By: Stephanie Sobocan, Windsor Body Magazine

When one feels the first spasm of pain in their back they may be confused as to where to turn (of course, without tearing another muscle or limb). First, be cautious. Wait out your injury for a short time to see where the pain seems to be located. Of course, wait out your pain with a level of discretion. Do not wait too long, as pain can advance into a much larger health issue. Remember, pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.

After determining where your pain is located, you may want to consider whether or not you need to undergo physiotherapy or massage therapy. Both physiotherapy and massage therapy professions have advanced and are taking their place as legitimate medical professions. There is now more emphasis on injury prevention, technology and practiced healing. As a result, one does not always need to first consult a doctor before seeing a physiotherapist or massage therapist (only if the individual does not have a previous health condition or concern).

If your pain seems muscle related, consider a massage therapist for the manual manipulation of body tissues. If you suffer from a specific injury related to joint, neck or back pain, you may want to consult a physiotherapist. More and more, doctors are referring and entrusting their patients to both massage therapists and physiotherapists for the purpose of providing more advanced and direct measures of healing.

Kevin Keough, a physiotherapist from Jackson Park Physiotherapy, suggests that everyone should consider physiotherapy. Most people have some kind of ache or pain to correct. Physiotherapists not only correct injuries through increasing one’s coordination and strength, they also focus on a kind of preventative health care. Furthermore, physiotherapists understand the workings of the spine, the correct use of posture, body mechanic disorders and the relation of injury with physical fitness. Physiotherapy also encourages independence and therefore instructs patients to manage movement and its functions on their own. Patients will therefore benefit from learning how to live and maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle.

More generally, physiotherapy helps relieve pain, build strength and increase range of motion and flexibility. Physiotherapy is also good for those suffering with more serious concerns such as arthritis, joint care, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Additionally, physiotherapists work with pre- and post-operative patients and athletes dealing with stress.

Traditionally, physiotherapy involves hands-on therapy (with soft tissue massage and joint mobilization). Along with manual therapy, physiotherapy involves such treatment methods as education, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, lasers, electrical stimulation and mechanical tools. Physiotherapy also makes use of technical equipment to facilitate the rehabilitation of the body.

Keough’s goal is to “Treat initial injuries and prevent them from happening again with stretching, strengthening and balance training—treatment skills a person can bring home with them.”

When choosing a physiotherapist, Keough advises to first make sure they are registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Secondly, one should follow the word-of-mouth advice given by friends and family. Lastly, when a patient goes for their first assessment, they should look for someone who takes time and care with their physical examination.

The best thing about physiotherapy (other than its pain relief and injury recovery) is that it is a drug-free practice. Moreover, physiotherapy prevents, identifies and corrects, therefore stabilizing an injury or condition before it gets worse. Eventually, patients will be able to manage their pain and their movement without the assistance of a therapist. Contrary to misconception, physiotherapy does not hurt. In fact, if pain goes unnoticed or untreated, the injury can get worse and may even recur in the future.

Patients should also be aware that physiotherapy is not exclusive to those suffering with extreme injury. Physiotherapy also helps treat conditions such as/related to:

The most important thing a parent can do is to know your child’s allergies and have a good plan of action in place to help deal with them. Understanding your child’s allergies and having information regarding the available treatment alternatives is the first step towards a healthy, symptom free life.

• Neurological pains • Stroke and spinal cord injuries • Brain injuries • Inflammation • Arthritis • Respiratory conditions • Diabetes • Osteoporosis • Children suffering from cerebral palsy

Keough admits the best all-round injury recovery comes with synergized care offered by doctors, physiotherapists and massage therapists. At Jackson Park Physiotherapy, Keough works with two other massage therapists to offer the best in all-encompassing care and recovery. Patients should also be made aware that physiotherapists will never extend care if unnecessary or if the pain persists. At this point, physiotherapists will immediately instruct patients to see a doctor.

Thomas Lovell is an RMT (registered massage therapist). Lovell works independently (although he is referred by doctors and at the same time gives referrals to others) and has practiced massage therapy for patients in Windsor for years. He cultivated his career through his work with professional hockey players (including players on the Windsor Spitfires). Lovell has also volunteered for the University of Windsor track team and has worked with numerous athletes, including marathon runners, golfers and those who have been in motorized vehicle accidents.

Lovell’s years of experience, volunteer work and extensive education make him a much sought-after-therapist – especially by those looking for sports-related rehabilitation.

“Despite the misconception, massage therapy is becoming more of a prominent health care profession,” he says. Doctors and other therapists are now recommending patients to massage therapists. Sometimes chiropractors will have a patient see a massage therapist first, so that the chiropractor can work with the nervous system more easily and efficiently. After all, massage therapy is a type of physiotherapy that works to promote tissue regeneration through the circulation of the blood and the manipulation of soft tissue.

First practiced in the 18th century, massage therapy was one of the earliest forms of practiced medicine. Massage has since evolved into many different kinds of massage, with different kinds of benefits.

Massage therapy is specific to those who may be experiencing muscle-related pain. It differs from physiotherapy as it works specifically with muscle aches and pains. Likewise, massage therapy is specific to easing pain and promoting a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. Contrary to popular belief, the process can even help cure muscular dystophy. Massage can benefit patients of all ages, especially those who have ADHD, asthma, autism, Alzheimer’s disease and menopause. Much like other types of therapy (including physiotherapy), patients may not feel immediate results. Yet, within a few appointments, patients will feel the psychological, emotional and physical benefits.

With so many RMTs in the city, it is hard to decide which one will give the best and most specific kind of care. For the most effective results, Lavelle recommends patients consider a few things when choosing a massage therapist:

MAKE SURE THE MASSAGE THERAPIST IS LEGITIMATE:

• To ensure you are receiving a legitimate massage, make sure the therapist requires you to fill out a health questionnaire.

• Make sure the massage therapist is licensed and certified.

• Make sure the massage therapy offered is therapeutic.

MAKE SURE YOU SPECIFY THE KIND OF MASSAGE YOU WANT: Currently, there is a wide range of different kinds of massage therapy. Be sure to specify whether you want a sports-related, stress-related, aromatherapy, pregnancy, deep tissue or shiatsu massage. Each massage has its unique benefits and special focus.

Lovell claims massage therapy is a developmental profession. Although massage therapists must obtain a level of schooling, the volunteer work, extensive education, professional experience and the massage therapist’s integration within the community really set a therapist’s skills apart from the rest!

And so, Lovell is pleased to be an active member of the Windsor community. Again, with so many active massage therapists available, honesty and integrity characterize a good massage therapist. This is also why massage therapists such as Lovell are trusted to work alongside a doctor or physiotherapist. This is advantageous for the patient, who will be able to receive the full treatment they need, in a timely manner.

Both massage therapy and physiotherapy have their respective benefits. Remember, though each therapy has its own purpose. Just think of it in terms of going to the doctor. Would you take penicillin for a headache? Instead, most would take penicillin for the common earache and ibuprofen for the headache symptoms of the ear infection.

The same is also true for pains, aches, injuries and persisting medical conditions. For full healing potential, consider combining the comprehensive care of such Windsor massage therapists at Nguyen Chiropractic, Fusion Massage Therapy, Heritage Tree Healing Arts Centre, Quantum Healing, Vitality Health, and Absolute Chiropractic Wellness Centre and Physiotherapy offered at Jackson Park Physiotherapy and Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre.