Physical therapy and therapeutic massage share similar goals of pain relief, recovery from an accident or injury, and restoring overall function. However, there are three key differences between the two.
Massage Therapy Is Not In-Depth As Physical Therapy
While physical therapy provides much-needed pain relief and relaxation, their training in anatomy and physiology is not as in-depth as a physical therapist. That means they are not qualified to treat many of the conditions that are under the scope of practice for a physical therapist.
Massage Therapy Focuses On Overall Wellness
Many of the techniques used by massage therapists aim for the overall wellness of the body through a more holistic approach. If you’re experiencing a specific acute injury, such as joint pain or a bone fracture, you’ll want to seek help from a physical therapist who can help you recover from a specific injury, form a treatment plan around the injury, and provide follow-up care.
However, that’s not to say that massage therapy won’t be incorporated in a physical therapist’s care plan when recovering from injury, but it’s best to seek the consultation of a licensed medical professional first.
Physical Therapists Look For The Underlying Issues
If you’re experiencing muscle tightness, then the first thing you might think to do is seek the help of a massage therapist. While a massage therapist can provide temporary relief of muscle tightness, they do not look for the underlying issues causing the tight muscles. If your symptoms continually return after massage therapy, it’s beneficial to seek the consultation of a physical therapist for an evaluation as to why the muscle tightness is chronic in the first place.
Physical therapy and massage therapy both have their merits and benefits, depending on the needs of the individual. If a patient is feeling anxious, stressed, or simply needs to loosen their muscles and promote blood flow, then massage therapy should be sufficient. However, patients who experience any acute or chronic underlying pain, especially caused by injuries, should seek the care of a physical therapist.