3 ways medical massage is different from spa massage
When I explain to people that we offer medical massages, I often get confused looks. Isn’t a spa massage the same?
There is, in fact, a difference. In both, someone applies pressure to your body. However, a medical massage differs in three important ways:
- It is outcome-based. In addition to stress relief and relaxation, a medical massage focuses on a medical need. It is often used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relieve nerve compression, improve digestion, increase flexibility or treat other health care concerns.
- It targets your needs through a variety of techniques. Spa massage and medical massage may feel similar, but their techniques differ. During a spa massage, the techniques likely focus on relaxation. A medical massage therapist will use a broader set of therapies for muscle health and recovery.
- It includes specific follow-up recommendations. A medical massage therapist will provide a targeted plan for treatment, along with recommendations for a series of timed visits versus a periodic spa visit.
Types of massage
Based on your goals, practitioners can use multiple treatments together to meet your specific needs.
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue and trigger point therapy
- Sports massage
- Reflexology
- Myofascial release
- Healing touch
- Prenatal and postnatal massage
- Aromatherapy
- Chair massage
- Thai massage
- Cupping therapy
Contact Lifestyle Health to find out if medical massage might be the best fit for you.