HANDS-ON REMEDIES
by Janis Stein

Though vastly different, physical therapy and massage therapy share an important commonality: the healing power of touch. Some patients, following their doctor’s orders, seek a physical therapist to regain function to hasten the recovery of injury or stroke. Others crave therapeutic massage to shed the week’s stress and, in the process, gain the health benefits of ridding the body of unwanted toxins. Therapy, in general, works to restore a person’s well being.

According to Wikipedia, “physical therapy is a healthcare profession concerned with prevention and management of movement disorders arising from conditions and diseases occurring throughout the lifespan.” While physical therapy is categorized into a number of specialty areas, therapists commonly treat neurological problems, which could result from stroke or Parkinson’s disease, as well as musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, injuries resulting from sprains and strains, or hip, knee or shoulder replacements.

The length of time a patient might need physical therapy is dependent upon the severity of each individual’s situation. An acceptable range of therapy might be three to six weeks for someone recovering from a hip replacement, while the timeframe for a patient recovering from a stroke might be anywhere between eight weeks and a year.

Bad Axe resident Jonathan Del Rosario is a physical therapist with offices in Croswell (Croswell Manual Therapy) and in Kinde (Athletic & Manual Therapy Services). Rosario enjoys assisting patients in recovering their mobility.

“Physical therapists normally work in conjunction with doctors. We deal with conservative to aggressive treatment of any type of injury without invasive treatment. Many people don’t realize physical therapists also work on joints,” says Rosario.

Sports injuries are common, and Rosario welcomes patients seven years and older. Says Rosario, “…with pediatrics, manual therapy and exercise along with integrated play therapy is the mode of treatment.”

Physical therapists typically treat patients by utilizing electrical devices, called modalities. Ultrasound uses sound waves to help stimulate the tissue underneath without an invasive procedure. Ultrasound is often used to treat muscle spasms, pain and tissue adhesions.

“Ultrasound helps hasten the recovery from an injury or a surgery using the muscles and the tissues to heal in an effective manner, so that when normal activity is resumed, the quality of the muscle will be normal, or very near normal,” explains Rosario.

Another common modality is an electrical muscle stimulator. Operating with a 9-volt battery or an electrical outlet, this device stimulates muscles artificially, increasing circulation in a particular area. By re-educating the muscles, they are more apt to return to normal function.

When problems rise that cannot be controlled through manual techniques, physical therapists use an additional modality called a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. Physical therapists utilize this equipment to manage back pain, nerve problems or localized pain.

To return to a healthier state more quickly, patients must be dedicated in receiving treatments. “Usually we do regular treatments three times a week, giving the full benefit of continuous exercises working towards the goal of functional recovery based on individual goals and occupation,” says Rosario.

“From a physical therapist’s point of view, it’s very important that injuries are attended to very quickly to avoid detrimental effects. Without proper treatment, the muscles will stay lax. If the muscles aren’t exercised properly and the patient experiences a recurring injury, over time it becomes difficult for that tissue to heal properly.”

Therapeutic massage is another viable treatment option many people seek, and its history dates to ancient times. According to Wikipedia, “massage is the treatment and practice of manipulation of the soft body tissues with physical…and therapeutic purposes and goals. The word comes from the French massage, meaning ‘friction of kneading.’”

Massage first became popular in the United States in the mid-1800s. While interest waned during the 1930s, by the 1970s, massage therapy, especially among athletes, became a popular mode of healing.

While some types of massage are performed while the client sits upright in a massage chair, most often the client lies on a massage table. Massage tables are heavily padded with the head support designed in such a fashion that the partially disrobed and draped client remains comfortable when lying face down.

Massage therapists use a variety of different oils, including coconut oil and macadamia oil. Aromatherapy oils are used as well, with clients experiencing additional relaxation through sensory perception.

The Health Store in Sandusky recognizes the importance of a person’s total well-being with two massage therapists ready to serve their clients. Massage Therapist Amber Brodbent offers her therapeutic services through The Health Store, noting the two most popular massages among her clients are the Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.

“Massage therapy promotes healing within the muscle,” says Brodbent. “Massage can also help relieve depression and improve the circulatory system.”

With overloaded schedules and the constant hustle and bustle of everyday living, many people battling stress look to massage therapy for relief. “Massage therapy promotes relaxation; relaxing is hard for some people to do, and massage helps to loosen their muscles,” adds Brodbent.

Jessica Pawlowski, a massage therapist and co-owner of Heavenly Escape Massage & Day Spa in Harbor Beach, sees the benefits of massage firsthand. “Massage can help reverse the aging process by making tissue healthier. Massage brings oxygen to the tissue and it helps regenerate muscle tissue.”

While most people simply know they feel better after enjoying a massage, Pawlowski elaborates on the underlying reasons. “When muscles become more elastic, people no longer experience tightness and aches and pains. Massage pumps out old inflammation to reduce toxins and massage re-hydrates joints.”

With three certified therapists available, Heavenly Escape offers a variety of massages, including hot stones. Spa therapy includes body wraps and scrubs, and clients enjoy additional therapeutic benefits with therapists using different types of muds. The future of Heavenly Escape is positive with both owners pursuing naturopathic doctorates.

Depending on the need and desire, physical therapy and massage therapy are viable options for those seeking to heal strained and tired muscles. A third avenue of hands-on therapy can be found in the chiropractor’s office, which will be explored in next month’s issue.