How Complementary are Massage and Chiropractic Therapy?
We promote the benefits that regular massage therapy can bring to the soft tissues. Massage can relieve pain whilst maintaining, rehabilitating or augmenting the physical functions of the body. Massage can treat specific problem areas as well as treating the body holistically by normalising the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. It can improve circulation through the muscles and soft tissue, improving healing and recovery to any damaged tissue. The positive effects of massage on the nervous system in aiding relaxation are also high on the list of beneficial effects of massage.
Chiropractors work both directly and indirectly with the central nervous system. Each tissue and cell in the body is controlled by nerve impulses from the brain and every function of the body is controlled by the nervous system. The nerves from the brain to different parts of the body pass through the spinal cord which is protected by the spine. The nerves leave the spinal cord through openings between the spinal vertebrae. When the vertebrae become misaligned through injury, degeneration or postural problems, they can interfere with the normal function of the nerves. The misalignment (known as a ‘vertebral subluxation”) can cause pain and malfunction to the nervous system.
The Chiropractor determines the precise amount of spinal misalignment through thorough examination and adjustments to the spine, made to release the subluxations and to remove the cause of pain.
Massage Supports Chiropractic Care
By adding massage to your chiropractic care then recovery is normally faster (and more complete) by addressing the multiple components of pain. A chiropractic treatment often proceeds with less discomfort when massage has released the soft tissue. Also adjustments may last longer when tension is released that might otherwise pull the vertebrae out of alignment.
Chiropractic Care Supports Massage
If pain persists after a massage then visiting a chiropractor may help particularly if pain is associated with a subluxation. An adjustment may give relief as the mobility and alignment of the joint is restored. The soft tissues can heal quicker once there is no stress from misaligned joints.
Are Massage and Chiropractic Care Complementary?
Used in combination, massage and chiropractic therapy can form a synergistic healing approach to address pain on several levels. Both sudden impacts and chronic muscle tension can pull (and hold) joints out of normal alignment. Chiropractic adjustments return the vertebrae and joints to their correct position. Subluxations are normally associated with tension to surrounding soft tissues which can cause pain that spreads as the muscles of the surrounding area protectively tighten.
Through time, tight muscles and fascia can develop adhesions that prevent muscles lengthening out completely. Thus addressing soft tissue issues is an important complement to chiropractic therapy. If a subluxation is adjusted without dealing with related soft tissues then the whole problem is not addressed and pain may continue. Chiropractors and massage therapists generally agree that the massage and adjustment should be scheduled as close together as possible.
Back pain, sore necks and headaches are common painful conditions that affect almost all of us at some stage in our lives. Massage and chiropractic care when used in combination can form a synergistic healing approach that can address pain on many levels. Over time the therapies can build on each other to resolve problems and provide a framework for long term health.
Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication made by or attributed to Eastern Suburbs Massage and its representatives, whether oral or in writing, is not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a trained physician or healthcare practitioner.
