Orthopedic massage (OM) is a combination of several massage and manual therapy techniques that create a style of therapy specific to treating severe or chronic orthopedic conditions which affect the soft tissues of the body. Orthopedic massage can be described as a cross between massage therapy and physical therapy. The patient plays an active role during treatment by providing feedback,stretching or engaging in resisted exercises. OM ensures relief of pain during an injury and also promotes fast healing.
In order to be effective an OM therapist must understand the condition presented, discern which anatomical structures are involved and what protocols are required to create functional and measurable improvements.
The standard protocol used in OM is comprised of four elements, regardless of injury or medical treatment:
- Orthopedic assessment of injury
- Matching the physiology of the treatment with the physiological effects of the treatment
- Adapting the treatment as required
- Appropriate use of protocol
Some of the important clinical effects of the Orthopedic Massage are:
- Stimulate the growth of new tissue to promote repair & healing of injuries
- Optimize fluid exchange of blood, lymph and synovial fluids to increase nutrition & oxygenation of the tissue
- Normalizes the function of muscles by reducing hypertonicity in the muscles & strengthening weak muscles
- Restore normal neurologic function in the soft tissue
- Mobilize restricted joints and promote healthy cartilage
- Decrease pain
- Increase mobility and range of motion; restore ease of movement
- Augment productivity in all areas
- Improve athletic performance
- Reduce muscle hypertonicity, tension, and spasm
Conditions Benefited by Orthopedic Massage:
- Whiplash
- Headaches
- Tennis/golfers elbow
- Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
- Sciatica
- Piriformis syndrome
- liotibial band syndrome
- Patelar syndrome
- Strains/sprains
- Tendonitis
- Hamstring and quadriceps strain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunel syndrome
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Neck, shoulder, back, hip pain
- Achy/tingling arms, wrists and hands