Why Medical Massage?

Anna Baker, LMT, MMP, MI, CLT | Rockwall Medical Massage
ATE 2024

Q&A

Massage Therapist

What’s the difference between medical massage and a massage at a day spa?

Spa massages primarily relieve stress and promote relaxation. Medical massages are outcome based and focus more on treating chronic pain and discomfort, working with health conditions diagnosed by a doctor, or improving overall health and wellbeing. Our therapists undergo specialized training, gaining a deeper understanding of the body’s systems. Often the need for medical massage has to do with the repetitive motions our bodies experience. We drive cars, sit at computers, and sleep in the same position, over and over. Medical massage can address these issues to create better balance and function for our bodies and higher quality of life. 

What does the lymphatic system have to do with massage?

The lymphatic system is like the body’s internal ocean. It touches each and every cell in our body. Failures or even sluggishness in the lymphatic system can wreak havoc on the way our body works and feels. The lymphatic system is part of our adaptive immune system and helps destroy and expel invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. A properly functioning lymphatic system controls many functions, including hormone transport, fat metabolism, and “taking out the trash,” among lots of other things. Our patients are often surprised at how much difference one session of this treatment can make.

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is an alternative form of massage that utilizes a gentle hands-on approach to release tension in the bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum. CST primarily addresses asymmetry in the fluid and membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain while simultaneously relieving pain and dysfunction. A CST session is like massage therapy, except you stay fully clothed. This makes it an ideal treatment for people who are uncomfortable disrobing. 

What other types of issues can medical massage help with?

Prenatal massage has been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and relieve aches and pains. Sports massage is typically used before, during and after athletic events. It can also be used to help you recover from nagging injuries. Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands, and ears, which correspond to every part, gland, and organ of the body. These are just a few of the treatments our therapists are specifically trained for. 

What kind of training should I look for in a medical massage therapist?

Massage therapists are licensed through the state of Texas. Training combines classroom work, hands-on practice, and passing a board examination. Subject matter includes anatomy and physiology, clinical massage therapy, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, pathology, professional ethics and more. Our ongoing education sets us apart with our therapists averaging 25-30 hours of CEUs each year. 

Our therapists hold a variety of certifications from programs that focus on medical massage therapy. We all have a little different training and touch but you are in good hands with anyone at Rockwall Medical Massage.  

About The Expert

Anna Baker, LMT, MMP, MI, CLT Rockwall Medical Massage
Anna Baker, LMT, MMP, MI, CLT
Rockwall Medical Massage

Anna has studied bodywork for over 28 years with specialized training in lymphatic drainage, medical massage, orthopedic, prenatal, reflexology, and others. She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and completed a clinical internship at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Rockwall Medical Massage opened in 2012, where she works with an extremely talented group of massage therapists.

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