What is a medical massage?
A medical massage is a targeted manual treatment of muscles, tendons and connective tissue to relieve pain and improve mobility. At SADEA in Zurich-Oerlikon, it always begins with an initial assessment, so that I work on the cause of your symptoms and not just on the spot that hurts.
Depending on the assessment, I combine classic massage strokes such as stroking, kneading and friction with targeted pressure and stretching techniques. The aim is to release tense muscles, stimulate circulation and help you move freely without pain again.
Each treatment is an individual session of 50, 70 or 90 minutes at the practice at Schaffhauserstrasse 311, 8050 Zürich.
Which complaints can a medical massage help with?
Medical massage helps above all with muscle tension and pain in the back, neck, shoulders and legs, with restricted mobility, with complaints caused by repetitive strain such as office work, and to support recovery after exercise. If pain is unexplained or very severe, you should first have it examined by a doctor.
- Neck and shoulders: tension, stiffness, tension headaches – find out more under back & neck treatment.
- Back: tension in the lumbar and thoracic spine, discomfort after sitting for long periods.
- Legs: leg massage for heavy, tired or tense legs, calves and thighs.
- After exertion: tired, hard muscles after training or competition – see sports massage.
- Swelling: here the gentler lymphatic drainage is usually the better choice.
How does medical massage differ from a wellness massage?
A wellness massage is mainly about relaxation. A medical massage has a therapeutic goal: it starts with an initial assessment, treats the affected structures specifically and is documented. That is why at SADEA it is recognised by health insurers and can be claimed through supplementary insurance – a pure wellness massage usually cannot.
| Feature | Medical massage | Wellness massage |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Relieve pain, improve mobility | Relaxation, well-being |
| Initial assessment | Yes, before every first treatment | Usually not |
| Health insurance | Partly via supplementary insurance | Usually no contribution |
What happens during the first medical massage at SADEA?
The first appointment begins with a conversation about your complaints and simple movement tests. Then I discuss the technique, duration and goal of the treatment with you. This is followed by the massage itself, tailored to your body. Finally, you pay at the practice and receive the reimbursement receipt for your health insurer.
- 01
Initial assessment
Conversation and tests: where the problem lies and what triggers it.
- 02
Treatment plan
Technique, duration and number of sessions, discussed openly.
- 03
Treatment
The chosen massage, tailored to your body and how you feel.
- 04
Payment & receipt
You pay at the practice and receive the reimbursement receipt for your health insurer.
How many treatments make sense?
That depends on your complaints. With acute tension, many people already feel an improvement after one or two sessions. With long-standing complaints, several treatments one to two weeks apart are often worthwhile. I discuss the number with you openly after the initial assessment – with no subscription and no package.
Which duration is right: 50, 70 or 90 minutes?
For targeted treatment of one area, such as the neck or lower back, 50 minutes for CHF 150.– is usually enough. 70 minutes for CHF 195.– is suitable when several areas are affected. I recommend 90 minutes for CHF 240.– for a comprehensive full-body treatment or for long-standing complaints.
Does health insurance cover medical massage?
Yes, partly through supplementary insurance. SADEA is recognised by most supplementary insurers and is EMR certified. How much your insurer covers depends on your plan. Basic insurance does not pay for medical massage at SADEA. After each treatment you receive a reimbursement receipt, which you submit directly to your insurer.
Explained step by step: How reimbursement works.
When should I avoid a massage?
Massage should be avoided in case of fever, acute inflammation or infection, fresh injuries, thrombosis or suspected thrombosis, and open wounds in the treatment area. With cardiovascular disease, cancer or during pregnancy, I clarify with you beforehand whether and how treatment is possible – if in doubt, after consulting your doctor.