Massage
Classical massage therapy for muscular tension and pain in the neck and back area – for statutory and private patients in Kiel.
When a massage is prescribed
Most patients come to us with muscular tension – persistent pain in the neck, between the shoulder blades or in the lower back, often built up over weeks.
Classical massage therapy is often prescribed when the complaints clearly originate in the muscles and mobility is restricted as a result. Just as often, it doesn't stand alone: it accompanies physiotherapy exercises, prepares the tissue for manual therapy, or releases the protective reflex with which the muscles immobilise a painful area after surgery. What role the massage plays in your case is stated on the prescription – we discuss it with you at the start.
How treatment works
We work on the tissue with our hands: the pressure increases gradually, and the depth is guided by what the muscles allow – not by the clock.
Grip techniques
Effleurage for warming up, kneading and friction on tense areas, vibrations to finish. The sequence follows the palpation findings, not a fixed scheme.
Heat as preparation
If the muscles are very tight, a heat application may precede the treatment if needed. This makes the tissue more pliable, making the treatment easier for you to tolerate.
Effect on circulation
The mechanical stimulus promotes blood flow in the treated area. Metabolic waste products are carried away, muscle tone decreases, and the sensation of pain subsides for many patients.
Typical reasons
These are the complaints we see most often at our practice on Holtenauer Straße – arising from everyday work, sport, and the period after surgery.
- Neck and shoulder tension, often after long days at the screen
- Back pain in the lumbar and thoracic spine area with palpably tight muscles
- Muscular overload after sport or physically demanding work
- Tension headaches originating from the neck and temple muscles
- Protective posture after surgery, when the muscles work one-sidedly
- Alongside physiotherapy exercises, when tight muscles hinder the exercises
Your appointment in four steps
From arrival to rest afterwards, a massage treatment with us always follows the same process.
- 1
Brief conversation
We ask about your complaints, any pre-existing conditions, and what has happened since your last treatment. For patients with statutory insurance, the prescription is available at this point.
- 2
Palpation
We palpate the affected area and locate the tight spots. This determines where we work intensively and where we proceed carefully.
- 3
Treatment
The actual massage takes around 20 minutes under the standard prescription. You lie comfortably throughout; let us know at any time if the pressure is too strong.
- 4
Rest and guidance
After the treatment, you rest briefly. We let you know what to keep in mind over the next few hours – drinking, heat, avoiding strenuous activity.
With or without a prescription
Both paths lead to the same treatment – they differ only in who bears the cost and how much time is specified on paper.
Statutory service with prescription
- Medical prescription for classical massage therapy
- Treatment time and number of appointments are set by the prescription
- Statutory-insured patients pay the required co-payment
- The prescription should be started within 28 days
Private service without prescription
- Appointment possible without a doctor's visit
- You arrange duration and frequency with us directly
- You bear the costs yourself
- No billing through statutory health insurance
Massage is available both ways
Prescription, duration and costs
You can receive a massage with us either on medical prescription or as a self-pay service without a prescription. The prescription usually states "KMT" – classical massage therapy – often supplemented with heat (fango or hot air) as a preparatory measure. A prescription typically covers six treatments; how many appointments your doctor prescribes depends on the findings. The actual treatment time with us is 20 minutes; with a heat application, please plan for a stay of around 40 minutes.
Statutory health insurance
- Please bring your prescription to the first appointment; it is valid for 28 days from the date of issue
- Statutory co-payment: 10 euros per prescription plus 10 percent of the treatment costs
- Exempt from the co-payment? A confirmation letter from your health insurer is sufficient
- Billing is handled directly with your health insurance provider
Private and without a prescription
- Private patients receive an invoice based on the official fee schedule for remedial treatments
- Self-payers can book without a prescription – we're happy to share current prices by phone
- Please clarify reimbursement through your allowance scheme or supplementary insurance with your insurer in advance
- Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the appointment, otherwise the reserved time will be charged
Questions about: Physiotherapy, manual therapy
Briefly describe what you need – Physiopraxis Nord will get back to you with an assessment.