It is a proven fact that there are significant health improvements mentally and physically when utilising a combination of both therapeutic massage therapy and Chiropractic care.
The physical improvements from utilizing both therapies may include better flexibility, increased range of motion, decreased muscle tension, better stress management as well as improving high blood pressure. Mental health benefits of these therapies may also include creating a peace of mind, proprioception and inner balance and a connection to your mind and body.
THE DIFFERENCES
The differences between chiropractic and therapeutic massage therapy are distinct. Therapeutic massage therapy is usually done for 40-60 minutes (depending on the client and their requirements which is assessed following an initial consultation), therapists use a variety of techniques to address musculoskeletal conditions. Gentle kneading and stretching may be incorporated to help relieve tight and tender tissues and alleviate chronic or acute pain syndromes. Massage therapists do not manipulate joints in the same way chiropractors do, however they may also use manual therapy which consists of trigger point work or active release. In trigger point therapy we localize one portion of the dysfunctional muscle and use ischemic compression to restore function. In the active release, we shorten the muscle and make a contact then bring the muscle through its normal plane of motion which then strips the muscle from any muscle adhesions present that may be causing the tightness or restriction.
Chiropractic treatment is usually around 20 minutes. It is based heavily on the chiropractic adjustment which corrects a vertebral subluxation. A vertebral subluxation is a term used to describe a joint that has lost a degree of movement, has abnormal muscle pulling on either side and/or has altered neurological function coming from the nerve that exits the spine at that level. This involves a firm pressure being applied to the area of subluxation and the joint being corrected. This will help restore proper function to the nervous system.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS TO CHIROPRACTIC & THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE THERAPY
- Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments
- Reduces pain & swelling
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Reduced formation of adhesions
- Improves circulation of blood and lymph
- Relieves tension and strain of whiplash related injuries
- Helps reduce headaches
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing
- Strengthens immune function
- Improves posture
THEY WORK TOGETHER
Chiropractic and massage therapy work in conjunction together to help correct the nervous system, joint mobility, muscle tension, ligaments, and fascia. Mechanically, the best way to incorporate the two is the massage therapy session should proceed with the chiropractic treatment. After this, your muscles are relaxed, and your joints will move more freely, and you will get the most out of the treatments.
It is important to note that bones do not move without muscle, so if a muscle is overly tight and a bone is pulled out of place, the muscle needs to be warmed and pliable, then stretched. If not, the chiropractor can ‘pop’ a bone into place, but the tight muscle can ‘pop’ the bone out of place unless it’s addressed first.
Both therapies also help manage your stress- physical, emotional and chemical stresses can be manifested as subluxation and muscle tension in your body.
Here at Elite Performance Therapy, our aim is to bring different types of service lines together to provide the most effective care to our patients.
Isy and Charlotte are here to help you feel better, move better and live pain-free!!
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