Wellness
MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY IN CHARLESTON, SC
Medical Massage Therapy is an effective, safe and non-surgical option for patients struggling to manage their pain! At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our licensed massage therapists offer a variety of treatment options including sports massage, neuromuscular massage, myofascial release therapy, deep tissue massage, pre-natal massage and trigger point therapy.
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage is typically thought of as a relaxation technique, but medical massage therapy is an effective non-surgical treatment option for those with chronic or acute pain.
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, we utilize medical massage therapy to help our patients find pain relief. During this treatment, a licensed medical massage therapist kneads the soft tissues of your body in and around the area(s) you’re experiencing pain. By massaging the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and skin, they loosen those muscles and increase blood flow, helping to ease pain.
Massage is part of integrative medicine, and our patients often combine it with other treatment options for additional relief. It can be used to treat pain arising from a wide range of medical conditions.
Studies of massage benefits have found massage can:
- Help reduce stress.
- Lessen pain and muscle tightness.
- Increase relaxation.
- Improve the work of the immune system.
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our licensed massage therapists use more than 200 massage techniques available to patients to ease pain symptoms.
MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY INCLUDES:
- Massage therapy
- Sports massage
- Neuromuscular massage
- Myofascial release therapy
- Deep tissue massage
- Prenatal massage
- Trigger point therapy
BENEFITS OF MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY
In addition to pain relief, the medical benefits of massage therapy include:
- Treatment of headaches and migraines
- Management of anxiety and depression
- Treatment of pain, stiffness, and function due to arthritis
- Blood pressure control
- Rehabilitation for sports-related injuries
- Increased Immunity
- Supplemental cancer treatment
- Reduction of leg and back pain during to pregnancy
Medical Massage Therapy is covered by many insurances! Call 843-818-1181 to see if massage therapy is covered by your insurance or HSA.
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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A VISIT
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
To help you get the most out of your experience with a licensed massage therapist, here are a few tips for your first visit:
- Be On Time: Please arrive on time or, if possible, a few minutes before your appointment time. This ensures we are able to keep our schedule and you’re able to get the most out of your appointment.
- Dress Appropriately: Most massages are performed with the patient wearing underwear or loose-fitting clothing, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to remove.
DURING YOUR VISIT
- Communicate Your Preferences & Needs: Before your massage, your therapist will ask about the area(s) to focus on and avoid, the type of pressure you prefer, and other preferences. Being honest and upfront with your therapist will result in a more effective massage.
- Respect Boundaries: During your massage, your therapist will cover you with a sheet or towel and only uncover the area they are currently working on. For your privacy and their boundaries, do not remove the draping.
- Take a Deep Breath and Relax: Relaxing and taking deep breaths during your massage will further help release tension in your body, helping to alleviate pain.
AFTER YOUR VISIT
- Continue Your “Me Time”: Your “me time” doesn’t have to end with the massage! If possible, continue the relaxation with a facial, manicure, long walk, warm bath, or other relaxing self-care activities. Avoid strenuous activities, though.
- Drink Water: Staying hydrated is important, especially after a massage. Drink plenty of water afterward to help flush waste and prevent sore muscles the next day. For the first few hours after your massage, avoid dehydrating beverages that contain caffeine and alcohol.
- Enjoy Lighter Meals: If you’re hungry after your massage, reach for something light like a salad or yogurt parfait. Eating a heavy meal may leave you feeling bloated and sluggish rather than refreshed.
- Invest in Massages Regularly: Regular massages can work wonders for chronic pain. If possible, work massages into your monthly budget. Even one or two massages per month will make a noticeable difference.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Take it easy after your massage. Avoid high-impact workouts like running, HIIT, or tennis and engage in light stretching or yoga. This will help you get the most benefit out of your massage and avoid soreness the next day.
- Keep Your Stress Down: While we can’t always avoid stressors, skip anything that you know will trigger stress. This may include watching or reading news, listening to loud music, or going to crowded spaces.
CONDITIONS WE MANAGE
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified pain management physicians support common pain conditions including:
- Knee Pain
- Chest Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Back Pain
- Hip Pain
- Neck Pain
- & More
TREATMENTS WE OFFER
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified pain management physicians are equipped with advanced technology and techniques for quality pain treatment including:
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Massage
- Meditation
- & More
MEET DOCTOR EDWARD M. TAVEL, JR., MD
- Over 20+ Years of Specialty Training
- Double-Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management
- Completed Training at One of the Top Hospitals in the Southeast, University of North Carolina Hospitals
AWARDS & ASSOCIATIONS
AS SEEN ON
FAQS
WHAT INSURANCE COMPANIES COVER MASSAGE THERAPY?
Some insurance companies that cover medical massage include BlueCross/Blue Shield, United Health Care, Cigna, and Aetna. Of course, your policy may or may not include medical massage. We always recommend speaking with your insurance provider if you’re unsure about coverage.
Your HSA may also be another way to cover the cost of massage therapy. Again, check with your policy to see if these services are eligible.
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board certified pain management physicians are dedicated to providing competitive pricing for our medical massage therapy services, so we recommend reaching out to us directly for quotes. We would love to help you!
DOES MEDICAID COVER MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage therapies are categorized as “Alternative and Complementary Medicine” by the federal government and not considered essential by the ACA. Therefore, they are not typically covered by Medicaid or other government insurance programs.
DOES MEDICARE COVER MASSAGE THERAPY?
No, massage therapy isn’t covered by Medicare unless it is part of a covered physical therapy treatment plan. In other words, it cannot be billed as a separate service. Medicare Advantage plans are more flexible than Medicare, so these plans may offer benefits for massage therapy. We recommend consulting with your Medicare representative to learn whether your plan has coverage for massage therapy.
WHAT IS MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY?
Medical massage therapy is a type of integrative medicine in which a massage therapist kneads your muscles, ligaments, and tendons to relieve pain and stress.
It differs from traditional massage in that medical massage is more targeted and often uses greater pressure to reach deeper muscle groups. It is more focused on physical release than relaxation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MASSAGE AND MEDICAL MASSAGE?
Traditional massage aims to loosen muscles and relieve stress temporarily. Medical massage therapy is planned with a goal in mind–in our case, reducing pain–and is often part of a larger treatment plan based on improving your health.
WHAT DO MASSAGE THERAPISTS DO?
Massage therapists manipulate clients’ soft tissues and joints by strategically applying pressure and kneading. This is an effective way to treat injuries and promote general wellness. They may use a variety of techniques, incorporating their hands, fingers, forearms, elbows, and feet as tools during the session.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES MASSAGE THERAPY TREAT?
Massage therapy can be used to treat chronic pain and stress that arises from a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, fibromyalgia, or recovery from a stroke, surgery, or accident.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTENSE MASSAGE?
Deep tissue massage is the most intense, as it uses the most pressure. Swedish massage is less intense, but still effective.
WHAT SHOULD I BE TELLING A MASSAGE THERAPIST?
Your massage therapist will ask you a series of questions before your session, so it’s important to answer completely and honestly. If there is something they need to know but don’t ask about, be sure to let them know before getting started. This may mean notifying them of past injuries, medical conditions, and areas to avoid. Your massage therapist wants your session to be enjoyable and effective, so it’s best to let them know important information up front.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MASSAGE AND PHYSICAL THERAPY?
After an injury, you may work with a physical therapist to regain strength and full use of the affected area. They might use massage techniques periodically, but massage itself is not the focus of physical therapy. The goal of medical massage is to relieve pain and stress by manipulating the muscles.
IS MASSAGE THERAPY ANY GOOD?
Yes! Evidence suggests that massage therapy may be useful for conditions like chronic neck or lower back pain. It has also been shown to be an effective way for patients with chronic illness or cancer to relieve pain associated with those conditions.
While many patients find relief for headaches, there is currently little to no research backing that up.
IS MASSAGE THERAPY SAFE?
Yes, massage therapy has few risks when done by a licensed massage therapist. With that in mind, massage is not recommended for patients with blood clots, diabetes, liver failure, severe osteoporosis, or those currently having a high-risk pregnancy. These conditions may be exacerbated by massage. If you have concerns about the safety of massage, discuss it with your primary care physician and/or your massage therapist.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY AFTER A MASSAGE?
After a massage, the blood supply is increased, especially to the area(s) that were treated. This promotes a supply of fresh nutrients into the cells and removes waste, keeping your body healthy.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BRAIN AFTER A MASSAGE?
Since massage promotes relaxation and stress relief, stress hormones like cortisol are often lower after a session. This creates a wave of positive effects on the brain, including greater mental clarity and improved mood.
IS IT OK TO FEEL REALLY TIRED AFTER A MASSAGE?
Yes! During your massage, your body is forced to slow down as your muscles get worked on. The effect is similar to how you might feel after a good workout. It’s completely normal to feel tired after your massage.
DO I NEED TO SHAVE BEFORE A MASSAGE?
It is not necessary to shave before your massage, unless you want to. Not shaving will not have an impact on your massage. We are most comfortable with what makes you most comfortable.
WHY IS DRINKING WATER SO IMPORTANT AFTER A MASSAGE?
After a massage, toxins are released and need to be flushed out. Drinking water helps rid the body of these toxins. It’s also a good idea to come to your massage properly hydrated!
IS IT OK TO DRINK ALCOHOL AFTER A MASSAGE?
Alcohol is dehydrating and inhibits the body’s ability to heal, which may make you feel worse after a massage. If you do decide to drink after a massage, be sure to stay hydrated with water, as well.
WHAT IS NOT OK TO DO AFTER A MASSAGE?
We recommend avoiding alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and vigorous activities for the rest of the day following your massage.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST VISIT?
Your first visit will consist of an examination of the area(s) you’re experiencing pain and a thorough overview of your medical history. Please bring any relevant medical records, as well as information on the medication(s) and supplements you’re taking, including dosage and frequency. To learn more, please read WHAT SHOULD I BRING.
DOES PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON OFFER SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS?
Yes! We are often able to get patients in on a same-day basis depending on availability. To learn more, give us a call at (843) 818-1181.
IS A REFERRAL REQUIRED FOR A VISIT AT PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON?
No, you do not need a referral to be seen by one of our physicians. While we do accept referrals, you are also welcome to schedule an appointment yourself. Schedule your first appointment today! BOOK NOW
