therapy

Sports Massage is a technique specifically designed for athletes, weekend warriors, and active people alike. This style can ready the muscles prior and post-event, as well as assist in recover from wear-and-tear or overuse injuries that can occur with this sort of lifestyle. Sports massage can also improve overall performance of athletes by increasing range of motion, strength and endurance which will ultimately have an enormous affect on the body’s ability to go farther, faster, stronger… easier.

Manual Lymph Drainage

Manual Lymph Drainage is a gentle manual technique. It is a potent way to activate the lymphatic system, especially when the transport capacity of the lymph system is reduced because of prior surgery and/or radiation therapy or overwhelmed due to trauma. The technique is based on four basic strokes developed in the 1930's by Dr. Emil Vodder of Denmark, with the goal of increasing the activity of the lymph flow and drainage of tissues. This can greatly enhance recovery and can have a profound effect on many body systems. Compared to traditional massage, the pressure applied is much lower in intensity, and also very calming to the nervous system for a very relaxed experience.

Massage Cupping Bodywork

Cupping bodywork is a vacuum therapy that facilitates deep inflammation in the tissue to be released in a non-irritating way. The skin can turn red indicating circulation has been brought to the surface. Increased blood supply to muscles and tissue will bring nourishment and aid toxins to be more easily removed via lymph. It is also effective in releasing restrictions in fascia and scar tissue, as well as treatment for cellulite.

Medical Massage Therapy

Medical Massage is result-oriented and specifically directed to resolve conditions that have been diagnosed and prescribed by a Physician. The therapist may use a variety of modalities or procedures during the treatment, but will focus the Medical Massage treatment only on the areas of the body related to the diagnosis and prescription. Medical Massage is generally billed in 15-minute segments using current procedural terminology and adhering to the usual and customary reimbursement fee schedule.

In order for Massage Therapists to state that they are treating someone, they must first be able to legally determine what it is that they are actually treating.

Since it is beyond Massage Therapists' scope of practice to diagnose, they must work from a doctor’s prescription if they are claiming to treat a specific condition. Non-prescribed therapy may also be administered to address clients, where assessment shows soft-tissue imbalances.

Medical Massage Therapy and Insurance

Responding to consumer demand, many health insurance plans now cover massage provided by a massage therapist or provide affinity discount programs for massage. Auto insurance Personal Injury Protection coverage usually cover therapeutic massage as well.

Once medical massage therapy is prescribed, the policy holder or physician’s office may need to seek authorization from the insurer if coverage is not clearly spelled out in the policy or plan.

**Body Luminate does not currently work with any insurance providers at this time.