How Massage Therapy Is An Important Part Of Physical Therapy

massage therapy

Massage and physical therapy may be required for clients recovering from an injury.

Massage combined with physical therapy can improve treatment and accelerate rehabilitation. Both manual therapies reduce pain and inflammation while also improving mobility and muscle function. Massage Therapy Kanata can also be used in conjunction with physical therapy to help manage the stress that comes with chronic pain or injury.

Massage therapy and physical therapy, when combined, can provide holistic comprehensive treatment with a variety of short- and long-term benefits.

Let’s Understand Physical Therapy

Physical therapy, commonly referred to as physiotherapy, helps patients move more freely and comfortably by restoring and promoting the health of their muscles and joints.

A physical therapist administers physical therapy. These allied health practitioners manipulate people physically to:

• Manage pain from long-term conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

• Restore bladder and pelvic health and function.

• Prevent and recover from a sports injury. 

• Relieve pain.

• Improve mobility and joint function.

• Improve balance and coordination.

In addition to manual manipulation, physical therapy treatments may also include supplemental therapies like light therapy, hot and cold therapy, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation for nerve pain, and muscular engagement.

Physical Therapy V/S Massage Therapy

Physical therapy and massage therapy are both methods of treating inflammation in the body that uses manual manipulation. Whereas massage therapy focuses on the soft tissues, tendons, muscles, and fascia of the body, physical therapy focuses on the entire musculoskeletal system.

Another distinction between physical therapy and massage therapy is that the former is usually reserved for specific conditions that necessitate rehabilitation. While massage therapy can be used to treat injuries, it is more commonly used as a type of maintenance therapy that can be combined with Physiotherapy in Orleans for the best results.

Importance Of Massage Therapy In Physical Therapy

Improve Your Range of Motion and Flexibility

Your soft tissues’ capacity will determine how adaptable you are (the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues). You could find it difficult to bend over, reach for objects, throw a ball, or get a complete range of motion when weightlifting if these areas are tight or inflamed.

Range of motion and flexibility go hand in hand. Usually, restricted mobility results from damaged supporting muscles or inadequate joint function.

By stretching and relaxing the muscular fibers, physical treatment and massage therapy can be used in conjunction to increase flexibility.

Improve Your Posture

Massage can help restore your body’s alignment and thus improve your posture. Texting, working at a computer, or sitting for long periods can all result in muscles that are either overworked or weak. This can lead to poor posture, as shown by:

• Slouched, hunched shoulders 

• Swayback 

• Forward head tilt 

• Pelvic tilt

Poor posture can cause a variety of health problems, such as headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain, and an unsteady gait when walking or running. Massage therapy and physical therapy can both be used to manipulate overactive or underworked muscles to realign the body.

Eliminate Scar Tissue

The body creates scar tissue to cover an injury when it occurs. These adhesions may result in discomfort, limited range of motion, and a persistent tightness, itching, or swelling sensation. Injury recurrence may happen if it is not addressed, which could cause a significant delay in recovery.

Both a massage therapist and a physical therapist can use various instruments and methods to target and remove adhesions. Regular therapy can help scar tissue disappear, enhancing mobility and minimizing pain.

Increase Circulation

Your muscles will recover faster if your circulation is better. This is because good circulation gets oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which helps with stiffness and tension.

A combination of massage therapy and physical therapy will significantly improve circulation. Massage helps to move blood through congested areas, providing the oxygen-rich blood required for healing.

To Conclude

Clients will have access to a wide range of methods and treatments to rebuild strength, ease discomfort, and acquire more functional movement if massage therapy is paired with physical therapy.

To assist clients in expediting their physical rehabilitation and recuperation, Orleans Massage offers courses that are acknowledged in the industry and cover essential massage methods.