MASSAGE VS PHYSIO – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between physiotherapy and remedial massage?

At Ahead Physio, Our Physiotherapists and Remedial Massage Therapist work closely together in treating patients and we’re often asked how the two therapies differ. While in some ways the therapies are similar – they both use hands-on techniques to manage and treat pain – they do differ in their approach to managing pain and injury.

THE KEY POINTS ARE:

  • THERE IS A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THESE “HANDS-ON” PAIN MANAGEMENT THERAPIES.

  • MASSAGE IS MOST EFFECTIVE WITH GENERAL RELEASE AND WELL-BEING

  • PHYSIOTHERAPY IS MORE EFFECTIVE WITH SPECIFIC ISSUES AND DIAGNOSIS

  • MASSAGE CAN BE EFFECTIVE IN OVERALL WELL-BEING, INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH

  • THEY ARE MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN USED IN COMBINATION WITH A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Physiotherapists will perform a thorough clinical assessment of both your history, lifestyle, and your physical body – including movement and function to diagnose conditions which may be the result of an injury, tissue damage or joint degeneration, before determining a treatment approach.

Massage therapists, on the other hand, while assessing any aspects of the patients physical and social life, will focus less on providing a clear clinical diagnosis, instead focusing on administering hands-on treatment to alleviate pain and tension in the soft tissues. This will lead to improved function and range of motion, relieve pain, induce relaxation and promote healing and wellbeing throughout the body.

HOW DO THEY WORK TOGETHER?

If muscle tension is your main issue and you feel you just need a good loosen up, then a massage therapist is likely to be the best person to see for relief. However, if your condition is more specific in nature and undiagnosed, you are unsure as to what is going on or why it has occurred, then a physiotherapist is the person you should visit.

Often a physiotherapist will begin the healing process by accurately diagnosing the issue, and initiating a specific treatment plan to overcome the issue. Physiotherapists may use targeted treatment techniques (including taping, dry needling, mobilisations and massage) as well as prescribing exercises to help rehabilitate and prevent future problems arising. Once this has been effectively managed; the use of regular massage to maintain healthy function of the body is the best approach.

In summary, physiotherapy and remedial massage therapy can combine to give patients a holistic approach to treatment and healing. The two therapies can work together to reduce recovery time, and assist in maintaining a positive mindset during recovery.