Orthopedic Massage

Targeted, Clinical Bodywork for Pain Relief and Functional Recovery

Our Orthopedic Massage therapy in our Santa Barbara office offers a personalized, assessment-based approach to treating musculoskeletal pain, movement dysfunction, and soft tissue injuries. Unlike general massage, this modality integrates orthopedic testing, range of motion analysis, and functional assessment to identify the true source of your pain—then addresses it through a customized treatment plan.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or experiencing discomfort during everyday movement, orthopedic massage is designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.

What Is Orthopedic Massage?

Orthopedic massage is an outcome-based, therapeutic approach that focuses on treating and rehabilitating soft tissue conditions. It involves a combination of advanced techniques including:

Trigger point therapy
Myofascial release
Soft tissue and joint mobilization
Active and passive stretching

This form of massage is fully clothed and interactive, meaning the therapist may ask you to move or resist movement during the session to assess and improve function.

What to Expect During Your Session

Your session begins with a thorough orthopedic assessment, including:

Postural evaluation
Range of motion testing
Functional movement screening
Discussion of symptoms and lifestyle factors

Based on the findings, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan targeting the underlying cause of your pain or restriction—not just the symptoms.

Conditions Treated with Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic massage is ideal for people suffering from:

Shoulder impingement syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendonitis and bursitis
Whiplash and neck pain
Plantar fasciitis
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Chronic pain during movement

This therapy is particularly effective for individuals who have persistent musculoskeletal issues, limited mobility, or repetitive strain injuries from work, sports, or daily life.

A Brief History of Orthopedic Massage

Though its modern form is relatively recent, orthopedic massage draws from centuries of therapeutic practice:

18th Century: Practitioners known as “rubbers” helped patients recover from orthopedic injuries using manual friction and joint mobilization.
19th Century: Per Henrik Ling introduced the Swedish Gymnastic Movement System, combining massage with corrective movement.
20th Century: The rise of sports massage and the work of James Cyriax, often called the "father of orthopedics," laid the foundation for modern techniques.
Late 20th Century: Educators like Whitney Lowe helped formalize orthopedic massage as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.

Is Orthopedic Massage Safe?

While orthopedic massage is generally safe and highly effective, there are some contraindications. Always consult your doctor before treatment if you have a medical condition.

Absolute Contraindications (Massage Should Be Avoided Entirely)

Fever or contagious illness
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Recent surgery or acute injuries (within 48–72 hours)
Uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe medical conditions
Active or metastatic cancer

Local Contraindications (Avoid Specific Areas)

Open wounds, bruises, or skin infections
Severe inflammation (e.g., tendinitis, bursitis)
Varicose veins
Undiagnosed lumps or swelling

Medical/Relative Contraindications (Proceed with Caution)

Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Cardiovascular conditions
Diabetes with neuropathy
Osteoporosis

Why Choose Our Orthopedic Massage?

Our therapists are specially trained to identify and treat pain at its source, offering results-driven care in a supportive, clinical environment. Whether you're an athlete, desk worker, or simply dealing with wear-and-tear, orthopedic massage offers a smarter, more strategic path to recovery.

Book Your Orthopedic Massage in Santa Barbara Today

Don’t let pain limit your life. Experience the difference of targeted, therapeutic bodywork designed to restore movement, relieve pain, and support long-term healing.

Schedule your orthopedic massage appointment today and take the first step toward better mobility and function.

FEES

60 Minute Massage — $120
90 Minute Massage — $150