At Southeast Medical Clinic, we offer medically directed massage by Certified Massage Therapists. Each of our massage therapists is proficient at creating and implementing treatment plans for patients with physician input as needed. Our policy requires that patients be referred by a medical provider with one or more diagnoses for the MT to address.

INSURANCE COVERAGE
Most insurance plans cover massage and manual therapies provided at a physician’s office. However, as the amount of coverage varies widely, we encourage patients to check with their insurance company to find out how many massage and manual sessions are covered per year. Please see our wordpress blog for more detailed information (see link above).

Types of Massage Offered at SMC:

Our massage therapists use a variety of techniques to address each patient’s specific complaint, combining relaxation massage with very specific manual work. Massages at SMC are generally composed of a combination of the styles below:

The most common style of massage used in the U.S., Swedish Massage uses light touch, compression, kneading, rhythmic tapping and vibration to increase circulation and to decrease tension. Swedish Massage is practiced on bare skin with oil or lotion.

Myofascial Release is usually practiced without oil, or with a light application of oil. It involves applying compression, skin rolling or tension in order to stretch superficial or deep fascia, as well as to release the binding of fascia, integument and muscles, which should release pain and increase range of motion.

Trigger Point Therapy uses manual pressure to stimulate points that may be referring pain to other parts of the body. MTs often ask for feedback during Trigger Point Therapy in order to minimize pain and to maximize effectiveness.

Lymphatic Massage is a relaxing form of gentle massage that helps circulation in the body's lymphatic system. It is used to reduce swelling and strengthen the immune system’s ability to eliminate viruses and bacteria.

Deep Tissue massage techniques are often an extension of other modalities, but applied with more force. Deep Tissue is recommended for athletes, people healing from physical injuries and patients with chronic pain. It is critical during Deep Tissue work that patients give feedback to MTs about the level of pressure they prefer.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, or PNF Stretches, are designed to “re-train” muscle to operate at a more lengthened position.

Neurostructural Integration Technique NST, a soft tissue osteopathic-style therapy, uses a series of gentle moves at precise points on the body, stimulating the autonomic nervous system to restore the structural integrity of the area. NST is done with a light touch and can be done through clothing. There are pauses during the treatment to allow the body to assimilate the moves.

Thai Massage is an ancient practice based on energy channels of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thai Massage uses a sequence of rhythmic, smooth and firm muscle compressions to stimulate energy flow, followed by assisted yoga-style stretches.

Hot/Cold Therapy in the form of ice, heating pads, hot stones and warm towels effectively calms tension and reduces muscle swelling and inflammation.

Topical Solutions, such as Arnica and Biofreeze, may also be used to relieve pain and inflammation.