Understanding the difference, benefits of physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic care? Have you ever wondered how or if any of these techniques could help you and your condition? Well here is some information that may help.

Many people think of physical therapy as something to be done after an accident or broken bone or surgery, but it can be more than that. Physical therapists develop fitness and wellness-oriented programs for maintaining and restoring movement and function. Limited movement can be the result of age, injury or disease. Physical therapy specialties can include orthopaedic, geriatric, pediatric and neurologic. Therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from, back and neck injuries, sprains, strains and fractures, arthritis, stroke, and injuries related to work and sports. The physical therapist creates a plan to promote movement, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. The therapist also works to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs.

Massage therapy is a touch therapy involving techniques for palpating and moving soft tissues of the body. Techniques may include stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression and passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement. Massage therapy can help with stress relief, managing depression and anxiety, pain, stiffness, blood pressure control, infant growth and sports-related injuries. Massage can be used for relaxation as well as medical treatment. Both massage and physical therapy can relieve tension and aid in treatment. Most physical therapists use deep tissue massage in rehabilitating the body.

Chiropractic care can be used to treat the musculoskeletal and nervous system and the disorders that affect these systems. Chiropractic techniques involve manual manipulation of the joints and spine. Chiropractic care and physical therapy both are used to treat mobility issues, joint pain or muscle issues. They can help ease pain and enhance your quality of life without using drugs or medication to do so.

Each of these treatments can be beneficial to different patients or may be used in conjunction with each other. At Pinnacle Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, we are dedicated to overall well-being and health of our patients. We incorporate an approach to therapy that is customized to best fit the individual patient and their needs. Call one of our two convenient locations today to schedule an initial evaluation and see how physical therapy can help you - Post Falls (208) 777-4242 or Coeur d'Alene - (208) 665-2000. We accept all types of insurance, including Workers Compensation claims, Medicare and Medicaid.