Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic Massage (OM) is a system or protocol of various tried and tested massage techniques designed to identify, treat, and restore functional and structural balance to the body. OM utilizes techniques from many different body work disciplines and focuses on the origin of dysfunction in efforts to restore, rehabilitate, and prevent further dysfunction.

This form of therapy relies not only on the skill of the therapist, but also the patient’s “follow through” commitment to restore and maintain balance.

Orthopedic Massage addresses dysfunctions arising from trauma-induced injuries such as sports injuries, surgical injuries and dysfunctional scar tissue. It also identifies and corrects postural imbalances due poor ergonomic office conditions, repetitive motion patterns and chronic pain that can all affect activities of daily living.

Orthopedic Massage can be used to identify and correct conditions such as:

SciaticaKnee pain Back spasms / painWhiplash injuries
Frozen shoulder / hipCarpal tunnelDowagers HumpSI joint Pain
Forward head posturesIliotibial band (ITB) issuesTendinosis Anterior leg pain
Condromalacia patellaPlantar Fasciitis / foot painLumbosacral dysfunctionRotator cuff injuries
Minor muscle / tendon repairScar tissue issuesTennis / golpher’s elbowCervical pain

Who needs Orthopedic Massage?

Almost everyone can benefit from intelligent and intuitive massage. Especially, those living with chronic discomfort or pain related to repetitive motions, poor work habits or posture, physically demanding jobs, or long periods of immobility. OM protocols are also very effective in resolving old chronic injuries diagnosed or otherwise.

What is involved in a typical Orthopedic Massage session?

Each session uses techniques that will allow you to obtain immediate and long-lasting results in even the most challenging and complicated conditions. An OM session involves a functional assessment based on client history and range of motion, followed by gentle; pain free, manipulation and movement of soft tissue and/or unique and specialized joint mobilization techniques.

Sessions may include myofascial release, scar tissue realignment/mobilization and neuromuscular re-education techniques. Most sessions end with a client specific, home care stretching and/or strengthening protocol. Clients will be in shorts and/or a sports bra/tube top, or are draped with only the area of the body that is being treated.

How long is an OM and how many will I need?

Most initial sessions last anywhere from 75 to 90 minutes. How many sessions necessary can only be determined after the first session. Everyone is different and is treated so. Your history, functional movement, muscle-firing order, strength, posture, gait as well as your symptoms are all considered to provide you with exactly what your body needs.

One session is usually not enough to permanently release deeply rooted patterns but generally enough to gain reduced or complete pain free movement and improved range of motion. As mentioned before, this protocol relies not only on the skill of the therapist, but also the willingness and commitment of the client for self care.