Physiotherapy vs. Massage Therapy: Which One Do I Need?

Are you suffering from discomfort or pain and you aren’t really sure if you need a massage therapy or a physiotherapy session would work better?

Both massage therapy as well as physiotherapy can be helpful in pain relief and muscle relaxation; however, there are many differences between both the services and though used as quite different treatment than other. Two main differences include:

1. The level of education and training required to perform

In order to become a physiotherapist, one must pursue a specialized Bachelor or Master’s degree for a certain duration. To use the title Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist or PT, one must be registered with a regulatory college or Physiotherapists.

While on the other hand, a Massage Therapist American Fork is required to complete a massage therapy diploma program from a recognised institute or medical college.

To use the title of a Massage Therapist (MT) or Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) one must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the College of Massage Therapists.

2. The purpose of uses/treatments

Physiotherapy is mainly used in rehabilitation of joint function by muscle strengthening, while on the other hand massage therapy is used for immediate relaxation or muscle spasms and pain relief.

Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage is a hands-on treatment used to manipulate the soft tissues in body including joints, ligaments, connective tissues, muscles and tendons. Here are some hands-on benefits of a therapeutic massage session:

·         Headache relief

·         Reduction / Elimination of joint pain and muscle stiffness caused by intense workouts or occupational stresses.

·         Blood circulation improvement

·         Alleviation of chronic pain conditions

·         Reduction of depression symptoms and anxiety by increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin to help stabilize the client’s mood

·         Improvement in sleep

·         Muscle massages for everyday pain and discomfort

Best massage therapist Utah are primarily working in some reputable massage centres like Body Balance Massage and Float etc. However, there are many freelance massage American Fork also how work in a number of settings such as health spas, massage therapy clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals, chiropractic clinics, community health clinics and hospitals.

A massage therapy is basically used as a hands-on treatment which is more appropriate when someone is in need of immediate relief from discomfort or muscle pain.

A therapeutic massage session could be the right choice if you:

·         Need to decompress tired and overworked muscles

·         Want to improve your posture

·         Are in need of relaxation due to high levels of stress

·         Require muscle and joint pain relief

Physiotherapy

Most physiotherapy services are often affiliated with hospitals, retirement residences, clinics and child development centres. Some freelance physiotherapists can also be available at home on bookings. Or you can also ask a private clinic or health care service to provide you a physiotherapist at home.

When someone has undergone a joint surgery like knee surgery, hip replacement etc, usually prescribed for a continuous an ongoing physiotherapy for rehabilitation.

Physiotherapists design individual programs for each client as per the specific needs and conditions.  Some common treatments include:

·         Programs to heal neck and back sprains, sports injuries and fractures etc

·         Manipulation and joint mobilization exercises to relief from stiffness and pain of muscles.

·         Treatment for multiple sclerosis and arthritis

·         Individual exercise programs developed for strength, range of motion, and function

·         Management of incontinence through pelvic floor physiotherapy

Individuals often seek physiotherapy treatment because they may have an ongoing condition that requires long term management or they may be in pain, or they may have an ongoing condition that requires long-term management. Physiotherapy can also be used as a preventative measure by daily exercises for injury prevention or providing education.

Physiotherapy can be the right choice for  you if:

·         Experience lack of motion or pain as a result of an event, ranging from an accident or strain

·         In need of a rehabilitation because of a surgery

·         Are looking to incorporate more physical activity into your life and require better motion

·         Want to learn how to prevent injuries

·         Are looking to increase range of motion and/or manage an existing condition

The decision between Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy will ultimately depend on your specific symptoms and condition. Body Balance Massage and Float is a float spa Utah which can help you to know if you need a massage therapy. Contact us today.