Experience Comprehensive Healing: The Benefits of Choosing a Licensed Physical Therapist Skilled in Massage and Spinal Manipulation Over a Regular Massage Therapist
People often wonder, "Why would I see a Physical Therapist when I can just go get a massage?"
When it comes to managing pain, enhancing mobility, and improving overall well-being, the type of care you choose can make a significant difference. While regular massage therapy offers wonderful benefits, a licensed physical therapist who is also skilled in massage and spinal manipulation can provide a more comprehensive approach to healing. Here’s why choosing such a versatile professional can be a game-changer for your health, particularly in areas where physical therapists have capabilities that massage therapists legally cannot offer.
That’s where I come in. I am Dr. Gina Kim, and I hold licenses in both physical and massage therapy. Here’s why I would be the more high-powered choice for your pain and movement issues that are keeping you from doing what you need and love to do.
1. Diagnostic Abilities
Physical therapists are trained to perform detailed evaluations and diagnose musculoskeletal and movement issues. This ability to diagnose underlying problems sets me apart from massage therapists, who are not legally allowed to diagnose conditions. By identifying the root cause of your pain, I can create more targeted and effective treatment plans.
2. Development of Personalized Rehabilitation Programs
Physical therapists develop comprehensive, individualized rehabilitation programs tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle. This includes exercises and therapies designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Massage therapists, while excellent at providing relaxation and relieving muscle tension, do not have the legal scope to create and supervise such extensive rehabilitation plans.
The issue I’ve run into with some massage therapists is that they simply “don’t know what they don’t know.” In terms of red flags conditions that are possible emergencies, in terms of normal movement and dysfunctional movement, and even in what they can and cannot legally do for clients.
Having a more stringent PT license means you benefit from my knowledge and skillsets.
3. Use of Advanced Therapeutic Techniques
Dry Needling: Physical therapists are qualified to perform dry needling, a technique that targets trigger points in muscles to relieve pain and improve function. This advanced method is not within the legal scope of practice for massage therapists.
Spinal and Joint Manipulation: Physical therapists can perform spinal and joint manipulations similar to those done by chiropractors, helping to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Massage therapists cannot legally perform these manipulations. If a massage therapist ever offers to “crack your back or neck”—RUN.
4. Pain Management Through a Holistic Approach
Physical therapists are trained to manage pain through a comprehensive approach that includes therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and patient education. I’m equipped to address both the symptoms and the root causes of pain, providing long-term relief and preventing recurrence. Massage therapists, while adept at reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, which can diminish pain, do not have the legal scope to offer such a broad spectrum of pain management techniques.
In other words, it’s a huge red flag if a massage therapist ever says that what they do WILL (vs MIGHT) reduce your pain and/or fix your issue. Beyond that, they need to refer their client to an appropriate medical provider.
5. Expertise in Posture and Ergonomics
Physical therapists provide detailed education on posture correction and ergonomic adjustments to prevent and manage musculoskeletal issues. This proactive approach helps prevent future problems by addressing the everyday factors that contribute to pain and dysfunction. Massage therapists can offer general advice but do not have the legal qualifications to provide in-depth ergonomic assessments and interventions.
I joke that when you see me, you “get the PT brain.” When you’ve been specializing in movement and functional ability, it’s something that’s hard to “turn off.” (And yes, I’m always noticing how someone walks!)
6. Long-Term Health and Wellness Education
Physical therapists focus on long-term health and wellness, teaching patients exercises, stretches, and healthy habits to maintain their health and prevent future issues. This educational aspect empowers patients to take control of their health, something that goes beyond the scope of practice for massage therapists.
In the State of Ohio, it’s beyond the scope of massage therapist to offer corrective exercise:
Ohio Administrative Code, Rule 4731-05: (F) Massage therapy does not include: 4) The prescription of therapeutic exercise for the purpose of rehabilitation or remediation of a disorder of the human body;
Making the Choice for Comprehensive, Legal Care
While regular massage therapy offers many benefits, the comprehensive care provided by a licensed physical therapist skilled in massage and spinal manipulation offers a more well-rounded approach to healing. Physical therapists bring a broader range of legally recognized skills and techniques that ensure all aspects of your health are considered, leading to more effective, lasting results.
When deciding on the best care for your needs, consider the advantages of my integrative approach that combines the diagnostic and therapeutic expertise of a physical therapist with the soothing benefits of massage. This holistic method not only addresses immediate concerns but also promotes long-term health and wellness, helping you achieve a balanced and active lifestyle.
I’m here for you.
Source:
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4731-1-05