You have constant neck and shoulder pain that has been lingering for the past few days. On a zoom call, a colleague noticed your discomfort and said, “Looks uncomfortable! You should see a Massage Therapist”.
In pain, we will take the recommendations of the people we trust and respect to guide us. When in pain Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy are often the most recommended. They have been used for decades to alleviate instant pain or chronic discomfort from an old soccer injury.
This becomes a bit personal and the search for the right individual to help is underway through Facebook recommendations, google reviews, and Bob from Accounting.
So which one do you choose?
In this blog, I’ll explain Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy, and be your guide in choosing the right path for you when you finally need to seek care for that shoulder discomfort or that stiff lower back.
What is the difference between Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy?
Massage Therapy
A Massage Therapist or an RMT expert lies in offering instant relief by performing manual techniques, but not limited to this, in reducing pain and discomfort on the skin, muscles, and ligaments in the onset of ie. muscle spasm. A Physiotherapist’s specialization is in rehabilitation with using specific exercises and modalities to regain proper function in the specific area.
Massage Therapy offers pain relief on the site of the discomfort and also holistically treats the nervous, muscular, and circulatory systems. Imagine this, you are in your bedroom listening to 3 different types of music, Rock, Rap, and Tibetan Bowl Sounds to 3 separate speakers. Does this sound like a Concerto to you? A Massage Therapist or RMT keeps in mind to calm down a body that is in pain through a whole-body treatment and then goes micro to the affected area. From Big to Small. When we experience body pain other systems like the nervous system can affect the muscular system. By doing so the pain that is being experienced will have the focus that the body needs to heal and significantly reduce the pain pattern once the other parts of you are at ease.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, aka Physical Therapy, is in the specifics of degrees and measurements of the injured site in respect to the lack of movement in the joint and muscle. An Initial Assessment determines the course of the treatment. Usually, the course of care will take 6-8 weeks duration and about 2-3 sessions per week to start depending on the problem.
Say you have an ankle injury that has been swollen for over 2 weeks and is just not improving. You see your doctor and he refers you for physiotherapy sessions. The Physiotherapist recommends 2 half-hour sessions per week. The PT gives you instructions and cues you on how to move your injured ankle properly. During this time you are given in-home assignments on stretching and heat on sore muscles. 2 weeks have passed and your ankle is no longer swollen and you are given slightly harder exercises to strengthen the leg. 6 weeks later you are no longer experiencing any discomfort and can return to normal day to day function.
Why is the difference not important?
The importance of seeking care either through massage therapy or physiotherapy is not in the difference but more the symbiotic nature or two methods coming together of providing relief and preventative measures to ensure optimal health. Having a supporting cast of health practitioners in the interest of your well-being is vital in the pursuit of optimal health or ‘Pursuit of Awesome’. The ‘Two heads are better than one approach gives your health care team the ability to discuss your goals and needs in the intention for your personal growth and success. Tailor-made for your needs, not Bob from accounting, will ensure that you are taking the right steps to pain-free living.
In these times more and more people are actively trying out different styles of movements like Muay Thai, Zumba, Crossfit, Circus Arts to name a few and that is AMAZING. In the process of being able to get flexibility or perform a ‘kip’(CrossFit term), our bodies need time to adapt, learn and adjust to the demand. Knowing who to seek when in pain due to common injuries such as shoulder pain, Massage Therapists, and/or Physiotherapists will enhance your chances of succeeding through application and guidance.
Check this out!
A few months ago we did a webinar on 4 Step Process of Maintenance and Natural Remedy. ‘Hip Health and Inflammation’ (5 part series). Janice, International Muay Thai Federation Chair / Professional Fighter / Holistic Nutritionist, and I presented internationally on the ‘How to…’ by piecing together the link with the mechanical and digestive systems. From bones, muscles, and ligaments to foods that cause inflammation in the body.
In the pursuit of ‘Awesome’ you will need the proper guidance and care. Like Jordan and Pippen, the right teammate will allow you to elevate. Your ability to focus on your goal without losing sleep from an misaligned movement is how we can help as Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists and other Health Care providers. Partner up with us to gainpeace of mind, restless nights and even painless mornings. Are you ready for AWESOME?
To take the next steps to AWESOME give us a call 1 (647) 247 6004 or connect with us on social facebook / @moaliving or instagram / @moaliving.
FAQ
How do I know if my pain is serious?
Some of the most common symptoms are pain at night and/or loss of sensations such as numbness and tingling.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
Neck and Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. In addition, the pain may radiate down your arm/leg or worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking.
Ways to Relieve Neck and Back Pain
Good Posture
Physical Therapy
Keep Moving
Ice and Heat