Differences Between Physiotherapy, Pilates And Massage
Healthcare employs a variety of techniques to improve our well-being. However, there are so many holistic hands-on therapy techniques out there that it’s quite difficult to find which ones will suit you best. Let’s discuss the following techniques: physiotherapy, pilates and massage.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy focuses remediating physical impairments based on mobility and functional ability. It usually goes hand in hand with medical rehabilitation after a condition such as sports injury, stroke or amputation. This type of therapy usually begins when the therapist diagnose the patient through tests that may range from simple physical examinations to more complex laboratory and imaging techniques. Afterwards they will establish a management plan to ease their mobility problems.
Physiotherapy is a large field and many therapists specialize on different fields. Those who specialize in cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions work with patients that suffered heart attacks, cystic fibrosis, and coronary bypass surgery. Geriatric physical therapists on the other hand focus on patients with aging related issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, incontinence and arthritis. Pediatric physical therapists help infants, children and adolescents that need help in improving fine and gross motor skills or suffers from diseases such as cerebral palsy and developmental delays.
Pilates
Pilates is a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates during the early 1900’s. Its practitioners believe on six core principles for fitness: breathing, for improved oxygenated blood circulation; center, starting the exercise from the body’s core and end outwards in the limbs; concentration, or focus on the exercises; muscle control; flow or efficiency of movement; and precision.
It should be noted that although Pilates is a renowned fitness system, care should still be taken in consideration when the practitioner is pregnant or have physical conditions. You might want to discuss your physical conditions with a qualified Pilates instructor so that he or she can modify your fitness regimen according to your needs.
Massage
Massage or massage therapy focuses on manipulating the body’s muscles and connective tissues for relaxation, healing and improved bodily functions. It’s an ancient form of therapy that dates back to the earliest civilizations such those in Mesopotamia, China, India and Egypt.
There are many types of massage available for enhancing one’s physical well-being. Acupressure applies pressure on acupuncture points in various parts of the body. Esalen massage focuses on using rocking movements and joint exercises to energize the body. Infant massage is specifically designed to help improve the babies’ health.