Our profession gets asked, "What is the difference between Orthopaedic Massage and Sports Massage?" While the two modalities share some similarities there are distinct differences that separate what they are and what to expect. The confusion lies in the fact that massage is a technique an Orthopaedic massage expert will use regularly. An Orthopaedic massage expert will use massage and myofascial release techniques however it is only one aspect of their toolkit at their disposal.
What is Orthopaedic Massage?
Orthopaedic massage experts assess, diagnose and treat myofascial pain, injury and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility. Orthopaedic Massage is clinically applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structure of muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia of the human body. Being a dynamic soft tissue specialist with the ability to assess an Orthopaedic massage expert can treat a range of conditions from sporting injuries like shin splints, iliotibial band syndrome, occupational injuries, postural issues and dysfunction, acute and chronic conditions affecting function and mobility including neck and lower back pain, bulging disc, facet joint irritation, chronic overuse injuries like RSI, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, shoulder injuries like shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tendonitis, bicep tendonitis, muscles strains and tears, tension headaches and migraines, rehabilitation from surgery and arthritis related pain and stiffness.
What Techniques do Orthopaedic massage experts Use?
Releasing myofascial trigger points (otherwise known as knots) restores length to the muscle taking pressure of the surrounding joints, allowing for increased mobility, function and a decrease in pain. As well as soft tissue manipulation an Orthopaedic massage expert uses a range of other therapies to target your specific areas:
Dry-Needling - Medical Acupuncture
PNF stretching
Trigger Point Therapy
Myofascial Cupping
Muscle energy techniques (METS)
Myofascial Hot Stone therapy
Sports Taping
Corrective Exercises to stretch and strengthen
Joint Mobilisation
Corrective exercises
Last words.
If you are unsure if Orthopaedic Massage can help you or your specific issue give us a call or email. Orthopaedic massage can be used solely or with other therapies (such as chiropractic, Osteopathy, Acupuncture and Physiotherapy to name a few). If you have tried other therapies before and wanting to know how Orthopaedic massage can complement with other treatments we can tailor a treatment program to suit you and help you on your way to pain-free mobility and function. We have an option when you book called a personalised massage treatment where we can adjust and tailor the treatment just for you and your condition/s.
Comments