Especially in the world of physiotherapy, the terms "active" and "passive" have significant meanings. So what's the difference between active and passive therapies?
Let's start with active first -- this is where the patient physically participates in the treatment. Patients are moving their muscles and joints around with or without the assistance of the therapist and/or equipment. Examples of active treatment include stretching, strengthening, exercise programs, active release techniques, and some mobilization techniques. It is these active techniques that make you feel better in order for you to return to your daily activities of living. Active therapy prepares you for the tasks and demands that are placed on your body during your everyday life.
However, before you enter the active phase, it might be necessary to receive passive treatment first. Passive techniques focus more on relieving signs and symptoms (pain, swelling, bruising, etc.). In this type of therapy, patients are not actively involved in the treatment, and they needn't exert any effort. Examples of passive treatment include modalities such as ice/heat, ultrasound, laser, TENS/IFC, acupuncture, and massage. Passive techniques do not help to improve range of motion, weakness, or loss of function in a muscle or joint. Patients should not rely only on passive treatments to get better. These techniques are used only to give your body a boost or push in the right direction to promote healing. The goal, simply, is to eventually advance or progress to a more active approach.
Typically, your first few physiotherapy treatments will consist of passive modalities in order to control your pain and signs/symptoms. Once your pain level starts to lessen, active treatments will be introduced. In my own practice, I like to incorporate both active and passive techniques so that patients get the best of both worlds. Even though these two types of treatments go hand-in-hand, it is important not to rely solely on passive treatment. My goal is to increase the independence of patients at home and decrease the frequency in which they need to come in for treatment.
