Physiotherapy
vs Musculoskeletal Therapy

The table below shows comparison of services between a Manly Physiotherapist and Musculoskeletal Therapy

1. Posture Analysis

Most physiotherapists don’t perform full posture analysis, as they are good at local short term acute ligament, tendon, muscle tears, other wise known as soft tissue injuries. In fairness, they are approached for singular joints more often then not and diagnostics.

We include thorough testing that cover the entire body including muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and organs that are potentially involved.

We look at your posture to see which joints are causing problems elsewhere and how your injury affects your posture.

2. Movement Analysis

We both do a thorough consultation on your history, looking at X-rays, MRI’s or CT scans, to form an accurate picture of your situation. However some physiotherapists focus on the local area of the injury, while we look at the bigger picture than just the isolated injured site.

At the Happy Body we conduct primal movements, stress and balancing tests to assess weakness versus strength where most Manly physiotherapists do not.

We use Kinesiology and Reflexology to test every muscle related to the injured area.

This overall assessment determines the underlying issue and the cause of the pain opposed to just focusing on the injured/painful  area, which most physiotherapists do.

3. Japanese Oscillating Massage Gun

Five minutes using our high frequency massage gun has the same effect as 30 minutes of hand massage.

In one session the gun can turn an injured muscle that is not functioning into a 100% firing muscle at peak strength, often with complete reduction or a significant reduction of pain.

4. Soft Tissue Massage

Physiotherapists are trained to release tight muscles and trigger points. However, some physiotherapists often don’t realise that tight muscles are trying to stabilise problematic weak muscles, and loosening them up may cause more harm than good.

At The happy body we identify the cause of the weak muscles first, the tight muscle will keep getting tight after every release.

Without this knowledge, releasing the tight muscles can be detrimental to the patient. Often the taught tight muscles are acting as some kind of stabiliser. The secret is locating muscles that are weak, and causing the opposing muscle to be tight.

5. Kinesio Taping

The point of difference between physiotherapists and us is often the physiotherapists are taught to use the Kinesio taping to keep joints secure and in place. While Dr Kenzo, founder of the Kinesio Tape, designed the tapes application to create a crinkling effect (see picture) that increases lymphatic flow, blood flow, nervous system stimuli allowing the body natural healing process to be uninhibited and providing optimal efficiency.

The taping allows the patient a complete range of motion during rehabilitation, allowing them to work place or favorite activity. 

Elite athletes have integrated Kinesio taping method as a component of injury prevention and rehabilitation as well as increased performance.

6. Personalised Exercise Routine

Physiotherapists prescribe 3 – 4 exercises to the injured area.

At the happy body we identify all non-performing/weak muscles, only then a exercise routine is designed targeting all problematic muscles, not just the injured area.

Over time, the exercises are re-evaluated and enhanced to meet the needs of the patient.

7. Personalised Stretching Routine

Physiotherapists often release a tight muscle or trigger point, however if you release a muscle that does not need to be released, you could be doing more harm than good! We understand the benefits of releasing tight muscles, but this should only be done, when the opposing weak muscles have been strengthened first to support the stabilizing tight muscle. A stretching routine is also created and designed to improve functionality and performance.

If you were thinking of seeing a Manly Physiotherapist, then call Robert for free advice as to how he can help you on 0410 811 830.