Those have already visited a chiropractic office probably know that many chiropractic facilities also offer professional medical massage for their patients. This isn’t just because those who seek chiropractic care may also benefit from massage; it’s because chiropractic care and massage can work together synergistically, improving your overall response to the therapies.
What’s the Difference Between Chiropractic Care and Massage?
For those who are unfamiliar or new to chiropractic care, its focus is primarily on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system to lessen discomfort and improve overall health. This is often achieved through manual manipulation of the spine, neck, and extremities.
Massage is the skilled manipulation of muscular tissue to improve tone, reduce tension and pain, and aid in overall health. Both of these hands-on techniques work well on their own, but together, they can provide patients with amazing relief from symptoms.
[Related: Deconstructing Five Common Massage Techniques]
Benefits of Massage Before Chiropractic Adjustment
One of the simplest ways that massage and chiropractic care work together is by increasing muscular relaxation. Massage prior to a chiropractic appointment or adjustment can result in looser, less tense muscles, which in turn make the body accept the manipulations more easily. Without needing to battle against muscular tension, the chiropractic professional will likely have a much simpler and more effective hands-on session with the patient.
Benefits of Massage After Chiropractic Adjustment
If, like many people, a patient prefers to receive massage therapy after a chiropractic session, the massage can offer additional benefits for the patient. It can lessen any soreness from the chiropractic session and decrease the amount of time needed between sessions. It can also help the body to recover more quickly, leading to better results from treatment. Massage helps increase circulation of blood throughout muscle tissue, which can help relieve any built up lactic acid created by work or athletic activity. This can help improve a patient’s sense of wellbeing and reduce their recovery time after training.
Work With Your Doctor to Determine Frequency
Used in conjunction for the same symptoms and conditions, massage and chiropractic services can truly increase the speed of recovery, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve overall health. If you are considering engaging in chiropractic care for any of a number of conditions, you should speak with your chiropractor to see if they recommend massage for the same condition.
Depending on the doctor’s suggestions, you may end up receiving massage every time you come in for an adjustment, or every other time. How often you receive massage with your chiropractic care depends on the nature of your needs and how your body responds.
What is clear, however, is that if it is administered professionally, massage can greatly improve your response to chiropractic care and your personal sense of wellbeing. Contact Spencer Chiropractic Center today with any questions regarding massage in tandem with your regular chiropractic adjustments.