To Massage or Not?

If I had a dollar for every patient that was shocked or disappointed when they did not receive a massage during our session, I would be enjoying the view of the Cayman Islands instead of Northeast Ohio in December.

There is unfortunately an expectation by patients that physical therapy means lots of manual therapy and fixing people with our hands. This article will go into why I do not prioritize manual therapy in my treatment.

What the Research Says

• ✓We aren't doing what we think — breaking up scar tissue or putting out-of-place joints back is simply untrue
• ✓Manual therapy is not specific — the same benefit can be achieved at nearly any spinal level
• ✓Its benefit, if any, is short term
• ✓It is not skilled — expert clinicians vs. new grads often have the same outcomes
• ✓It tends to create dependence on the physical therapist rather than empowering self-management

My Opinion

I prefer to use manual therapy as a last resort rather than the star of the show. I will always prefer an active approach to therapy — it is called PHYSICAL therapy, after all. Many of the proclaimed benefits of manual therapy can also be achieved with movement and exercise.

My goal is for 95% of my patients to have left with a good sweat and a good pump. Movement is medicine.