Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic massage is a multidisciplinary, clinically-focused modality for approaching soft tissue injury, pain and dysfunction. Sessions begin with hands-on assessment techniques, move on to deep tissue manipulation and end on both strength building and stretching exercises. It is often a specialization discipline, but any deep tissue bodyworker can benefit from training.

Orthopedic massage courses tend to focus on one area of the body, such as a spine or shoulder, making a la carte training possible. Some courses cover specific stretching techniques or orthopedic injuries. You can take general courses or investigate modalities like the Henrickson method, which uses wave-like mobilizations while the client is fully clothed. Specialization in any modality demands intensives and clinician-level courses but will open up clinical opportunities for practice.