Often patients who have never been to a chiropractor or massage therapist are unsure of what the other treatment can provide for their well-being. However, there are many benefits to integrating these two modalities into one treatment plan.
When chiropractors and massage therapists work together, the patient is provided with a comprehensive care strategy that treats both structural misalignments and muscular tension in a holistic manner. This synergistic approach allows for shorter recovery times and overall improved body function.
Massage Therapy is a Vital Preparation for Chiropractic Adjustments
A patient’s muscles and soft tissues are very tense following an adjustment. The increased flexibility that comes with therapeutic massage can ease this tension and create an ideal environment for a chiropractic adjustment to take place.
Chiropractic adjustments are effective in promoting healthy spinal and joint mobility and function by correcting the misalignment that is called subluxation. However, this type of manual manipulation can also cause inflammation in the soft tissues of the body, leading to discomfort and a longer recovery time. Massage is an excellent treatment for reducing the effects of inflammation and improving the body’s ability to heal itself.
Massage increases circulation. This improves the flow of oxygen to muscle and tissue that are tense or damaged, which helps them recover from injuries more quickly. This increase in blood flow also enables the nervous system to regulate and the body to produce more endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood regulators.
In combination with chiropractic adjustments, massage can help to reduce the formation of fibrous scar tissue, a type of scar that is created when the body responds to an injury or surgery. This scar tissue can bind the joints and prevent them from moving normally, resulting in pain and reduced range of motion. The stretching and kneading action of massage can loosen the muscle tissue surrounding the musculoskeletal structure, helping to relieve this type of restriction.
Choosing a Chiropractor and Massage Therapist that Co-operate
It is essential for the chiropractor and the massage therapist to be on the same page regarding the patient’s wellness goals and their plan of care. A thorough examination of the patient’s medical history is critical in identifying any potential causes of discomfort and establishing an effective treatment plan. This will also ensure that the massage therapist is familiar with how the chiropractic adjustments will affect the muscles and tissues of the body and can adjust their approach accordingly. In addition, a unified team of health professionals can address the root causes of the symptoms and prevent future complications. Ultimately, the more regular and consistent a patient is with their chiropractic and massage regimens, the greater the rewards will be.
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