What is Orthopedic Massage?
Orthopedic Massage is a comprehensive system (rather than a single technique) that involves therapeutic assessment and the manipulation and movement of soft tissue to resolve pain and dysfunction. Its focus is restoring function and structural balance throughout the body for both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Preliminary assessments performed by the therapist conducting a session, will look at a person’s range of motion, flexibility, limitations, alignment, pain, and discomfort levels.
Myofascial Release– A hands-on technique used to manage myofascial pain. “Myo” means muscle. “Fascial” refers to the connective tissue that covers and supports the muscles throughout your entire body. During myofascial release therapy, your therapist doesn’t focus specifically on your muscles. They focus on releasing tension in your fascial tissues.
Trigger Point Therapy– Trigger point therapy is an incredibly effective way to relieve pain and tension in the body. By applying pressure to specific points on the body, trigger point therapy can help to release tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
Deep Tissue– Help relieve muscle pain and stiffness, chronic pain, and pain associated with musculoskeletal issues like strains, sports injuries, and plantar fasciitis. Improved mobility, stress relief, improved circulation, faster healing, increased muscle strength, are some of the notable changes deep tissue relief has to offer.
Cupping– Active cupping is a therapeutic technique that involves the use of specialized cups placed on the skin to create suction. Unlike traditional cupping, where stationary cups are left in place for a period, active cupping involves moving the cups over the skin in a gliding or sliding motion.
Active and Passive Stretching– Human movement is dependent on the amount of range of motion (ROM) available in synovial joints. In general, ROM may be limited by 2 anatomical entities: joints and muscles. Active stretching generally involves moving a limb through its full range of motion to the end ranges and repeating several times. Passive stretching is a technique in which you are relaxed and make no contribution to the range of motion.
How often should you get a massage?
It is recommended getting massaged at least once every two to three weeks to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Here are a few key things massage can help aid in healing:
- Back and neck stiffness Pre and Post Operations
- Pain management and circulation Preventive maintenance
- Sports injuries (old and new) Soft Tissue Inflammation
- Stress Limited Range of Motion