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We all know that insurance can be confusing. So, does insurance cover massage therapy? Keep reading to find out!
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Introduction
Most insurance companies in the United States consider massage therapy to be a form of alternative medicine and therefore do not cover it. There are a few exceptions, however. If your doctor or other healthcare provider prescribes massage therapy as part of your treatment plan for a specific medical condition, your insurance may cover at least a portion of the cost.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, and ligaments. Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
There are more than 80 different recognized massage modalities with a variety of techniques. The most common types of massage are:
-Swedish Massage: Relaxation massage using long gliding strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping.
-Deep Tissue Massage: A more focused massage using slow deliberate strokes to access deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. This type of massage is used to release chronic muscle tension or knots (“adhesions”).
-Trigger Point Massage: Pressure is applied to “trigger points” (tender muscles points) which can cause local or referred pain in other parts of the body.
What Does Insurance Cover?
There are a lot of different types of insurance, and each type of insurance covers different things. Some types of insurance cover massage therapy, while others do not.
Before you book an appointment with a massage therapist, it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the cost of your treatment. Some insurance providers will only cover massage therapy if it is prescribed by a doctor, while others will only cover massage therapy if it is performed by a licensed massage therapist.
It is also important to check with your massage therapist to see if they accept your insurance. Some masseuses only accept certain types of insurance, so it is important to make sure that your therapist accepts your insurance before you book an appointment.
What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
There are many benefits of massage therapy, and it is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your body. Massage therapy can help to relieve pain, increase flexibility, improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
How Much Does Massage Therapy Cost?
The cost of massage therapy varies depending on several factors, including the type of massage, the length of the session, and whether you see a licensed massage therapist (LMT) or a certified massage practitioner (CMP). In general, LMTs charge more for their services than CMPs.
Massage therapy is typically not covered by health insurance, although some policies may offer limited coverage for certain types of massage, such as medical massage or chiropractic massage. If your insurance does not cover massage therapy, you may be able to get reimbursement from your flex spending account or health savings account.
If you are paying for massage therapy out of pocket, costs can range from $30-$100 per session. Many therapists offer discounts for package rates or loyalty programs. You may also be able to find lower-cost options at community colleges or through independent practitioners.
How Do I Find a Massage Therapist?
There are a few things to consider when looking for a massage therapist. You will want to find someone who is experienced and licensed in your state. It is also important to find someone who is a good fit for you personally. Consider what type of massage you are looking for and what your needs are. You may want to look for someone who specializes in a certain type of massage or has experience working with people with your particular condition. Once you have considered these factors, you can start your search for a qualified massage therapist.
The best way to find a qualified massage therapist is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your healthcare provider. If you do not have any personal recommendations, you can search online directories or call your local Chamber of Commerce. Once you have found a few potential therapists, be sure to check their credentials and make sure they are licensed in your state. You can then contact the therapists to ask any questions you have and schedule an appointment.
Conclusion
After reading this article, we hope you have a better understanding of whether or not insurance will cover massage therapy. While there are circumstances in which insurance may cover massage therapy, it is typically not covered as a preventative measure or for general relaxation. If you are considering massage therapy for a specific medical condition, we recommend talking to your doctor and/or insurance provider to see if it is covered under your plan.
