Is Massage Therapy Different Than Physical Therapy?

Summary: Physical therapy and massage therapy both offer benefits that cater to certain types of patients.

After a sports injury or other major accident, physical therapy is often recommended by the doctor to help the patient recover from sustained injuries. Oftentimes, massage therapy is incorporated within the treatment to help stimulate the muscles and relieve any tension caused by the accident. This article will dive into how massage therapy and physical therapy differ from one another.

Massage

Therapy Utilizes Different Techniques

Unlike physical therapy, getting a massage from your standard massage establishment involves a multitude of techniques that are designed to relieve muscle tension and promote blood flow without focusing on helping the patient’s mobility. Although the massage may be similar, there are a wide array of techniques that aren’t often practiced by physical therapists due to the patient’s current state. For instance, a deep tissue massage wouldn’t be recommended for a patient that suffered major injuries to his or her legs as this technique incorporates a great deal of force on the muscle, which may further cause damage if the masseuse isn’t careful.

Physical Therapy is an All-In-One Treatment Plan

Getting physical therapy instead of choosing to opt for a massage may be ideal for those that require assistance in moving or working the muscles. This doesn’t mean that massage therapy isn’t a viable option as there are numerous massage establishments that utilize different techniques for those that have recently recovered from an injury or major accident. It may not be long before you start seeing businesses that incorporate both physical therapy exercises with your average massage therapy session.

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