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Contributed by Don Wilson, whose wife Bettie Jo has PLS
Bettie Jo has a weekly
massage, and feels that it helps quite a bit with range of motion. The
therapist brings her table to the house and
spends about an hour working on muscles and joints. She uses different
techniques for different needs during the massage. However, this is a
bit more expensive than the client going to the therapist's location, as
long as thy are in private practice. The "Day Spa" businesses often
charge at a premium.
While massage therapy is not covered by Medicare, some insurance
policies are now allowing some payment or "credit" for the service, as
long as the therapist is registered with the company. That, of course,
requires the therapist to "discount" their services. Remember that the
cost of the massage therapy is TAX DEDUCTIBLE as long as it is
prescribed by a physician. We have deducted the cost for three years,
had have not had a problem.
There are a couple of things to watch. Many states now require a
massage therapist be "certified". Clients will want to check to insure
that the therapist is certified if it is required by their state. Also,
there are may different types of massage, and the therapist should also
be "certified" in each type of massage used. That certification would
come from the school or instructor who trained the therapist. A
therapist with only a little knowledge and cause irreparable damage. A
PA under the guidance of her MD husband, once told Bettie Jo to do a
certain exercise. She did as she was instructed, but damaged a shoulder
in doing so. A year or so later it took a full cycle with a good
physical therapist to break the "adhesions" and return the shoulder to
use, albeit some what limited.
Note: Purchase of hot
tubs as prescribed by your physician may also be a medical tax
deduction. Please check with your accountant.
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