What's the difference between rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy and massage?

What is a rehabilitation physician? Are they the same as a physical therapist? And is seeing a physical therapist the same as going to a massage shop? Why see a doctor for back pain? How is it different from getting a massage? 

A rehabilitation physician is a doctor who has graduated in medicine and then gone on to specialise in rehabilitation medicine. They treat patients with injuries to the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and nerves, such as chronic back pain, age-related knee pain, chronic headaches, pain radiating down the arms or legs, numb hands, disc inflammation and plantar fasciitis. Treatments used by rehabilitation physicians include medication, acupuncture, PROLOTHERAPY injections, PRP (spun blood) injections, STEM CELL therapy, and physical therapy equipment used by the team of physical therapists. Physical therapy is therefore one of the treatment tools of a rehabilitation physician. 

Physical therapists treat conditions using physical therapy equipment, such as high-power laser machines, spinal traction machines, ultrasound machines, electrical stimulation, high-intensity heat therapy machines and shortwave diathermy, as well as other treatment techniques such as hydrotherapy, aquatic exercise, hot packs, cold packs and muscle release. Massage is also one of the methods physical therapists use. 

In summary, massage is part of physical therapy, and physical therapy is part of rehabilitation medicine. As you can see, the same pain can be treated with a general massage, by consulting a physical therapist or by seeing a rehabilitation medicine specialist, depending mainly on the nature of the pain. If an injury is treated the wrong way or left untreated for too long, the inflammation may get worse and turn into a chronic injury. 

Consulting a rehabilitation medicine specialist helps patients understand the real cause of their injury, prevents re-injury and eases the pain. Advice on correct, individually tailored exercises gives patients knowledge and understanding of their condition and how to look after themselves properly, so the problem is addressed at its source and their quality of life improves in the long term. We believe that happiness comes when we have a good quality of life and good health. Don't let these symptoms disrupt your daily life any longer. If you or someone you love has these symptoms, call us for a consultation first at REHAB CARE CLINIC 061-801-2482