Orthopedic Massage Assessment & Why WE are Teaching in Our Massage Therapy Training
At CITCM in Calgary AB, the massage interns practice the art of orthopedic assessment and treatment. Orthopedic assessment is a non-invasive protocol designed to identify most musculoskeletal dysfunction and to accurately monitor the treatment progress of the client. This makes the study of orthopedic assessment paramount to any massage training program. The importance of correctly identifying possible dysfunction and screening in case of contraindication to the application of massage therapy cannot be underestimated.
The Benefits of Orthopedic Massage Therapy
Many people come to CITCM massage therapy clinic looking for relief from pain and stress. They come from various backgrounds from workers with physical demanding or repetitive jobs, to people/athlete with injuries. A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science examined massage’s impact on shoulder range of motion. Based on seven studies with 237 participants, the review indicated massage markedly improved range of motion in the joint, especially flexion and abduction.
A major 2015 review of 26 studies involving more than 2,500 participants published in the Journal of Physiotherapy compared massage therapy’s impact on pain and function among those with a variety of musculoskeletal problems to no treatment. Massage therapy as a stand-alone treatment reduced pain and improved function in the short-term in those with shoulder pain and knee osteoarthritis when compared with no treatment.
What to Expect in Your Massage Therapy Session at CITCM Massage Training Clinic.
Let us share with you a little bit of information regarding what orthopedic assessment and treatment are for, so you can evaluate if it might be right for you. The primary symptom that prompts an orthopedic assessment is discomfort. Aches and pains are all evaluated using specific tests that include or exclude the involvement of specific structures including nerves, muscles, ligaments, and joints. To bring it all together, our massage interns study the posture to determine the relationship between all of the structures of the body, and whether or not an issue is being contributed to by other parts of the body that aren’t functioning optimally.
After an assessment, CITCM massage intern analyzes the results and determines whether or not the root cause of the patient’s pain is treatable by massage therapy. They will design a massage treatment plan, which often involves weekly or twice weekly massage appointments until a benchmark has been reached in the recovery. The massage therapist will also demonstrate and prescribe rehabilitation exercises to accelerate and guide the healing process.
Orthopedic massage therapy can be contraindicated with some conditions, so it is of utmost importance during your massage assessment and intake to provide all medical health information that is requested. We take the safety and health of our clients very seriously and want to provide the best care possible!
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