Massage Therapy

Massage therapy Q&A

How does massage therapy factor into chiropractic care?

Many people seek out chiropractic care because they are in pain. Massage is often incorporated into chiropractic care because it increases blood circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to move efficiently through the body, which aids in the clearing of waste products from body tissues, and facilitates healing of injuries like strains, sprains by reducing inflammation. Massage is also known to increase endorphins, which are knowns as the body’s natural painkillers. Massage is the application of soft-tissue manipulation, which can promote an overall sense of wellbeing by reducing stress, treating muscular discomfort and improving circulation. By combining spinal manipulation with the complementary care of massage therapy, patients experience faster recovery because the soft tissue and other support structures are properly treated as well.  It can also help increase range of motion, improve circulation, and make chiropractic adjustments easier.

What kinds of massage therapy are available?

  • Deep Tissue: Deep tissue massage is a technique that targets the connective tissues of the body as well as the surface muscles. This is an intense form of massage, using a variety of manipulations to penetrate and loosen the muscles and fascia to relieve tension. Patients often benefit from relaxation, the correction of long term problems and can prevent injury with this kind of massage therapy.
  • Shiatsu: Shiatsu massage is a Japanese form of physiotherapy which incorporates the application of pressure and stretches to release muscle tension, ease joint stiffness and realign the body. It is sometimes called finger massage.
  • Swedish: The Swedish massage system incorporates long, smooth strokes and kneading techniques on tense areas of the body to relieve tension and help to remove toxins from the body. This form of massage dates back to Greek and Roman times and is known to be emotionally and physically relaxing.
  • Trigger Point: This kind of massage focuses on stimulating and massaging trigger points in the body. Trigger points are known to radiate pain to other parts of the body, and the philosophy is that releasing the trigger point will relieve the related tension and discomfort.

What conditions can be helped by massage therapy?

Massage can relax muscle tissue, leading to reduced nerve compression, improved joint space, and increased range of motion. This can help to reduce pain and improve function. The circulatory effects of massage can have great value in the treatment of certain inflammatory conditions including arthritis or edema which is a disproportionate accumulation of fluid in the cavaties or tissues of the body.