Massage Therapy vs. Physiotherapy: How to Choose
Comparing massage therapy vs. physiotherapy can help you choose a useful starting point for an ache, an injury or an activity you want to return to. At NU MVMT in Burnaby and Downtown Vancouver, both services begin with your concerns and goals.
The two services overlap, but their appointments are not interchangeable. A helpful choice starts with your goals, a conversation about your symptoms and an assessment—not the assumption that massage is only relaxation or that physiotherapy is only exercise.
Massage therapy vs. physiotherapy: the main differences
| Question | Registered massage therapy | Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| What does it focus on? | Assessment and care involving soft tissues and musculoskeletal function. | Movement, physical function and rehabilitation. |
| What might a session include? | Hands-on techniques, education and appropriate home exercises. | Assessment, exercise, education and sometimes hands-on treatment. |
| What should you discuss? | Your health history, comfort with touch and pressure, and treatment goals. | Your symptoms, activity limits, previous care and the tasks you want to improve. |
Choose around the problem you want help with
Instead of asking which profession is universally better, describe a specific goal: sitting through a meeting, returning to running, or feeling more comfortable turning your head. Ask the practitioner how they would assess that concern, what the first appointment involves and when they would suggest a different service.
For example, someone seeking hands-on care for a familiar episode of muscle tension may want to discuss RMT. Someone whose main question is how to rebuild activity after an injury may want to discuss physiotherapy. These are starting points for a conversation, not diagnoses or rules about who must book which treatment.
Can the two work together?
They can be part of a coordinated plan, but booking both is not automatically necessary. Tell each practitioner what other care you receive. Agree on a shared goal, avoid conflicting advice and decide how you will judge whether the plan is useful.
Massage may offer short-term symptom relief for some conditions, but research quality and results vary. Feeling better immediately after a session does not establish that an underlying problem is resolved. Ask what you can do between appointments and when the plan should be reassessed.
Meet NU MVMT’s massage therapy and physiotherapy team
Compare the team’s backgrounds, then choose the service and location in Jane. Practitioner schedules and new-patient intake can change; use the live profiles for current options.
Registered massage therapists
Ian Chan
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Ian completed Langara College’s RMT program in 2019. His experience includes athletes, seniors, pregnant people and people affected by motor vehicle accidents.
Sim Bhatti
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Sim is an RMT and Sports Science diploma graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. His approach combines individualized soft-tissue work with an interest in movement and active lifestyles.
Ingrid Yip
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Ingrid completed Langara’s RMT program in 2019. She emphasizes listening, practical treatment planning and home care, and speaks Cantonese, Japanese and Mandarin.
Anton Borda
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown
Registered Massage Therapist
Anton graduated from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in Toronto in 2012. His experience includes working with athletes, pregnant patients and office professionals.
Chad Luarca
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown
Registered Massage Therapist
Chad graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2022 and has a kinesiology background from UBC. He combines individualized hands-on care with practical home-care strategies.
Julian Galang
Jane profile and appointment options: Downtown
Registered Massage Therapist
Julian trained at Vancouver Career College. His background includes Swedish massage, myofascial techniques and PNF, with experience working with athletes, professionals and seniors.
Andrea Stothard
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Andrea graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Her fitness background includes powerlifting, calisthenics and climbing, and she has an interest in sport-related concerns.
Physiotherapists
Alison Bogar
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown
Physiotherapist
Alison holds a Master’s in Physiotherapy from Brunel University and a kinesiology degree from SFU. She is an APPI-certified Clinical Pilates instructor and also has postgraduate pelvic-health training.
Bryanna Chan
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown
Physiotherapist
Bryanna holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and a psychology degree from the University of Alberta. Her postgraduate courses include vestibular rehabilitation, manual therapy, upper cervical and TMJ management, and Clinical Pilates.
Trevor Lai
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown
Physiotherapist
Trevor holds a kinesiology degree from UBC and a Master’s in Physiotherapy from Australia. He combines manual therapy and exercise, and his continuing education includes Pilates, dry needling and TPI golf assessments.
Owen Kwok
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown · Brentwood
Physiotherapist
Owen holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto and a kinesiology degree from UBC. He combines progressive exercise and hands-on care, with a background in rowing coaching and strength training.
Michael Tengco
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown · Brentwood
Physiotherapist
Michael earned his Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne and a kinesiology degree at Dalhousie University. He has more than ten years of experience in Clinical Pilates and strength and conditioning.
Check Michael’s Jane profile for current new-patient intake, locations and appointment availability.
Booking and benefits
Explore RMT at Gilmore and Downtown Vancouver or NU MVMT physiotherapy. Student or non-RMT massage is a separate appointment category. Confirm your provider and benefits requirements before booking; direct billing does not guarantee payment.
Three useful questions for your first visit
- What will we assess before deciding on treatment?
- What would meaningful progress look like for my goal?
- When should we change the plan or involve another provider?
Common questions
Is massage therapy or physiotherapy better for pain?
The service name alone cannot answer that. Your history, assessment, preferences and response to care should guide the plan. Ask what improvement you will track and when to review the approach.
Does physiotherapy include hands-on treatment?
It can. Physiotherapy may combine exercise and education with manual techniques when appropriate. RMT care can also include education and home exercises; the difference is more than simply hands-on treatment versus exercise.
Do I need to book both services?
No. Start with an assessment and a clear goal. If another practitioner could contribute, ask what their role would be and how the providers would coordinate care with your consent.
Can I claim student massage under RMT benefits?
Student or non-RMT massage is a separate service. Confirm the provider’s designation and the appointment category, and check your insurer’s requirements before relying on reimbursement.
What if I am unsure which appointment to choose?
Tell the clinic what activity is difficult and whether you already have a diagnosis or treatment plan. The team can help identify the appropriate booking category; a booking conversation does not replace a clinical assessment.
Related guides: Physio vs. Chiro and RMT vs. Acupuncture.
Explore current appointments: Choose your NU MVMT location and appointment in Jane.
General educational information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Sources and service information checked October 20, 2026. Use Jane for current practitioner intake, locations and appointment availability. Benefits depend on your plan.