Search

Physiotherapy vs. Massage Therapy; What's The Difference

breathandhealth
Jul 13, 2017
2 min read

Introduction:

There has always been some misconceptions and confusions when it comes to understand the difference between how the two type of therapies work and when are they most applicable. However, when we dig deep, although they may not be the same but both are being practiced by certified professionals in order to improve the overall well-being of the people.

Physiotherapy can be said to be more focused on curing and rehabilitation process while massage therapy offer immediate comfort and relaxation for pain and spasms.

The core differences:

Physiotherapy:

It is mainly used to restore body functions and movements in those who may have gone through injuries or may be experiencing some pain in their bodies.

Ways in which physiotherapy Dubai oriented services may help:

- Age factor: Certain body functions and movements may go in weaker zones and this may cause discomfort and pain in everyday life. Physiotherapy helps in diagnosing the root causes based on which adequate interventions may be prescribed to the suffering.

- Treatments: Expert practitioners in this domain may prescribe a blend of treatments accompanied by therapeutic exercises plus functional training. All these are intended for the betterment of one’s physical health and reduction of pain.

Core Areas where Physiotherapy may be of help:

- Multiple sclerosis

- Arthritis

- Neck and back sprains

- Fractures

- Sport Injuries

Massage therapy:

This can be classified as a common hand on technique and practice that is usually applied to help one feel good and relaxed. Situations where one may be going through tension, stress or fatigue may reduce one’s body performance and mobility. Talking about massage in Dubai, one can get hands on different types, i.e. Thai massage, Swedish massage, Ayurvedic, Shiatsu Traction, acupressure, stone and sports massage therapies etc.

Core Areas where Massage therapy may be of help:

- Stiffness: One can get relief if facing problems like stiffed muscles and spasms with the help of various techniques like kneading, friction, stroking, compression, active or passive stretching and percussion. There are five basic techniques associated with massage therapies comprising effleurage (gliding strokes, long), petrissage (kneading and lifting the muscles), friction (deep, firm and circular rubbing for better movements), tapotement (percussive movements or brisk tapping) and finally the vibration techniques (vibrating specific muscles and rapid shaking approach is applied here in this type).

- Therapists: To benefit from your booked session, you must ensure that you are being dealt by an expert masseur. He/she may not hold a medical degree but in most cases will be a certified masseur. This is very important, because only a reliable masseur would know how to work and help in palpating the soft tissues of your body so that blood circulation can be improved, stiffness in muscles can be removed and take the stress out of your body that may have been caused by extensive workout sessions faced by you.

- Stay in good moods: A perfect massage therapy will enable you to stay focused and will stabilize your moods because it helps in amplifying the levels of dopamine and serotonin.