How Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy Work Hand-in-Hand
Chiropractic care and massage therapy seem like very different things, but some might be surprised to learn that they are closely related. In fact, most chiropractors incorporate massage therapy into their treatments because it’s so effective with chiropractic adjustments.
This article will explore more behind these two and how they can be combined for the ultimate healing experience.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on ensuring the musculoskeletal system is properly functioning. A chiropractor focuses on using various adjustments to realign the body and provide your back pain relief.
Common chiropractic adjustments include spinal mobilisation, the muscle energy technique, cervical spine manipulation, and the direct thrust technique.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a type of bodily manipulation that focuses on the body’s soft tissues. There are a variety of different massage types that use different techniques to reduce pain and stress. Some common forms of massage include Swedish, hot stone, reflexology, and deep tissue.
The Relationship Between Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy
It might seem like these two fields would be mismatched, but they are very similar and offer many common benefits.
Both of these alternative forms of medicine are designed to provide you with pain relief. Chiropractic care focuses mainly on your spine because it connects to all parts of your body.
If something is wrong with it, this could result in serious health concerns, like slipped discs, arthritis, ligament strain, and scoliosis.
After you have a chiropractic treatment, you can immediately use massage therapy. This is because chiropractic care loosens up your body allowing the massage to get deeper into your muscles.
Massage therapy will continue to stretch your muscles while calming your brain’s pain receptors.
On the other hand, you could have a massage done before you have your chiropractic adjustments. This encourages your body to relax which can help the chiropractor easily alter your musculoskeletal system.
However, you’ll find that most chiropractors incorporate massages into their treatments. A chiropractic massage helps alleviate the cause of pain by directly caring for the spine or joints.
4 Benefits of Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy
1. They Relax You
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy work to calm your body. The methods they use to do so often differ, but they release endorphins. These hormones are natural painkillers that trick your brain into feeling more positive.
By reducing tension in your muscles it can stop the flight-and-fight response which is common in those who suffer from anxiety.
Some studies have shown that both of these can improve your mood because they encourage relaxation.
For instance, one study showed that participants who suffered from mental health issues found their mood was more positive after using alternative medicine such as chiropractic care.
1. They Reduce Inflammation
Another great benefit of these two is that they can reduce inflammation. Chiropractic care does this by realigning your body to prevent your bones and joints from pressing on other areas.
In addition to this, it will cease the production of neuropeptides. This protein creates inflammation as a way to protect the body if it's injured.
Massage therapy is able to reduce inflammation by untightening tense muscles and preventing the spread of cytokines, an inflammatory protein sent out by your immune system.
The soothing massage strokes will pump blood into your muscles and tissues which can provide nutrients while removing harmful toxins. While this might be a little uncomfortable at first, it’s a sign that the massage is working and the soreness will usually go away in a few days.
2. They Improve Your Immune System
You’ll also find that these two can boost your immune system. Chiropractic care will calm your nervous system which is connected to your immune system. If your nervous system is malfunctioning, it can drastically affect your immunity.
This could cause it to not function very well which could lead to severe inflammation and you being more susceptible to illnesses. By ensuring your nervous system is aligned, chiropractic care can keep your immune system healthy.
Massage therapy pushes out toxins by kneading your muscles. This increases blood flow throughout your body and increases your white blood cells. White blood cells can reduce stress hormones and fight off pathogens.
3. They Increase Your Range of Motion
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy increase your range of motion. A chiropractor will adjust your body to ensure all of your bones and joints are properly aligned.
A massage therapist will massage your body and stretch out your muscles. This can reduce tension and stop muscle restriction, especially for your back support.
Overall, both of these will calm bodily stress which allows you to move freely. Because of this, you’ll find that your body is much more flexible which can prevent numerous injuries.
Chiropractic care and massage therapy can be intertwined to provide you with a powerful natural healing treatment. They not only work to cure various types of injuries and illnesses, but can prevent many as well.
About the Author
Dr. Brent Wells founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998. He is currently leading 10,000 Alaskans to more active and pain-free lifestyles without drugs or invasive surgeries.
He brings a progressive and highly innovative approach to chiropractic care. Dr. Wells continues to further his education with ongoing studies in spine conditions, neurology, physical rehabilitation, biomechanics, occupational ergonomics, whiplash, and brain injury traumatology.
He is also a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians.
References
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.92.10.1600
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859208000090
Brought to you by Your Back Pain Relief
