April 05, 2026
Goals and Intention
At Sadhana Health, we offer a range of allied healthcare services—including Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy, and Integrative Bodywork. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How is Manual Therapy different from Massage Therapy?” While the two may look similar on the surface, their purpose, training requirements, and insurance coverage are quite different.
Purpose and Treatment Goals
Massage therapy is generally considered a personal care or wellness service. Its primary goals are relaxation, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing. While it can provide therapeutic benefits, it is not typically classified as medical treatment and is usually not covered by insurance.
Manual therapy, on the other hand, is a clinical, medically‑oriented treatment. The intention behind manual therapy is to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve joint mobility
- Correct biomechanical dysfunction
- Support rehabilitation after injury
- Restore optimal movement patterns
Although manual therapy can feel relaxing at times, its purpose is rooted in assessment, correction, and functional improvement. Because it is considered a medical service, it is often covered—at least in part—by insurance.
Who Performs the Treatment?
Manual Therapy Providers Manual therapy is often thought to be only performed by Physical Therapists, however it can also be performed by Massage Therapists who have advanced training in clinical techniques. At Sadhana Health, our manual therapists with massage therapy backgrounds have extensive education and years of experience in modalities such as:
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Strain–counter strain
- Muscle energy techniques
These skills go beyond foundational massage training and require additional continuing education if these skills are not taught in a curriculum from an accredited school.
Massage therapists may pursue further credentialing by sitting for the NCBTMB or MBLEx examinations. Passing one of these exams demonstrates a high level of education and a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology. In California, completing one of these exams is required for voluntary certification through the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). Sadhana Health only employs therapists who are certified with the State of California.
In Summary
While both massage therapy and manual therapy involve hands‑on techniques, their goals, training requirements, and insurance coverage differ significantly. Massage therapy focuses on relaxation and wellness, whereas manual therapy is a medically‑driven approach aimed at restoring function and reducing pain.
If you’re unsure which service is right for you, our team at Sadhana Health is always here to help guide you toward the best option for your needs.
All Sadhana Health providers are held to highest standards of practice.
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