People often find it hard to distinguish physiotherapy from massage therapy. Both provide holistic forms of treatment. Both therapies involve no surgeries or medications. Yet, they are very different from each other. Which one is the right treatment for you? Physiotherapy vs massage therapy– here is a detailed comparison to help you make a wise, informed decision.
Physiotherapy vs Massage Therapy | What Are The Differences?
Both physiotherapy and massage therapy treat problems associated with physical pain and discomfort. But, you need to choose the right treatment to be your best healthy self again.
Purpose
Physiotherapy
The purpose of physiotherapy is to assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent injuries, diseases and disabilities. The physiotherapists work with you to reduce your pain and discomfort, increase your range of motion and correct your posture.
Massage therapy
The primary motive of massage therapy is to provide immediate relaxation and stress reduction. The massage therapists apply an optimum pressure to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Conditions they treat
Physiotherapy
Anyone in pain is eligible to visit a physiotherapy clinic. Physiotherapy treats a wide range of physical health conditions such as:
- Joint pain
- Sports injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Damaged muscle tissue
- Tissue injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Neck pain
- Mobility issues
Massage therapy
Massage therapy doesn’t treat a specific condition. It releases muscle tension and reduces pain/discomfort. In other words, it treats the following conditions:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder ache
- Back pain
- Muscle tension
- Sports injuries
Benefits
Physiotherapy
The main benefits of physiotherapy are:
- Reduces pain
- Improves mobility
- Improves the overall health
- Helps recover from stroke
- Relieves chronic pain
Massage therapy
The main benefits of massage therapy are:
- Relaxes your muscles
- Accentuates the effects of physiotherapy
- Promotes faster recovery
- Relieves pain
- Improves your athletic performance
Treatment methods
Physiotherapy
Exercises form an integral part of treatments at physiotherapy clinics in Brampton. They help you develop a range of motion, function and strength. There are also airway clearance methods that help patients with breathing difficulties. Other forms of treatments are joint mobilization and manual manipulation which reduce pain and muscle stiffness.
Massage therapy
Registered massage therapists choose a specific or a combination of techniques, depending on what you need. There are four main techniques such as effleurage, tapotement, petrissage and friction. Effleurage, for instance, involves light or deep strokes. It relaxes muscles. Tapotement, on the other hand, is cupping the skin which creates a percussion effect.
When should you see a Physiotherapist?
The most common concern in the debate of physiotherapy vs massage therapy is which one should you opt for.
Well, you should consult with a physiotherapist if you need help managing a specific health issue. The physiotherapist assesses the condition thoroughly and then prepares the rest of the treatment regime.
There are different types of physiotherapy such as:
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Pediatric physiotherapy
- Orthopedic physiotherapy
- Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Consult with one first to learn who is the right professional to help you out.
When should you see a massage therapist?
Feeling stressed after a hard day’s work? A massage therapist is the right professional to help you feel relaxed. You don’t need to have a specific condition to see a massage therapist. Here are other signs you may need massage therapy:
- Limited mobility
- Muscle tension
- Muscle spasms
- Chronic pain
- Discomfort
- Emotional stress
Wrapping Up,
Both physiotherapy and massage therapy take a holistic approach to treating pain, discomfort and movement problems. But, they also differ from each other in several ways. Physical therapy is the right choice to manage pain, and lack of motion or inculcate more physical activities into your daily routine. Massage therapy, on the contrary, relieves stress in muscles and joints, improves blood circulation and improves sleep.
