Physical therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and soft tissue massage have become increasingly popular in recent years. This is because more and more people seek out natural and non-invasive ways to manage pain, improve their musculoskeletal health, and enhance their quality of life. 

Read on to find out more about these types of physical therapies. 

1. Acupuncture  

According to Medical News Today, acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This therapy is believed to promote the flow of energy, or “qi,” through the body, which may help to reduce pain, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. 

Acupuncture has been addressing a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, certain types of headaches, and digestive concerns. 

2. Chiropractic care

According to the National Library of Medicine: “There are approximately 4,500 registered chiropractors in Australia, the ninth largest registered health profession out of 12.”

Chiropractic care is a type of complementary medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine and its surrounding structures. It involves mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on the spine and how it affects the body’s musculoskeletal health and function.

Chiropractic care is based on the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself, and that this healing can be facilitated by the proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors use a variety of manual techniques to adjust the spine and other joints, with the goal of relieving pain and restoring your range of motion.

Here are some symptoms that chiropractic may address:

Nerve pain

Nerve pain is a type of chronic pain which may be caused by damage to the nerves in the body. It may be caused by an injury or disease, and can manifest in many different forms including burning, tingling, and numbness. 

Nerve pain may also be caused by the inflammation or compression of nerves. 

Scoliosis 

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine curves abnormally, either to the left or the right. Scoliosis may cause pain and difficulty with activities such as walking and bending over. You may address scoliosis by visiting a chiropractor.

A chiropractor for scoliosis may suggest specific types of exercise and bracing in order to slow down or stop the progression of the curvature.

Neck pain 

Neck pain is characterised by discomfort or stiffness in the neck muscles and joints. This may be caused by a variety of factors such as poor posture, injury, age-related conditions,, or underlying medical conditions. 

Neck pain can range from mild to severe and may last for short periods of time or persist for long periods of time. 

3. Soft tissue massage

Soft tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning the deeper layers of soft tissues, such as connective tissues and muscles. Soft tissue massage is used to release physical and emotional tension in the body. 

Through gentle manipulation and pressure, soft tissue massage may help reduce pain and improve circulation and flexibility. This therapy may help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. 

Wrap up

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery and rehabilitation after an injury or illness. Different kinds of physical therapies may be used to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, and they can be beneficial for improving mobility, strength, and function. 

It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before beginning any type of physical therapy to make sure that it is the right choice for your needs.