At Home Physical Therapy vs Massage Therapy: What’s the Difference?

When seeking pain relief, determining who can best help you achieve your wellness goals can be confusing. Who is best equipped with the knowledge and skill to help you feel better?

For example, we often get asked what the difference is between us as Physical Therapists, compared to Massage Therapists. Fair question given that manual therapy often feels like a deep tissue massage! 

However, there are some pretty significant differences that are worth noting. While both professions work with patients to improve physical well-being and both utilize hands-on, soft tissue mobilization techniques, we differ in training, focus, scope of practice, and even how we’re treated by insurance companies!

Physical Therapists vs. Massage Therapists

Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and can treat a wide range of conditions, such as sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, stroke, and neurological disorders, as well as help rehabilitate patients after surgeries.

Physical therapists require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree which takes 3 years and multiple clinical rotations to complete. Massage therapists typically complete a certificate or diploma program that often ranges from several weeks to a year, although this varies by state. 

A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who uses a wide range of treatment techniques such as:

• Exercise

• Manual therapy

• Modalities such as E-Stim, cupping, and dry needling

These treatments help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall physical function and mobility. 

Physical therapists often evaluate and treat soft tissue to decrease pain and improve mobility, as well as other underlying systems. Physical therapists look at not only soft tissue but also joint mobility and strength, and how this all affects the patient’s functional movement patterns. The primary goals of physical therapy are to decrease pain and improve daily function, which is accomplished through a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan can include soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, corrective exercises, as well as patient education. With their individualized plan, patients can ultimately improve their mobility, recover from an injury, prevent future injury, and return to the daily activities they enjoy.

When it comes to therapeutic techniques, a massage therapist’s primary goals are to promote relaxation, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and improve circulation. They will use their hands and possibly various tools such as hot stones, oils, lotions, hot towels, bamboo sticks, etc. to achieve their goals. 

Massage therapists’ interventions are focused on mobilizing soft tissue (myofascial structures and muscle). For example, if you have tension in your back due to your posture or stress from work, a massage therapist will address increased tightness in your soft tissue to help you feel and move better. 

As far as insurance, Physical Therapy is often covered, while some Physical Therapists may be “cash” providers or practice outside of the clinic (i.e. we see patients at home, and/or work - outside of traditional clinic settings) patients can usually seek reimbursement for out-of-network coverage. Massage therapy is not often covered by insurance unless it is deemed medically necessary, however, you may be able to utilize health savings funds to cover the cost. 

Which is Best for You?

Ultimately, the decision to work with a physical therapist or a massage therapist comes down to your symptoms, the efficacy of treatment, and your access to a provider. One of the advantages of choosing Custom Care Rehab is that as a mobile physical therapist, we come to you!

If you’re interested in learning more about our at-home physical therapy services, or our injury prevention programs, reach out today.