Chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial to the body, but it is not without its downsides. Some of the most common side effects associated with chiropractic treatment are soreness, pain and stiffness, muscle spasms and headaches. However, if the chiropractic treatment is coupled with massage therapy, those side effects can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Massage therapy and chiropractic work synergistically to promote optimal health and wellness by addressing different aspects of the body’s musculoskeletal system.
Specifically, massage therapy targets the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) while chiropractors focus on spinal alignment and nervous system function. The combination of these two treatments offers powerful benefits that can help alleviate pain, improve flexibility and boost overall health.
Massage therapy helps the muscles in the neck become more pliable and flexible. This enables the chiropractor to perform more precise and effective adjustments of the neck. In addition, the relaxed muscles make it easier for the chiropractor to release tight knots and adhesions that may be impeding neck mobility.
In addition, massage can stimulate the production of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals that are produced by your body. The use of these natural chemicals can help reduce the severity and duration of your pain as well as other symptoms, including stress, anxiety and fatigue.
It also improves blood circulation, which can help to relieve aches and pains in other areas of the body. Massage can also reduce swelling and improve range of motion. In addition, it can increase immune function and improve sleep patterns. It also improves mental health by reducing depression and anxiety.
Chiropractors have specialized education and training in the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. They often work with other healthcare professionals to provide the most effective care possible for their patients. Some of the treatment methods they use include chiropractic manipulation, massage techniques, physical activity programs, electric stimulation and lifestyle counseling.
When a patient is in pain, they are often stressed or tightly wound. This can affect their ability to relax and respond to treatment. This is why massage therapy is such a valuable component of chiropractic care. It allows the patient to relax, de-stress and enter into their chiropractic treatments with a more open mind. As a result, they tend to get more out of their chiropractic treatments than those who go into them stressed or anxious.