A nurse massage therapist is a registered nurse who has undergone additional 500 to 800 hours of training in therapeutic massage and bodywork. Nurse massage therapists are trained in a variety of massage and bodywork methods to treat different conditions. Some of the massage and bodywork techniques they learn are acupressure, myocardial release, neuromuscular re-education, soft tissue mobilization and trigger point therapy. Nurse massage therapists work in hospitals, private practices, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
Nurse Massage Therapist Versus a Regular Masseuse
A nurse massage therapist has a deeper understanding of the neuromuscular – skeletal system and medical conditions than a masseuse does, and is able to treat more serious conditions. The main purpose of a massage from a masseuse is relaxation, where the main purposes of a massage by a nurse massage therapist is pain relief and rehabilitation.
Who Should See a Nurse Massage Therapist?
Most people visit a nurse massage therapist after a recommendation by their doctor. There are many reasons a doctor might refer a patient to a nurse massage therapist, including arthritis, TMJ, back pain, stress, graft pain, lyphemama and Parkinson’s, as well as other conditions. An added benefit of seeing a nurse massage therapist is that they are also qualified to recommend dietary and exercise related advice and other therapeutic services that may help the patient.
The Benefits of Seeing a Nurse Massage Therapist
Nurse massage therapists can help a patient reduce pain. Massage treatment can be used to reduce medication intake or even eliminate the need for medication. Massage can also help the patient regain strength, muscle tone and mobility. Stress is another issue that nurse massage therapists treat. Massage can relieve stress because it is relaxing and because it reduces pain. In some instances, nurse massage therapists provide preventative treatment to reduce pain and mobility issues before they occur. Usually, a doctor and nurse massage therapist work together to provide the best treatment for patients. Together, the doctor and nurse can devise a plan to combine massage therapy with traditional medical treatments to give patients the highest possible quality of life.
Will My Health Insurance Pay for a Nurse Massage Therapist?
Each health insurance company is different and covers different treatments. Some health insurance companies will cover treatment by a nurse massage therapist when it is prescribed by a doctor and others will not. In addition, some health insurance companies will only cover nurse massage therapy services for certain medical conditions. Contact your health insurance company to find out if they cover treatment. If it does not, contact different nurse massage therapists to see if they offer payment plans or reduced rates for the uninsured.
Seeing a Nurse Massage Therapist
People who are interested in a natural form of treatment for their condition, may be able to benefit from visiting a nurse massage therapist. A nurse massage therapist may be able to reduce your levels of stress and pain. Some patients, such as those with back pain, are able to eliminate the need for surgery after seeing a nurse massage therapist. Talk to your doctor if you think you have a condition that could benefit from seeing a nurse massage therapist.