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Does anyone have an Rx for massage therapy?

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    Does anyone have an Rx for massage therapy?

    Just wondering if that is sometimes a treatment option for spasticity or other similar problems. The NP at my last appt noted "palpable tension" in my neck, shoulders, back and triceps area and it seems to have moved to more parts of my body since then. My feet are extremely tense and I'm now having spasms there too--even after taking my Baclofen. It seems like massages would help but I'm wondering if those can be prescribed/covered by insurance or the HSA.
    2001: 1st 2 relapses, "probable MS." 2007: 3rd relapse. Dx of RRMS confirmed by MS specialist. Started Cpx. (Off Cpx Feb 08-Mar 09 to start a family; twins!) Dec '09: Started Beta. Oct '13: Started Tecfidera. May '15: Considering Gilenya.

    #2
    Not an Rx, but my insurance covers 20 physical therapy visits a year, and massage therapy falls under that category. The doc is a chiropractor, and he has a staff of several massage therapists. I go every two weeks. Sometimes I get an adjustment, sometimes not. They handle the insurance, I pay a small copay.

    Check with your insurance and see what is covered for you and go for it!

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      #3
      Hi hope:
      Generally, for an HSA to cover an expense, it has to be prescribed by or overseen by a doctor of some specialty. This IRS publication gives more info on deductible medical expenses that applies also to HSAs: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

      Some medical insurances cover therapeutic massage, some don't. My HMO doesn't. (The PT wasn't even substantive enough for me to continue going!) The first step for you might be to ask your own medical insurance what they cover.

      If your medical insurance won't cover therapeutic massage, many (most, all?) chiropractors will prescribe it. So even if your medical insurance won't pay for massage or a chiropractor, your chiropractic and prescribed therapeutic massage costs can be covered under your HSA.

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        #4
        Yes, I have had an Rx for massage.

        It would be covered under chiropractic if I could find a chiropractor in my area that would do it out of his office.

        The trouble I run into is the length of time it takes to massage out all of my kinks!

        If I go to a independent massage therapist, I can get an hour or more but then insurance won't cover it and I don't have to pay the tax.

        But that costs between $30 and $50. So I can't go very often.

        I get deep tissue massage. Which isn't enjoyable while it is happening and often makes me feel nauseous as lactic acid is released.

        I drink plenty of water before and after to flush out my system and feel much better a day or too after the massage.

        I have spasticity from my neck down. I have had a pump for over two years which does help with my lower body. But I still have trouble in areas the pump doesn't reach.

        Look into massage, it could give you some relief. But be sure to get someone who is experienced and will listen to what you need during the massage.

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          #5
          I actually just found out my insurance does cover 20 PT sessions/year (one of my 2-year-olds might need PT for some gross motor delays ... I'm assuming it's 20 PT sessions per person and not per family!). I guess I'll call my dr and see if they can prescribe it. I don't know much about chiropractic care; didn't know they did massages but that's good to know!
          2001: 1st 2 relapses, "probable MS." 2007: 3rd relapse. Dx of RRMS confirmed by MS specialist. Started Cpx. (Off Cpx Feb 08-Mar 09 to start a family; twins!) Dec '09: Started Beta. Oct '13: Started Tecfidera. May '15: Considering Gilenya.

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            #6
            I do have an rx for medical massage. I have to go through a chiropractor and I have not done so yet, but PCP did write me an rx for it.

            JudySz

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              #7
              Hmmmm. I never thought of the chiropractic angle. I will have to research my medical coverage! I am 100% for massage as a M.S. treatment I have also heard of people getting free massages from massage schools, but that varies upon your locality to one, I would imagine. I would happily be a guinea pig in this situation!
              Tawanda
              ___________________________________________
              Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 2004; First sign of trouble: 1994

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                #8
                Yes these types of massage can be harmful for u because i have seen in different school they are not professional anymore they are just passing their time around with chit chat.....
                Armando

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