One of the most popular questions I hear the most while working with my massage clients is, “What do you think of Chiropractic?”
I reply; “If I had to do it all over, I would have become a Chiropractor” HA! If that isn’t enough to tell you what I think about it. Chiropractic Care is basically working with the nervous system specifically manipulating and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially in the spine. So, if I didn’t think Chiropractic Care should be an address, concern, or priority, then I should basically not believe in the nervous system function, another HA. Anyways, seeing a chiropractor can become a controversial, bringing more heat into a session then one needs, so I typically do not bring up unless a client does.
I say—you ask, I tell. The truth that is. A fact is a fact, while opinion is an opinion. Therefore, its Facts vs. opinion in this one!
Here’s some Facts for ya!
The American Bodyworks & Professionals defines Massage as “the movement or structured palpation of the soft tissue in the body.” Massage focuses on the soft tissue in the body, which includes muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Physically manipulating on soft tissue can promote blood flow, boost immunity, increase energy, and reduce stress. When an individual experiences poor blood circulation, tightness, soreness, muscle spasm, limited range of motion, or pain in general, Therapeutic massage can be result in major relief to these symptoms that cause pain.
The American Chiropractic Association defines Chiropractic as “a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system and the effects of these disorders on general health.” Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous system, which is the hard tissue, including the spine and joints. When an individual has back, neck, joint pain, or was in any type of accident then one will seek chiropractic attention. However, it is important to seek care before an incident occurs, we must prevent from any injury occurring and keep our nervous system in check.
There are differences between the two holistic ways of healing but many people experience major relief through a combination of massage therapy and chiropractic services. Massage enables a more effective chiropractic visit. Therapeutic massage warms up the muscles and allows the entire body to relax and prepare the body for their chiropractic adjustment. When an adjustment is followed by a massage, treatment continues to be served through out the entire central nervous system. The body is much more relaxed and opened to treatment, alleviating pain and increasing mobility. However, when a massage is given prior to a chiropractic adjustment the soft tissue tends to heal quicker once joints are realigned. Whether massage is given pre or post chiropractic care, both serve its benefits and are important to add into your regime.
Massage Therapy and Chiropractic care focus on rejuvenation and healing techniques for the entire body to remain healthy. When targeting both soft and hard tissue, the goal toward recovery becomes faster in time.
Here’s some opinions for ya!
I personally have been seeing a chiropractor for the past 10+ years. Growing up, I did have a chiropractor local in my town, so my father and I made it a thing to go get our adjustments! I remember going 1-2x per month and as I continued getting older, I would seek more frequent care around flare ups. Way back in High School when I played tennis, I don’t distinctly remember an injury of some sort, but I do remember randomly having chronic mid back pain every now and then… I look back (now being a licensed massage therapist and I’m like DUH… a ton of torso rotation happening throughout my sport= overuse injury)! As life was unfolding, I ended up choosing a job over tennis. This job was working for a Chiropractor as their front desk receptionist. This is where I learned as much as I would without attending school for chiropractic. Fast forward to going off to college for my B.A., then completing massage school and receiving my license. I then worked for another chiropractor but as their Massage Therapist! Here is where I learned even more than what I did then, but the manipulation and its benefits while combining with Massage Therapy!
So YESS! Chiropractic care and Massage do go hand and hand. I participate in both. I aim for a massage weekly (My body is ready every 4 days, but reality of things I get one every other week, while I do as much as I can for self-care). As far as chiropractic goes, I am currently at 1x per month. Four months ago I was going 2x per month, and six months ago I was going 1x per week—so its really on each individuals’ specific needs.
**Keeping in mind the best time to have a chiropractor adjustment is within 24 hours, but up to 72 hours from after having a massage treatment.
As Massage works with the soft manipulation, it allows things to loosen up prior to any abrupt adjustment that could be a shock to the body.
Chiropractic Care CANNOT work without Massage. Massage CAN work without Chiropractic Care but, you will a better overall health with the combination of both.
The importance of both MASSAGE and CHIROPRACTIC and the effects it has on the body and wellbeing is incredible.
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