Massage Therapy

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What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft tissue using various techniques to release and relax muscle tissue. A skilled massage therapist moves through targeted areas of your body while you relax. This treatment is offered by VSI Physical Therapy in Reston, where our massage therapists work closely with our physical therapists and athletic trainers to personalize every session to your needs. The treatment moves stagnant blood flow, releases tight fascia, and provides oxygen and fresh blood flow to the tissue for better muscle recovery. Massage therapy is non-invasive, comfortable, and can be integrated into your overall treatment plan or enjoyed as a standalone session.

Also known as therapeutic massage or manual soft tissue therapy, this evidence-based modality is delivered by trained massage therapists who customize each session based on your unique wants, needs, and any recent surgeries or injuries. You will be asked about your pressure preference, and together with your therapist, you’ll create a treatment plan that helps you move better and feel better. Sessions are available in various lengths to fit your schedule and recovery goals.

What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy helps you feel better faster by releasing muscle tension and promoting natural tissue healing. Massage therapy works seamlessly with our physical therapy treatments and targeted exercise to support your overall body function. Key benefits include:

  • Aids in injury and surgical recovery
  • Relieves muscle tension and associated pain
  • Improves circulation
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Enhances sleep quality
  • Improves flexibility and posture
  • Boosts immune system
massage therapy for sports training

What Conditions Are Treated with Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy can benefit many people including those with back or joint pain, athletes in early rehab, and anyone looking to improve mobility or return to their sport or daily tasks without lingering muscle tension. Some common conditions that might be improved with Massage Therapy are:

How Can Massage Therapy Help You?

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What to Expect During a Massage Therapy Session

  • Assessment: We’ll start off by asking a few questions to understand your specific needs as well as any recent surgeries or injuries we should be aware of
  • Discussion: We will then discuss your goals and what type of massage and pressure will be best
  • Treatment: Next, we will get to work on relieving your muscle tension through massage therapy. During your massage, please speak up if you have any questions or need to adjust the pressure
woman lying down having massage therapy for cervical neck

Why VSI Physical Therapy Uses Massage Therapy for Recovery

Massage Therapy is more than just a treatment, it is part of our comprehensive philosophy on recovery. We believe recovery starts before your surgery even takes place and continues long after the procedure is complete. This forward-thinking approach is at the heart of the Recovery Revolution™, a movement created to transform how patients experience healing and restoration.

Massage Therapy is one of the advanced modalities we use to set the stage for optimal recovery. This therapy provides relief from muscle tension and accelerates your return to the life you love. It is part of our 5 Pillars of Recovery, which include cutting-edge technology, surgical precision, continuity of care, and specialized recovery modalities.

Frequently Asked Questions on Functional Exercise

Yes, massage therapy is generally safe. As with all treatment, you should consult your healthcare provider first and speak up during a massage to ask questions if you are unsure if what you’re feeling is normal.

We offer a variety of options so you can choose what’s best for you. Our massages range between 30 minutes to 120 minutes.

Each person’s body heals differently, so we’ll evaluate what your personal needs are and make a suggestion on sessions and frequency from there. On average, everyone should aim for 3 to 4 sessions to feel changes within their muscle tissue pain.

This will depend on which technique(s) are used during your massage and the tension or dehydration within the muscle tissue. Typically, some soreness the next day is expected, however that soreness should only last 1 – 2 days.

Dress to your comfort level.

Yes – it’s great for releasing scar tissue

At least the first 3 – 4 weeks, this will help the healing process & the scar tissue that’s starting to form around the incision. Also it’s helpful with a patient’s sleeping cycle from the trauma they hold after the surgery.

No – a referral is not needed to schedule massage therapy. We can ensure you have any receipting you need to file claims with your insurance if your plan covers massage therapy services.