Medical Massage: What It Is, How It Works, and Getting Your NYSHIP To Cover It

If you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or managing a chronic condition, you may need more than relaxation~you need results. That’s where Medical Massage comes in.

Unlike a spa massage, Medical Massage is a targeted, outcome-based therapy prescribed or recommended by a healthcare provider. And if you’re a New York State employee or dependent covered by NYSHIP (The Empire Plan), you may be eligible for full or partial coverage for 20 massages each year.

At Intention Wellness at SUN Therapy in Riverhead, NY, I provide licensed medical massage in a clinical setting, and proudly accept NYSHIP.

What Is Medical Massage?

Medical Massage is a specialized form of massage therapy focused on a specific diagnosis, injury, or treatment goal. It's not a one-size-fits-all session. It’s customized based on your medical history, physician recommendations, and physical limitations.

Techniques may include:

• Deep tissue

• Trigger point therapy

• Myofascial release

• Manual lymphatic drainage

• Stretching and mobilization

This kind of massage is often used as part of a rehabilitative care plan after:

• Orthopedic surgery

• Car accidents or work injuries

• Chronic conditions like sciatica or fibromyalgia

• Post-cancer or post-mastectomy care

• Repetitive strain or sports injuries

How Medical Massage Speeds Recovery

The main goal of medical massage is to reduce pain, improve function, and accelerate healing. Here’s how:

🔹 Reduces inflammation

Gentle, targeted massage improves circulation and helps flush out metabolic waste, speeding tissue repair.

🔹 Breaks down scar tissue

Massage helps prevent or reduce adhesions after surgery or injury, improving range of motion.

🔹 Relieves pain without medication

Massage therapy can significantly reduce the need for painkillers, especially opioids.

🔹 Improves posture and movement patterns

By releasing tension and restoring balance, massage can prevent compensation injuries during recovery.

🔹 Supports the nervous system

A calmer nervous system means less pain, better sleep, and improved immune function.

Why Choose Intention Wellness for Medical Massage?

·         At Intention Wellness in Riverhead, NY, we offer:Over 25 years of clinical massage experience

·         A licensed therapist trained in medical protocols and documentation

·         Specialized modalities including post-surgical massage, lymphatic drainage, and scar release

·         A calm, supportive environment tailored to your healing journey

Getting NYSHIP to Cover Medical Massage

If you’re a New York State employee or retiree enrolled in The Empire Plan (NYSHIP), you may be eligible for massage therapy reimbursement when:

• It’s medically necessary

• You have a written referral or prescription from your physician or chiropractor

• The massage is performed by a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in a clinical setting

At Intention Wellness, we provide direct billing with NYSHIP and coordination with your healthcare provider as needed. The good news is NYSHIP typically reimburses 20 visits per calendar year so you can receive medical massage for just your copay. Always check your plan benefits or contact NYSHIP directly to confirm your eligibility.

Ready to Begin?

If you're recovering from injury or surgery, or managing a chronic condition there are answers beyond medications and repetitive surgeries. Medical massage can speed your recovery and reduce your pain naturally.