There’s a lively discussion on medical massage going on right now at massageprofessionals.com. (If you’re not a member yet, don’t pass up the opportunity to participate in this online forum.)
Here is the comment that initiated the discussion.
“A lot of therapists are confused about the term “medical massage” and think that it means they have to be certified or ultra-clinical to be a part of this field. I’ve also had a therapist tell me that “medical massage” is no different from a “regular massage” and that it is just a buzz word.”
What do you think?
What’s your feeling about how this term relates to the work you do? If you help people reduce their pain, do you consider that “medical massage?” Do you consider a more general, therapeutic, and stress-reducing outcome for your clients therapeutic, but not necessarily “medical?” Do you agree with what Deane Juhan says many in the healthcare profession feel, that massage isn’t medical? That it is, however, like many other things that “are indeed therapeutic: lowered stress levels, healthy diet, vitamins, exercise, vacations, pets, supportive relationships…”
Or — is it just semantics to you? You really don’t care, you just want to do your best work on every client that comes in the door.
Take a stand
Here’s one reason you may want to decide where you stand on this issue. However you do it, you attract clients by presenting yourself and the work you do. You really can’t build a practice without letting people know what you are about. So….what are you about? Are you fired up about injury recovery, helping professionals deal with their stress, pregnancy massage or something else? Do you like interfacing with other health professionals and working with referrals? Are you passionate about the benefits of whole body relaxation, but like a low-key, word-of-mouth approach to gaining new clients? It may help to get clear on what you love, and where you want to go with your skills.
Where do you stand on medical massage? “Yes, the benefits of massage are medical.” “No, massage isn’t medical, but I love seeing the therapeutic benefits, and that’s what I do best.” Or something in between?
Brochures for a range of approaches
Whatever your approach, if you are helping clients with arthritis, headaches, repetitive strain injuries and/or other conditions, take a look at our brochures for specific conditions. They are being used by massage therapists in both medical/clinical and wellness/stress reduction practices. That’s because these brochures emphasize that the systemic, stress-relieving benefits of massage are amazingly effective, as well as how massage can reduce the discomforts of these particular conditions.
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