As the Operations Manager at Human.Kind Studios Adelaide, I’ve had years of interactions with people seeking out physiotherapy and massage for any number of reasons. From injury rehabilitation, skills building, tension relief, nervous system down-regulation or technique formation, physiotherapy and massage therapy each play specific beneficial roles in helping people attain greater wellbeing.
Despite the benefits, I’ve grown to appreciate that sometimes people need guidance around what form of physical therapy might be right for them, and also how private health, medicare, and our general medical system view these two modalities, so I hope to clarify that a bit below.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy looks at the structure of the human body and its various types of movements. It is appropriate for people of all ages and examines the musculoskeletal system to assess, diagnose, plan, and manage client outcomes. Physiotherapy can utilise a mixture of targeted hands on release/ massage, specific exercises to strengthen or re-pattern an area, manipulations, and even dry needling.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapists use exclusively hands-on techniques to treat muscular and fascial tension, stress, and to increase blood flow and mobility. The techniques vary depending on the modality and may focus on different patterns of movement, pressure, target tissues, or aids (like hot stones or cups).
When to see a physio vs a massage therapist?
Think of physiotherapists like medical experts of the musculoskeletal system. If you have injuries, pain or hard to shift conditions these are the people to see, especially if you want to create new physical patterns and learn solid technique from the outset. Massage Therapists are skilled in addressing stubborn tension, down regulating the nervous system, and promoting the movement of blood and lymph throughout the body. Both modalities work well in conjunction with each other.
Medicare, Private Health, Costs- What am I looking at?
Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy can both be covered by Private Health Insurance, should you have it. If your fund includes physiotherapy, then any practitioner that holds current registration in Australia will be eligible for a rebate (depending on your fund and level of coverage). Massage Therapy is increasingly covered in many Private Health funds as well, however here you need to check that the therapist has attained at least a Diploma of Massage Therapy or higher to be eligible. At Human.Kind our Massage Therapists all meet this level and therefore can accept Private Health Insurance claims. Alternatively, if you are. experiencing a more serious issue that is complex, or chronic in nature, then you may wish to seek an appointment with your GP and ask about the appropriateness of a Team Care Plan (also known as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan or EPC). If referred by your GP this entitles you to a recommended number of appointments which are partially covered under Medicare. Generally the cost of a physiotherapy appointment will range from $80-$130 for 30min-60mins, and a Massage Appointment will range from $80-$150 for 45min-90mins.
How do I book?
You do not need a referral for either a Physiotherapy or Massage Therapy appointment (unless granted a specific plan by your GP as mentioned above). Simply find a therapist that is experienced or specialises in your area, and is someone that you feel a rapport or safety with, and book in!
The first appointment will always include an assessment phase, with certain details captured in advance through an intake form. Learn more about our therapies here.