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Physical Therapy Versus Massage Therapy: What Are the Key Differences 

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Both massage therapists and physical therapists seek to improve how your body feels and functions. They use techniques that reduce pain and inflammation, restore or improve range of motion and mobility and encourage blood flow to injured areas so they can heal better. However, if you speak with a clinic that specializes in physical therapy Wichita KS, you will find that although these treatments have similarities, they are very different.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy goals include pain relief, improved body function and movement, greater independence, injury recovery and prevention, rehabilitation after major medical challenges, disability prevention, balance improvement, chronic illness management, assistive device training and control over bodily functions. You may experience chronic pain, disabilities, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, arthritis, incontinence or other major medical conditions that can benefit from this type of therapy. In addition, these techniques can help you recover from surgery, learn to use an artificial limb or improve your balance and coordination to prevent falls.

Physical therapy often involves highly customized exercises that you complete in the clinic and others you complete at home. They target the areas you have the most difficulty with. You will complete stretches as well as strength-building exercises so your muscle strength increases and supports your other soft tissues as well as your bones. You may also receive hot and cold, ultrasound or electrical current therapies.

Massage is a major part of physical therapy for many patients. When you find physical therapy near me for an injury, you may receive soft tissue massage to increase blood flow to the area and reduce scar tissue. Massage my also work if you have lymphatic drainage challenges. For chronic pain that results from tense muscles, your therapist can suggest dry-needling treatments as well.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy focuses on massage techniques to promote healing and reduce pain. A massage therapist manipulates your body’s soft tissues to release muscle, ligament, tendon, skin and connective tissue tightness. They also reduce stress, improve the immune system, promote relaxation, improve sleep, reduce pain and relax muscles.

Individuals who receive injuries, deal with a lot of stress and have medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, fibromyalgia and digestive challenges benefit from massage therapy. Those with chronic neck, shoulder, lower back and knee pain as well as headaches, including migraines, can experience significant pain relief as a result of massage.

At times, therapists use aromatherapy in conjunction with massage. This helps with more emotional and mental challenges, such as depression and anxiety. Massage therapy also helps you sleep deeper and reduces fatigue. Massage therapists also adjust the strength and techniques they use based on your needs. For example, these therapists are less likely to use deep tissue massage if you have osteoporosis or are elderly because they can damage tissues and encourage fractures. However, if you suffer from migraines or chronic pain, a deep-tissue massage that targets your trigger points may be the most helpful.

Massage therapy can be part of your overall physical therapy plan. Speak with a physical therapist near me to learn more about how you can benefit from both treatments.

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