Massage Therapy or Manual Therapy: Which One to Use?
Massage Therapy or Manual Therapy: Which One to Use?
At first glance it is very easy to confuse Massage Therapy and Manual Therapy. This is because both practices aim to maintain and improve body functioning, and to the untrained eye, they may look the same. However, there are several differences that completely separate these two practices.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a hands on therapy focused on moving soft tissues of the body. Techniques include stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression and passive or active stretching, among others. Massage therapy can be used for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions such as injury prevention, ongoing stress management, muscle spasms, scoliosis, bad posture, ,migraines, tendonitis, arthritis, post surgery rehabilitation and more.
What is Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy often refers to various hands-on therapies such as massage, traction, passive range of motion, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and joint mobilizations. The end goal with Manual therapy treatments is to help restore joint range of motion, muscle function, nerve mobility and to reduce pain. Manual therapy techniques can free up restricted joints, thereby allowing the body’s movements to be performed as they are originally intended to.
Who does Massage Therapy vs. Manual Therapy?
Massage therapy is performed by a RMT or Registered Massage Therapist. On the other hand, Mnaul therapy can be performed by the following professionals:
- Physiotherapists (Physical Therapists)
- Occupational Therapists
- Chiropractors
- Osteopathic Physicians
- Certified Athletic Trainers
- Fitness Coaches
- Stretch Therapists
Which One to Use?
Both Massage Therapy and Manual Therapy can be utilized as part of a plan to promote an individual’s overall health and wellness. They are not mutually exclusive, can can be untilized together as they complement each other very well. The intensity of each therapy may depend on the patient’s needs.
How Can PhysioChiroWellness Help?
At PhysioChiroWellness Integrated Health Centre our highly-skilled practitioners work together to create fully integrated health solutions that may include physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, medical aesthetics amongst others. Our professionals will work together towards achieving an optimal health for all our patients through a holistically approach when treating any condition or pain they may present. This service is provided in our Ajax, Mississauga, Newmarket, & Vaughan clinics and can be booked at any time.
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