Physiotherapy and massage therapy (RMT) are both helpful interventions to treat a variety of injuries and conditions. When you are experiencing pain or have suffered an injury, an important consideration is whether you should seek treatment from a physiotherapist or a massage therapist.

Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage various acute injuries and musculoskeletal symptoms of chronic illnesses. At your initial physiotherapy assessment, the practitioner will take a detailed medical history, ask questions about your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination to reach a diagnosis. From there, the physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan to manage your condition. The treatment protocol may include hands-on treatments such as soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilization, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), exercise prescription, and advice on activity modification while you recover.

Reasons to see a physiotherapist:

1. You have sustained a new acute injury that requires assessment and diagnosis.

2. You are unsure of what is causing your pain.

3. You require a personalized treatment plan focused on injury prevention or rehabilitation by increasing strength and mobility.

4. Another health professional such as a surgeon or sports medicine physician has referred you to or advised you to see a physiotherapist.

Massage Therapy: Massage therapy (RMT) is commonly used for muscle relaxation, pain relief, injury prevention, and improving athletic performance. Registered massage therapists use various treatment techniques to manipulate muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia, release trigger points, improve circulation, and reduce body structure stiffness. These techniques help to improve overall physical function and alleviate discomfort. In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy has the added psychological benefits of reducing stress and anxiety.

Reasons to see an RMT:

1. You are experiencing pain caused by muscle tension.

2. You have high levels of stress or anxiety.

3. You feel general soreness and muscle stiffness after sport or exercise.

4. A physiotherapist or other health practitioner has recommended massage therapy as a way to enhance your treatment plan.

At Elios Health, we want to help you return to the physical activities you love - healthy and with significant pain reduction. We offer both RMT and physiotherapy services in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Find our clinic at the corner of Main Street and King Edward. For more information on our clinic, visit our FAQ page.

Original post by Rachel Rubin-Sarganis
Photo by Len Chong of Sheena Choy