The massage therapists at Healing Hands Physical Therapy are uniquely trained in a variety of massage techniques that will aid you on your journey to overall health. We provide massage for people with medical issues as well as for people who are looking for rejuvenation or relaxation from the tension resulting from stressful daily activities. Regardless of your reason for seeking treatment, massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

In addition to being trained in multiple massage techniques, such as myofascial release, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy, our therapists have medical knowledge and are highly trained in the clinical application of massage. By using a clinical approach to massage therapy, our therapists identify muscle dysfunction and release muscle restrictions to accelerate the healing process.

After a motor vehicle accident or an injury, doctors sometimes prescribe massage therapy to facilitate the healing process. Not all massage therapists are the same. For complicated soft-tissue injuries, patients need an experienced therapist who is specially trained in understanding the complexity of the injury. Whether you are referred by your physician or seeking treatment on your own, Healing Hands Physical Therapy will facilitate your healing process and help you return to a state of wellbeing.

At Healing Hands we work as a team, so you will also be able to benefit from the expertise of both the physical therapist and the massage therapist. We have the advantage of being able to consult with each other and incorporate two different approaches and disciplines into your treatment plan in order to help you reach your goals.

The Benefits Of Massage

Why should I seek massage treatment?

If you are experiencing muscle pain and tightness, or have sustained an injury, massage therapy can relax muscles, improve circulation, and relieve pain. When you have an injury, massage therapy can work well in conjunction with physical therapy to promote healing and return you to your normal activities more quickly.

Is massage therapy different at Healing Hands Therapy than other centers focused only on massage?

Yes. Our massage therapists are trained in a clinical approach in addition to more traditional massage techniques you might get from ordinary massage services. Our massage therapists continue their education and training in order to stay up-to-date with current techniques and knowledge in their field. They have a great deal of experience working with patients with a variety of conditions, and they can adjust their techniques to each individual’s needs.

Should I see both the physical therapist and the massage therapist?

If your condition is primarily muscular or you’re seeking relaxation rather than treatment for an injury or other dysfunction, then massage therapy alone may be right for you. If during your massage therapy appointment the therapist notices an issue that would be better addressed by the physical therapist, such as an alignment or joint issue, she will discuss this with you and may suggest that you also see a physical therapist.

Do I need to have a prescription to receive massage therapy?
You do not need a prescription to make an appointment with a massage therapist. If you would like insurance to cover massage therapy, and that benefit is covered through your insurance, then you will need a prescription.

I was in a motor vehicle accident. Can massage help me?

Yes, many injuries that happen as a result of a motor vehicle accident can benefit from massage therapy. Whiplash is a common injury of motor vehicle accidents, that can result in severe muscle spasms and pain. Brain injuries can also be a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Specific benefits of therapeutic massage include:

Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
Accelerated healing
Reduced swelling and inflammation
Improved range of motion
Reduced pain
Decreased adhesions and scar tissue formation
Decreased stress
Improved mood

We use therapeutic massage to help people manage or recover from a wide range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, arthritis, migraines, diabetic nerve pain, sports and auto-accident related injuries, and even psychological disorders including anxiety and depression (since mental and emotional stress is often neurologically carried into and stored in physical tissues). A professional massage provided by a physical therapist can even ease the effects of chemotherapy and can hasten the healing process in post-surgical patients.

What should I expect during my therapeutic massage treatment?

The first thing you should expect when you come to visit our clinic for a physical therapy appointment is a thorough examination and patient history questionnaire. We ask that all our patients visit us in comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. If massage therapy is deemed an appropriate part of your plan of care, then we’ll be sure to position you in a comfortable position seated or lying down (depending on the target treatment area). Your dignity and privacy are important to us, so you can rest assured you’ll always be appropriately covered if certain articles of clothing need to be moved so that our therapists can appropriately access the target tissue (whether in the spine or limbs).

During a massage, your therapist may also use oils or special lotions with essential oils added to them. Aromatic essential oils are used to enhance the benefits of the massage by stimulating the sense of smell, enhancing neurological involvement. The combination of aromatherapy, gentle touch, and fluid movements can truly maximize the beneficial effects of each individual treatment.