Orthopedic / Clinical Massage | Massage Academics

Occasionally referred to as an orthopedic massage, Clinical massage is an entire array of manipulation techniques designed to assess and then minister to soft tissue injuries. These may include but are not limited to: massage therapy trigger point therapy myofascial release muscle energy techniques craniosacral therapy deep tissue massage

Clinical massage therapy is based on a physician’s prescription, and directives, as a series of treatment sessions to be performed over a set period, at a specified frequency as related only to a specific need. This therapy is often performed with a particular and purposeful outcome in mind. Its first and foremost objectives are to relieve pain, increase the range of motion, and help repair and restore soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments to their normal and healthy functions. The first of the doctor-prescribed set of sessions is predominantly devoted to assessing or diagnostics of the client’s actual condition. With all the data collected, an action plan can be formulated:

* By using various levels of palpation or touching of the ailing body part, the massage therapist will pinpoint the exact location and determine the levels of pain. * The range of motion and the strength of the muscles are tested through a sequence of movements such as a passive movement which involves the massage therapist moving the relevant muscle groups while the client is inert; an active movement which consists of the client’s action of the muscles in questions; and the resisted movement which includes the clients’ movement against a resisting force. * If clinical data related to previous soft tissue injuries and massage therapy is available, it will be reviewed for comparison to the current situation. The phase of healing will be determined.

The findings are carefully reviewed along with the doctor’s orders, and customized Clinical massage therapy is drawn up.

Most every condition of the soft tissues can benefit from Clinical massage to some extent, but the following list displays dysfunctions which respond most advantageously to its application:

Myofascial Pain

Pain and physiological dysfunctions are known to begin at specific points within muscles and their connective tissues, also known as fascia. These are appropriately referred to as trigger points because they tend to set off or trigger reactions at remote locations. Scientists and researchers have successfully recorded comprehensive map systems of myofascial trigger points, and they have been able to identify dozens of dysfunctions relating to them. The most common of these are: carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, PMS, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, cardiac arrhythmia, indigestion, tennis elbow, urinary frequency, sinusitis, deafness, and blurred vision.

Fascial Plane Dysfunction

Fascia covers nearly the entire body in large endlessly connected sheets, which can be distorted and bound to themselves and nearby tissues when inflicted with injury, misalignment, or a chemical imbalance. To promote optimal health, the fascial sheets and the blood vessels and nerves which follow them must be in good condition.

Neuromuscular Dysfunction

Even the most straightforward and tiniest movements of the body require armies of nerve impulses to be sent to the muscle, which is directly involved, as well as to the adjoining and opposing muscles. And it must all be accomplished with the precision of timing and proportions. When the mechanics of any part of these functions break down, muscle fibers or entire muscles lock.

Tonus System Dysfunction

Overused muscles become hypertonic or lose their ability to relax. Consequently, they tighten and cause stress on opposing muscles and on the joints they cross.

Dermatomic Dysfunction

When nerves are pinched anywhere along their path, the pain will be delivered to the area they serve.

Spondylogenic Dysfunction

When joints of the spine are impaired or compressed, the pain will occur in that specific area.

Conclusion

Stated more simply, people suffering from muscle or joint pains or tightness, muscle fatigue or tension, shooting or spreading pains, allergies or asthma, anxiety or depression, irregularity of the digestive system, arthritis or circulatory problems, sleep disorders, headaches, immune function disorders or stress, they can be helped as their symptoms can be relieved through Clinical massage.