Physical therapists frequently utilize a variety of massage
techniques as a part of treating musculoskeletal and neuromuscular
conditions. Muscle, fascia, and ligaments may tighten or
become restricted following an injury or due to overuse. The
use of massage in P.T. may aid in relieving muscle spasm, reducing
swelling, reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, increasing
the flexibility of ligaments and tendons, and breaking connective
tissue adhesions. Addressing these issues facilitates a
reduction in pain, decrease in joint stiffness, improvement in
range of motion, and improvement in a client's mobility and
performance of their activities of daily living.
There are many different types of massage, and your P.T. will
likely incorporate multiple approaches including but not limited to
deep tissue massage, soft tissue mobilization (also referred to as
myofascial release), and trigger point therapy. Depending on
the therapist's assessment of their client's soft tissue injuries
and the client's tolerance for the treatment, the massage can
include stroking, compression, kneading, direct pressure, and
friction. The therapist may use their hands, thumbs,
fingertips, and elbows depending on the type, location, and
severity of their client's soft tissue restrictions and spasm.
A recent review of research articles addressing the
effectiveness of massage found that it was difficult to draw
conclusions from the results, due to the wide variety of
methodologies and techniques employed. The review did
conclude that the practitioner's levels of training and experience
were paramount in the success of hands on therapy in the relief of
the client's symptoms. As a patient of Sports Physical
Therapy Institute, you can expect to receive a level of evaluation,
assessment, and treatment consistent with the exceptional training
and skill of our staff of physical therapists.