Is Physiotherapy The Same As Massage?
Muscle discomfort and chronic pain are some of the conditions that millions of people all over the world struggle with. In fact, they have become so common that people actually deem them normal and just consider them as part of life. Are you struggling with muscle pain, mobility issues, and general soreness? Would you like to put an end to your suffering?
If so, how about a massage? Better yet, how about some physiotherapy sessions? Wait, aren’t they the same thing? The answer is no they are not, and we’ll tell you why in this article. But before we go into it in more detail, it is important to understand that physiotherapy and massage are just some of the steps one can consider when treating pain and discomfort.
So with all this in mind, the following are the differences between physiotherapy and massage:
How is Physiotherapy Different from Massage?
1). What They Treat
Both massage and physiotherapy work to treat painful muscles but vary in intensity. When your muscles are aching, immediate relaxation and a massage can help alleviate the pain. Massage involves kneading and rubbing the muscles using hands. It relaxes the muscles, reduces pain, and improves circulation.
Physiotherapy on the other hand is a whole different ballgame. It is a treatment method that deals with joint mobilisation and function, muscle rehabilitation, injury recovery, mobility, as well as pain relief & lifestyle considerations. Wondering what physiotherapy can address?
Below are some of these issues to treat with physiotherapy.
- Tissue Injuries
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Neck injuries
- Joint pain & arthritis
- Damaged muscle tissue
- Ankle sprains
- Back pain
- Sports injury
- Mobility issues
- Headaches & migraines
- Chronic pain
2.) Accreditation Difference
To be certified to practice, physiotherapists must complete extensive training. They must meet all the required legal and academic assessments. To practice as a physiotherapist in Australia, for example, you need to be nationally registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) after being certified by The Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
On the other hand, massage therapists don’t need to have a rigorous educational background. In Australia, a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy is the only requirement one needs to become a massage therapist.
3.) Treatment Methods
Treatment methods between physiotherapy and massage therapy differ. They both vary in mechanisms meant to achieve the treatment objectives. Some of the treatment methods that physiotherapy uses include:
- Stretching
- Pain education
- Massage
- Manual therapy
- Exercise & conditioning
- Joint mobilisation
- Lifestyle modifications
Final Thoughts
Are you suffering from discomfort, pain, or any other physical health issues that need treatment? How about some physiotherapy sessions? They are more comprehensive, and a health professional will be available to take you through each step of your recovery journey and ensure that your mobility resumes without pain. Let’s create a personal plan that will restore your functionality with ease.
Upwell Health Collective: Physiotherapy Camberwell
Nothing hurts like muscle pain, back pain, leg pain… and any other forms of pain… Stop the suffering now! You deserve to live a fulfilled, pain-free, normal life where you can sleep well, jump, dance, and do anything else you please! Upwell Health Collective has a range of techniques including therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy modalities, and massage therapies. Let’s cure that pain relieved and get you running—literally.
Please get in touch with us at Upwell Health on (03) 8849 9096 or book an appointment today.