Orthopedic Massage vs. Medical Massage: Main Differences
Both orthopedic and medical massages are commonly used to treat physical pain and help speed up recovery following an injury or surgery, and both terms are often used interchangeably when referring to outcome-based massages. However, there are some key differences between these two types of massage when it comes to both application and technique, even if some overlap does exist between the two.
In this blog, we're going to cover the main differences between an orthopedic massage and a medical massage, and explain each one's focus in detail. Let's take a look.
What is an orthopedic massage?
An orthopedic massage is a form of massage therapy that centers on injury rehabilitation, and focuses on the tissue and muscles around the body's joints, also known as the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic massages are often used to aid recovery in those who have undergone invasive surgery, such as hip or knee replacements, and can help to reduce any post-surgery pain or discomfort in these regions.
An orthopedic massage can also be useful in treating any damage sustained to the body during injury, and is often used to improve the symptoms of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. In short, an orthopedic massage is typically used to treat the musculoskeletal system and help it function more efficiently, and can often be prescribed as a preventative treatment.
What is a medical massage?
The phrase 'medical massage' could be fairly described as an umbrella term, as there is no one single technique unique to this form of massage therapy. Medical massages are a type of massage therapy used to treat symptoms of disease, illness, injury and pain, but must be prescribed by a doctor or physiotherapist. Medical massages aren't typically used as a preventative or speculative treatment, and tend to follow after a medical assessment and evaluation.
A medical massage can be used to treat anything from muscle spasms and migraines, to chronic pain and digestive issues. Some medical massages can even be used to treat obesity.
What are the main differences between an orthopedic and a medical massage?
So, while both of these massages are used in the context of recovery and rehabilitation, there are some important differences between the two:
Outcomes
The main difference between an orthopedic and a medical massage is that a medical massage is based on a specific outcome, and it tends to be prescribed with the aim of treating a particular medical condition. Whether it be to reduce inflammation or manage pain, a medical massage is prescribed by a doctor or physician with the aim of reducing symptoms, making it an 'outcome based' massage.
On the other hand, an orthopedic massage tends to be more focused on injury prevention and rehabilitation. An orthopedic massage therapist will use tried-and-tested techniques to strengthen muscles around the joints and improve flexibility, rather than tackle the symptoms of diseases or illness. Additionally, an orthopedic massage is mostly limited to treating concerns within the musculoskeletal system, whereas a medical massage may be used to treat a range of different medical conditions.
Needs-based technique
When it comes to technique, both an orthopedic and a medical massage share some common foundations. However, a medical massage is typically performed after a needs-based assessment, whereas an orthopedic massage tends to follow a pre-established set of techniques to improve musculoskeletal function; these can include positional release, nerve mobilization techniques, as well as myofascial release. These orthopedic techniques can overlap into a medical massage, but this doesn't occur systematically.
Key takeaways
While both orthopedic and medical massages are used in a medical context, these two terms aren't interchangeable, and shouldn't be used as such. When using the term 'orthopedic massage,' this should refer to techniques and treatments used to improve musculoskeletal function, and treat tissue and muscle damage around the joints. A medical massage is less exact, but can be used to describe any massage therapy that has been prescribed by a doctor or physiotherapist with the aim of improving a range of different medical conditions.
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