Patients who are going to a physical therapy appointment for the first time are often nervous. One common question we get from patients who have never seen a physical therapist before is: “will I get a massage at my physical therapy appointment?” In this article, we will answer that question and talk about when massage can be utilized as part of a physical therapy treatment strategy.
Massage Therapy
Physical therapists have many methods they use to treat patients – massage being one of them. Depending on your situation, your physical therapist might recommend some form of massage as part of your treatment strategy. Typically, massage therapy is used for one of three reasons:
- To relax a tight muscle
- To reduce pain
- To facilitate venous return from a swollen area
Massage therapy can be helpful during post-op surgery recovery, or while recovering from an injury or debilitating condition.
If you are at all nervous about massage therapy, or any other aspect of your treatment plan, don’t’ hesitate to bring up your concerns with your physical therapist. Your physical therapist and their team will work with you to make sure you fully understand your treatment strategy.
Physical Therapy in Minnesota
At OrthoRehab Specialists, our physical therapists have been treating patients throughout the Twin Cities for nearly thirty years. We have referral relationships with more than 600 local doctors and surgeons, who regularly refer their patients to our clinics for continued care. In addition to that, we offer direct access to physical therapy. That means you can set up your appointment with our therapists with or without a referral or prescription. No matter what you’re recovering from, physical therapy can help you improve your mobility. Contact our physical therapists today to set up your appointment at our Minneapolis or Edina clinics.