Should You Combine Massage Therapy & Physiotherapy? Best Session Order

Written by Aurika Wellness | Dec 2, 2025 2:07:15 PM

If you’re dealing with muscle tightness, injuries, or chronic pain, you may already know that Physiotherapy and Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) are two of the most trusted treatment options in Ontario. But many people in Erin Mills and across Mississauga often ask: “Should I do massage first or physio first?” “Can combining both help me recover faster?” The short answer: Yes — when paired correctly, RMT and physiotherapy can significantly improve recovery, reduce pain, and help you move better long-term. This blog breaks down how the two therapies work, when to combine them, and the best sequence for different conditions.

Why Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy Work Well Together
Although they’re different treatment approaches, both therapies complement each other beautifully:

Physiotherapy focuses on:

Strength
Joint mobility
Alignment
Long-term functional improvement
Rehabilitation after injury or surgery

Registered Massage Therapy focuses on:
Muscle tension relief
Circulation
Soft tissue relaxation
Nervous system calming
Pain and stress reduction

When combined, RMT prepares the body for deeper, more effective physiotherapy work. In other cases, physio activates and strengthens the muscles — and RMT helps reduce post-treatment soreness or tightness.

Benefits of Combining Physiotherapy and RMT
Faster Recovery
Massage loosens tight tissues, helping your physiotherapist mobilize joints and activate muscles more effectively.
Better Range of Motion
Stiff muscles and fascia can block progress. RMT helps release those restrictions so physio exercises feel easier.
Reduced Pain & Inflammation
Massage improves blood flow and calms the nervous system, helping pain levels go down before rehab work.
Smoother Rehab After Injury or Surgery
For shoulder, knee, and back injuries, combining both treatments helps restore mobility without overload.
Lower Stress = Better Healing
Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”), which boosts recovery.
When Should You Book Massage Before Physiotherapy?
This is the most common and effective sequence for many people.
Best for:
Muscle tightness
Chronic tension
Stiffness around joints
Poor flexibility
Stress-related pain
Posture-related muscle imbalance
Low back pain
Neck and shoulder tightness

Why this sequence works:

Massage warms and relaxes the tissues →
Physiotherapy exercises become easier →
Improved mobility allows deeper strengthening work.

Example:

If you have tight hip flexors, an RMT can release tension first, allowing the physiotherapist to guide proper glute activation and core strengthening.

When Should You Do Physiotherapy Before Massage?
This sequence is useful when physio involves heavier strengthening or neuromuscular re-training.
Best for:
Building strength
Post-surgical rehab
Balance and coordination training
Tendon rehabilitation (Achilles, rotator cuff, patellar tendon)
Recovering from sprains, strains, or fractures

Why this sequence works:

Physiotherapy activates, strengthens, or mobilizes →
Massage afterward reduces soreness →
Muscles recover faster →
You feel less stiff the next day.

When Should You Book Sessions on Separate Days?

This option works when:
You fatigue easily
You have chronic pain (fibromyalgia, arthritis)
You’re in early injury rehab
You get dizzy or lightheaded after treatments
Back-to-back sessions feel overwhelming

Spacing the appointment by 24–48 hours can help your body recover and respond better.

Best Session Order by Condition (Mississauga Physiotherapist Recommended)
Below is a simple, practical guide for choosing the best order:
Low Back Pain
Massage → Physiotherapy Reason: Reduce muscle guarding so core activation becomes easier.
Neck Pain / Tension Headaches
Massage → Physiotherapy Reason: Relax upper traps and neck muscles before posture correction exercises.
Shoulder Impingement
Massage → Physiotherapy
Loosen upper traps and pecs → strengthen rotator cuff.

Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Syndrome)
Physiotherapy → Massage
Activate quads and glutes → massage for tight IT band/quads.

Post-Surgical Recovery (ACL, Rotator Cuff, etc.)
Physiotherapy → Massage (gentle)
Physio guides safe mobility and strength → RMT reduces scar tightness.

Sciatica

Massage → Physiotherapy
Reduce piriformis tension → core/glute strengthening becomes effective.

Stress, Anxiety, or Sleep Issues
Massage → Physiotherapy (optional)
Massage helps reset the nervous system; mobility work can follow if needed.

How Often Should You Combine RMT & Physiotherapy?
Most clients benefit from:
Weekly physiotherapy for rehab
Bi-weekly RMT for tissue release
Or alternating weekly sessions (one week physio, one week RMT

Your provider may adjust frequency based on your condition and insurance coverage.

What to Expect at Aurika Wellness (Erin Mills)
A physiotherapist and RMT may collaborate by:
Reviewing your symptoms
Identifying muscle tightness vs weakness
Creating a combined treatment plan
Advising session order based on your progress
Teaching home care exercises to maintain results

This integrated approach ensures you get the most out of both treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I book massage and physio on the same day?
Ans: You can — but make sure you follow the recommended sequence for your condition.

Q: How do I know which one to do first?
Ans: Your physiotherapist or RMT can guide you. It depends on whether your main issue is weakness, stiffness, or pain.

Q: Is massage therapy covered by insurance?
Ans: Yes, most extended health plans in Ontario cover RMT sessions. Direct billing is available at many Mississauga clinics.

Q: Can combining both reduce recovery time?
Ans: Absolutely. Many clients see faster progress because both treatments support each other.

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