Medical Massage in Yuma: No Referral Needed, and What the Plan Looks Like

If you've been dealing with pain that won't quit, you may have wondered whether you need a doctor's note before you can book medical massage. At Fluid Energies Inc. in Yuma, you don't. A prescription or referral for massage is not required. Many of our patients do come to us referred by their physician, and others simply call and book.

This post walks through what a medical massage visit looks like, how goals get set, and what a typical treatment plan asks of you in time and commitment. It's general information about how our practice works. For anything about a medical condition, your doctor is the right person to ask.

What makes medical massage different

Medical massage usually addresses some kind of dysfunction. That might be a stubborn spot in your low back, a shoulder that won't move the way it used to, or tension that keeps returning to the same place. Instead of a general full-body session built around relaxing, the work is organized around a specific problem and a plan.

You'll notice the difference right away. A relaxation massage starts with the question, how do you want to feel when you leave? Medical massage starts with a different one: what is going on, and what are we working toward?

The evaluation comes first

Before treatment begins, your therapist evaluates you. An evaluation like this usually covers where it hurts, how long it's been going on, what makes it better or worse, and what a normal day asks of your body. Your therapist will also talk with you about any health history that matters.

You can make that conversation more useful with a little homework. Think about when the problem started, which activities bother it, and what has helped or hasn't. If other providers have worked with you, say so. If you have a medical condition, mention it when you book and again in the room, and check with your doctor if you're unsure whether massage fits.

Once you've been evaluated and treatment begins, we set up specific goals together.

The four goals we work toward

Our goals for medical massage are plain and practical:

• Reduce the severity of your pain
• Reduce how often the pain shows up
• Increase your range of motion
• Normalize muscle tissue, which is our way of saying get rid of the knots

Notice what's not on that list: promises. Every body is different. What you get is a clear target and a plan, and your therapist adjusts as the work goes on.

What the treatment plan looks like

After the evaluation, a treatment plan follows. The pattern we describe on our site is twice a week to start, then once a week, then once every other week, for about 10 to 12 treatments. After that comes maintenance, unless your therapist suggests something different.

Twice a week is a real commitment, so look at your calendar before you say yes. The visits start close together and the spacing opens up as the plan moves along. If your schedule can't handle that pace, tell your therapist at the evaluation. It's much better to build a plan you can keep than one that falls apart in week three.

One of our Google reviewers, Patricia Stern, described her own schedule this way: "Initially once a week, then moving to once every two weeks. And now going for maintenance." Her plan is hers. Yours will depend on your evaluation and what your therapist recommends.

Wellness packages, and the fine print

If you know you'll be coming back, ask about our wellness packages. They're made up of 50 or 80 minute sessions and are valid for up to six months. After six months there are no refunds, and any massages you haven't used are forfeited.

That last part matters when you're choosing a size. Pick a package that matches the plan you and your therapist set, and book your visits close enough together that you actually use them. We don't list package prices on the website, so ask when you book.

Getting ready, and talking to your doctor

A few small things help the first appointment go well. Arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to fill out the intake form without rushing. Wear something comfortable. Turn your phone off when you come in. Jot down notes about the pain ahead of time, since it's easy to forget details once you're lying down.

Say so during the session if something hurts, too. Your therapist can only adjust if you tell them.

A referral isn't required to book with us. But if you're being treated for a medical condition, are pregnant, or have any health concern that makes you wonder whether massage is a good idea, check with your doctor first. Some treatments may not suit certain health issues, so mention yours when you book and we'll talk it through.

Another reviewer, Tory C, said her physical therapist was the one who recommended us. That's a common kind of path, and it's a good example of massage working alongside your other care instead of replacing it.

If you'd like to get started, the medical massage page on this site has the details, and you can call us at (928) 276-4605 to book. We're at 777 W 27th Street in Yuma. Tell us what's bothering you, and we'll set up your evaluation.