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What do I need? Physiotherapy or Massage Therapy??

Blog · November 12, 2021

In our therapeutic environment we have the privilege of offering both physiotherapy and
massage therapy services to our patient population. The two are commonly sought-after
services that often work side by side. But what is the difference between these two fields of
practice? What should you expect when you come in for a physiotherapy session versus a
massage therapy session in an outpatient orthopedic setting such as ours?
Whereas both forms of treatment have an overall goal of reducing pain and returning you to
your normal everyday function, they utilize different methods in order to do so.
Let’s talk about some of the differences between each of these respective fields and some
other clarifying details.

WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?


As listed under the “Description of Physiotherapy in Canada” document found on the Canadian
Physiotherapy Association website:
“Physiotherapy is anchored in movement sciences and aims to enhance or restore function of
multiple body systems. The profession is committed to health, lifestyle and quality of life. This
holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic
interventions and aids.”
A physiotherapist may use a number of interventions during a treatment session. These include
but are not limited to:

  • Education on your current condition, activity modification, positions of comfort, pain
    management strategies.
  • Therapeutic exercise tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
  • Manual therapy such as massage, joint mobilization and manipulation
  • Modalities for pain relief and healing as well as acupuncture

STRUCTURE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY SESSIONS AT OUR CLINIC


On the first day in clinic as a new patient the physiotherapist will conduct an initial assessment.
This takes between 45-60 minutes in duration. During the initial assessment, the therapist will
take a detailed history to learn more about your current complaint. Based on this history, a
thorough physical assessment of the area of concern is performed. From the physical
assessment, the physiotherapist will determine a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan
based on your presentation and personal goals. You will have the beginning of treatment on
day one as well. Normally, the physiotherapist will focus on a maximum of two regions of
complaint in order to ensure the most thorough and efficient assessment and treatment
possible.

For subsequent follow up visits, you will be in clinic for approximately 30 minutes in duration.
This treatment may involve any one of the interventions listed above if deemed appropriate
from your physical assessment. We also utilize rehabilitation assistants at our location. Our
assistants are highly trained and skilled individuals who work side by side with the therapist to
deliver the treatment plan as delegated by the therapist.

WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?


As per the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario website:
“Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective
tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy is a clinically oriented healthcare option
that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday occupational stresses, muscular
overuse and many chronic pain conditions.”
Massage therapy can be used for: relaxation, decreasing muscular tension, reduction of both
acute and chronic pain, to assist in resolving musculoskeletal disorders that may be linked with
stress, overuse, and/or other pain syndromes.
It may also be utilized in a preventative manner such as for those participating in sports training
or who have jobs which may lend to repetitive strain type injuries over time.

STRUCTURE OF MASSAGE THERAPY SESSIONS AT OUR CLINIC


On the first day in clinic as a new patient our registered massage therapists also perform a
detailed assessment to determine the nature of treatment that would be beneficial for you.
Focus can be on multiple regions of complaint. Sessions can vary in duration with appointments
being 60 minutes, 45 minutes or 30 minutes long. It is recommended at your initial assessment
that you are in for a longer duration session in order to ensure that our massage therapists best
service you after meeting you for the first time. Although primarily your sessions will involve
manipulation of soft tissue, a session may also include instruction in exercises that suit your
presentation for you to utilize in a home program and education.
The duration and frequency of subsequent sessions will be determined by the massage
therapist based on your presentation and individual needs.

WORKING TOGETHER


Physiotherapy and massage therapy do not have to be viewed in isolation from one another.
Physiotherapists and massage therapists often collaborate with one another to allow for
continual and comprehensive care. Often you can benefit from both types of treatment

simultaneously. It is certainly common at our location to have patient’s follow up for both types
of treatment if it will allow for the best achievement of the therapeutic goals set out.

Curious about how either physiotherapy services, massage therapy services or both could
possibly benefit you? We welcome you to give our clinic a call or send us an email to discuss
how the Beacon Hill team can be here to support you.

It should be noted that the following blog depicted a view of physiotherapy in our clinical practice setting – an outpatient orthopedic clinic. There are many more environments in which physiotherapists work and many more elements of scope of practice that they have – this includes physiotherapist who work in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, or pelvic floor physiotherapy. Should you have a condition that would require a physiotherapist practicing in one of these settings, we would be happy to assist you in finding a location appropriate for you.

Filed Under: Blog

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Richa ShahRicha Shah
23:53 27 Mar 23
Beacon Hill Physio/Rehab is an excellent facility with excellent staff. They really take into consideration your needs and abilities before coming up with an action plan. In my case, Jane (Physiotherapist) did an amazing job with understanding what my situation was and she came up with strategies and an action plan to help me reach my goals. Lina (Massage Therapist) is amazing at what she does as well. She took the time to get to know my needs and made sure I was comfortable throughout the appointments. Furthermore, the assistant physiotherapists also take the time to get to know you and your needs. Front desk staff are wonderful to work with too. I have noticed improvements in my range of motion and couldn't have done it without the team at Beacon Hill Physio/Rehab! Thank you! ♡
Noreen AnwarNoreen Anwar
02:02 15 Mar 23
I have been searching for a massage therapist for years and I must say Alyssa has been simply amazing along with all others ! The best part about Alyssa is she knows exactly what areas to work on without you even having to tell her . She gets right in and gets your blood flow moving leaving you so relaxed for days. I have trouble sleeping at night due to an accident and she certainly makes me sleep for the 90 mins I am there . I personally go there twice a week as I cannot get enough of her amazing massages . She is so approachable very knowledgeable , makes you feel so comfortable and answers any questions you have in a second. I would love to clone her if I could! I would highly recommend her and this clinic as they have everything you need right at your doorstep! I am certainly their #1 fan and will continue to go here for as long as I can!
maria khanmaria khan
21:19 18 Feb 23
I highly recommend this place. I love the way Lina takes care of me. She's absolutely amazing and impressively honest with her profession. She knows the the pressure points and I always feel relaxed after her massage therapy.
Makenzie A MorganMakenzie A Morgan
04:49 09 Dec 22
An exceptional office. Jane is thoughtful, attentive and extremely responsive to my physical needs. My body feels more relaxed, and I know that I am on the right track to full healing and rehabilitation. I couldn't recommend another office more. Make the appointment!
Shakira MohamedShakira Mohamed
19:02 03 Dec 22
I highly reccomend this place. Jane and everyone else listens to you. She's always assessing my condition to ensure I'm receiving the best treatment. The staff are super friendly. I feel like I'm in an environment that generally cares about my well being. They always ask for consent when working on your body. Super friendly and knowledgeable and willing to answer questions. As someone who has had a traumatic experience somewhere else, this clinic has been a dream to me. They never try to push me to do things that could hurt me. I feel comfortable going to this place.
Rizwan MohamedRizwan Mohamed
16:27 14 Oct 22
I walked into the office without an appointment and was greeted with fantastic customer service. Physiotherapist Jane was able to see my for an assessment and continued my treatment program. All of the therapists and staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend Beacon Hill.
Shilpa PrabhakaraShilpa Prabhakara
09:44 04 Oct 22
I came to Beacon just by reading the reviews, and I must say i am more than happy with my experience. Jane Emblem and her team are treating me for my knee injury, and they have been doing a great job. They have not just worked on my mobility specific to my injury but aslo, helping me strengthen the muscles around the injury.The team is responsive and friendly. I would absolutely recommend them!
Tinka NanofskiTinka Nanofski
13:22 21 Sep 22
Following my hip surgery I needed a Physiotherapist that would do hands-on physio. I heard about Beacon Hill Physiotherapy and decided to give it a try. My time so far spent with Phil from Beacon Hill super exceeds my expectations far more than I imagined. Phil is hands-on works the muscles and I have seen major improvement not only in my mobility but also my pain tolerance. I would highly recommend anyone to Beacon Hill if they require any type of physiotherapy. Thank you Phil.2nd Review - Phil's team is amazing and thank you to everyone that is involved in my physiotherapy for always making me feel more than 100% better. I would recommend Beacon Hill Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for all of your physio and rehab needs.
Dhilan BekahDhilan Bekah
16:09 15 Jul 22
My experience at Beacon Hill Physiotherapy has been amazing. I had been dealing with lower back issues for almost a year on and off, re-aggravated after any kind of sport or intense training. Phil and Jane were very friendly and welcoming from the onset, and they quickly managed to pinpoint the source of my problems (SI joint and a weak posterior chain). After a few weeks of treatment, the pain and stiffness subsided tremendously, and I have been able to continue my training to my desired level with almost full mobility and no pain. They are very well-informed and it is apparent that they care about patient recovery first and foremost. I will definitely be returning to this clinic for any periodic maintenance or re-aggravation. Thank you Phil, Jane and the rest of the team!
Jeremy RobertsJeremy Roberts
18:44 20 Jun 22
I was referred here by my family doctor and I am really happy with my experience. Jane Emblem and her team treated me, and they did a great job assessing my situation and putting together a plan specific to my injury. The team is friendly and engaging, but most importantly focused on patient recovery. I would absolutely recommend them!
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