May/June 2014 Volume 10
What’s So Great About Medical Massage Therapy?
Question: UNM Truman Health Services offers medical massage therapy services. What is the difference
between medical massage therapy and a “spa” massage?
A: Wellness massage, sometimes called a Spa Massage, is great for
relaxation, easing aches and pains, soothing tired muscles,
improving circulation, and promoting a general sense of well-being.
It is commonly used with good results by those who are well and
want to remain well. It is usually booked in 60 or 90 minute
increments for a whole-body relaxation treatment. Wellness massage
is a consumer service delivered to a client who requests and pays for
the service themselves.
Medical massage therapy is an outcome-based massage targeted to a specific diagnosis and problem(s) the
patient may have. After a thorough evaluation by the medical massage therapist, a treatment plan will be
developed to reach attainable outcomes. Medical massage therapy requires a prescription and referral from
a physician.
The massage therapist will ask questions during the treatment and patient feedback is necessary to help
guide the session to be as effective as possible. Therapist may use a variety of techniques during the
treatment, but will focus the medical massage treatment only on the area(s) of the body related to the
diagnosis and prescription by the physician.
Question: What takes place during a medical massage?
A: The patient will complete an intake form and a health history, along with signing an information consent
form after reading our intentions. The patient and the therapist will take a moment to discuss the information
on the intake form, what the patient’s current medical status is, and what the patient’s expectations are for
the massage. In the meeting the therapist will explain what will happen during the massage. The therapist
will leave the room giving the patient a moment to undress to their comfort level and get situated on the
massage table under the sheet (note: all medical massage therapists are required to wear gloves
during the treatment).
Question: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Yes. An appointment and a referral from your physician are necessary to see the therapist.
Question: What is your cancellation policy?
A: As of March 1, 2014 if patients do not contact our office at 505-272-1312 to cancel or reschedule their
appointment 24 hours in advance, future appointments may be canceled. Habitual disregard of this policy
may result in termination of this service for the patient.
Question: What are the benefits of Medical Massage Therapy?
A: The following lists many of the benefits of Medical Massage Therapy:
Decreases pain and inflammation
Helps relieve nerve compression or entrapment
Helps to prevent future chronic pain conditions
Releases tight and sore muscles
Improves circulation
Aids in digestion
Increases flexibility and range of motion
Calms the nervous system
Improves posture and coordination
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