Massage and chiropractic care are complementary treatments that can improve your quality of life by alleviating body pain and discomfort. A chiropractor generally diagnoses, treats, and prevents musculoskeletal conditions. Massage therapists mainly focus on improving circulation throughout the body and enhancing relaxation. Here’s an in-depth look at massage and chiropractic care and why they work together.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a treatment that involves manipulating soft tissue like muscles and ligaments to promote relaxation. The technique may also relieve pain among patients with chronic or acute pain and enhance sleep. Common forms of massage therapy include sports, Swedish, and deep tissue massage.
Sports massage focuses on boosting performance and speedy sports injury recovery. Deep tissue massage is an intense massage that targets deep muscle tissues. It’s suitable for people dealing with chronic pain. A Swedish massage is a gentle form of massage whose main aim is to enhance relaxation and relieve stress. A professional massage therapist will recommend the most suitable one based on your needs.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal health. A chiropractor uses techniques like soft tissue manipulation, traction, and myofascial release to treat and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The main concept behind chiropractic care is that the body can heal itself with proper alignment. You can experience reduced pain and increased mobility and range of motion with the right treatment.
Reasons Massage and Chiropractic Work Together
Professionals may recommend chiropractic care and massage therapy in tandem, as the two treatments complement each other. Depending on your situation, your chiropractor will advise you on the treatment to start with. Here’s why you should combine the two treatments:
Massage Therapy Prepares Muscles for Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractor may recommend getting a massage before your chiropractic care session if your muscles are too tight. A massage can loosen up the muscles and increase your range of motion. This can make it easier for your chiropractor to adjust your spine and other joints. You may also find your session more comfortable and effective.
Massage Therapy Can Quicken Recovery After an Adjustment
Some chiropractors recommend getting a massage after chiropractic care if you experience muscle soreness. A massage can relieve the soreness. It can also help body muscles and nerves align faster than with chiropractic care alone.
Chiropractic Care Enhances Massage Therapy’s Benefits
Massage therapy focuses on enhancing relaxation and reducing toxins and tension. Chiropractic care picks up from this and extends treatment to the joints and nervous system. This can result in overall well-being.
Chiropractic care can also help maintain the benefits of massage therapy. Joint misalignment can compromise the benefits of massage therapy, as you may still feel some discomfort if the body is out of alignment. Chiropractic adjustments can prevent this by keeping the body well-aligned. You can achieve longer-lasting results from your massage sessions.
Both Enhance Stress Relief Benefits
Chiropractic care reduces physical stress and tension, allowing the nervous system to focus on regulating the mind. It also increases endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood regulators. Combining chiropractic care with massage therapy facilitates more stress and anxiety relief.
Both Improve Circulation
Massage therapy and chiropractic care improve circulation. Combining the two allows nutrients and oxygen to reach muscles, bones, and soft tissues faster. This can enhance healing and reduce inflammation.
Both Are Holistic Approaches to Healthcare
Both massage therapy and chiropractic care treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. This makes them ideal for people looking for long-lasting pain or discomfort relief and overall well-being.
Work With a Chiropractor and Massage Therapist
Working with a chiropractor and massage therapist can improve your overall well-being. Combining massage and chiropractic care can relieve pain, increase mobility, and create a more positive mental state. It can also boost your immune system by increasing blood circulation and enhancing relaxation. Find certified and experienced professionals for the best results.
