Massage therapy is utilized for the treatment of a variety of health issues ranging from stress to certain medical conditions. For example, health conditions including insomnia, TMJ, anxiety, and nerve pain can be treated using massage therapy. Medically backed benefits of a massage include decreased stress, improved circulation, and reduced pain. Plus, getting a massage is simply rejuvenating to your body and mind. So, wouldn’t it be nice if your insurance would cover your next massage?
Insurance Covered Massage Therapy
Did you know that your insurance may cover your massage therapy? Of course, this depends on the insurance plan and carrier with whom you have your insurance. While some insurance plans cover massage therapy, there are typically restrictions. For example, some plans cover massages under the guise of chiropractic care. Other plans might cover only a portion of care, such as the initial 15 minutes of a massage. You should be able to determine if your insurance covers massage therapy by taking a closer look at your health insurance policy. Otherwise, your insurance agent will be able to tell you point-blank if your coverage includes massage therapy.
Massage Prescribed by a Physician
Massage therapy can be prescribed by your doctor. If you are suffering from any of the following conditions, consult your physician to see if massage could be a treatment option:
- Stress-related insomnia
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Soft tissue sprains
- Sports injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Paresthesias aka pins and needles sensation
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Nerve pain
- TMJ (Temporomandibular joint pain)
If your physician gives you a prescription for massage therapy as a treatment your insurance may cover treatment. Specifically, if you are being covered under workers compensation due to an injury you may be eligible for insurance covered massage. Injuries received in an automobile accident may also qualify you for massage therapy as a treatment prescribed by a physician.
Issues with Insurance for Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is an effective treatment option for a wide range of health conditions, as noted by several studies and reports:
- How Massage Heals Sore Muscles by The NY Times
- Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Chronic, Non-malignant Pain: A Review by Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM
- Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits by WebMD
- Massage Therapy for Health Purposes: What You Need To Know by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Even though studies consistently support massage therapy for a beneficial treatment option, there is some disconnect here. As it stands, most massage therapists are still pushing to obtain financial reimbursement by insurance companies. See, while physicians and other medical professionals have few issues with filing medical procedures with insurance companies, massage therapists remain at large in terms of filing options.
In order for clients to be able to file massages with their insurance company, the insurance filing system needs to change. Given the abundance of studies and research in support for the use of massage therapy, we can only hope that the medical system will soon change to support massage therapists. In fact, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has noted discrimination against massage therapists in regards to this very issue.
Contact Matrix Spa and Massage Today
Whether you are interested in general massage or massage for medical or sports-related issues, Matrix Spa and Massage in Salt Lake City will work with you and your insurance company. At Matrix Spa and Massage we offer professional massage, therapeutic body treatments, facial treatments, and spa packages. Matrix Spa and Massage is located near downtown Salt Lake City, UT across from the well-known Trolley Square. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in our steam room or via our one-of-a-kind meditation cave. Make sure to ask about our current specials when you contact us!
