Physical therapy massage: Where to find one

A massage can help you relax after a long, hard day by reducing stressing and alleviating muscle tightness. But there’s a different kind of massage that can help you recover from an injury or alleviate symptoms from a medical condition.

A physical therapy massage isn’t the same as the soothing massages that are offered at a spa. But they can still make a big difference in your overall health and wellness, especially if you’re experiencing pain and a reduced range of motion that stems from an injury or medical condition. So where can you find one? That’s what we’re here to answer.

Read on to learn the basics of physical therapy massage, the difference between getting a PT massage and a spa massage, and the types of massage that may be recommended to you by a physical therapist. By the end, you’ll learn how and where to find a PT massage near you. 

The basics of physical therapy massage

Physical therapy massage, also known as manual therapy, involves the physical therapist using their hands to help areas of the body that are causing pain and reduced mobility. It’s used as a treatment technique for injuries, medical conditions and surgery rehabilitation. 

The goals of PT massage are to:

• Alleviate pain.
• Restore range of motion.
• Increase strength and flexibility.
• Reduce scar tissue. 
• Improve blood circulation to help the healing process.

PT massage can help treat:

• Joint dysfunction.
• Repetitive strain injuries.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Tension headaches.
• Sciatic nerve pain.
• Adhesions (scar tissue).
• Plantar fasciitis.

Physical therapy massage vs. spa massage

It’s important to remember that a PT massage isn’t the same as a spa massage, because they have different purposes and take place in different atmospheres

A spa massage is performed by a massage therapist that focuses on relaxation and releasing muscle tension in a calming setting. It often involves soothing music and essential oils. People can receive a spa massage as often as they would like, and many people become long-term customers of a massage therapist.

A PT massage is administered as part of a treatment plan to help reduce the symptoms of injuries and medical conditions that interfere with one’s quality of life. The movements that a physical therapist does during a PT massage are used to manipulate the soft tissue in specific areas to release painful tissue, mobilize joints and increase flexibility. PT massage is used as a short-term treatment to help get people back to their daily routines.

3 common physical therapy massage techniques

There are several types of physical therapy massages, and each one serves a different purpose. A physical therapist will determine the best manual therapy technique for you based on your condition, the affected area and your medical history.

Three commonly used PT massage techniques are:

1. Active Release Techniques® (ART) — ART is a patented type of therapy that refers to a combination of movement and manipulation of soft tissue. It allows a physical therapist to target and isolate scar tissue in the body that can form from injuries or surgery. They will break up the scar tissue with their hands to alleviate pain and increase your range of motion. 

2. Soft tissue mobilization — By applying pressure to the affected area with their hands, a physical therapist can feel around for scar tissue and break it up. By dispersing the tissue, they can release the tension that’s causing your pain.

3. Myofascial release — This technique refers to a physical therapist using their hands to apply pressure to the fascia that is causing painful tension. Fascia is the connective tissue that keeps your organs, bones and muscles in place. Myofascial release focuses on loosening and lengthening tight myofascial muscles.

Alliance PTP can help you find effective physical therapy massage treatment 

You probably don’t have to go as far as you think to get help from a physical therapist who offers massage-like treatment options. After all, Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has practices across the country where you can find the physical therapy you need. 

And if there isn’t one near you, don’t worry! We also offer highly effective and affordable virtual care in nearly every U.S. state. 

So, don’t keep letting your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Get in touch with our team today so we can help you find the physical therapy that’s right for you.