The multiple advancements in the field of care have, without any doubt, helped people live healthier. But as good as it sounds, the other side of the coin tells that people have been more confused about who to see to treat muscle injuries — a massage therapist or an osteopath? Would you book for an osteopathy massage or massage therapy?
Difference between Osteopathy and Massage Therapy
People are puzzled because both osteopaths and massage therapists are experts in anatomy and physiology. Both also treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions. If you don’t work in the medical field or have doctor friends you can ask advice from, you will probably think it won’t make a difference who treats you.
So, here’s an article that highlights the differences between these two manual therapy systems.
Treatment Philosophy
Osteopaths look at the body as one unit. Therefore, osteopathy massage aims to achieve full-body wellness by using Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques (OMT), stretching, manipulation, exercise therapy, and other techniques used only in osteopathy.
On the other hand, massage therapists view the body as individual parts. Contrary to osteopaths, massage therapists only treat the impaired area by manipulating the soft body tissues around it. The aim is to lessen muscle tension and increase joint mobility.
Techniques
Osteopathy massage combines different techniques, such as touch, stretching, joint mobilisation, exercise, and soft tissue and muscle manipulation. The problematic area is tackled as part of the whole musculoskeletal system. Therefore, osteopaths treat the body in an interdependent manner and consider how the muscles and joints in the injured area affect and interact with the other parts.
In comparison, massage therapists optimise only the power and science of touch to massage and lessen pain in overstressed muscles. They shift from using gentle and hard pressure to treat their patients.
Results
The result of osteopathy massage goes beyond easing the stressed and troubled muscles or body areas. Since osteopaths apply a holistic approach in their practice, the patient experiences a general improvement in the body’s overall function, structure, mobility, flexibility, and strength.
After a session of massage, the person feels deeply relaxed, calm, and less stressed. Due to this, rather than a treatment, massage therapy is often described as therapeutic and considered a means to support the patient achieve a better state of health. When the person needs pampering, massage therapy is mostly the first option.
How Does Osteopathy Massage Work?
Osteopaths combine gentle massage, stretching, resistance, muscle and spinal manipulation, and various manual massage techniques to open up restricted areas, release tensions, improve fluid flow, and balance the body systems to restore overall health. The first session of an osteopathy massage can last around 45 minutes, while succeeding sessions are shorter at about 30 minutes.
Who Can Benefit from It?
Osteopaths use a good blend of massage techniques to treat a multitude of health concerns that affect the musculoskeletal framework. Any person with postural problems, back pain, sports injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders can benefit from osteopathy massage provided by OsteoCare Craigieburn.
Learn how an osteopathy massage can make your life better. Call us.