Therapeutic Massage

All types of massage therapy are therapeutic and massage is considered a healthcare treatment. Massage Therapists are licensed healthcare providers.

Today, Swedish/Relaxation massage is what most people identify massage therapy as being. All massage therapists were educated in Swedish massage in order to become licensed in the State of Florida. It usually involves a full body treatment and is recommended to maintain one's health.

Neuromuscular, Structural Integration, Trigger Point, Shiatsu, Myofascial Release, and CrainoSacral Therapy are some of the many types of massage therapy that massage therapist can obtain advanced training and certification in.

TO START AND MAINTAIN A WELLNESS PROGRAM, SELECT THE TYPE OF MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENT THAT BEST FITS YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE.


Massage Modalities

Massage is defined as the manipulation of soft tissue. This can be done by hands, feet or use of tools such as stones. Massage Therapy is licensed in the state of Florida by the Department of Health.

Aromatherapy Massage – a full body massage combined with a custom blend of essential oils created from the pure essences of plants to create harmony, heal, and balance all aspects of a person from mental to physical to emotional to spiritual.

Chair Massage – a massage given with the recipient seated in a special massage chair. The recipient remains clothed. This type of massage often lasts between 10 and 30 minutes and is designed to help the recipient relax and improve their circulation.

Cranio-Sacral – a light touch manipulation technique of the head and the bottom of the spine which treats cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages. It is usefully for treating sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction including headaches, whiplash, back pain, jaw problems, and problems of the eyes and ears.

Deep Tissue – Also called deep muscle therapy. It is work that involves slow strokes and deep pressure. It focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissues. Rolfing is a type of deep tissue massage.

Manual Lymph Drainage – a gentle method of creating movement into and through the lymphatic vessels. It reduces the excessive amount of fluid the body can contain.

Myofascial Release – Myo means muscle and fascia is the elastic connective tissue wrapped around the muscle and in other parts of the body. Long, stretching strokes are used to release muscle tension by locating muscle restrictions and through the use of gentle sliding pressure rebalance the body in the fascia (elastic connective tissue wrapped around muscles and other parts of the body).

Neuromuscular Therapy – see Trigger Point Therapy.

Pregnancy Massage – massage of pregnant women and of women after giving birth. It specializes in discomforts of the lower back, feet and legs.

Reiki – A light touch or no touch technique for channeling and adjusting levels of energy to promote healing.

Reflexology – Based on a theory of zones, specific spots of the body, such as the hands and feet, are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Foot reflexology is one of the most popular.

Rolfing – A type of deep tissue massage developed by Ida Rolf. It can be a 10 session type of massage.

Shiatsu - Originating in the Orient, this is a system of finger-pressure that focuses on special points along the acupuncture meridians. The goal is to balance the energy flow. Types of shiatsu include Zen shiatsu, tsubo point therapy, Amma , shiatsu massage, and water shiatsu.

Sports Massage – This is applied to athletes to assist them in training and performing pain free and without injuries. It is generally a combination of Swedish massage, pressure-point therapy, hydrotherapy, and cryotherapy designed to meet the needs of a particular sport.

Stone Massage – Heated stones are used in the massage to encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and through soothing heat, to promote soft tissue work and relaxation. It is deeply relaxing and a great stress reliever.

Swedish Massage – The Western or classic style of massage, it is a system of long strokes and includes kneading and friction techniques to the superficial layers of the muscles and is combined with movements with the joints. Swedish Massage can be used for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation or health maintenance.

Thai Massage – A bodywork system that unblocks trapped energy and improves liveliness by applying pressure to specific places along the body. Thai massage uses slow, rhythmic pressure by the hands, forearms, elbows and feet and includes yogalike stretches.

Trigger Point Therapy – Also known as Neuromuscular Therapy, this treatment applies pressure to specific points in the muscles that are painfully irritated (called trigger points) to stop the spasms and pain, and restoring structural integrity to the muscle.

Rehabilitation Massage

Rehabilitation Massage is therapy that addresses both specific and non-specific injuries, ranging from automobile accidents to sports-related injuries.

It is advisable that you see a physician prior to receiving rehabilitation massage to rule out any medical problems the the therapist should be made aware of. In many cases, the physician will provide a prescription for the massage therapy treatment needed.

Generally, a massage therapist who provides Rehabilitation Massage has received additional training in therapies that address the muscular and neurological functions specifically.

For those who have specific pain and injury, an LMT certified and trained in additional therapies may be your best option. For injury, post-surgical cases, whiplash, sprains, strains, and many other ailments.

Things You Should Know When Looking for a Massage Therapist...

Massage Therapy is a valid medical treatment and many doctors now prescribe Massage Therapy for their patients. Massage Therapy isn't just a luxury!

Two reasons to receive Massage Therapy
from a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT):

Relaxation Massage has long been associated with spas, country clubs, salons, and other places offering "pampering" treatments. However, most spas do offer a wider variety of approaches and therapies. Today, "Swedish" massage is what most people identify massage therapy as being. All licensed massage therapists have learned this basic Swedish massage in order to become licensed. It usually involves a full-body massage and is recommended to maintain one's health. LMTs work in many types of environment. All establishments that offer massage therapy MUST have a State of Florida Massage Establishment License on display and must adhere to standards that protect the general public. FOR THOSE WANTING TO RELAX, RELIEVE STRESS OR JUST WANTING TO GET PAMPERED, A RELAXATION MASSAGE MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU. Relaxation massage increases the body's circulation and helps keep muscles toned.

Rehabilitation Massage is therapy that addresses both specific and non-specific injuries, ranging from automobile accidents to sports-related injuries. Generally, a massage therapist who provides Rehabilitation Massage has received additional training in therapies that address the muscular and neurological functions specifically. Neuromuscular Massage, Structural Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release are some of the types of therapies that an LMT attains continuing education credit for after receiving licensure from the State of Florida. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SPECIFIC PAIN AND INJURY, AN LMT CERTIFIED AND TRAINED IN ADDITIONAL THERAPIES MAY BE YOUR BEST OPTION. For injury, post-surgical cases, whiplash, sprains, strains, and many other ailments. Increases the blood flow and range of motion.

Insurance Coverage: Massage Therapy/Physical Medicine is a covered treatment for many types of insurance, including personal injury, worker's compensation, and many group health plans. When a physician determines that massage therapy or physical medicine is medically necessary, the physician must provide a prescription to be given to the LMT. The LMT can then bill the insurance company directly or the patient may pay for the services and then receive reimbursement directly from the insurance carrier. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED A PHYSICIAN'S PRESCRIPTION FOR TREATMENT, INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT COVER MASSAGE THERAPY OR HMOs THAT ALLOW YOU TO GO OUT OF NETWORK MAY BE YOUR BEST OPTION. A qualified LMT may bill insurance companies for massage therapy and other physical medicine codes.

Always ask to see the license of the Licensed Massage Therapist that will treat you. Be sure to communicate YOUR needs and always let the therapist know if the pressure is too hard or causing you any discomfort. It is advisable that you see a physician prior to Rehabilitation Massage to rule out any medical problems that the LMT should be made aware of. In many cases, the physician will provide a prescription for the treatment needed. The State of Florida mandates that massage therapy, when provided by a Licensed Massage Therapist, is to be reimbursed by all insurance companies that pay for the same coverage to other health care providers.

Our Mission...To unify the Massage Therapy Profession while creating, representing and promoting standards of excellence in health care.

© FSMTA, September 2004