Benefits of Chiropractic Care and Massage

The American Chiropractic Association defines chiropractic as “a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system and the effects of these disorders on general health.”  In many cases, chiropractic care is initially sought out because of pain.  However, the practice itself relies not on treating the pain symptom, but rather on treating the underlying issues which are causing the discomfort.

It is a natural and holistic approach to medicine that allows for identification and treatment of pain at its very source.  Chiropractors not only understand how seemingly unrelated ailments may impact one another, they also understand how different forms of treatment may complement one another to bring total body healing and comfort.  For this reason, chiropractors may often provide nutritional or lifestyle advice, which can increase the effectiveness of their therapies.  Furthermore, they may recommend complementary therapies such as massage or even offer them in their own offices.

Much like chiropractic care, massage seeks to offer healing through a hands-on, drug-free technique, providing a long-term benefit of lasting relief.  When combined, the two can be especially helpful.  Here are just some of the reasons that a patient may benefit from the use of both chiropractic care and massage:

1. Quicker Recovery – Patients who receive both therapies will often experience a faster and more complete recovery as a result of the less isolated treatment.  The spine, soft tissue, and all supporting structures rely on each other to function properly, and often, all suffer as a result of injury.  Using both chiropractic care and massage allows them all to be addressed and treated appropriately.
2. Easier Adjustments – Massage allows for relaxation of muscle tension.  When the body is more relaxed, chiropractic adjustments may be performed more easily and successfully.
3. Increased Range of Motion – The goal of chiropractic care is generally to provide increased comfort and mobility.  In addition to pain, many chiropractic patients also suffer from reduced range of motion due to their injury.  Much like spinal adjustments, massages are able to improve the flexibility and mobility of impacted areas such as muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue.
4. Improved Circulation – Massage techniques are often found to enhance blood flow through congested areas and relieve lactic acid, while chiropractic also helps by relieving pressure on nerves due to subluxations.

In addition to these benefits, massage and chiropractic care may also work together to improve posture and manage the pain caused by conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.  For a great number of patients, their particular problem cannot only be treated by chiropractic care, but it can also benefit greatly from the addition of massage therapy.  For this reason, many chiropractic clinics now include massage therapy within their own practice.

If you have a condition which you believe could improve with the implementation of chiropractic care and massage therapy, contact our office to schedule an appointment!