Massage Therapy
Overland Park
Why Massage Therapy is a Powerful Complement to Chiropractic Care
If you’re seeking relief from back or neck pain, you may be wondering whether chiropractic care or massage therapy is the better choice. However, the truth is that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often work best when used together. Chiropractic care can provide powerful spinal adjustments that bring the body back into alignment, while massage therapy can target muscle tension and improve circulation. When these two modalities are combined, patients often experience faster and more complete healing. In this post, we’ll explore why massage therapy is a powerful complement to chiropractic care, and how the two approaches can work together to optimize your health and wellbeing.
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What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a type of therapeutic touch that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. The goal of massage therapy is to improve physical and emotional health by reducing muscle tension and pain, increasing range of motion, and promoting relaxation.
Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to achieve these goals, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Each technique involves different types of strokes and pressure, depending on the needs of the individual client.
Swedish massage, for example, involves long, flowing strokes that are designed to promote relaxation and improve circulation. Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, uses deeper pressure to target specific muscle groups and release chronic tension. Trigger point therapy involves the application of pressure to specific points in the body to release tightness and alleviate pain.
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to promote health and wellbeing. Today, it is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including back and neck pain, headaches, arthritis, sports injuries, anxiety, and depression. Massage therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and acupuncture.
Before receiving a massage, a client will typically fill out a health history form and discuss their concerns and goals with the therapist. The therapist will then tailor the massage to the client’s specific needs and preferences. During the massage, the client will lie on a massage table or chair, and the therapist will apply oil or lotion to the skin to reduce friction.
This therapy is a form of hands-on therapy that can provide numerous physical and emotional benefits. By using various massage techniques, therapists can reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, and promote relaxation, making it a valuable complement to other forms of healthcare.
How does it work?
Massage therapy works by manipulating the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue, to improve physical and emotional health. There are a few different mechanisms by which massage therapy can achieve these benefits:
- Improved circulation: Massage can increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation in the body, which helps to bring nutrients and oxygen to tissues, as well as remove waste products. This increased circulation can also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Reduction in muscle tension: Massage can help to release tension and tightness in muscles, which can be caused by physical or emotional stress. By relaxing the muscles, massage can also help to improve range of motion and flexibility.
- Stimulation of the nervous system: Massage can stimulate the nervous system, which can help to reduce pain and promote relaxation. Massage can also help to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.
- Decreased stress and anxiety: Massage can help to promote relaxation and decrease stress and anxiety levels. This can be achieved through a combination of the physical touch of massage, the release of endorphins, and the reduction in muscle tension.
Different massage techniques can achieve these benefits in different ways. For example, Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and improve circulation, while deep tissue massage uses deep pressure to release muscle tension and reduce pain. Trigger point therapy can be used to release specific points of tension in the body, while myofascial release can help to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Overall, the specific benefits of massage therapy will depend on the individual and the type of massage used. However, by targeting the soft tissues of the body, massage therapy can provide a valuable complement to other forms of healthcare and help to improve overall health and wellbeing.
The procedure
The procedure of a massage therapy session can vary depending on the therapist and the needs of the client. However, here is a general outline of what you can expect during a typical massage therapy session:
- Pre-session consultation: Before the massage begins, the therapist will typically conduct a brief consultation with the client to discuss their health history and any concerns or goals they may have. This may involve filling out a health intake form and discussing the type of massage they are interested in, any areas of pain or discomfort, and any previous injuries or surgeries.
- Preparation: The therapist will then give the client time to undress to their level of comfort and get onto the massage table or chair. The client will usually lie down face down, face up, or on their side, depending on the area of the body being worked on. The therapist will then leave the room to allow the client to get comfortable and cover themselves with a sheet or blanket.
- The massage: The therapist will then begin the massage by applying oil or lotion to the skin to reduce friction. The therapist will use a variety of techniques, such as kneading, stroking, stretching, or pressure, depending on the needs of the client. The therapist may focus on specific areas of tension or pain, or work on the entire body.
- Post-session recommendations: After the massage is complete, the therapist will usually give the client a few minutes to rest and relax before leaving the room. They may also provide recommendations for post-massage care, such as drinking plenty of water, stretching, or avoiding strenuous activity for a period of time.
The length of a massage therapy session can vary, but most sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. Some therapists may offer shorter or longer sessions, depending on the needs of the client. It is also common for therapists to offer packages or series of massages at a discounted rate.
In summary, the procedure of a massage therapy session involves a consultation, preparation, the massage itself, and post-session recommendations. By tailoring the massage to the individual needs of the client, massage therapy can provide numerous physical and emotional benefits, making it a valuable complement to other forms of healthcare.
The procedure
The procedure of a massage therapy session can vary depending on the therapist and the needs of the client. However, here is a general outline of what you can expect during a typical massage therapy session:
- Pre-session consultation: Before the massage begins, the therapist will typically conduct a brief consultation with the client to discuss their health history and any concerns or goals they may have. This may involve filling out a health intake form and discussing the type of massage they are interested in, any areas of pain or discomfort, and any previous injuries or surgeries.
- Preparation: The therapist will then give the client time to undress to their level of comfort and get onto the massage table or chair. The client will usually lie down face down, face up, or on their side, depending on the area of the body being worked on. The therapist will then leave the room to allow the client to get comfortable and cover themselves with a sheet or blanket.
- The massage: The therapist will then begin the massage by applying oil or lotion to the skin to reduce friction. The therapist will use a variety of techniques, such as kneading, stroking, stretching, or pressure, depending on the needs of the client. The therapist may focus on specific areas of tension or pain, or work on the entire body.
- Post-session recommendations: After the massage is complete, the therapist will usually give the client a few minutes to rest and relax before leaving the room. They may also provide recommendations for post-massage care, such as drinking plenty of water, stretching, or avoiding strenuous activity for a period of time.
The length of a massage therapy session can vary, but most sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. Some therapists may offer shorter or longer sessions, depending on the needs of the client. It is also common for therapists to offer packages or series of massages at a discounted rate.
In summary, the procedure of a massage therapy session involves a consultation, preparation, the massage itself, and post-session recommendations. By tailoring the massage to the individual needs of the client, massage therapy can provide numerous physical and emotional benefits, making it a valuable complement to other forms of healthcare.
Benefits
Massage therapy has a wide range of potential benefits for physical and emotional health. Here are some of the most common benefits of massage therapy:
- Reduced muscle tension and pain: Massage can help to release tension and tightness in muscles, which can be caused by physical or emotional stress. This can help to reduce pain and promote relaxation.
- Improved circulation: Massage can increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation in the body, which helps to bring nutrients and oxygen to tissues, as well as remove waste products. This increased circulation can also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Increased flexibility and range of motion: Massage can help to improve flexibility and range of motion by stretching and manipulating muscles and connective tissue.
- Improved posture: Massage can help to release tension in the muscles that contribute to poor posture, helping to improve alignment and reduce pain.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Massage can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety levels. This can be achieved through a combination of the physical touch of massage, the release of endorphins, and the reduction in muscle tension.
- Improved sleep: Massage can help to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, particularly for those who have trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Boosted immune function: Massage has been shown to boost the immune system by increasing the activity of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Relief from headaches and migraines: Massage can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
Overall, the specific benefits of massage therapy will depend on the individual and the type of massage used. However, by targeting the soft tissues of the body, massage therapy can provide a valuable complement to other forms of healthcare and help to improve overall health and wellbeing.
Benefits
Massage therapy has a wide range of potential benefits for physical and emotional health. Here are some of the most common benefits of massage therapy:
- Reduced muscle tension and pain: Massage can help to release tension and tightness in muscles, which can be caused by physical or emotional stress. This can help to reduce pain and promote relaxation.
- Improved circulation: Massage can increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation in the body, which helps to bring nutrients and oxygen to tissues, as well as remove waste products. This increased circulation can also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Increased flexibility and range of motion: Massage can help to improve flexibility and range of motion by stretching and manipulating muscles and connective tissue.
- Improved posture: Massage can help to release tension in the muscles that contribute to poor posture, helping to improve alignment and reduce pain.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Massage can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety levels. This can be achieved through a combination of the physical touch of massage, the release of endorphins, and the reduction in muscle tension.
- Improved sleep: Massage can help to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, particularly for those who have trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Boosted immune function: Massage has been shown to boost the immune system by increasing the activity of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Relief from headaches and migraines: Massage can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
Overall, the specific benefits of massage therapy will depend on the individual and the type of massage used. However, by targeting the soft tissues of the body, massage therapy can provide a valuable complement to other forms of healthcare and help to improve overall health and wellbeing.
Research and Clinical Evidence
Massage therapy has been the subject of numerous research studies, with many demonstrating its potential benefits for a range of physical and emotional health conditions. Here is an overview of some of the research and clinical evidence supporting the use of massage therapy:
- Pain relief: A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of 60 randomized controlled trials found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain compared to no treatment, placebo, or active treatment. This was particularly true for low back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
- Improved sleep: A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 studies found that massage therapy was effective in improving sleep quality, particularly in individuals with chronic pain or insomnia.
- Reduced anxiety and depression: A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials found that massage therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with a range of health conditions, including cancer, fibromyalgia, and premenstrual syndrome.
- Improved quality of life in cancer patients: A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that massage therapy was effective in improving quality of life in cancer patients, particularly in terms of reducing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and fatigue.
- Reduced muscle soreness and improved performance in athletes: A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies found that massage therapy was effective in reducing muscle soreness and improving athletic performance in both trained and untrained individuals.
- Reduced symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome: A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 studies found that massage therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, including pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Improved immune function: A 2010 meta-analysis of 25 studies found that massage therapy was effective in boosting immune function by increasing the activity of white blood cells.
Overall, the research and clinical evidence suggest that massage therapy can be a valuable complement to other forms of healthcare, particularly for reducing pain, improving sleep, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving quality of life in individuals with a range of health conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential benefits of massage therapy.
Conclusion
Massage therapy can be a powerful complement to chiropractic care, offering numerous potential benefits for physical and emotional health. By targeting the soft tissues of the body, massage therapy can help to reduce muscle tension and pain, improve circulation, increase flexibility and range of motion, improve posture, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, boost immune function, and provide relief from headaches and migraines.
The research and clinical evidence supporting the use of massage therapy is extensive, with studies demonstrating its potential benefits for reducing pain, improving sleep, reducing anxiety and depression, improving quality of life in cancer patients, reducing muscle soreness and improving athletic performance, reducing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and boosting immune function.
By integrating massage therapy into a comprehensive healthcare plan, individuals can potentially improve their overall health and wellbeing. However, it’s important to work with a qualified massage therapist and healthcare professional to determine the appropriate type of massage and frequency of treatment based on individual needs and health conditions. With the right approach, massage therapy can be a powerful tool for promoting physical and emotional health and complementing chiropractic care.
At Integrative Chiropractic in Overland Park, we believe that our patients should always have access to quality chiropractic care. We offer a variety of services including chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and physical therapy. And our staff is here to help you find the best option for your specific needs. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Overland Park who can help improve your health, come see us at Integrative Chiropractic.
Testimonials
Happy Patients
“Really appreciated the time spent listening to issues and understanding that everything is connected. Saw great improvement for my back stiffness on the very first visit.”
“I am in shock and awe….. after dealing with chronic hip, shoulder & neck pain for a year, Dr. Ladd was able to find the problem and solution immediately. I felt so much better after the first visit and now I see a light at the end of the tunnel!”
“Couldn’t be more satisfied, Dr. Carston is just FANTASTIC!! Having been to several well known Spine, Hip and Knee Specialists in the past 2 years I the Overland Park and Leawood area, and not having had any reasonable diagnostics and treatment for my problem, to have found Dr. Carlston has been a blessing. I definitely would recommend him eyes closed!”
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