Collaborating with Your Massage Therapist on a Treatment Plan
Most people see several different health and wellness professionals for different needs. When we sprain an ankle, we see the orthopedist. When migraines plague us, we see a neurologist. When we have tension or are seeking overall relaxation, we schedule an appointment with a massage therapist. It’s pretty common for people to approach these care providers individually, but there’s also benefit in collaborating with individual practitioners as part of an overall treatment plan.
The relaxing part of massage is well known; however, there have been proven health benefits to massage over time as well. Including your massage therapist as part of your care team is a great way to be sure you get the maximum benefit from your massages.
There are several ways to integrate massage as a part of your treatment plan. Some clients come to us as referrals from their primary care physician. These are often patients who have been in car accidents, have inflammatory conditions, or have skeletal or muscular conditions. These clients often live with chronic pain or limitations due to their injury or chronic conditions. In these cases, massage can often provide an improved range of motion and pain relief. These outcomes lead to less reliance on medication for relief and a better quality of life.
If you have medical conditions that impact your overall health, talk to your massage therapist about how massage can support your system in dealing with those conditions. Whether it be a condition that is improved by reducing stress, increasing circulation in a particular area, or releasing tension in the muscles, your massage therapist can tailor the massage to your needs.
The most important part is communication. Keep us updated on your health needs and conditions — your health information is always confidential. While we are not medical professionals and do not diagnose or treat conditions, there are many ways in which massage can support your overall health needs and goals. Knowing any changes in your overall health also helps us avoid any specific areas or types of massage that aren’t advised for certain conditions. It’s also helpful to let your other care providers know that regular massages are part of your overall wellness strategy.
If you have health conditions that might impact your massage, be sure to note them on your initial intake form or discuss them with us prior to your massage so we can tailor our approach to your needs.
