Orthopedic Massage Therapy

Orthopedic Massage Therapy is a multidisciplinary approach to relieving muscular and soft tissue pain, dysfunction, and injuries. It is also utilized to help clients regain and improve their health and fitness. A multidisciplinary approach is far more powerful than one technique or form of treatment.

Pioneered and developed by internationally renowned massage therapist, James Waslaski, Orthopedic Massage Therapy uses three major processes:

• Functional musculoskeletal assessment
• Customized deep tissue and fascia massage
• Systematic strength and stretch training and exercises

Properly performed and directed by a licensed therapist, Orthopedic Massage Therapy restores the body’s structural balance, significantly reduces acute soft tissue pain, and improves flexibility.

During the first session, the client provides their clinical history, including a description of the pain or concerns they have. We perform range-of-motion tests to help determine the exact cause or pathology of each musculoskeletal complaint. We evaluate the degree of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and medial and lateral rotation to determine which muscle groups are tight. We also assess both the passive and active ranges of motion to determine which specific muscle-tendons are involved. Evaluation is an ongoing process, and as the client changes from session to session, we properly adjust to pair the appropriate treatment with the exact underlying condition.

The body’s musculoskeletal framework system includes the bones, joints, muscles, and other connective tissues-those parts that allow us to move. Every body performs differently, depending on the specific concerns that need to be addressed. So, an individualized approach is taken – whether it is adjusting the structural balance of the entire body or simply focusing on a specific clinical condition. We match the physiology of the injury to a technique that treats that body component or system. We implement clinical techniques to manipulate and move the soft tissues to reduce or eliminate pain and dysfunction. The goal is to balance every muscle group around each joint in the body, which involves lengthening shortened muscles and stimulating and strengthening weak opposing muscle groups. Properly administered and monitored, treatment does not create additional inflammation or add new scar tissue. Instead, we remove tensions and restrictions in areas that have been held tight and balance the muscular and skeletal relationships throughout the body. When restricted fascia is released and repositioned, the body returns to its optimal structural position.