Going for a massage is a real treat. There’s nothing better than loosening up those tight muscles and joints. At Spring Mountain Medical, we get many questions from patients about what a medical massage is and how it can benefit them. 

What Are Medical Massages?

Massages help reduce stress and give people a sense of overall well-being. Medical massages focus on minimizing symptoms at a centralized location. They are outcome-based and can relieve everything from pain to digestion.

Medical massage therapists use a wider range of techniques than those at a spa because their goal is to improve muscle health. After a clinical massage therapy session, a therapist will give their patient a treatment plan and follow-up schedule to maintain their progress.

How Do Medical Massages Relate to Rehabilitative Care?

Medical massages assist with rehabilitative care in many ways. Coupling medical massages with physical therapy increase the benefits of rehabilitative care. Relaxed muscles are easier to manipulate during a physio session, and patients will experience less pain.‌

Medical massages can also help relieve symptoms caused by surgeries. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, medical massages can assist surgical rehabilitative care in the following ways:‌

  • Alleviates postoperative pain, anxiety, and stress
  • Decreases the need for large doses of pain medication
  • Realigns muscles and joints to increase the range of motion
  • Reduces sympathetic responses to surgery

5 Reasons Medical Massages Support Rehabilitative Care

Medical massages can assist rehabilitative care in these five crucial ways.

1. Assists With Pain Management

One of the most important ways medical massages support rehabilitation is through pain management. Recovering from an injury or illness can leave a person’s body tense with fatigue and pain. Targeted areas are soothed until the pain is mostly gone.

If they’re also doing physical therapy, medical massages will loosen their muscles to reduce pain before, during, and after sessions.

2. Relieves Stress and Improves Range of Motion

Constant stress reduces blood flow because of the tension in the muscles and surrounding tissue. Medical massages help reduce stress in the nervous system and muscles, which increases the range of motion.‌

3. Increases Blood Circulation

Medical massages stimulate the muscles and nerves in an affected area, which boosts tissue metabolism. It’s a process where blood and tissue begin to exchange certain substances, like hormones, that increase healing.

Once blood circulation increases, affected areas receive more nutrients and oxygen—further assisting rehabilitation.

4. Shortens Recovery Time and Prevents Future Injuries

Medical massages rid a person’s body of toxic substances, like lactic or carbonic acid, and shortens their recovery and rehabilitation time.

5. Assists With Rehabilitation for Various Medical Conditions

Sometimes a patient needs rehabilitation because of certain medical conditions. Some studies show that medical massage benefits people with:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hand arthritis
  • Knee osteoarthritis

Do You Need More Information on Rehabilitative Care?

Always check with a doctor before going for a massage. Some underlying conditions will worsen with stimulation. Contact Spring Mountain Medical to learn more about massage and rehabilitative care.