ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE

Orthopedics is the branch of medical science that deals with prevention or correction of disorders involving locomotor structures of the body especially the skeleton, joints, muscles, connective tissues, tendons and ligaments. It is generally part of an integrated rehabilitation protocol with other disciplines. The system of Orthopedic Massage does not adhere to one technique. It looks at the physiological effects of all techniques. An initial orthopedic assessment is done. Physically, we look at Range of Motion, strength level, and response to holding the body in certain orthopedic testing positions. We do an extensive verbal intake to get a sense of how the injury occurred. It is very much the same as how a chiropractor, physical therapist and orthopedist would do an assessment. For a Massage Therapist it is not about diagnosing as we are not allowed to or educated enough to do so. It is to get a sense of what techniques will work best. The assessment is ongoing before and after the session as means of seeing what techniques are working and what others might want to be incorporated. Through the course of rehabilitation it is important to normalize soft-tissue dysfunction, improve flexibility, restore proper movement patterns, and see to strengthening and conditioning. Orthopedic massage stresses constant education in knowledge of soft tissue structures, techniques, and unlike any other massage discipline, how to work in an integrated team with other health care professionals.

At Branford Hall Career Institute I received 120 hours of education in Orthopedic Massage through the two classes of Neuromuscular Pathology and Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy. In Neuromuscular Pathology we looked at the basics of orthopedic assessments and physiological effects of various massage techniques with 25 common joint and soft tissue injuries and pathologies. In the advanced class we got more in depth with the various orthopedic assessments use by orthopedists, chiropractors and physical therapists. We also learned to use stretching, Active and Passive movement with massage, and movement resistance. The teacher of the class was certified in Whitney Lowes Orthopedic System. 

I have an extra 100 continuing education hours of Orthopedic Massage in combination with Whitney Lowe’s Academy of Clinical Massage, Lee Stang’s Bridges to Health, and James Waslaski’s The Massage Mentor Institute. I am currently in the certification process of the Orthopedic system of the Academy of Clinical Massage.

60 Minutes - $90

90 Minutes - $130