Orthopedic Massage in Santa Barbara
Targeted manual therapy for pain, injury and the way you move.
Orthopedic massage is massage with a purpose. Instead of a general full-body routine, each session focuses on the muscles, tendons and connective tissue involved in your pain or injury, and on the movement habits that keep it coming back. At Schwartz Sports Massage and Manual Therapy on upper State Street, orthopedic massage is at the center of what we do.
·
Text 805-881-3390
What is an orthopedic massage?
Orthopedic massage is a results-focused style of manual therapy for the musculoskeletal system: muscles, fascia, tendons and the soft tissue around your joints. It draws on several techniques, and each session uses whichever ones fit what your body needs that day:
-
Deep tissue and trigger point work for knots and referred pain
-
Myofascial release for restricted, stuck-feeling tissue
-
Muscle energy techniques and assisted stretching to improve range of motion
-
Pin-and-stretch and active release–style work for tendons and overused muscles
-
Cupping for stubborn tension
The difference from a spa massage is the thinking behind it. We ask where it hurts, what makes it worse, and how you move. Then we work on the area and the tissue around it that may be contributing.
Who orthopedic massage helps
People come in for orthopedic massage in Santa Barbara for things like:
-
Neck and shoulder tension from desk work, driving or looking down at a phone
-
Low back pain and tight hips
-
Rotator cuff and shoulder tightness in swimmers, surfers, climbers and lifters
-
IT band, hamstring, calf and plantar tightness in runners and cyclists
-
Tension headaches and jaw clenching
-
Stiffness and limited movement after an injury, once you've been cleared to return to activity
-
Soft tissue work alongside physical therapy or chiropractic care
If you're working with a doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor, orthopedic massage can support that plan. Just let us know who's on your care team.
What to expect in a session
Every session starts with a short check-in: where you feel it, when it started, what you've tried and what you want to get back to. We may look at how you move, for example how your shoulder reaches overhead or how your hips rotate, to see where things feel restricted.
Then the hands-on work begins. Pressure is adjusted to you throughout. Orthopedic massage can be firm, but it should never feel like something you have to grit your teeth through. You'll leave with one or two simple things to do at home, like a stretch, a mobility drill or a posture change, so the benefits last between visits.
Orthopedic Massage vs. Sports Massage vs. Deep Tissue
The three overlap, and most sessions borrow from all of them.
-
Deep tissue massage works on deeper layers of muscle with slow, firm pressure.
-
Sports massage is built around training, performance and recovery.
-
Orthopedic massage focuses on a specific pain or movement problem and the reasons behind it.
Not sure which one you need? Book a session and tell us what's going on. We'll build the session around you.
Sessions and Booking
Sessions are $175 per hour with Amanda or $165 per hour with Anna, and 30-minute sessions start at $85. For a single area such as the neck, shoulder or low back, 60 minutes is usually enough. For more than one area, or if you want full-body work along with focused treatment, choose 90 minutes. Book online in under a minute, or text 805-881-3390.
Location and Hours
Schwartz Sports Massage and Manual Therapy
4213 State St, Suite 206, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Serving Santa Barbara, Goleta, Hope Ranch and Montecito
Open seven days: Sunday 9–7, Monday through Thursday 8–7, Friday 8–5, Saturday 9–6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is orthopedic massage good for?
Orthopedic massage focuses on pain and restricted movement in the muscles, tendons and connective tissue. People commonly book it for neck and shoulder tension, low back pain, tight hips, overuse injuries from sport, and stiffness after an injury.
Is orthopedic massage painful?
It can be firm, but it shouldn't be painful. Pressure is adjusted throughout the session, and you're always in control of how deep we go.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long the issue has been around. Newer problems often feel noticeably better after one or two sessions. Long-standing patterns usually respond best to a short series, such as weekly visits for three to four weeks, followed by maintenance.
Can I get orthopedic massage after surgery or an injury?
Yes, once your doctor or surgeon has cleared you for soft tissue work. Let us know about your injury or procedure when you book so we can plan the session.
Do you take insurance?
We accept HSA/FSA cards and provide superbills. We do not work with insurance directly.
Where can I get orthopedic massage in Santa Barbara?
Schwartz Sports Massage and Manual Therapy is at 4213 State St, Suite 206, Santa Barbara. It's open seven days a week and serves clients from Santa Barbara, Goleta, Hope Ranch and Montecito.
