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Manual therapy vs massage therapy in Grand Rapids, MI

Manual Therapy Vs Massage Therapy
Table of contents

Across the country, many people use manual therapy and massage therapy as if they were synonyms, and it’s no different in Grand Rapids, Michigan. However, using these two terms this way isn’t entirely accurate. This because there are several fundamental differences between these techniques. Here are three of the differences between manual therapy and massage therapy: 

1.   Who does it

The first major difference between manual therapy and massage therapy is the people who perform the treatments . Manual therapy is a technique used by experienced and specially-trained physical therapists. These professionals must have a doctoral-level college degree from a certified institution, and they must also have a license to practice in Michigan. Massage therapists do typically need a state license, but they typically only need two years of education. 

2.   What’s done during therapy

Massage therapists typically only do what’s known as soft tissue mobilization. Soft tissue mobilization is one form of manual therapy, but there are also several others. For example, myofascial release is used to break up scar tissue in the fascia that runs under the skin. Also, muscle energy techniques can be used to help improve the range of motion and mobility of joints. Strain-counterstrain movements are also a type of manual therapy, and these movements are intended to help treat neuromuscular problems. 

3.   The main therapy goal

The goal of manual therapy is also different from the goal of massage therapy. For many practitioners, massage therapy is geared toward promoting physical and mental relaxation. For physical therapists, manual therapy has a slightly different goal — to reduce pain and improve physical function. You can also feel more physically and mentally relaxed after manual therapy, but a physical therapist wants you to be able to bend your back further than before with less pain. 

Advent Physical Therapy in Grand Rapids, MI, offers effective manual therapy

People who are wondering if manual therapy can help them can find out at Advent Physical Therapy in Grand Rapids. Our team includes therapists that are specifically trained in manual therapy, and we can include this therapy technique in personalized treatment plans for: 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.