THE FOUR PRIMARY COMPONENTS OF ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE

Four components characterize the system of orthopedic massage:
(1) orthopedic assessment;
(2) matching the physiology of the tissue injury with the physiological effects of treatment;
(3) treatment adaptability; and
(4) appropriate use of the rehabilitation protocol

A critical component to any orthopedic massage system is assessment and evaluation.  Assessment is more than an abbreviated interview.  Assessment provides the practitioner with important information about the client’s tissues in order to create a clinically sound treatment plan.

Understanding the physiological effects of a technique means knowing physiologically how and in what way a technique is helpful for a particular tissue dysfunction. For the most effective treatment, the physiological effects of the treatment should specifically address the nature of the pain or injury condition.

The practitioner must use their assessment and critical thinking skills to choose and adapt treatment methods or techniques to address the unique situation of each individual client.

The four steps of the rehabilitation protocol are to normalize soft-tissue dysfunction, improve flexibility, restore proper movement patterns, and strengthen and condition the tissues.  The practitioner who understands the rehabilitation process and can follow the different stages of their client’s progress is much more effective in treating their client’s complaint.