All Massage Therapy Is Not Created Equal in Pain Treatment

What do you think of when you think of neck or back massage therapy? Most people think of the type of massage you would receive if you went to the spa for the day.  That type of massage therapy is known as a Swedish Massage. Swedish Massage is only one of over 40 types of massage that a person can receive. When you say you went to see your doctor today, what do you think of?  If I went to see my family doctor, my image would be different than if I said I went to see my Cardiovascular surgeon.  They are both doctors, but the exams and procedures that they perform are vastly different.

The field of massage is similar in its sub-specialization within the scope of massage therapy. Swedish Massage is great for relaxation and stress reduction, but if your back just went into spasm and is  locked up, you would be much better served going to a Massage Therapist that specializes in Rehabilitation and back pain relief.   Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Positional Release and Muscle Energy are just a few of the specialized massage techniques that were developed to treat muscle pain and skeletal dysfunction.  These techniques are focused on looking at the role of the soft tissues in causing pain. Soft tissues include muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia. Fascia is the covering over muscles and internal organs that provide stability and strength. Neuromuscular therapy treats fascia and muscle pain. Myofascial Release treats connective tissue disorders, particularly tight fascia which is a painful syndrome that frequently accompanies muscle pain and spasm. Positional Release treats muscle spasms, muscle energy treats joint restrictions.

These techniques are taught to Massage Therapists as advanced, highly specialized postgraduate courses. Just as a doctor can practice medicine after four years in medical school, he/she must first participate in a postgraduate internship and residency program to specialize in his/her specific field of medicine.  A Massage Therapist who is treating patient for acute and chronic muscle and joint pain should have more than just basic, Swedish Massage training. What patient’s want most is pain relief.

In summary, specialized massage therapy for medical conditions, requires advanced training on the part of the massage therapist. Many hours of postgraduate massage therapy education and training is necessary for successful outcomes in the treatment of patients suffering from pain in the neck, back, head or extremities. For more information visit Soar Point Massage or contact Jack Ryan, LMT a 941–993-3339 for an appointment.