Soft tissue therapy is hands-on work on muscles and related tissues, while rehab exercises are movements chosen to help you regain strength and function. Soft tissue therapy may help some people feel more comfortable and move more easily. Rehab exercises give you something you can continue yourself, so they are often central to recovery.
What is soft tissue therapy?
Soft tissue therapy refers to manual techniques applied to muscles, tendons and the tissues around them. In a treatment session, this may involve massage-type techniques or sustained pressure on tight or tender areas, combined with movement.
You may feel pressure or tenderness during treatment, and some soreness for a short time afterwards. Let your practitioner know how much pressure you can comfortably tolerate. They should also ask about relevant conditions, such as blood-thinning medication, a bleeding disorder, skin problems or a recent injury.
Does soft tissue therapy work?
The answer depends on the condition and the stage of your problem.
- Chronic lower back pain: the World Health Organization includes massage among the physical therapies it recommends for adults with chronic primary lower back pain, as part of a wider approach.
- Cervicogenic headache: a 2022 review found that manual and exercise therapies may help, although most of the trials had a high risk of bias. Read more about headaches linked to the neck.
- Recent soft tissue injuries: an editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine argues that passive treatments soon after injury have little effect on pain and function compared with an active approach.
Overall, soft tissue therapy is best seen as an addition to care that keeps you moving, and not as a replacement for it.
What are rehab exercises?
Rehab exercises are chosen to match your assessment findings and what you want to get back to doing. A programme may include:
- Gentle movement to regain range of motion
- Strength exercises for the area involved and the muscles around it
- Balance and control exercises
- Activity-specific movements for your work, daily tasks or sport
- A plan for increasing the load over time
Why does active recovery matter?
Exercise allows you to build capacity for your normal activities, and it gives you a way to manage symptoms outside the treatment room. The WHO guideline includes exercise and self-care education among its recommended approaches for chronic lower back pain, and NICE guidance names therapeutic exercise as a core treatment for osteoarthritis.
Some discomfort may occur as you start exercising. Tell your practitioner if your pain increases sharply, lasts well beyond your session, or if you notice new numbness or weakness, as your programme may need to change.
How do these options fit with chiropractic adjustments?
Treatment plans differ, and a plan may include one or more of these options:
- Chiropractic adjustments, if they are appropriate and you consent to them
- Soft tissue therapy to help with comfort and movement
- Rehab exercises to build strength and support your return to activity
- Advice on activity, sleep, work and training
For example, someone with lower back pain may need reassurance, advice on staying active and a gradual exercise plan, with hands-on care as one option. A person with desk-related discomfort may benefit more from regular movement than from correcting their posture.
Questions to ask about your treatment plan
- What do you think is causing my symptoms?
- What is each treatment meant to do, and what are the risks?
- What can I do myself between sessions?
- How will we measure whether this is helping?
- When should we review the plan if things aren’t improving?
- What are the alternatives, including no treatment?
Frequently asked questions
Is soft tissue therapy the same as a sports massage?
The two overlap, as both use hands-on techniques on muscles. The aims and methods can differ, so ask your practitioner what they plan to do and why.
How often should I do my rehab exercises?
This depends on your condition and programme. Your practitioner should give you a clear routine and tell you when to progress or reduce it.
Should I exercise if I’m in pain?
Mild discomfort is sometimes acceptable, depending on your condition. Stop and seek advice if your pain is severe or if you notice any new numbness or weakness.
You can read about the approach used at this practice on the chiropractic care page, or get in touch with any questions.
This article is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment by a registered healthcare practitioner.