Massage therapy, medi-spas, and your patients

Perhaps I was “deprived,” but I didn’t have my first massage until a few years ago. A birthday gift from my daughter, it was provided in a day spa.

I remember the experience distinctly. When I told the receptionist this was my first massage, she assured me that I would enjoy it. Then she led me to a locker room, gave me a luxurious terrycloth bathrobe, and showed me the waiting room. Lounging on a comfortable recliner, I munched on fresh fruit and drank bottled water while waiting for the massage therapist.

The therapist took me to the therapy room where relaxation music played softly in the background.

The therapist asked what type of massage I wanted. I had no idea that there were different types, so I told her I just wanted to relax. She treated me to a Swedish massage, which I enjoyed.

Since that “first,” I have continued to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy — not in a spa, but in my chiropractor’s office. And not just for relaxation (although I always come away refreshed), but for

soft-tissue treatment.

Because I work at a computer all day and (unfortunately) tend to take infrequent breaks to stretch, I periodically suffer neck and shoulder pain. My chiropractor has provided me with massage (including trigger-point massage) and other soft-tissue treatments to help break up scar tissue and help my adjustments hold better.

It’s nice being able to get a massage and an adjustment in one stop. I’m guessing your patients might also appreciate this type of service, whether the one stop is in a typical chiropractic clinic or at a medi-spa.

A medical spa differentiates itself from a clinic that offers massage by providing complementary and alternative therapies, supervised by a healthcare professional, in spa-like surroundings. Some medi-spas have a medical doctor on staff and offer esthetics as well as CAM treatments.

If you haven’t already guessed, this issue focuses on anti-aging and wellness and provides you with ideas on:

• Furnishing a medical spa,
• Working with a massage therapist, and
• Treating metabolic syndrome, as well as other topics.

We hope you’ll enjoy your reading.

Until next time,

Linda Segall, Editor-in-Chief