What Is The Difference Between Physiotherapy And Massage Therapy?

Both physiotherapy and massage therapy are practices that help improve your body’s range of motion as well as reducing any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing. While similar, massage therapy and physiotherapy aren’t interchangeable treatment options. Physiotherapy requires a medical professional who will put you through exercise and movement therapies to increase your body’s functionality. Massage therapy, on the other hand, works to stretch and soothe muscles that are tension from stress or overuse. To learn more about the differences between both treatments and how they can help you, just keep on reading.

Physiotherapy

When you go to see a physiotherapist, you’re being treated by a professional that will create a personalized plan that will restore functionality and mobility to the necessary parts of your body. Whether you made an appointment due to age-related joint issues, diseases, are recovering from surgery or have been recently injured, physiotherapy can help to improve any limited movement you’re experiencing. Functional training, therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques and modalities are just a few treatment options within physical therapy that can restore your well-being. As well, you can find physiotherapists that specialize in specific areas, such as pelvic floor rehabilitation for pre-post pregnancy as well as acupuncture or custom joint braces.

Physiotherapy can treat patients who have back or neck injuries, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fractures and other injuries relating to work or sports. You’ll likely feel an overall reduction of body pain and help to prevent disabilities from affecting your everyday life.

Massage Therapy

The techniques used in massage therapy can help to soothe any muscle stiffness, soreness, and decrease muscle spasms across your body. Some common massage therapy methods used to reduce tension in the muscles include kneading, friction, gliding, vibration, compression and active or passive stretching. If you’re new to the massage therapy world, the best overall massage to sign up for is deep tissue or Swedish massage. This form of therapy will boost your immune system, improve blood flow, regulate your blood pressure, alleviate discomfort and recover from intense sporting activities and workouts. As well, if you’re looking for a natural way to manage anxiety and depression, then this is a treatment option worth trying out.

Whichever treatment method you decide is best for you and your body, make sure you visit a qualified and licensed healthcare practitioner to prevent injuries. When you make an appointment with one of our highly trained physiotherapists at Pro Fusion Rehab, you can feel confident that you’re well taken care of. At our Pickering and Milton physiotherapy facilities, our staff is committed to helping you achieve your health goals in a safe environment. If you’re experiencing acute or chronic pain due to a sporting injury, then we’re the place for you. We also offer massage therapy, acupuncture, electrotherapy and more. Give us a call today to talk to one of our certified physiotherapists or to book an appointment.