Massage therapy is becoming more widely recognized as a complementary treatment to traditional western medicine. However, there are still questions from many physicians about what a partnership with a trusted, certified, trained massage therapist can do for their patients and their practice.
As patients become more educated about the long-term effects of pharmaceutical and surgical interventions, the number of people looking to find alternative methods to treat their various conditions increases. Most physicians are open minded enough to support their patients decisions to include massage as a part of that strategy. Even if they are not fully aware of the wide range of benefits of massage they tend to take a “can’t hurt, might help” stance. The truth is, most doctors simply are not educated on how massage can be included in a mainstream medical practice.
Here are some important things to know:
- Massage can be effective for treating conditions ranging from back pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis pain to chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia, post surgical issues and even diabetes. It also helps with many mental health issues including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
- Massage therapy when included with their regular treatment program may improve patient outcome and ultimately their satisfaction with the level of care they were provided.
- Massage therapy can be more cost effective than many other traditional treatment options and patients frequently are able to use their HSA or Flex accounts to cover the costs of care. In some cases, the therapy may even be covered under their insurance program.
- Developing a relationship with a massage therapist can be good for their practice as well. Referrals work both ways, massage
therapists are constantly being asked for names of good physicians in the area. We spend more time “hands on” our clients and frequently find things others may miss that could be cause for concern. In my own practice, I frequently find myself telling my patients that they have a bump or a mole or a particular pain that they should get checked out by their family doctor.
The working relationship between a doctor, massage therapist AND the patient can be beneficial across the board. A little knowledge about how can go a long way to getting the ball rolling. If you have questions about how massage can help your condition or your practice, contact us today!
Jenny Orr, Licensed Massage Therapist
Performance Chiropractic * (661) 942-5000
1055 West Columbia Way, Suite 106
Lancaster, CA 93534
FOLLOW US!