Have you injured a muscle recently? Are you unable to get rid of your backache? Do you have swollen joints? Are you trying to rehabilitate from an automobile accident? Do you suffer from osteoarthritis? Are you sick of bearing pain for years? Do you want to find the clear answer to these problems? Who can help you best, a physiotherapist or a massage therapist?

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If you can relate to any of the above questions we’d like to answer all your queries once and for all. After reading this article, you will be clear about which therapist you need. There is a lot of confusion among masses regarding the differences between these two amazing methods of healing, such it’s difficult to choose a therapist that suits your issues perfectly. Physiotherapy and massage therapy, both are aimed at relieving pain and restoring the body to its optimum levels of health. They both have the power to restore the function and vitality of the body.

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Key Differences Between Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy

Let’s compare the main differences of physiotherapy and massage therapy side by side to give you a clear understanding. Hopefully, you will be able to choose the right therapy for you after having read these points:

1. Physiotherapy services treat acute and chronic injuries and help with injury prevention. Massage therapy is used for muscle relaxation and muscular pain alleviation. In physiotherapy, you will have to give a detailed medical history and undergo an extensive physical examination before starting treatment. A Massage therapist does a detailed medical history and depending on the goals of the patient can do a physical assessment prior to determining what type of massage will be needed. At EnduraHEALTH, with your permission your massage therapist and physiotherapist may discuss your needs and collaborate in providing hands-on treatment and an appropriate exercise plan to maximize your outcomes.   
   
2. Physiotherapy treatment at EnduraHEALTH takes an evidence-based exercise-as-medicine approach.  Evidence-based treatment of many injuries includes using strength-building and muscle stretching techniques to address issues of tightness and weakness which can lead to pain, dysfunction, and poor sport performance. Physiotherapy will use hands-on techniques including mobilization with movement, muscle energy, functional dry needling and joint mobilization to improve mobility and mitigate pain. Massage therapy focuses on tissue manipulation by hand and may include the use of certain oils/creams. Kneading, gliding, compressions, friction, percussion, vibrations, and stretching are the main techniques used by a massage therapist without involvement of any medical equipment or gadget. Together, your massage therapist and physiotherapist will work to help you manage your symptoms so that you can give your all to your exercise plan and ultimately improve pain, strength and performance.  
3. Rehabilitation is the main focus of physiotherapy; while massage therapy provides relief for muscular pain. Massage therapy can be seen as a preventive holistic measure to maintain a good state of health; while physiotherapy is the active element of injury recovery and prevention.
   
4. Massage therapy can provide mental relaxation and stress relief in a calm setting  through relaxation massage and central nervous system stimulation. Massage therapy can provide stress relief by manipulating specific trigger points and trigger areas. A relaxation massage session from a registered massage therapist can be effective in reducing mental stress and anxiety. Stress management in physiotherapy is typically achieved through exercise and mindfulness meditation.
   
5. Physiotherapy is a compulsory component of managing many critical diseases while massage therapy is tailored for overall wellness. In cases of major diseases, you must consult your doctor before getting started with any physiotherapy and massage therapy programs.
   
6. Physiotherapy is a compulsory component to manage many critical diseases while massage therapy is tailored for overall wellness. In cases of major diseases, you must consult your doctor before getting started with any physiotherapy and massage therapy programs.

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Have Questions About Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy?

Thanks for reviewing differences between physiotherapy and massage therapy, and how the two disciplines work to compliment one another. If you have any questions, give us a call and one of our Calgary staff can walk you through which treatments are best suited to your particular situation. ​

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REFERENCES

‍‍https://www.ecpi.edu/blog/whats-the-difference-between-massage-therapy-and-physical-therapy-assisting‍

‍https://www.massagetherapylicense.org/articles/physical-therapist-vs-massage-therapist.html‍

‍https://www.closingthegap.ca/blog/physiotherapy-vs-massage-therapy-which-one-do-i-need/‍

‍https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/which-professional-should-i-see-for-my-injury-1.828215

Are you tired of body aches? Do you have to miss work due to pain? Are you tired of visiting doctors? Do you want to prevent the recurrence of back pain? How can you get relief naturally?  You are not alone in this matter. Millions of people have similar conditions. Natural therapies like acupuncture and massage are time-tested and proved to be very comforting and effective in such cases. Save time and irritation from traditional medicines by using natural ways to get relief from sports injuries and back pain.

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Before comparing acupuncture and massage; we’ll briefly introduce these two amazing techniques.

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Acupuncture

In acupuncture, small needles are inserted in the specified areas of the body in accordance with meridians points with varying levels of depth. Acupuncture is often a more effective option to relieve back pain naturally as compared to medication and physiotherapy. If your body pain is uncomplicated with no prominent causes, acupuncture could be a right fit for you. However, studies have also suggested that if pain becomes complicated, involving multiple areas of the body, then acupuncture may not prove to be useful in providing the required relief.

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Acupuncture as a natural treatment to provide pain relief has been studied widely and research data is suggestive of its effective results. Acupuncture is best to employ in acute pain. It has been found that acupuncture provides a long term and sustained relief from pain as compared to certain pain killers with a short-term effect.

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Massage

​Massage, according to recent studies, should be taken as an effective treatment when it comes to relieving the contracted muscles and lower back pain.  This is a generally accepted method by most people as it provides instant relief. It relaxes the muscles and helps the joints to remain at an optimum level.

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Although massage is not a primary way to get rid of severe pain, it is a great mean to relieve mild pain. In addition to relieve pain, massage can also help to improve any associated symptoms. It improves sleep, reduces anxiety and speeds up recovery time. The benefits of massage for pain relief are the result of improved body circulation and relaxation of groups of muscles. All of these combined effects lead to a wider range of motion, decreased pain and quick recovery.

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Is Massage Better Than Acupuncture?

Now, you might be wondering about making a choice between massage and acupuncture?  Which one is superior to the other? Is it better to visit a massage therapist to get your tense muscles to relax or visit a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine? Both of these methods have their own pros and cons. This verdict can’t be declared in a clear Yes or No. The choice of adapting any of these two options depends on the chief body complaint and personal choice. There is no need to take a hard line between these two natural methods.

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If you are having a sharp and stabbing pain, it means that nerves are over activated due to an injury or muscle injury. Such type of pain needs to be abolished as soon as possible and acupuncture is the recommended choice here. The acupuncturist will use the needles to rectify the blood and energy area of the affected area and you will get prompt relief. ​

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In case of dull and chronic mild body pains, massage is your friend here. It will relax the tensed muscle and increase the blood flow to an optimum level. A massage session of 30 minutes will take away your dull tiredness and will make you feel fresh, restoring your natural energy.

Can I Have a Massage After Acupuncture?

​The answer is Yes; without any hesitation. There is no harm at all! In fact, we’d recommend booking a massage after acupuncture. These two methods can be used as an integrated therapy to enhance their benefits. Acupuncture and massage work at different body levels and combining the two therapies will bring maximum and long-term relief to body aches. The blood and lymph flow will get channelized and you will feel much energetic and lighter.  

Still Have Questions About Massage and Acupuncture?

​Call us to book a free 15min consult in our Calgary clinic to learn more about acupuncture and massage and how we can help you.

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REFERENCES:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/after-acupuncture_b_1593866‍

‍https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20010629/acupuncture-may-be-best-to-ease-neck-pain‍

‍https://www.health.harvard.edu/alternative-and-complementary-medicine/acupuncture-for-pain-relief‍

‍http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/322/7302/1574‍