Clinical Massage is a system of manually applied techniques designed to reduce pain, establish normal tissue tonicity, create a positive tissue environment and to normalize the movement of the musculoskeletal system. A scientifically based method of manual therapy that seeks a clear understanding of the scientific principles of physiology that affect connective tissue healing and treatment.•

The Goal of the Clinical Massage Therapist

To release abnormal soft tissue tension through manual techniques using soft tissue massage, passive and active stretching, range of motion exercises and the use of supportive therapeutic modalities such as heat and cold. When used in conjunction with therapeutic exercises and rational dietary and hygienic measures, Clinical Massage enhances the general wellbeing of an individual

Clinical Massage Therapist Training

The Clinical Massage therapist is trained to identify abnormally tense and rigid soft tissue such as muscle, ligaments, fascia and the articulations of the body and then apply a scientifically based system of corrective techniques. The men and women of the profession are dedicated to serving humanity with their minds, hearts and hands. They have been educated in the basic principles of science and in the art of using their hands to treat injury to the soft tissue structures of the human body. Clinical Massage therapists will avoid using techniques that stimulate nociceptive (pain) responses in the nervous system.

Clinical Massage Compared to Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is usually thought of as a general massage system. Practitioners, while competent and well trained in relaxation based massage, generally lack both the knowledge of and skill to treat specific musculoskeletal disorders. Most training programs in therapeutic massage do not teach certain basic classes in health and medical sciences needed to gain expertise in these areas.

Clinical Massage therapy is emerging as a manual therapy system of treatment that does address the needs of clinical rehabilitation. Clinical Massage therapy achieves this clinical criteria because: