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Shoulder Osteoarthritis × Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Comprehensive guide to using massage therapy for treating shoulder osteoarthritis. Learn about effectiveness, what to expect, and coverage options.

Evidence: limited
Medicare: Not Covered
Type: physical-therapy

How Massage Therapy Helps Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Complete guide to massage therapy for arthritis and joint pain. Learn about the types of massage that help joint pain, what research shows, costs, and insurance coverage including Medicare limitations.

For patients with shoulder osteoarthritis, massage therapy may help by addressing the underlying joint damage and providing symptom relief.

Potential Benefits

Considerations

Who May Benefit

Massage Therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis is typically considered for patients who:

  • Have tried conservative treatments (rest, OTC medications) without adequate relief
  • Have mild to moderate shoulder osteoarthritis
  • Want to delay or avoid surgical intervention
  • Have no contraindications to the treatment

Find Providers

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Insurance Coverage

Coverage for massage therapy when treating shoulder osteoarthritis.

Insurance Plan Covered? Prior Auth Est. Cost Requirements
aetna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
aetna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
aetna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
aetna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
aetna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
aetna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Aetna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Anthem Blue Cross Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
cigna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
cigna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
cigna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
cigna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
cigna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
cigna Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Cigna Healthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
humana Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
humana Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
humana Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
humana Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
humana Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
humana Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Humana Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Kaiser Permanente Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Kaiser Permanente Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
private Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Kaiser Permanente Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Kaiser Permanente Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Kaiser Permanente Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicaid Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare-advantage Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
medicare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
guide Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
guide Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
other Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
TRICARE / VA Healthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
UnitedHealthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $60-$120 per session Standard coverage
Typically covered
Not covered / experimental
Prior authorization required

Coverage information is provided as a general guide and may vary by specific plan, location, and medical necessity. Always verify coverage directly with your insurance provider before scheduling treatment. Cost estimates assume standard Medicare rates and typical copay structures.

Is This Treatment Right for You?

Take our treatment assessment to see if massage therapy might be a good option for your shoulder osteoarthritis.

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