Written by Fiona McDevitt, PT

This is a valid question often asked. It comes down to what you are looking for. Physiotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose as well as treat soft tissue and musculo-skeletal conditions. Some are also trained in treating neurological and respiratory conditions.
The key word here is diagnose. A correct diagnosis is the first, very important step to timely recovery and healing. Physiotherapists often work with other health professionals such as massage therapists to offer the patient the optimal treatment strategy for their diagnosis. So often it is less a question of which should I attend, but how can I attend both?
A good example is recovering after a MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident), most insurance companies offer a set number of both Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy sessions as part of the package. Physiotherapy is a distinct form of care and focuses on the assessment, restoration, and maintenance of the physical body. It can be performed with other types of medical management e.g. medication, other therapies or independently.
An interesting point of history is that physiotherapists actually started out as massage therapists who branched out and developed other skills for assessment and diagnosis.
If you wish to have a thorough assessment and get a diagnosis of your condition, then book an appointment with the myself or contact them to ask any questions.