Hands on HealthCare Massage Therapy and Wellness Day Spa Releases the Article: "Defining the Difference Between Medical and Therapeutic Massage Therapy"

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Serving Long Island since 1999

Medical massage incorporates many of the same techniques as therapeutic massage, along with more advanced modalities.

Commack, NY (PRWEB) May 03, 2012

There can be a fine line between medical and therapeutic massage therapy. General discomfort in an area usually responds very well to a therapeutic session. If pain or discomfort is due to a tight, over stimulated muscle, one can expect to feel better after the session. It is often a terrific jump start to getting better. However, very often, the muscle and soft tissue need to be re-educated. This will enable them to get and stay better. An example would be a short, contracted muscle being re-taught to stay properly lengthened, thereby allowing proper blood flow, nerve innervation, full range of motion and a decrease in pain or discomfort.

Medical massage incorporates many of the same techniques as therapeutic massage, along with more advanced modalities. The goal of medical massage is to produce permanent changes to maintain the health of the tissue. Results of medical massage are measured by noting a reduction of pain or discomfort for longer periods of time between sessions.

Below is a general guideline outlining the major differences between medical and therapeutic massage:

Medical Massage Therapy Session                  
Treats the muscles, *fascia and **Trigger Points    
Addresses shortened and over- lengthened muscles        
Sedates or stimulates muscles                    
Specific, focused work, based on a treatment plan         
Feed back from the client during the session is customary     
Often sessions can produce some temporary discomfort     
30-45 minute sessions                                         
Each session will generally last longer and longer            

Pain, CT Syndrome, TMJ, Sciatica, Herniated Discs        
Scoliosis, Migraines, Muscle Spasms, M.S., Whiplash                
Injuries, Chronic muscle tightness/tension, etc

Therapeutic Massage Therapy Session
Treats the muscles, may effect fascia and Trigger Pts            
Addresses shortened muscles    
Sedates muscles and the mind            
Most often incorporates a full body session
Feedback is welcome, but not usually necessary
Feels Great!
30-60-90 minute sessions
The length of results will vary
Stress, Discomfort, Insomnia
Depression, Fatigue, High Blood Pressure
Muscle tightness/tension, Asthma, etc.

• It is important to understand that medical massage often incorporates the techniqu Myofascial Release which effects the "Fascia."Fascia is a tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from head to foot. Much like a highly fluid, elastic body stocking, it functions without interruption. Fascia comes together at the end of muscles to become tendons, which attach to bones. A malfunction of one of the body’s systems due to trauma, poor posture, or inflammation can cause a binding, impinging or adhering of the fascia either to itself or to another body structure such as a muscle, bone or organ. This results in an abnormal pressure on any or all of the body’s components. Binding and restrictions in one area will affect other parts and areas of the body, similar to pulling on one end of a sweater, another area will be affected.

**Trigger points are accumulations of waste products around a nerve receptor. Trigger points form in muscles and/or fascia, which has been overused or injured. They can present themselves as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, etc. Active trigger points are those, which cause discomfort. Latent trigger points wait silently in the muscle for a future stress to activate them. It is common to attribute this discomfort to other conditions.

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy and Wellness Day Spa has been serving the Commack Community since 2000. Marla Kaplan-Pelle, the director, is a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Hands On was opened, with one goal, to integrate medical massage with other forms of more traditional patient care. Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy is a recognized leader in Advanced Medical Massage in Suffolk County, Long Island. Hands On offers ongoing on-site training. Medical massage is often the answer regarding Pain, Injury and Disease. Hands On offers Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Massage, Sports Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Manual Lymph Drainage and much more. In addition, we often spa treatments that include facials, skincare and signature body treatments. Hands On Couples Spa Date Men u is extensive and most sessions take place in a beautiful, private couple’s suite. Couples include Mother and Daughters, Best Friends, etc. Spa Parties are our specialty. Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy have an array of services and packages available for both on and off-site. Our mobile services include bringing the day spa to your doorstep at home, venue or corporate function. Common events include Bachelorette Parties, Showers, Birthdays, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16 Corporate Events and functions.Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy's Licensed Massage Therapists and Estheticians provide our clients with the ultimate experience in attention, service and care.

Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy and Wellness Day Spa
Marla Kaplan, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Lyphedema Therapist
208 Commack Road, Commack, NY 11725
631-462-4263
http://www.LongIslandMassageAndSpa.com

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