Massage Therapist - Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management
The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
Job Description
Massage Therapist – Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management. Deliver evidence-based, scientifically supported massage therapy for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain. As part of an interdisciplinary care team, the therapist collects basic medical histories, assesses patient conditions, recommends appropriate treatment techniques, and monitors care throughout therapy. The role involves communicating progress and updates to referring providers to ensure coordinated, high-quality care. Services are provided through physician referral and are designed to support effective, patient-centered outcomes across the full continuum of care.
Responsibilities
Perform medically-related massage therapy procedures and modalities as prescribed by the referring physician and in coordination with the established treatment plan.
Prior to initiating treatment, interview the patient to obtain health and medical history and current medication routine; obtain patient-reported outcomes using an online DoD platform; observe and examine the patient; consult with a credentialed/referring provider as necessary to determine appropriateness of the medical massage plan.
Recognize indications and contraindications for treatment, assume responsibility for patient care, evaluate and report reactions and outcomes of treatment (via patient-reported outcome data, clinical interview, and therapist evaluation), and recommend modifications to treatment as appropriate.
Provide effective, evidence-based massage techniques of the soft body tissues for musculoskeletal pain, injury, and medical conditions. Techniques promote relaxation, stress reduction, wellness, enhanced movement, and body awareness in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team to meet patient purposes and goals.
Incorporate massage therapy modalities such as compression, friction, gliding/stroking, holding, kneading, lifting, movement and mobilization, percussion, and vibration to promote movement and decrease pain. Consider medical contraindications prior to initiating treatment and through consultation with referring provider.
Use other supporting physical modalities as indicated by patient needs and physician referral (hot and cold agents, compresses, ice or hot packs, stones, hydrotherapy).
Attend and participate in patient case conferences, team huddles, department meetings, and other appropriate medical massage activities.
Serve as an advisor to interdisciplinary team on medical massage care issues, providing technical advice and specialty consult upon request from healthcare providers.
Counsel patients on massage care for pain-related conditions.
Work under general supervision of the Director of the Primary Care Medical Home.
Follow relevant standards of practice and perform duties within the designated scope of practice for Massage Therapists.
Document patient care information in accordance with guidelines from the Army, Defense Health Agency, and The Joint Commission, including preliminary assessment data, progress or change in status, education or training provided, therapeutic interventions performed, comments from patient, attainment of goals, and functional status upon completion of treatment.
Education and Experience
Associate’s Degree required in a scientific field (e.g., Biology, Anatomy).
Minimum 6–8 years of experience required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of medical sciences underlying massage therapy, including anatomy, physiology, and structural kinesiology.
Knowledge of medical research regarding massage therapy, including evidence-based approaches for specific populations with pain conditions.
Knowledge and understanding of anatomic structures, locations, functions, interactions and relevant medical terminology relating to practice of massage therapy, indications, contraindications, cautions and benefits.
Knowledge of massage body mechanics theory and hands‑on practice of techniques in which there is no fracture, joint dislocation, or potential myofascial problems. Knowledge of neuromusculoskeletal system and biomechanics.
Knowledge of basic assessment process, treatment planning, documentation, procedures, and terminology related to massage therapy services in medical settings.
Knowledge and skill in performing massage therapy procedures/modalities and understanding resulting physiologic and psychological effects.
Ability to communicate with interdisciplinary team regarding medication use or drug therapies related to patient’s medical treatment plan.
Knowledge of diseases and conditions affecting trunk, spine, upper and lower extremities.
Knowledge of contraindications to massage such as deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or blood thinners, damaged vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, fractures, and fever.
Ability to provide technical massage therapy advice and professional opinions upon request from healthcare providers.
Knowledge of medical-legal issues, business practices, and professional standards of massage therapy in medical settings.
Ability to pass a background check and obtain secret clearance in the Department of Defense.
Massage therapy skills that improve physical functioning and pain interference.
U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret security clearance.
Physical Capabilities
Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 25 lbs.
Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Massage Therapist (L.M.T.) qualification is required.
Completion of a massage therapy program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education, including a minimum 600 hours in‑person classroom training (at least 100 hours covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology; remaining 500 hours include majority in therapy theory, technique, supervised practice, ethics, standards, business practices, health and hygiene, contraindications, and research).
Work Environment
Position will be primarily in a hospital setting.
Compensation
Hourly pay range: $32.45 – $52.00 per hour, determined by experience and education.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage, health savings, and retirement plans.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The contractor will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiries or disclosures about compensation. Employees with access to compensation information are prohibited from disclosing it to individuals without such access, except under specified lawful circumstances. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c).
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Massage Therapist – Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management. Deliver evidence-based, scientifically supported massage therapy for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain. As part of an interdisciplinary care team, the therapist collects basic medical histories, assesses patient conditions, recommends appropriate treatment techniques, and monitors care throughout therapy. The role involves communicating progress and updates to referring providers to ensure coordinated, high-quality care. Services are provided through physician referral and are designed to support effective, patient-centered outcomes across the full continuum of care.
Responsibilities
Perform medically-related massage therapy procedures and modalities as prescribed by the referring physician and in coordination with the established treatment plan.
Prior to initiating treatment, interview the patient to obtain health and medical history and current medication routine; obtain patient-reported outcomes using an online DoD platform; observe and examine the patient; consult with a credentialed/referring provider as necessary to determine appropriateness of the medical massage plan.
Recognize indications and contraindications for treatment, assume responsibility for patient care, evaluate and report reactions and outcomes of treatment (via patient-reported outcome data, clinical interview, and therapist evaluation), and recommend modifications to treatment as appropriate.
Provide effective, evidence-based massage techniques of the soft body tissues for musculoskeletal pain, injury, and medical conditions. Techniques promote relaxation, stress reduction, wellness, enhanced movement, and body awareness in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team to meet patient purposes and goals.
Incorporate massage therapy modalities such as compression, friction, gliding/stroking, holding, kneading, lifting, movement and mobilization, percussion, and vibration to promote movement and decrease pain. Consider medical contraindications prior to initiating treatment and through consultation with referring provider.
Use other supporting physical modalities as indicated by patient needs and physician referral (hot and cold agents, compresses, ice or hot packs, stones, hydrotherapy).
Attend and participate in patient case conferences, team huddles, department meetings, and other appropriate medical massage activities.
Serve as an advisor to interdisciplinary team on medical massage care issues, providing technical advice and specialty consult upon request from healthcare providers.
Counsel patients on massage care for pain-related conditions.
Work under general supervision of the Director of the Primary Care Medical Home.
Follow relevant standards of practice and perform duties within the designated scope of practice for Massage Therapists.
Document patient care information in accordance with guidelines from the Army, Defense Health Agency, and The Joint Commission, including preliminary assessment data, progress or change in status, education or training provided, therapeutic interventions performed, comments from patient, attainment of goals, and functional status upon completion of treatment.
Education and Experience
Associate’s Degree required in a scientific field (e.g., Biology, Anatomy).
Minimum 6–8 years of experience required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of medical sciences underlying massage therapy, including anatomy, physiology, and structural kinesiology.
Knowledge of medical research regarding massage therapy, including evidence-based approaches for specific populations with pain conditions.
Knowledge and understanding of anatomic structures, locations, functions, interactions and relevant medical terminology relating to practice of massage therapy, indications, contraindications, cautions and benefits.
Knowledge of massage body mechanics theory and hands‑on practice of techniques in which there is no fracture, joint dislocation, or potential myofascial problems. Knowledge of neuromusculoskeletal system and biomechanics.
Knowledge of basic assessment process, treatment planning, documentation, procedures, and terminology related to massage therapy services in medical settings.
Knowledge and skill in performing massage therapy procedures/modalities and understanding resulting physiologic and psychological effects.
Ability to communicate with interdisciplinary team regarding medication use or drug therapies related to patient’s medical treatment plan.
Knowledge of diseases and conditions affecting trunk, spine, upper and lower extremities.
Knowledge of contraindications to massage such as deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or blood thinners, damaged vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, fractures, and fever.
Ability to provide technical massage therapy advice and professional opinions upon request from healthcare providers.
Knowledge of medical-legal issues, business practices, and professional standards of massage therapy in medical settings.
Ability to pass a background check and obtain secret clearance in the Department of Defense.
Massage therapy skills that improve physical functioning and pain interference.
U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret security clearance.
Physical Capabilities
Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 25 lbs.
Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Massage Therapist (L.M.T.) qualification is required.
Completion of a massage therapy program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education, including a minimum 600 hours in‑person classroom training (at least 100 hours covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology; remaining 500 hours include majority in therapy theory, technique, supervised practice, ethics, standards, business practices, health and hygiene, contraindications, and research).
Work Environment
Position will be primarily in a hospital setting.
Compensation
Hourly pay range: $32.45 – $52.00 per hour, determined by experience and education.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage, health savings, and retirement plans.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The contractor will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiries or disclosures about compensation. Employees with access to compensation information are prohibited from disclosing it to individuals without such access, except under specified lawful circumstances. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c).
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