INNOVATOR AWARD

Jann Henry

San Antonio Massage and Spa

San Antonio Massage & Spa has pioneered new treatment strategies to help Active Duty military soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with massive burns recognized as the worst type of injury a human being can endure. Annually in the US there are more than 25,000 third degree burns of the nature being treated at the spa. For now, they are first provider of its type in the US referred for out-patient treatment through San Antonios major burn center, on an exceptional basis. In 2008, Workmens Compensation also recognized and approved the group to treat a civilian with catastrophic burns another first. The new strategies use adjunctive Soft Tissue Manipulative therapies in lengthening burn scar contractures to increase range of motion capability and mobility, reduce severe itching, and to increase skin integrity and durability. They built on their expertise in addressing neuromuscular dysfunction and chronic pain to make a difference in the lives of those severely injured. Theyve worked with over 65 severe burn patients since 2007, many twice weekly since that time. Patients acknowledge they are making faster gains than expected, are in less pain, and have a substantially higher quality of life as a result of these treatments. This benchmarks a new standard for advanced clinical massage therapists and estheticians, emphasizing specialized Soft Tissue Manipulations therapeutic potential and advanced skin care in the sub-acute rehabilitative stage of severe burn injuries. There are strong indications that the treatments are producing positive clinical outcomes and there is now a call for research to clinically identify and quantify the improvements as the next step.

To learn more, please visit NAWBO – San Antonio’s website for the ESA awards.

This article from About.com helps to explain the current state of medical military care in an easy-to-understand format. One of the goals of Operation Hands On is to influence legislation to ensure that the military pays for our men and women in uniform, active or retired, who have severe burn injuries as a result of their service to receive supplemental therapies that improve their comfort and quality of life. Though these burn survivors once received referrals from their military doctors for this type of additional treatment, soft tissue manipulation therapies are no longer covered under their insurance. As such, many of the soldiers who need this therapy on a weekly basis are no longer able to receive it. Help us help the troops by donating money toward their care. For more information, please visit the official website for military medical care.

We’re still working on updating the website and reviewing our content, but we plan to use this blog as a means of keeping you up-to-date on the latest happenings with our organization, the soldiers we support, their treatment, and upcoming events. For now, check out this link to the article that started it all, including a moving photo gallery, informative fact sheet about military medicine, and links to more information from National Geographic.

Thanks for your continued support, and remember to check back soon for more updates!