Chiropractors focus on the alignment of bones and joints to correct problems in the musculoskeletal system. They may also use massage therapy to relax taut muscles.
Massage therapy focuses on the muscles, tendons and ligaments to reduce pain and stress. It also increases blood flow to the muscles.
Combining chiropractic treatment and massage has been shown to provide better results than either alone. Combination enables the spine and central nervous system to heal more quickly.
Relieves Pain
Pain is the most common reason for people to seek medical attention, and a number of studies show that massage helps relieve this pain. It does so by increasing blood flow to the area, loosening and releasing tight muscles, and helping with the movement of toxins through your body’s lymphatic system.
It can also help with neck and back pain. A 2020 study found that people who received spinal manipulation along with visiting their regular doctor were less likely to fill an opioid prescription for their pain than those who only saw their doctors.
This is because the chiropractic approach addresses not just muscle and joint pain, but also how your core structure affects your overall function.
Chiropractic treatments include manual manipulation of the vertebrae, joints and soft tissue. Some of these techniques can be quite painful, so it is important to let your therapist know if you are uncomfortable. A reputable therapist will ask for feedback from you throughout the treatment to make sure the pressure is correct and to address any areas of discomfort.
A good chiropractor will not push a patient to do more than they are comfortable with, and they will be aware of the limitations of their patients. They will use different approaches and techniques based on the condition of the patient, such as gentle manipulation to improve the alignment of joints and reduce how much bone ends rub together in arthritic conditions like osteoporosis.
A rheumatologist or primary care physician should be consulted before you have a chiropractic adjustment, as some of the more aggressive techniques could be dangerous for someone with arthritis. A rheumatologist can also advise you on what type of massage is appropriate for your condition.
Reduces Stress
Massage has been shown to help reduce stress. It is thought to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for your body’s relaxation response. This is thought to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase neurotransmitters such as serotonin. These are believed to help reduce depression, anxiety and sleep problems. In addition, the physical manipulation used in massage is believed to relax and loosen the muscles and tendons that are tense as a result of stress and tension.
Massage is also thought to improve blood flow. This allows the muscle tissues to move more freely and helps the skeletal structure stay in better alignment. Oftentimes, patients who have massage prior to chiropractic treatments experience less pain and discomfort during and after the adjustment. This is thought to be due to the loosened muscles being able to better “hold” and accept the adjustments, whereas tight, stiff muscles may resist these changes.
There is a debate as to whether massage should be done before or after a chiropractic treatment. Some people have great results with pre-procedure massage, while others prefer to receive their adjustments and then come in for a massage to relieve any residual soreness from the treatment. This is something you should discuss with your chiropractor, who will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your individual needs.
Aside from addressing musculoskeletal issues, chiropractors can provide lifestyle advice to help you manage your stress levels and improve your general health and wellbeing. This can include dietary suggestions and recommended exercises to target the areas causing you pain. Massage therapy can be a great complement to this approach, helping you manage your stress and creating a positive cycle of wellness in your life.
Choosing a chiropractor and massage therapist who work well together is essential for achieving the health benefits you deserve. The combination of these two therapies is more beneficial than either one individually. A good chiropractor and massage therapist will recognize this and work together to provide you with the best care possible.
Reduces Illness
In addition to relieving pain, massage boosts immunity. Studies have shown that when your immune system is low, you are susceptible to many illnesses. Pain reduces immunity, and that’s why many people who suffer from diseases and ailments like back pain, neck pain and headaches turn to chiropractic. The treatment has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, digestive problems, menstrual and premenstrual pain, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, headaches, and fatigue.
Chiropractors have a strong focus on the spinal column and other joints and muscles in the body that are misaligned or not moving properly. This is because chiropractors believe that misalignments in the spine affect the nervous system, which controls the entire body. They also believe that many diseases and ailments are caused by a lack of proper nerve communication, which can be corrected by spinal manipulation.
Chiropractic is widely used as a primary care treatment in conjunction with other health care professionals. It is found in private practice clinics, interprofessional care settings, family health teams, hospitals, and patients’ homes. In some cases, chiropractic care is used in combination with other medical treatments such as physical therapy or surgery to help improve recovery times and increase overall patient satisfaction.
During a session, your chiropractor will manipulate the spine and other joints that are not moving correctly to remove interference from the nervous system. The adjustment is made using a precise force applied to a specific part of the spinal joint that is not moving properly or has become locked up. In addition, some types of massage can help the body heal scar tissue and decrease the buildup of inflammation in the joints.
It is important to note that although massage has been found to have many health benefits, it is not appropriate for everyone. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, you should not receive massage because it can cause clots in the blood vessels. It is also important to tell your chiropractor if you have a heart condition or have a tumor because pressure on these areas can cause damage.
Improves Sleep
If you’re plagued with sleep problems, a regular massage may help you get a better night’s rest. That’s because it alleviates stress, which can disrupt sleep patterns, and it decreases cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. In addition, it increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that stabilize moods.
Researchers have found that back massage reduces sleep disturbances in patients with fibromyalgia, and improves sleep quality for those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This condition causes the collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in loud snoring and lack of oxygen during sleep. Massage has also been found to reduce the effects of anxiety and depression, which are common in those with obstructive sleep apnea.
A back massage that includes stroking the muscles downward toward the spine can be especially calming, Wong says. Start with your hands on the sides of the chest and move your palms down toward the lower back, gently pressing down. Continue the stroking motion in a circular pattern, working your way across the entire back to the shoulders and then down the arms.
Even a short back massage can significantly improve sleep, according to research. People who received a 45-minute back massage reported more sound, deeper sleep and less time spent awake during the night than those who did not receive a treatment. And in a study involving cancer patients, those receiving massage were able to fall asleep faster and experience more effective sleep than those not getting a rubdown.
Children with a variety of health issues, including autism and fibromyalgia, have shown signs of improvement in their ability to sleep after receiving massage therapy. In one case, parents noticed that their autistic child became more communicative and relaxed after receiving massages from a certified massage therapist.
Chiropractic is a field of medicine focused on the structure and function of the body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors have a 4-year course of education and training, which includes a BSc in human sciences and chiropractic care, to learn how to manipulate the bones and joints of the body. Massage therapists, on the other hand, have a more general approach to treating pain, anxiety and sleep disorders by reducing muscle tension and improving blood circulation.