Massage vs Chiropractor

Massage and chiropractic care and are often confused as being very similar or the same. While they may have some similarities, the treatments are very different. Both are effective in preventing certain conditions and enhancing the healing process while relieving pain.

Understanding the differences between massage and chiropractor can help any individual decide whether to seek a massage therapist or chiropractor for their health needs. Massage therapists and chiropractors are aware of the importance of other treatments, which is why most chiropractors wholeheartedly recommend massage therapy for some conditions.

Difference Between Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care?

Massage therapy targets muscle spasms, strained and pulled muscles, and other overworked parts of the body that cause muscle tension. The upper muscle layers benefit directly from the massage by manipulating the soft tissues. Massage therapy relieves pain since massage stimulates the circulation of fluids and energy in our bodies.

On the other hand, chiropractors focus on the joints, the spine, and hard tissues. They are specially trained to perform therapeutic and rehabilitation exercises that can heal a wide variety of health problems that massage cannot. Some of these health problems include headaches, tendonitis, body tension, and insomnia. An initial evaluation of the patient is also done to identify problems and parts of the patient’s body that need treatment. Spinal manipulation or adjustment is the most common technique used by chiropractors to relieve pain caused by problems in the spine, joints, and nerves, joints such as back and neck pain.

What is the Best Option for me?

Chiropractic and massage therapy can be a beneficial preventive measure to help avoid the pain and discomfort of everyday life. It’s usually best to see a chiropractor first, especially if you feel you have an injury, so they can be sure it’s safe to see a massage therapist.

If your main problem is stiffness or muscle pain, or if you just want to relax and unwind, then seeing a massage therapist is the best option for you. Massage therapists can use massage to increase blood flow to the affected area, thereby relieving lactic acid build-up, which often leads to cramps and muscle spasms.

Chiropractic is a better option if you have a pinched sciatic nerve, disc problems, or joint pain. Chiropractors can identify the cause of your pain, be it skeletal or muscular, and help you choose the appropriate treatment. Massage and chiropractic care can be complementary treatments, which is why we offer both therapies at Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy.