WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage therapy can help those who suffer from the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.
If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.
The therapeutic process is a partnership between client and therapist, working together towards common and realistic goals.
Massage received on a regular basis can:
Reduce stress Encourage relaxation Reduce pain and swelling
Lower heart rate Create a sense of wellbeing Improve flexibility and range of motion
Improve posture Improve rehab after surgery Strengthen the immune system
Increase blood flow Improve sleep patterns Increase beta waves which improves mental alertness
Reduce blood pressure
Massage treatments can be beneficial for:
Anxiety Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Infant growth (especially in preemies)
Headaches Pain (including labor pain) TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction)
Backaches Muscle strain/sprain Chronic Fatigue syndrome
Whiplash Edema (Lymphedema) Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Sciatica Children with diabetes the Immune system
Neck pain Frozen shoulder Cancer treatment
Torticollis Fibromyalgia Constipation
Post surgery Osteoarthritis
Can you get insurance to pay for massage?
It depends completely on your insurance. Mine doesn't cover massage, but some will if it is
part of treatment at a chiropractor's office with interdisciplinary
care. So as long as the doc puts it in the treatment plan it is covered.
It has to be used for a specific problem, such as back pain.
Also, if you have a car accident, in Florida the insurance does cover massage, you just need a prescription from a MD, DO, or DC. What is covered depends on the coverage you purchased, if you have 10/30/10 the insurance will pay 80% of customary and usual charges. If you purchased more, it may cover more.
Look at your insurance book, or website. More and more insurances are
covering it as an adjunct to chiropractic care and physical therapy
How Do I Know a Massage Place is Reputable?
When choosing a massage therapist, always find someone that is licensed and insured, but even that may not guarantee that they are reputable. Check with the Florida State Massage Therapy Association or the American Massage and Bodywork Professionals, or even the Board of Massage at the Dept of Health. They will have therapists listed that have agreed to follow their strict ethical guidelines and paid their dues to the association. Another option is to get referrals from friends or even call the local police and ask if the establishment has had any problems. Last, but not least, ask questions about the therapists techniques and experience.
