For centuries people have treated various physical and mental conditions with alternative medicine, including massage therapy and chiropractic care. Many people use them separately; however, there are many benefits to combining the two therapies for optimal health and wellness. A local chiropractor in Fredericksburg discusses the benefits of combining massage therapy with chiropractic care.
Benefits of Combining Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care
Improve Overall Body Function
One of the biggest benefits of combining massage therapy and chiropractic care is the improvement of overall body function. Massage therapy helps to relax muscles and improve circulation, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, focuses on the pain sensitive structures of the spine and the proper functioning of the nervous system. When used together, these two therapies can work to improve the body’s overall function, reducing pain and discomfort while also improving mobility and flexibility.
Reduce Stress and Tension
Another benefit of combining massage therapy and chiropractic care is the reduction of stress and tension. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while chiropractic care helps to alleviate biomechanical problems in the spine that create the hypertonic or tight muscles as well as very effective in relieving tension headaches and possible triggers of migraines. Chiropractic also aids in the proper function of your pain modulation centers of the brain and body. Together, these therapies can provide a sense of relaxation and calm, which can help to improve overall mental and emotional well-being.
Treat Specific Conditions
In addition to these benefits, massage therapy and chiropractic care are also used to treat specific conditions such as chronic pain, lower back pain, and fibromyalgia. Massage therapy can help to reduce pain and tension, while chiropractic adding the same benefits will also aid in correcting joint dysfunction and hypomobility from the tight muscles and increase nerve function and control. Together, these therapies can provide a powerful treatment option for individuals suffering from these conditions.
Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care Are Complementary Therapies
One of the best things about combining massage therapy and chiropractic care is that the two therapies complement each other. Massage therapy prepares the muscles for chiropractic manipulation, which can lead to better results and a faster recovery. Chiropractic care also maintains the results of massage therapy, by correcting the joint dysfunction that uses the tight muscles as a way to stabilize the spine and restrict motion. Muscles are the primary joint stabilizers and when the joint becomes injured the body will use muscles through unconscious brain mechanisms to splint the injured joint. While this is beneficial to decrease further injury in the short term, the loss of range of motion through that joint causes discomfort and stiffness and without motion in the joint it does not receive its proper nutrition for the healing phase. Chiropractic manipulation offers a drug free approach to restoration of proper joint motion that increases nutrition to the joint aiding in its own ability to heal the damage at the joint level. When this is achieved the tight muscles will resolve on their own when healing at the joint level is sufficient to decrease the additional support from them.
Improve Sports Performance
Lastly, it’s also worth noting that both massage therapy and chiropractic care work together to improve sports performance. Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle soreness by moving stasis, while chiropractic care can help to improve pain and tightness from pain sensitive structures, as well as increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. Together, these therapies can help athletes to perform at their best and recover more quickly after intense workouts or competitions.
Get the Most Out of Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care
In conclusion, combining massage therapy and chiropractic care can provide many benefits for overall health and wellness. Benefits include improving body function and reducing stress and tension to treating specific conditions and improving sports performance. This combination is a powerful treatment option for individuals looking to improve their physical and mental well-being. If you’re considering alternative medicine, it’s worth consulting with a chiropractor to see if combining these therapies could be beneficial for you.
Reach out to our Fredericksburg team at Stine Chiropractic Clinic to schedule an appointment.
