Your Ultimate Guide to see a Physio or Massage Therapist
Have you ever pondered the differences between MSK physiotherapy and massage?
At CantaCore, we have the privilege of having Nyle Stewart, a dual-trained physiotherapist and massage physiotherapist, who possesses a distinctive blend of assessment and treatment skills. He is very well equipped to try and answer this question!
Many clients frequently inquire about this topic when they have pain problem, and we will gladly offer an overview of the main differences between these two practices.
#1: Scope and Purpose of MSK physiotherapy and Massage
MSK physiotherapy and massage are two distinct therapeutic approaches with different focuses and techniques when it comes to musculoskeletal conditions.
MSK physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions. MSK physiotherapists use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to provide comprehensive assessments and develop personalized treatment plans.
Their goal is to address the underlying causes of musculoskeletal issues, restore function, alleviate pain, improve mobility, and optimize overall physical well-being.
Massage:
Massage therapy primarily focuses on manual manipulation of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being.
The primary purpose of massage is to provide relaxation, reduce stress, and address muscular discomforts, rather than diagnosing or treating specific musculoskeletal conditions.
#2: Techniques and Treatment Approaches
MSK physiotherapists utilize a wide range of techniques and interventions, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, joint mobilization, muscle strengthening, stretching, and functional training, among others.They may also incorporate modalities like heat or cold therapy, electrotherapy, or ultrasound as part of their comprehensive approach to treatment.
On the other hand, massage therapists primarily employ manual techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, friction, and kneading to manipulate the body's soft tissues.
While massage therapy can offer therapeutic benefits and provide temporary relief from muscle discomfort, it generally does not involve the same level of thorough assessment, diagnosis, or targeted treatment planning as MSK physiotherapy.
#3: Assessment Process
The assessment process in MSK physiotherapy is generally more comprehensive and involves a broader range of assessments compared to massage therapy.
Comprehensive History: MSK physiotherapists start by gathering a detailed history of the patient's condition, including information about the onset, nature, and progression of symptoms, as well as any relevant medical history or previous treatments. This helps in understanding the context and possible contributing factors to the musculoskeletal issue.
Physical Examination:
Posture: Evaluating the alignment, imbalances, and compensatory mechanisms in the body.
Range of Motion: Assessing joint mobility and any limitations or abnormalities in movement patterns.
Muscle Strength: Testing the strength and coordination of specific muscle groups.
Special Tests: Conducting specific orthopedic or functional tests to identify specific conditions or causes of pain or dysfunction.
Palpation: MSK physiotherapists use palpation techniques to assess soft tissues.
Functional Assessment: Assessing the patient's ability to perform functional activities related to their specific condition, such as walking, squatting, lifting, or sports-specific movements. This helps identify any movement impairments, functional limitations, or compensatory strategies.
Diagnostic Imaging or Referral: In some cases, MSK physiotherapists may request diagnostic imaging or specialist referrals if needed.
Massage Therapy Assessment:
Client Interview: Massage therapists typically begin by conducting a client interview to gather information about the client's health history, current concerns, and goals for the session. This helps establish a client's preferences, contraindications, and any specific areas of focus.
Visual Observation: The therapist may visually observe the client's posture, movement patterns, and any visible signs of muscle tension or discomfort.
Palpation: Through palpation, massage therapists use their hands to assess the condition of the soft tissues.
Range of Motion Assessment: Massage therapists may perform simple range of motion tests to assess the client's joint mobility and identify any limitations or restrictions.
Subjective Feedback: During the massage session, therapists may ask for the client's feedback regarding the pressure, comfort level, and any changes in sensations or pain.
#4: Case: What's better for a bad back, massage or MSK physiotherapy?
