Medical Massage
Medical Massage Therapy is a part of integrative medical practice which is used for both targeted spot work therapy and the general well-being of a patient.
Who is a Medical Massage Therapist
The professional who performs Medical Massage Therapy is called a Medical Massage Therapist. They are LMT (Licensed Medical Therapists) who help in treating medical conditions as diagnosed by a practicing health professional or a doctor. As conventional, alternative and traditional medicine practices are combining for a more holistic treatment of patients, the popularity of Medical Massage Therapist is also rising. These days many hospitals and clinics offer Medical Massage Therapy. In fact, many insurance companies include such treatments in their costs.
Unlike a regular massage therapist, a Medical Massage Therapist receives specialized training to focus on specific problem areas. They are usually more experienced than a general massage therapist and work closely with a doctor, often following their instructions. Their aim is to treat targeted problems and help the patients heal. On the other hand, a general massage therapist works in spas and salons. Their main objective is to offer beautification and promote relaxation to the clients.
Role of a Medical Massage Therapist
Typical responsibilities of a Medical Massage Therapist include –
- Massages of various types and duration, depending on the diagnosis of the patient. They can offer therapeutic or medical massage, based on the requirement.
- Manipulation of the muscle and soft tissues for the treatment of injuries and chronic pain. A therapist may use a variety of different approved massage techniques for this purpose.
- Briefing and explaining different massage techniques and methods to the patients. The idea is to keep the patients well-informed and also teach them some basic movements which they can practice at home for a faster recovery.
- Target specific problem areas and health conditions to alleviate pain and promote well-being. Their area of expertise includes sports related injuries, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, neuropathy and post care for some forms of cancer.
How to Become a Medical Massage Therapist
Since Medical Massage Therapists work closely with doctors, they need some educational qualifications and skills to get their license. Without a valid license, a Medical Massage Therapist cannot work in certified places like the Urban Acupuncture Center.
Soft Skills
A Medical Massage Therapist needs to be gentle and empathetic. The patients these therapists treat are usually under a lot of pain and discomfort. It is important that a Medical Massage Therapist understands the need of a particular patient and does not push them over their comfort zone.
Direct work with patients also requires a Medical Massage Therapist to have excellent communication skills. They need to mentally prepare a patient to undergo the massage treatment. Often, the treatment itself can be painful. A Medical Massage Therapist should motivate and encourage the patient to carry on without being rough or rude.
Educational Qualifications
To apply for the position of a Medical Massage Therapist, you first to need to obtain a license as a massage therapist. This will include entering a massage education program and devoting 300 to 1,000 hours to training. At the end of this, you must clear the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam).
After receiving your massage therapist license, you need to train further and clear the NCBTB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) exam. This will give you the board certification to practice as a Medical Massage Therapist.
Find a Good Medical Massage Therapist
If you are looking for a skilled and reliable Medical Massage Therapist, you should visit Urban Acupuncture Center. They have branches open in Ohio, Clintonville, Columbus and Westerville. At the Urban Acupuncture Center, you will receive therapeutic medical massage which is designed for targeted therapy, specializing in spot work on particular problem areas.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.