Medical massage is a targeted clinical intervention. Rather than a general relaxation routine, the therapist works on the specific muscles, fascia and joints related to your diagnosis, using techniques chosen for that problem and reviewed with Dr. Rusnak as part of your overall plan.
How it differs from a spa massage
- Focused on a diagnosis, not on full‑body relaxation
- Performed by a licensed massage therapist with a physiotherapy background
- Techniques are selected for the condition: deep tissue, trigger‑point work, myofascial release, lymphatic and post‑operative approaches
- Progress is tracked from session to session and the plan adjusts as you improve
Conditions we treat with medical massage
- Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain
- Sciatica and hip pain
- Tension headaches
- Post‑surgical tension, swelling and scar restriction
- Sports and repetitive‑strain injuries
- Fibromyalgia and arthritis‑related stiffness
Your therapist
Massage at AcuMedGroup is delivered by Andrea Pérez Hostos, a licensed massage therapist who trained and practised as a physiotherapist before moving to the United States, with more than fourteen years in physical therapy and post‑operative care. Meet the team.
Combined with acupuncture
Structural repair through massage and nervous‑system regulation through acupuncture reinforce each other. Many patients alternate the two, or receive both in one visit, so that muscle released by hand stays released once the nervous system stops guarding it.
Questions about medical massage
What makes it a medical massage?+
The work is tied to a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Instead of a full-body routine, your therapist concentrates on the muscles, fascia and joints behind your symptoms, uses techniques chosen for that problem, and tracks what changes from one session to the next. Dr. Rusnak reviews the plan as part of your overall care.
Who performs the massage?+
Andrea Pérez Hostos, LMT. She trained and practised as a physiotherapist before moving to the United States and has more than fourteen years in physical therapy and post-operative care. Dr. Rusnak directs the plan the massage belongs to.
Meet Andrea.
Do I need to see Dr. Rusnak before I can book a massage?+
Every new patient speaks with a member of our clinical team first, within one business day of your request. That call confirms whether medical massage, acupuncture or a combination fits your situation, and Dr. Rusnak sets the plan. Existing patients call the clinic to schedule.
Will it hurt?+
Deep-tissue and trigger-point work can feel intense at the point of the problem, but it should never go beyond what you can comfortably breathe through. Tell Andrea at any moment and the pressure changes. Some soreness for a day or two afterwards is normal, much like after exercise.
What should I wear, and how long is a session?+
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You are draped throughout and only the area being treated is uncovered. Session length follows the plan rather than a fixed menu and is confirmed when you book.
Can I have massage and acupuncture on the same day?+
Yes, and many patients do. Massage releases the tissue by hand;
acupuncture settles the nervous system so the muscle stays released. The order of the two in a visit is decided by Dr. Rusnak for your case.
Can medical massage help after surgery?+
Post-operative lymphatic drainage and scar work are Andrea’s background. Timing matters: treatment starts only once your surgeon has cleared you, and it follows their instructions rather than replacing them. Bring your discharge notes to the screening call.
Is medical massage covered by insurance or the VA?+
Coverage varies by plan; have your card ready on the screening call and we will tell you what we can verify. Veterans:
VA Community Care authorizations cover the services your VA provider refers you for, so ask us how massage fits your referral.
