More than likely, you have benefited from a relaxation massage at one time or another. However, there is a specialized difference between a general massage therapist and a “medical” massage therapist…
What is a Medical Massage Therapist?
A medical massage therapist is a licensed massage therapist (LMT) with specialized training in working with clients with medical conditions or injuries. They are trained to assess a client’s condition and design a treatment plan that is specific to their needs. Medical massage therapists often work in health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, or rehabilitation centers. Likewise, they may work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, or chiropractors.
How does that differ from other massage therapists?
On the other hand, a regular massage therapist provides general massage services for relaxation, stress relief, and overall wellness. They are trained in various massage techniques such as…
- Swedish massage
- deep tissue massage
- sports massage, among others.
Job opportunities abound in settings such as spas, wellness centers, or gyms.
While both types of massage therapists may have similar training and education, medical massage therapists have additional training in…
- anatomy
- physiology
- pathology
- kinesiology
They also have a deeper understanding of how to work with clients who have specific medical conditions such as…
- arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- sports injuries
How to become a licensed massage therapist
Most massage schools, when teaching effleurage, they teach it as a simple technique and monkey see-monkey do. It is one of the most under-appreciated and most incorrectly executed of the basic techniques. At ASMMW, we explain how effleurage can change the biochemistry of the body through streaming potentials. It changes the positively charged collagen molecules in pathological areas. Additionally, through proper execution of the techniques toward the lymphatic drainage pathways, it can return those areas back to a healthy negative polarity and assist the body to homeostasis. Another example is the Friction Technique, where we learn about fibrotic bridges, hyaluronic acid, and how through piezoelectricity, we can change the chemistry with our fingers.
Overall, the main difference between a medical massage therapist and a regular massage therapist is their level of specialized training and expertise in working with clients who have specific medical conditions or injuries, and understanding how massage works to rehabilitate those clients who are suffering in pain to regain their lives back and live in wellness.
If you’re interested in enrolling in the January 2024, program to become a Licensed Massage Therapist, with a Specialty in Medical Massage and Wellness — there are a couple options, call now to discuss. Click here to download our Catalog. The next step is to call us for a personal tour: 800-615-1342. Once this cohort is full, we will start a waitlist for a possible 2nd Fall Cohort.
