What is orthopedic massage
Orthopedic massage is a type of massage therapy that involves the use of physical manipulation also known as manual therapy in order to alleviate pain. The body’s soft tissues are targeted to treat or reduce pain. This can be due to orthopedic injuries or other musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic massage uses manual therapeutic techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and more in order to improve functionality and alleviate pain in their clients.
It can contribute to the healing process of an injury by targeting the involved soft tissues contributing to the injury. Taking a look at multiple factors that can lead to dysfunction. Orthopedic massage therapists focus more on things like pain patterns, injury rehabilitation, and sports injuries. This includes anything that has to do with the muscles and joints such as decreased range of motion, pain when moving, and recovering from surgery.
How Can This Help with Pain Relief
The main objective of an orthopedic massage is the relief of musculoskeletal pain. It takes a look at the movement and all the tissues involved. Doing so can get close to the root cause, or even find the root cause of dysfunction. Through the application of different techniques such as:
& Neuromuscular therapy
By targeting and relaxing areas of tightness, pain, and dysfunction in the body it helps reduce inflammation and tension.
In addition to providing relief from pain, orthopedic massage also helps to improve range of motion & reduce stress. Both of which contribute to pain. Orthopedic massage can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Such as frozen shoulder, sports injuries, and more. It is important to find a qualified massage therapist. They can determine and build the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
The Difference Between Traditional Massage and Orthopedic Massage
There is some overlap between traditional massage and orthopedic massage. There are some distinct differences though. Mainly in their approaches to addressing pain and discomfort. Traditional massage typically targets the superficial fascia and muscle layers. While orthopedic massage is focused on deeper layers and deeper structures.
Not to be confused with “Deep Tissue Massage” since both can target deeper tissues. This is known more as a way to ask for more pressure but more pressure does not equate to “better” work. You can get a “deep” pressure feeling when you’re on the right spot. Instead of trying to flatten muscles orthopedic massage aims to get a response from those muscles.
Orthopedic massage is more focused on treating specific musculoskeletal problems while traditional massage is known more for its relaxing effects. Although that will help overall pain it may do so without it being an intentional outcome.
Orthopedic massage will also focus a lot more on rehabilitation. Using things like assessment tests, muscle testing, and strength training as part of it’s treatment plan.
Types of techniques for Orthopedic Massage
There are many different types of massage available to help treat a variety of muscular pain and disorders. I like to think about orthopedic massage as a way of approaching a soft tissue issues that deal with joint mobility. Perspective matters and in this case an orthopedic massage therapist is more likely to look at how the body moves and then determine treatment.
Here are 4 of the most common types of massage used in Orthopedic work.
1. Myofascial Release involves gentle “stretching” of the fascia surrounding muscles to reduce tension and achieve more range of motion.
2. Trigger point therapy involves the application of focused pressure to a knotted area of muscle in order to alleviate pain and tightness.
3. Neuromuscular therapy works to balance your nervous system by targeting the underlying nerve pathways in the body.
4. Sports massage utilizes specific techniques in order to prevent or manage injuries that occur due to physical activity.
In addition to these four types of orthopedic massage, there are other specialized techniques that can be used to treat specific conditions. For example, lymphatic drainage massage is used to reduce swelling and inflammation, while “deep tissue” massage is used to target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Each type of massage has its own unique benefits and can be used to help treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues.
End Goals
Our Goal is to help our clients with their functional movement. To move without pain and manage it through education. Ask your therapist how they can help you to find one that can meet your unique needs. At Tranquil Therapy we are always taking new classes and studying to ensure out clients have the best chance at a pain free lifestyle. This includes completing a personal training program that we reference during most sessions.
