Medical/Orthopedic Massage

The main goal of medical massage is to improve a medical condition diagnosed by a physician. Conditions such as sciatica, frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome, shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, headaches/migraines, TMJ, muscle strains or back, shoulder, knee or hip pain are just some of the conditions that can be treated with medical massage.

Your first session will begin with a thorough assessment of your posture, range of motion, and walking gait. After that, a treatment plan will be put in place and the massage portion of the session will begin.

Medical massage is no single technique and may include various methods such as myofascial release, positional release, manual traction, cupping, manual lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular therapy, muscle energy techniques, manual therapy, and therapeutic massage.

Keep in mind that medical massage in not the same as Swedish massage. Be prepared to be involved during your session by providing feedback and activating your muscles during specific techniques. You also will not undress, as the bodywork will be done through your athletic clothing/sports bra.

*In most cases a prescription for medical massage is not required. However, some insurance companies may be able to reimburse you if you do have a doctor’s referral. You will want to speak to your insurance company about this, and we can provide an invoice if necessary.

Learn more about Joshua, Certified Medical Massage Practitioner, here

FAQs

1. Which conditions can medical massage improve?

Medical massage can improve a range of conditions diagnosed by a medical doctor. These conditions include but are not limited to: sciatica, frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome, shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, headaches/migraines, TMJ, muscle strains or back, shoulder, knee or hip pain, and more.

2. What is the treatment like?

3. What techniques are used during medical massage?

Medical massage may include various methods such as myofascial release, positional release, manual traction, cupping, manual lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular therapy, muscle energy techniques, manual therapy, and therapeutic massage.

4. Is medical massage different from a massage at a spa?

Medical massage is not the same as a Swedish-style massage that you might receive at a spa. Be prepared to be involved during your session by providing feedback and activating your muscles during specific techniques.

5. Will I need to undress during my treatment?

No. Medical massage is done through clothing. We recommend arriving to your appointment wearing athletic clothing and wearing a sports bra underneath your shirt if you are a female client.

6. What is the cost of medical massage?

In the United States medical massage typically ranges from $75 to $200 or more. At TheraKneads the pricing is as follows:

1st Medical Massage + 15-Minute Free Assessment - $140

30-Minute Medical Massage - $70

45-Minute Medical Massage - $105

60-Minute Medical Massage - $140

75-Minute Medical Massage - $175

90-Minute Medical Massage - $210

7. Does insurance cover treatment?

It is possible that insurance may cover or reimburse for medical massage, but it depends on your specific coverage and the reason you are seeking treatment. In general, insurance companies will only cover only what is deemed medically necessary. This usually means that coverage must be prescribed by a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or physical therapist, and must be deemed medically necessary for a specific condition or injury. Currently there is no insurance code for “medical massage.” For best results, it is recommended to ask your provider if manual therapy (code 97140) or massage therapy (code 97124) is covered. They may require a prescription, invoices, treatment notes, or other documentation in order to be reimbursed. We do have Prescription Forms available that you can present to your healthcare provider, so please let us know if you would like us to print one out or email it over to you. And while we do not directly accept insurance, if your specific insurance policy covers medical massage, you may be eligible to be reimbursed after your session. We will provide you with an invoice after your session that includes our NPI number and all insurance codes you will need.