Sarah Brunner
DemoPraxis Sarah Brunner
- 4.7(3)
- Zurich
- Languages: de · en · pt
Manual lymphatic drainageClassical massageMedical massage
- Price
- CHF 63–135
- Next appointment
- Available Mon, 19 Oct
Medical massage
Medical massage is a targeted massage for physical complaints, such as tension or pain in the muscles and joints. Besides classical strokes, other techniques are used, such as connective tissue massage, trigger point treatment or heat applications. It is given by medical massage therapists or physiotherapists.
- therapists
- 11
- session length
- 30–60 min
Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. In an emergency: 144
Origin and approach
Medical massage builds on classical massage but is based on an assessment. First your posture, muscles and mobility are checked, then suitable techniques are chosen. The aim is to ease complaints and support mobility.
What a session is like
Length: 30–60 min- First you talk about your complaints; bring any doctor's prescription and reports with you.
- This is followed by a short check of your posture, muscle tension and mobility.
- The affected areas are then massaged in a targeted way, often combined with heat such as fango (mud packs) or hot rolls.
- At the end, you often get tips for everyday life and posture, or simple exercises to do at home.
Medical massage: what is it used for?
- Muscle tension: some studies show short-term relief.
- Back and neck pain: alongside movement and exercises, massage can ease pain in the short term.
- Chronic pain: some people find massage helpful, but research results are mixed.
- After surgery: it is sometimes used during rehabilitation, but its effect has been little studied.
How well is the effect supported?
Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.
What do the dots mean?How to read the rating
- Established
- recommended in guidelines, well studied
- Partly supported
- effect shown in studies, with limitations
- Limited evidence
- few or weak studies
- Hardly studied
- used, but hardly or not studied
The rating covers the research, not the therapist.
- Limited evidence
Back pain
May bring short-term relief. No long-term benefit shown; the evidence is weak.
- Limited evidence
Muscle tension
Often felt as pleasant. Hardly any difference compared with sham treatments; the studies are weak.
- Limited evidence
Neck pain
Hardly any difference compared with sham treatments. The studies are weak.
Therapists: Medical massage
Praxis Gerber · Physio & Osteo
- 3.5(2)
- Zurich
- Languages: de · en · fr
- Online
PhysiotherapyOsteopathyMedical massage+1ASCAEGK therapist registerBasic insurance (KVG)- Price
- CHF 80–160
- Next appointment
- Available from tomorrow
Corinne Kälin
DemoFussreflexzonenmassage Kälin
- 5.0(2)
- Lucerne
- Languages: de · fr
Foot reflexologyClassical massageMedical massageEMRASCA- Price
- CHF 60–130
Costs and health insurance
- Basic insurance
- usually not.
- Supplementary insurance
- often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
- Your insurer
- Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
- Practice prices
- See prices in each practice profile.
Good to know
- A series of several sessions is often planned, for example 6 to 9 treatments.
- Have pain checked by a doctor straight away if it comes with numbness, weakness in the arms or legs, fever or problems passing urine, or if it starts after an accident.
- Massage is not given with a fever, acute inflammation, thrombosis or a fresh injury; mention beforehand if you take blood thinners or are pregnant.
Training and recognition in Switzerland
Medical massage therapists hold a federal professional diploma (eidgenössischer Fachausweis, medical massage therapist FA). Basic insurance only pays for massage with a doctor's prescription and when it is given by a physiotherapist; otherwise supplementary insurance often contributes, usually if the therapist is registered with EMR or ASCA.