Rebecca Collinsworth

Tag: Therapeutic Massage

  • Therapeutic Massage Session Overview

    What to Expect:

    Pre-Appointment Preparation

    1. Health Questionnaire and Pre-Screen: Before your first appointment, you’ll need to complete a health questionnaire and participate in a pre-screen video appointment. This helps tailor your session to your specific orthopedic needs and conditions.
    2. Assessment Video: Submit your assessment video 36 hours before your appointment. If you haven’t, we’ll capture these results at the start of your session. This assessment helps us understand your body’s functional movement patterns and identify any imbalances or areas of concern.

    During the Appointment

    1. Reviewing Assessment Results: We begin by reviewing your assessment video results to pinpoint any issues with your kinetic chain. This helps create a session plan tailored to your orthopedic needs.
    2. Session Planning: Together, we’ll discuss the most important areas to address. This includes whether you need a full-body treatment, targeted area focus, or specific attention to pain points. We’ll also discuss your pain index and severity rating to ensure your comfort throughout the session.
    3. On-Table Assessment: This assessment helps in evaluating the alignment and mobility of your lower extremities, which is crucial for an effective orthopedic massage.
    4. Individual Stretching Sequence: Based on your assessment results, we will perform a series of stretches designed to enhance your flexibility and muscle function. This involves both stretching and contracting the muscle groups to improve range of motion and reduce muscle tightness.
    5. Bodywork: The core part of your session will involve therapeutic massage techniques tailored to your needs, including deep tissue, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy.
    6. Recap and Feedback: After the bodywork, we’ll recap the session and discuss any changes you feel—whether you feel the same, worse, or improved. This feedback helps adjust future sessions for optimal results.

    Post-Session Care

    1. Hydration: Drink plenty of water post-session to help flush out toxins and support your body’s recovery.
    2. Rest: Allow your body time to rest and recover. Avoid strenuous activities for the next 24 hours to let the benefits of the massage fully integrate.
    3. Monitor Your Body’s Response: Pay attention to how your body feels in the days following your session. Note any changes in pain levels, muscle tension, or overall well-being.
    4. Follow-Up: Update your health questionnaire as needed and book any follow-up appointments based on how your body is responding. Consistent sessions may be recommended for chronic conditions or ongoing concerns.
    5. Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle activities such as walking or light stretching to keep your muscles active and support overall mobility.

    What to Pay Attention To

    1. Immediate Effects: You may feel more relaxed, lighter, and notice a reduction in muscle tension. Some clients report feeling an increase in energy or a sense of well-being.
    2. Delayed Effects: In the days following your massage, continue to monitor your pain levels and any changes in muscle tightness or discomfort. This can help us tailor your future sessions more effectively.
    3. Communication: Keep me informed about any significant changes or concerns. Your feedback is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

    By following these guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of your therapeutic massage sessions. My commitment is to help you achieve optimal health and well-being through personalized and effective bodywork treatments.

    References

    1. Massage Therapy for Health Science. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). PMID: 1071543
    2. Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). PMID: 6519566
    3. Field, T. (1998). Massage therapy effects. American Psychologist, 53(12), 1270-1281. PMID: 10418348
    4. Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3-18. PMID: 14717648
    5. Vickers, A., Zollman, C., & Rees, R. (2000). Massage therapies. British Medical Journal, 321(7276), 1254-1257. PMID: 11082009
    6. Ernst, E. (2004). The safety of massage therapy. Rheumatology, 43(11), 1331-1333. PMID: 15256309
    7. Cherkin, D. C., Sherman, K. J., Kahn, J., et al. (2001). A comparison of the effects of 2 types of massage and usual care on chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(1), 1-9. PMID: 21727290
    8. Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., et al. (2001). Efficacy of manual therapies: a summary of the systematic reviews. Physical Therapy Reviews, 6(2), 105-116. PMID: 6519566