What Is Therapeutic (Medical) Massage?
When you work with a physical therapist, your plan of care may include both active treatments (where you perform guided exercises and movements) and passive treatments (where care is delivered to you). Both play an important role in managing pain, restoring mobility, and supporting recovery from acute or chronic conditions.
One highly effective passive treatment we offer is therapeutic massage. Our licensed physical therapists are trained in clinical massage techniques and use them strategically to address pain, tissue restrictions, and movement limitations. When medically appropriate, therapeutic massage may also be covered by insurance as part of your physical therapy plan of care.
Therapeutic massage uses targeted, hands-on techniques to treat specific tissues, including muscles, fascia, joints, tendons, and the lymphatic system. Depending on your needs, techniques may include:
- Deep tissue massage, which targets deeper layers of muscle to relieve chronic tension, improve mobility, and support athletic recovery
- Trigger point and pressure-based techniques, which help reduce localized areas of tightness and sensitivity within the fascia and surrounding tissues
Each session is tailored to your condition, symptoms, and overall treatment goals.
Who Can Benefit From Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic massage is safe and beneficial for patients of all ages, from pediatrics to older adults. It is commonly used to support recovery, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
Benefits of therapeutic massage may include:
- Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Reduced pain, swelling, and inflammation
- Improved flexibility and range of motion
- Faster healing and tissue recovery
- Reduced scar tissue and adhesions
- Decreased muscle tension and stiffness
- Reduced stress and improved overall well-being
Our therapists use therapeutic massage to help manage a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines, nerve-related pain, sports injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries, and post-surgical recovery. Massage therapy can also help ease physical tension associated with stress, anxiety, and other conditions that impact both the body and nervous system.
Session Types & Pricing
Express Relief
25 Min Session
- Targets one specific problem area for fast, focused pain relief
- Reduces muscle tension and trigger points quickly
- Ideal between PT visits to maintain mobility progress
Standard Therapeutic
55 Min Session
- Addresses multiple muscle groups for improved flexibility and movement
- Helps reduce chronic pain patterns and inflammation
- Enhances circulation to support tissue healing and recovery
Advanced Session
85 Min Session
- Provides comprehensive treatment for complex or multi-area conditions
- Supports post-surgical recovery and lymphatic drainage
- Breaks down long-standing tightness and improves overall function
What to Expect During Your Therapeutic Massage Session
Your visit will begin with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history and current symptoms. If therapeutic massage is appropriate for your plan of care, your therapist will position you comfortably, either seated or lying down, depending on the treatment area.
Your comfort, dignity, and privacy are always a priority. You will be appropriately draped, and only the areas being treated will be exposed as needed.
Your therapist may use professional massage lotions or oils to improve comfort and effectiveness during treatment. Throughout the session, your therapist will communicate with you to ensure the pressure and techniques are appropriate and aligned with your goals.
At Preferred Physical Therapy, our focus goes beyond temporary symptom relief. We work to identify and address the underlying causes of pain or dysfunction, helping you achieve meaningful, long-lasting results.
Wondering if therapeutic massage is right for you?
In most cases, it’s a valuable addition to physical therapy — and we’re happy to help determine if it’s appropriate for your care. Contact Preferred Physical Therapy today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced physical therapist today