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The Role of Massage in Physical Therapy
Admin • August 28, 2019
If you have been injured recently, you might consider physical therapy as a way to improve. You might not consider the role of therapeutic massage when you consider physical therapy, but massage can actually make drastic improvements to your body's healing process.
Are you unsure if massage therapy is right for you during your physical therapy sessions? This guide will help you determine if this treatment is a great choice for you.
What Styles of Massage Help Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists who use massage techniques may use a number of different styles, so it might be impossible to list each one. The most common styles of massage include Swedish massage, which is gentle and slow with varying levels of pressure. Some therapists use deep tissue massage, which includes harder pressure with a focus on the underlying muscles.
Sports massage is also not uncommon. Sports massage is designed to target different muscle areas with the goal of enhancing one's athletic performance. And of course, some therapists use neuromuscular therapy (NMT), to concentrate pressure on specific areas that experience pain.
Therapists may also perform hot stone massages, which use heat to relax muscles and allow the therapist to access deeper layers of muscles. The hot stones can provide some relaxation as well.
What Types of Injuries Do Massage Therapy Help?
Massage therapy helps with a variety of injuries. Whether you were injured while playing a sport or at work, you can find relief with a physical therapist who also performs massages.
Repetitive stress injuries, which can occur from sitting, standing, or performing the same task day after day, can lead to injuries that lead to daily pain. Your injury could become so severe you are no longer able to work, for example.
Many people don't realize that massage therapy can also help with headaches, including those linked to migraines, tension, and sinus issues. A physical therapist may help you with the pain.
Physical therapy massage also helps you recover from injuries like whiplash, muscle disorders, strains, sprains, tendonitis, and other types of pain.
What Can You Expect From Your First Massage?
You will find that each physical therapist performs different types of massage based on your individual needs. You can request that your therapist use more or less pressure, and you can discuss areas of concern ahead of time.
Keep in mind that a physical therapy massage is a bit different from a relaxation massage. A physical therapist may stretch you to improve your range of motion, for example.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy Massage?
First, physical therapy massage aids with the reduction of pain caused by tense muscles or muscle injuries. In some cases, massage treatment can lead to a quicker recovery of those injuries. You can also experience less soreness after you do a physical therapy session or workout with the aid of a massage session.
Of course, physical therapy also offers emotional and mental benefits. After your sessions, you may see a reduction in your stress levels. Injuries are already stressful enough, so you can see many benefits when you spend a session doing massage therapy.
What Are Your Next Steps?
Massage provides a variety of therapeutic benefits, and your physical therapist can either perform massage therapy techniques or help you find a massage therapist who specializes in physical therapy for those with injuries and other ailments.
At Advanced Physical Therapy, we understand the role massage can play in helping you recover or heal. No matter your injury or ailment, we can help you move forward with your goals. Whether you have been in a car accident or experienced a sports injury, we are ready to help. Call us today to set up an appointment and discuss your options.
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