If you’re trying to decide between physiotherapy and massage, or aren’t sure which type of appointment would be best for you, this guide should help.
When might massage be right for me?
Massage can be a great choice when your main aim is to ease muscular tension, tightness or soreness, or simply to help your body feel more comfortable and relaxed.
You might have particular areas that feel tight or uncomfortable from work, everyday activities, exercise or sport. Alternatively, you may feel generally tense or stiff and prefer a longer massage that can work across several areas of the body rather than concentrating on one particular problem.
Sports massage or deep-tissue massage can be particularly helpful when muscles are feeling tired, tight or sore following running, cycling, gym work or other activity. You don’t need to be sporty, though — massage can be adapted to what you need, whether that’s more focused work on particular muscles or a more general massage.
Some people also choose to have massage regularly because they enjoy how it makes them feel and find that it helps them manage muscular tightness and tension.
What if I want a full-body massage?
Massage doesn’t have to focus on one painful or tight area. Our 60-minute massage appointments give your therapist time to work across several areas of the body and can be a good choice if you’re looking for a more general massage, or would like to focus on several different areas rather than just one.
When might physiotherapy be right for me?
Our physiotherapists are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal problems and injuries. If you have developed pain or an injury and are not sure what is causing it, your symptoms have been around for a while, keep returning, are affecting your movement or day-to-day activities, or feel like more than general muscular soreness or tightness, physiotherapy would usually be the best place to start.
A physiotherapist can assess what’s going on, help to relieve your symptoms and then work with you on rehabilitation and any factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Physiotherapy and massage working together
It doesn’t always have to be a choice between physiotherapy and massage.
At Corsham Physiotherapy, we offer both physiotherapy and massage therapy, so massage can also be used alongside physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation where this would be helpful. Equally, if you book a massage and your therapist feels that your symptoms would benefit from a physiotherapy assessment, we can discuss this with you.
What if I’m still not sure?
If you are still not sure which is the best option for you, give our reception team a call to discuss your symptoms, needs and concerns and we will help you find an appropriate appointment.
Both massage and physiotherapy appointments can be booked online or by contacting our reception team.