A physiotherapist and a remedial massage therapist are similar in that they can both prescribe patients stretches, strengthening exercises, postural training and balance exercises. They are both highly effective in improving balance, strength and posture. However, while the two share similarities, there are quite a few distinctions that should be made when you compare a remedial massage to a physio massage.
Generally, if you require improvement to your overall well-being and health, a remedial massage will do the trick. On the other hand, if you are suffering from a particular injury or health issue – such as arthritis – that you need to have diagnosed or treated, physiotherapy is recommended.
So, What Is a Physio Massage?
Physiotherapy is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of conditions that result in pain, restricted movement and altered mobility. Typically, these conditions are caused by injury (such as a sports injury), illness or degeneration. Essentially, a physiotherapist will work with people who are injured or who have experienced an injury from a physical condition to help restore proper function.
Physiotherapists – particularly a sports physio – will use exercise rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and the monitoring of performance, as well as performing a physiotherapy massage if necessary.
What Is a Sports Massage?
Sports physiotherapy is a function of physiotherapy that places a higher emphasis on sports-related injuries – it is also used with workers that have highly intense jobs with physical demands. A sports physio will implement techniques and procedures that help increase flexibility, movement and blood flow.
A sports massage, in particular, will decrease muscle spasms that are an all too common occurrence for those that are highly active. A specialist physiotherapy massage will also support your muscles by helping them receive the necessary oxygen and blood flow they require.
What Is a Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage therapy is a generalised hands-on treatment used to restore function, relieve pain and decrease muscle tension in order to improve physical performance and promote healing. A remedial massage can benefit chronic pain conditions, sports injuries, neck and back pain, headache and carpal tunnel.
Benefits include:
- Reduced stress – A remedial massage can help by enriching neurohormones that affect our behaviour and emotions – giving us a kick of endorphins and bringing down cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress and pain).
- Posture improvement – For those who have a habit of slouching, a remedial massage will help to relieve postural stress and improve your posture.
- Joint flexibility – A remedial massage will give movement to your muscle groups and increases your range of movement by decreasing tension.
The team at Glenhaven Physiotherapy Centre are qualified professionals and highly experienced in a range of physiotherapy services including sports physiotherapy, physio massage, pre and post-surgery rehabilitation, workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents. Call our team today on (02) 9680 4960 to discuss how we can help you.