Tribeca Physical Therapy offers a combination of Medical Massage and Manual Therapy performed by a licensed Physical Therapist. It is a combination of joint and soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, stretching, and massage to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. We believe that incorporating Medical Massage and Manual Therapy in Physical Therapy treatment plans increases one’s sense of well-being and relaxation.

Why is Massage Therapy an Important Part of Physical Therapy?

Most of our Physical Therapy patients here at Tribeca Physical Therapy receive massage therapy (also called manual therapy) woven into their treatment plans. Integrating massage therapy into each session is important as it optimizes physical therapy treatment and can effectively accelerate recovery of patients.

The number one benefit of incorporating Massage Therapy into a Physical therapy treatment plan is the stress relief and calm state of mind it provides. It helps establish slower, calmer breathing patterns and better body awareness in areas related to pain or injury. These are benefits that are sustainable and can be carried into other aspects of our daily lives.

Massage benefits can include:

• Reducing stress and increasing relaxation
• Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension
• Improving circulation, energy and alertness
• Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
• Improving immune function

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:

• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Insomnia related to stress
• Low back pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Nerve pain
• Soft tissue strains or injuries
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular joint pain
• Upper back and neck pain

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.

Despite its benefits, massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. In manual therapy, Physical Therapists use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease back pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction. It is used to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. It mostly includes kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization and joint manipulation.

What is Medical Massage?

Medical Massage is outcome-based massage, primarily the application of a specific treatment targeted to the specific problem the patient presents with, usually with a diagnosis, and is administered after a thorough assessment and evaluation. In addition to stress relief and relaxation, a medical massage focuses on the medical need. It is often used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relieve nerve compression, improve digestion, increase flexibility or treat other health care concerns. Medical Massage has a broader set of therapies for muscle health and recovery.

Why choose Tribeca Physical Therapy’s Massage Therapy in New York?

Our unique style of combining medical massage and manual therapy in treating pain, inflammation and improving mobilization is one-of-a-kind. Our seasoned physical therapists have over 10 years of clinical experience solving different orthopedic or musculoskeletal dysfunctions. They underwent various certifications to help their clients prepare for whatever physical challenges. Tribeca Physical Therapy is indeed a great place to find relaxation and treatment through our Medical Massage and Manual Therapy.