Explore How Physical Therapy and Massage Can Transform Healing

What if a doctor could invent a magic pill to remove all forms of pain? It’d be the biggest news in medicine since penicillin.

Until that day, most cases require a variety of treatments. They need to work together to speed up healing. Two treatments have similar benefits but stand among the best joint treatments for pain from injuries, chronic conditions, or daily life.

Read on to explore how combining physical therapy and massage can transform healing.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

The first image you may have of physical therapy is recovering after an injury or surgery. This is only one of its benefits.

It’s also an important pain management technique and can even help with chronic conditions. You’ll also leave your sessions in a better emotional space.

Pain Management

Physical therapy exercises and techniques can reduce pain and stiffness.

Any physical activity can help you limber up, but these exercises go beyond the everyday. They’re targeted at relieving your specific pain points. They show you how to move your body, helping you reduce bad habits you may have had for years.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Getting physical therapy early after an injury speeds up healing. It also helps restore joint mobility and functionality.

In certain cases, it can even be an alternative to surgery. It’s possible with enough pain reduction and mobility restoration.

If surgery is needed, physical therapy speeds up the healing process. It also reduces scar tissue and lowers the likelihood of complications such as infections.

Managing Chronic Conditions

A personalized physical therapy program can help manage mobility issues. It can teach you how to walk again after surgery or a debilitating illness.

It may also help treat chronic conditions such as:

• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Vascular conditions
• Heart disease

Mental Health Benefits

The benefits of physical therapy can also be mental. It releases endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety.

Reaching treatment milestones can lead to a more positive outlook on life. Even being able to walk a few more steps than you did during your last treatment can have a profound effect.

The therapy will also end up restoring mobility and independence. This helps improve emotional well-being.

Massage Therapy Techniques

Massage therapy is a targeted treatment. Each session aims to release pain and tension in specific areas.

That’s why there are different massage therapy techniques to consider adding to your treatment plan.

Deep Pressure

Examples of deep pressure massage techniques include Swedish or deep tissue massage. The massage therapist flattens their hands to apply deep pressure to affected areas.

The goal is to remove knots and break down scar tissue. It improves circulation and range of motion.

Lymphatic Drainage

A lymphatic drainage massage helps the lymphatic system flow freely. It reduces any swelling or toxin buildup.

It’s especially helpful after an injury or surgery when the body is less effective at removing toxins.

Trigger Point

A massage therapist can straighten muscle knots, known as trigger points, with their thumbs or fingers. This reduces pain and restores movement.

Dry needling is another option. It’s similar to acupuncture. Tiny needles are inserted into pain points or muscle knots to relieve them.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

The benefits of massage therapy go far beyond getting a relaxing few hours to yourself.

They can boost your immune system’s ability to fight infections. They’re also an effective tool for speeding up healing after injuries or surgeries.

Pain Relief

Massages help release endorphins. They’re natural pain-fighting hormones.

Massage is also an important part of the holistic healing arts because it releases natural opiods. The body gets these pain-fighters without any medication.

The effect can spread and cause pain in any part of the body, from the head to the joints. It can reduce the pain from anxiety-related issues such as tension headaches. It can even help manage chronic pain.

Stress Reduction

The American Psychiatric Association’s most recent poll found 43% of adults saying they feel more anxious than they did the previous year. Approximately 53% said stress was the most significant factor affecting their mental health.

Massages reduce cortisol, the “stress hormone.” They also increase serotonin and dopamine, the “happiness hormones.”

The mood boost can be long-lasting. It can also help you deal with the effects of mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. It may even be what you need to get to sleep after a long bout of insomnia.

Immunity Boost

Massages help the immune system work better.

They clear out the lymphatic system. They also increase the production of infection-fighting killer T-cells.

Post-Injury or Surgery Care

Massages increase blood flow and reduce pain. They also reduce muscle tension and inflammation.

These effects help accelerate healing after a surgery or injury.

Benefits of Combining Physical Therapy and Massage

Physical therapy and massage have similar benefits. They work on the body in similar ways that, when combined, stack on each other for even more powerful effects.

Adding them both to your treatment plan improves your long-term wellness and recovery.

Enhanced Circulation

Physical therapy and massage both help improve blood flow. That also improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

Your body will feel cleaner and less clogged, and so will your mind. Circulation is essential for a clear head.

Mental Wellness

Physical therapy can help restore confidence and independence. Massages help reduce stress and anxiety.

The combined effects lead to better mental wellness than you could achieve with only one treatment.

Preventative Care

Physical therapy corrects harmful movement patterns. Massages prevent muscle imbalances.

Together, they lessen the likelihood of future pain or injuries. This is especially important for athletes or those who work physically demanding jobs.

Get a Customized Treatment Plan Today

Combining the benefits of physical therapy and massage is powerful, whether you’ve recently suffered an injury or just want a more fulfilling life. It improves circulation, enhances physical and mental wellness, and prevents further injury.

MPower Physical Therapy has a team of physical therapists, personal trainers, massage therapists, and nutrition experts. We create personalized programs to help you take charge of all aspects of your health.

Everyone is welcome and receives the same VIP experience. Contact us to book an appointment today.