Health Insurance and Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is not a new practice, but it is still not highly regarded in the medical world as treatment for various medical conditions. In the past several years, however, it has become more popular as an alternative treatment. Many people prefer massage therapy to taking drugs for their pain or other medical problems that they have.
Health Insurance and Massage Therapy: What can it do?Massage therapy can reduce pain by decreasing nerve compression and increasing range of motion. It can also help with inflammatory conditions like arthritis, because it helps to increase circulation. Massage therapy can also help with various problems such as tension headaches, carpal tunnel, whiplash, scoliosis, muscle injuries, and back pains caused by pregnancy. Some other benefits include decreased blood pressure, reduced stress, increased energy, and a boosted immune system. These many health benefits are just a few of the many reasons that doctors are starting to suggest massage therapy more and more often to their patients.
Health Insurance and Massage Therapy: What is the Cost?Massage therapy can be pretty expensive. The typical cost for any kind of massage is about $60 per hour, although prices vary by region. Massages in spas are probably more expensive than a massage in a fitness center. If massage therapy is suggested by your doctor, you might be wondering how you can afford it. Fortunately, your insurance plan may cover massage therapy. And even if it doesn’t, you will most likely be able to find one that will.
Health Insurance and Massage Therapy: Is it Covered?Although more and more doctors are starting to suggest massage therapy, the insurance companies have not quite caught up with them yet. While there are several insurance policies that cover massage therapy, most likely it is not covered in the more basic plans. Most insurance plans that cover massage therapy require it to be prescribed by your doctor. They may also be particular about what kind of massage therapist you go to, preferring one that that works at a chiropractor’s office or that works under a physical therapist. These massage therapists will be more experienced than a regular masseur at a spa.
Health Insurance and Massage Therapy: Not Covered?If your insurance policy does not cover your massage therapy, you still have a few options. You can look for another insurance plan that will cover massage therapy. You could also find a local massage school. These student therapists will be supervised by professionals, so you will still get the same kind of treatment. However, this option is much more economical, because your massage might be complimentary. Even if a fee is charged, it will be much less than what you would pay elsewhere.
Health Insurance and Massage Therapy: Is this Scientific?Many people interested in the health benefits of massage therapy are probably concerned about the scientific research behind it. Because of lack of funding for massage therapy, there has been less research than with other medical procedures and treatments. Massage therapy also cannot be tested using similar methods to drugs. Medication is tested using placebos, or fake pills, so that neither the person taking the pill nor the doctor know which pills are the real thing until after the results have been tabulated. This is obviously impossible to do with a treatment like massage. However, despite the limited research that has been done, there are happy customers around the country that will attest to the fact that massage therapy has helped with their medical condition.
Health Insurance and Massage Therapy: Get a Free Quote!If you think massage therapy might be a good option for you, it is important to find an insurance policy that will cover your therapy sessions to keep your medical bills to a minimum. Enter your zip code at the top of the page and we will get you a free quote that compares health insurance plans from several different companies so that you can find the best policy for you.
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