Should You Get Massage Therapy Before Your Chiropractic Adjustment?
So you’ve hurt your lower back, neck, or upper back, and now you’re looking for some help to alleviate the pain?
When patients are injured and in pain, the only thing they care about is pain relief! Before deciding whom to see first, you should focus on who can BEST address the root cause of your problem. There are many questions to consider, so if you need more guidance, check out the top questions you should ask a Chiropractic office BEFORE your first visit.
Massage Therapy as an Option?
Massage therapy can be highly beneficial for pain relief and, in my opinion, should be considered to promote healing, blood flow, pain reduction, and increased mobility. Honestly, it should be prioritized before the Chiropractic adjustment because it helps loosen up tissues and relax you… most of the time. That said, there are occasions when you may need to try other approaches before the adjustment, so please understand that the timing and usage of each service or modality may differ.
The power of touch has been shown in research to reduce pain and increase dopamine levels. Additionally, a skilled massage therapist or provider who can perform Active Release Technique, Graston, or Myofascial release can significantly enhance the healing process!
For these reasons, some form of manual treatment or therapy is often essential for achieving optimal health and relief from discomfort.
On the downside, if you have a major disc herniation, bulge, or other unexamined conditions, or if the massage therapist applies too much pressure, it could exacerbate pain and inflammation.
Exploring Chiropractic Adjustment:
Chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a hands-on treatment primarily focused on the spine and nervous system. These adjustments aim to loosen tight or stuck areas of the body and can alleviate a lot of tension and pain. Additionally, adjustments can help reduce pressure on the nervous system and alleviate pain. Chiropractors can also address other areas of the body that may be affected by your injury or pain.
On the downside, many Chiropractors only perform adjustments, so if they don’t offer other methods of assistance, this could be the only service or advice you receive during your session.
Major Factors to Consider When Choosing:
When deciding whether to prioritize a deep tissue massage or a chiropractic adjustment, several factors come into play:
- Who can actually help? Massage therapists are not authorized to diagnose, so they often don’t perform examinations. For this reason, many of them are treated without a proper diagnosis.
- Adjustment-only Chiropractors: If Chiropractic adjustments are the only treatment offered, it might be wise to seek alternatives. Evidence suggests that many conditions benefit from rehabilitation, soft tissue treatment, or both.
- Nature of the Condition: Consider the nature and severity of your symptoms. If you’re experiencing acute muscle tension or stiffness, a deep-tissue massage may provide immediate relief by targeting specific muscle groups. However, if your symptoms involve spinal injury, nerve impingement, or nerve compression, a chiropractic adjustment may be more effective in addressing the root cause.
Also, if you do have a major disc injury, here is why I don’t recommend Chiropractic adjustments.
https://sandiegospineandsport.com/chiropractic-adjustments-dont-work-for-acute-sciatica-and-disc-herniations/
My Opinion:
Wouldn’t you want to choose the best option to heal faster and address the issue effectively? By choosing only one treatment, you may be limiting your potential for recovery. What if you didn’t have to choose and could benefit from both? A skilled Sports Chiropractor often offers a comprehensive approach that combines chiropractic care, soft tissue treatment, and rehabilitation. Many of them are highly proficient in determining when each approach is appropriate, which can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
https://sandiegospineandsport.com/chiropractic-massage-adjustments-for-low-back-pain/
Conclusion:
Choosing between a deep tissue massage and a chiropractic adjustment can be challenging, but incorporating both can lead to better results! Combining these therapies provides a more comprehensive understanding and diagnosis of your condition, leading to a more effective treatment approach and improved patient outcomes. Don’t settle for one or the other; find a healthcare professional who can provide both.
If you prefer a direct answer, typically, receiving a massage before the adjustment helps!
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Remember, personalized treatment plans tailored to your musculoskeletal health and overall well-being are essential for making informed decisions about your healthcare journey. A comprehensive approach to treatment modalities can provide optimal pain relief and wellness.