Orthopedic Massage vs. Medical Massage Is There a Difference?

Having been a massage therapist now for over 12 years I tend to question terminology given to types of therapy that are just modified versions of original techniques.

So in the process of seeking information on different courses to take for CEU’s I came across orthopedic massage and medical massage (Russian Medical Massage). With the research I did this is what I came up with.

Orthopedic Massage

According to an article in Massage Today here is a definition of Orthopedic Massage

“ Orthopedic massage ” is a type of massage therapy which is focused on treating painful conditions which affect the soft tissues of the body. The massage therapist may integrate a range of techniques to treat these conditions, ideally adapting his or her style for each client, as every person’s body is slightly different.

Orthopedic massage may be recommended by a physician who wants a patient to pursue multiple treatment modalities, and people can also see an orthopedic massage therapist independently. Training in orthopedic massage is offered by several massage schools. ( http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2004/02/03.html)

So when I read this definition about orthopedic massage  I couldn’t help but think that this no different than what I had been taught when I was in school for massage therapy. Therapeutic massage by another name

Moreover, the description continued as follows : “a therapist who performs orthopedic massage focuses on problems with the client’s musculo-skeletal system. He or she may release tight muscles, help to stretch shortened muscles and tendons, and decompress joints.

The goal is to normalize the soft tissues of the body, both to treat specific conditions and to keep clients generally healthy and fit. Because orthopedic massage is designed to treat medical conditions, it requires extensive training, as an unskilled therapist could harm a client by accident.”

Then I thought to myself, how is this definition of orthopedic massage different when compared to the definition of massage therapy according the Massage Therapy Act, 1991

The description continues indicating that an assessment is performed followed by  a treatment plan.

Again, how is this different from what I was taught in school? We took a clinical assessment, pathological treatment and a remedial exercise / rehab course…

Medical Massage

(Russian Medical Massage)

According to Wikipedia Medical Massage “is outcome-based massage, primarily the application of a specific treatment targeted to the specific problem(s) the patient presents with a diagnosis and are administered after a thorough assessment/evaluation by the medical massage therapist with specific outcomes being the basis for treatment.

Again with this definition I do not see how it is different from the definition of Massage Therapy according the Massage Therapy Act of 1991:

“Massage Therapy practice is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain.”

The only difference being that as massage therapists we do not “diagnose”: however, we do have an index of suspicion of what the issue is.

If you look at both definitions, orthopedic massage and medical massage , they are practically identical. Is there truly a difference? And how are they different than the practice of massage therapy.

To me the differences lie in where you get your training in massage therapy.

In Canada, British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland/Labrador are the only provinces with education requirements and regulation overseeing massage therapists.

Only members of the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia, Newfoundland / Labrador and Ontario are permitted to use the title Massage Therapist or Registered Massage Therapist and use the letters MT or RMT with their names.

Massage therapists have completed a 2-3 years diploma program from a recognized massage therapy school. Massage therapists participate in a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.

These courses are usually 2000-2200 hours in length. This is different from training in other parts of the world where there is no provincial or national regulation or registration. In some countries you need only to complete a 500 hundred hour course.

As you can see from this information, there is little difference between orthopedic massage and medical massage .

Buyers beware and do your due diligence in researching the type of massage  you wish to have.  Does your therapist perform orthopedic massage or medical massage or more importantly what courses have they taken and do you feel comfortable with them?

“Have they taken Medical Massage Training?”