Chiropractor or Massage

Chiropractic care and massage therapy play a critical role in the healthcare industry. While it’s true that chiropractic care and massage therapy feel good, they are very different treatments. They overlap in certain areas, and both types of treatments allow for a better range of motion in the joints and are effective in helping the healing process. In this article, you will learn if going to a chiropractor or massage therapist is best for you.

Chiropractor or Massage Therapy

The Scope of Practice

Many massage therapists are expected to take care of both the body and the mind. Most times, a spa massage focuses on relaxation and the relief of mental and physical stress. Candles, incense, soft lights, and relaxing music are sometimes part of the experience. Conversely, chiropractors work in a clinical setting. The chiropractor focuses on treating the joints, spine, and the entire musculoskeletal system, including the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles rather than just the soft tissues. Chiropractors prescribe dietary recommendations, use X-rays, and often offer heat therapy, massage, and physical therapy, and refer patients to other medical facilities if necessary.

Unlike massage therapy, chiropractic is unique in that it does not focus on soft tissues, but on optimization of the spine and the central nervous system. The nervous system controls all the functions of the body, from walking to breathing. When the spine is properly aligned, the nervous system can properly function. Sometimes, muscle pain is due to overexertion or from exercise after insufficient use. However, pain is sometimes a sign that the spine is misaligned and needs to be adjusted. Only your chiropractor knows what the underlying problem is and how to fix it.

The Approach

The typical massage therapy involves using classic Swedish massage. As mentioned above, it isn’t uncommon to find pleasant background music, a dimly lit room, and scented candles. Your massage therapist will apply light to moderate pressure, with the session focused on relaxation. Most spas offer additional treatments like sugar scrubs, facials, mud baths, or pedicures, and foot treatments. While a masseuse can relax tense muscles caused by stress or overwork, they intend to find ways to relax the mind and body, delight the senses, and provide the downtime or pampering you need.

The first visit to a chiropractor will include a description of the issues you want to discuss, which, for most people, are related to the pain that is not the result of overloaded muscles. While chiropractic massage can provide relaxation, the focus here is on chronic pain and health issues. Once the issue is identified, the chiropractor tries to find the heart of the problem. Instead of offering temporary relief, the doctor looks for ways to solve the problem behind the problem or pain. A combination of treatments is used, including stretching, adjustments, and massage.

Which treatment is right for me?

The truth is that we have gotten used to the “quick fix”. We’re looking for an over-the-counter pain reliever to stop headaches. We want an antacid to stop heartburn immediately. We hope the chiropractor will repair our stiff necks and give a massage to correct these sore muscles. It would be very nice if the body worked like that. Most physical ailments are varied and require interrelated therapies for our bodies to function appropriately. Chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy go hand in hand and complement each other. When the muscles are loose, the adjustments last longer, and pain is reduced.

If you are experiencing a health issue, muscle pain, or if you want to know the best treatment option for your situation, feel free to visit our clinic. At Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy, we have highly trained professionals who can guide you in choosing the best care possible.