How Is Physiotherapy Different From Massage Therapy
Massage therapy and physical therapy are both similar practices designed to help the body rehabilitate after an illness or injury, but there are some key differences between the two.
A major difference is that physiotherapy is considered a medically certified profession, while massage therapy is an alternative to regular medicinal practices.
That’s not to say that massage therapists don’t need certifications of their own, but visiting your local masseuse won’t be a recommended decision if you’re trying to recover from an ankle fracture!
Physiotherapy
Physical therapists create tailor-made rehabilitation programs to suit every client’s individual needs. The primary purpose of this practice is to restore movement and normal bodily functions in patients recovering from injuries or those suffering from conditions like Asthma or Arthritis.
Some of the treatments used include:
- Joint mobilization
- Acupuncture
- Therapeutic exercises
- Ultrasound
Physiotherapists attain a higher level of education than massage therapists, with in-depth studies of the body and its systems. This allows people who practice this profession to have a much larger scope of work.
Anyone looking to practice physiotherapy Dubai or the UAE requires at least a master’s degree certified by the UAE government. In countries like the U.S., a doctoral degree has become the standard.
Benefits of physical therapy
This treatment has proven to be beneficial for patients with arthritis, asthma, dementia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, back or neck injuries, as well as many other sports-related conditions.
In addition to the above, there are various other benefits like:
Reductions in pain
Exercises and various manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization, deep tissue massages, acupuncture, ultrasound and electrical stimulation greatly reduce pain in joints and muscles and help restore full movement to the body.
In chronic cases like ankle sprains, regular therapy also prevents the pain from returning in most cases.
Avoid surgeries or surgical pains
In most cases, patients heal substantially from physical treatments alone after injuries, and there is no need for complicated and costly surgeries.
Even if the need for a surgery does arise, therapists ensure that the body is in excellent physical shape going into the procedure, which helps patients recover much quicker afterward.
Improved mobility
Physiotherapy exercises are recommended for peoples of all ages and sizes. Staying healthy and fit into the later stages of your life ensures that joints are kept mobilized, they wear out more slowly, and muscles retain their strength for longer periods of time.
Other benefits
Aside from the many benefits listed above, physical treatments provide specialized treatments for patients with breast cancer, pelvic pains, constipation, and heart or lung diseases.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is a hands-on practice that focuses on making clients feel relaxed by relieving symptoms of pain, stress, and anxiety. While they aren’t considered a part of medical practice, massages can be used in tandem with standard medical treatments to promote recovery.
There are generally 6 basic types of techniques used:
- Stroking
- Kneading
- Gliding
- Percussion or Tapotement
- Friction
- Compression
Massage therapists aren’t required to hold college degrees to practice their profession and usually have post-secondary education. However, some therapists do opt for higher education to be able to practice in medical settings.
Benefits of massage therapy
Massage therapy has a ton of great benefits, such as:
- It’s been proven to reduce the need for painkillers in chronic back and head pain by over 30%
- Your sleep cycle starts to improve almost instantly, and you feel more relaxed.
- It helps patients with arthritis control their pain and regain full control of their movements.
- Anxiety and its side effects are reduced by almost 50% according to various studies.
- It encourages white blood cell growth in the body, improving immunity against disease.
- For those suffering from constipation, getting a massage has been proven to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain.
- Athletes get regular massages before and after their workouts to reduce soreness in muscles.
- It helps increase blood flow, lowering blood pressure in heart patients.
Medical Considerations
Always consult with your local doctor before you book yourself an appointment for either a massage or a session of physiotherapy Dubai.
It’s important to remember that massage therapy is not a replacement for medical procedures, and care should be taken when dealing with conditions involving injuries or illness.