Both massage therapy and physical therapy are practiced by licensed, qualified professionals. Physical therapy improves the quality of life and the physical ability of a person who is restricted by pain and disability. Massage therapy benefits the various systems of the body through the application of different pressure movements on the body. Both massage therapy and physical therapy are popular forms of therapy, recommended by many medical practitioners, to improve the physical health and well being of a person.
About Massage Therapy
Denise Whichello Brown writes, in “Teach Yourself Massage,” that massage is one of the oldest forms of physical medicine. Massage is basically the rubbing of various points on the body, through a variety of different techniques, in order to relieve pain or discomfort, to improve the function of the various systems of the body or to reduce stress. There are many types of massage including aromatherapy massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage and shiatsu.
About Physical Therapy
Physical therapy uses a variety of techniques, including therapeutic exercise, massage, manipulation and training, to improve the function and mobility of the body. The United States Department of Labor web site states that physical therapists provide treatment to people who have mobility problems as a result of back and neck injuries, arthritis, stroke, fractures, sports injuries, work injuries and multiple sclerosis. Physical therapy benefits people of all ages who have restricted mobility or movement.
Benefits of Massage
Denise Whichello Brown writes, in “A Complete Guide to Massage,” that massage improves blood flow, increases the efficiency of the removal of waste from the body, improves the texture and condition of the skin, reduces muscle stiffness, aids in digestion and calms the nervous system. In addition, massage helps to reduce levels of anxiety and stress.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy benefits people who have a limited range of movement or mobility in various parts of the body. The Memorial Hospital and Manor web site states that physical therapy benefits people who have pain, impaired motor skills ability, lack of strength and limited motion. Physical therapy helps to increase mobility, strength and movement in parts of the body such as the arms, legs and back.
Massage Therapy v. Physical Therapy
Massage therapy can be practiced as part of a physical therapy recovery program. Physical therapy improves mobility and range of movement, whereas massage therapy improves the efficiency of the body's systems, in addition to relieving stress, anxiety and pain. Massage therapy and physical therapy both improve the quality of life for a person. Check that your massage therapist or physical therapist is suitably qualified and licensed to perform the necessary techniques required for your particular problem.
References
- “Teach Yourself Massage”; Denise Whichello Brown; 1996
- “A Complete Guide to Massage”; Denise Whichello Brown; 2003
- United States Department of Labor: Physical Therapists
- Memorial Hospital and Manor, Georgia: Who Benefits From Physical Therapy?
