Massage Therapy Vs Physiotherapy: The Difference

Last updated on April 7th, 2024 at 12:50 pm

Massage therapy and Physiotherapy are beneficial for people and they provide mental health and physical health. However, Both disciplines differ from each other. They are applied with different techniques and accordingly, their professionals also have different names. Read out our blog and understand their differences thoroughly. 

 

Meaning: Massage Therapy vs. physiotherapy

Massage therapy

Message therapy refers to holding, moving, and pressurising muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. It focuses on treating pain and body stress. Massage involves manipulating tissue of the body to enhance wellness. Eastern and Western cultural history shows prior usage of this technique. There are plenty of massage centers available at the current time. You can check therapeutic massage minneapolis for the best massage services. 

 

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is also called physical therapy and as the name suggests, it is for rehabilitating injury, injury prevention, physical health, and fitness. It also increases strength, cardiovascular fitness, movement, and flexibility/mobility. These pain-reducing treatment options include joint mobilization, muscle/tendon/ligament work, acupuncture, and therapeutic exercises. 

 

Types Of Massage Therapy And Physiotherapy

There are 4 types of massages given below 

 

Swedish massage

The Swedish massage involves percussion, kneading, vibration, tapping, and rolling. This massage is performed with massage oil or lotion and energises your whole body. 

 

Deep Tisue Massage

In this message therapy, the therapist applies slow and firm pressure realising the muscle tension. The therapy is similar to Swedish massage but it focuses on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the layer surrounding and protecting muscles, bones, and joints). 

 

Relaxation Massage

This massage therapy involves long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements with light to moderate pressure on the top of the muscles. Increasing blood circulation and giving relaxation, this gentle and smooth treatment is perfect for muscle treatment. 

 

Sports Massage

Sports massage is for ligaments and tendons and involves a bit of stretching techniques. It increases elasticity in tissues and blood circulation. This massage can also help release muscle tightness.

 

Physiotherapy Types

There are 5 types of physiotherapies that you can go for according to your needs. 

Orthopedic Physiotherapy

Orthopedic physiotherapy focuses on orthopedics and is used to cure musculoskeletal system-related disorders, such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, and bone fractures. 

 

Neurological Physiotherapy

Neurological physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that involves treating people for movement-related and function disorders. These problems are generally caused by the body’s nervous and neurological systems.

 

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy helps people to clear lung secretions. It improves areas of the lungs reducing the effort to breathe. Children with chronic respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, and respiratory syncytial virus are especially benefitted from cardiorespiratory physiotherapy.

 

Pediatric Physiotherapy

Pediatric physiotherapy is also known as children’s physiotherapy. It is used to cure congenital diseases and acquired injuries in babies and children. After the therapy kids can learn movement patterns and skills if they don’t have them. 

 

Burn Physiotherapy

People who have a large area of body burned are often advised to for burn physiotherapy. Around the joint and other areas burnt skin gets tight and this therapy helps to keep it moving.

 

Benefits: Massage Therapy vs. physiotherapy

 

Massage therapy 

• Massage therapy reduces pain in muscles.
• It can also increase blood circulation in the body.
• Because of better blood circulation, nutrients travel in the full body and the immune system gets stronger.
• Massage therapy promotes dopamine and serotonin hormones and helps us to get good sleep. 

 

Physiotherapy

• Physiotherapy is a good option to heal injuries in the initial stage hence you don’t need to go for surgeries.
• Physiotherapy increases the overall strength of the body and its exercises and stretches improve coordination of body parts. 
• It boosts cardiovascular functions and lung capacity. People who suffer from heart stroke especially get benefits from physiotherapy. 
• Sports persons generally face conditions like Golfer’s Elbow and Hamstring Strain. Physiotherapy provides specific treatment to improve endurance and eliminate these problems at the initial stage.
• Neck pain, back pain, and knee replacements can be managed with Physiotherapy. It will keep you fit and fine for a long time. 

 

Conclusion

Physiotherapy and massage therapy are different disciplines that benefit people. They differ according to type and they have different areas of working. Physiotherapy can be used for kids as well, but massage therapy remains for adults. 

 

Author Bio

Alla Burke, an experienced writer, specializes in unraveling the transformative benefits of therapeutic massage Minneapolis. With a unique blend of journalistic flair and health science expertise, she crafts engaging and evidence-based content. Alla’s articles are a trusted resource, providing insights into stress reduction, pain management, and overall