Both of the treatments can be highly beneficial on their own, but they go well together too! While massage therapy can help loosen up the muscles prior to, or after the chiropractic adjustment, a back adjustment can last longer when your muscles are relaxed after a massage.
They both can help alleviate the pain that is disrupting your quality of life. But Chiropractic care address the spine and its alignment and massage therapists are more focuses on the muscles. The differences don't stop there. There is a myriad of reasons why you may want to choose one over the other.
Their Differences. While there are similarities in how they treat patients, chiropractors and massage therapists target different areas of the body. Chiropractors can directly treat some specific medical conditions by manipulating the spine and joints, while massage therapists reduce symptoms of the condition.
If you have bad muscle tension or joint pain that requires regular chiropractic adjustments, you should consider having a massage following your treatment. Once your chiropractor has realigned your joints into their correct position, that same tension can misalign them once again.
In fact, this is what many clinical care guidelines recommend. So before trying treatments like injections or surgery for back pain, they may want to consider chiropractic care, physical therapy, or acupuncture. Much of the time, back pain resolves with this kind of treatment.
Don't seek a chiropractic adjustment if you have: Severe osteoporosis. Numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in an arm or leg. Cancer in your spine.
But the good news is that you probably won't have to suffer long. Most people feel significant relief within four to six weekly chiropractic adjustments. Although it may take a little time to regain full strength, most people can return to normal activities, including strenuous exercise, within about two months.
Unlike a massage therapist at the spa, tipping your chiropractor is unnecessary. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who help with muscle and bone problems. When you visit them, it's like going to see your regular doctor. You don't tip your regular doctor, and the same goes for chiropractors.
The most common types of chiropractic massage include deep tissue, Swedish, sports, myofascial release, cranial sacral, and cupping.
Massage therapy can be costly, but your insurance company may help to cover the costs. Additionally, you may be able to use FSA or HSA to cover the cost of medical massage. Either way, you will need a prescription from your primary care doctor for insurance even to consider helping with the costly treatments.
Massage works to ease the pressure that is felt on a pinched nerve. This works for nerves that are pinched from muscular tissue. For pinched nerves caused by bone, it's best to seek the help of LAX chiropractic to manipulate the bones back into their correct position.
A good chiropractor will do a few major things very well. They will communicate effectively, provide effective treatments, and value your time. Under these three major factors, you'll find six signs that tell you whether your chiropractor is good.
Massage therapy is a great way to relieve low back pain without using medication or invasive procedures. It provides many benefits, including increasing circulation and improved healing. It also loosens muscle knots, promotes relaxation, and reduces pain.
Both chiropractors and physical therapists should offer you guidance and strategies to keep your pain away and to prevent future problems. If you have had an injury or surgery and are experiencing a loss of functional mobility, then working with a physical therapist is a good idea.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.
The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.
Now the chiropractor can in fact refer a patient for massage. And a massage therapist can exercise decision making and decide what to do and so forth.
Factors like budget constraints and quality of service can influence the tip amount. Cash tips are preferred by most massage therapists as they provide immediate gratification and may help with income reporting for independent contractors.
"Standard care" includes a balance of rest, stretching and exercise, heat, pain relievers, and time. Some doctors also suggest trying chiropractic care. The good news is that no matter what treatment is recommended, most people with a recent onset of back pain are better within a few weeks — often within a few days.
Many people find relief from their ailments through chiropractic treatment, but there are risks and drawbacks. Safety concerns include spinal manipulation injuries. Aggressive adjustments have caused strokes and nerve damage in rare cases. The lack of chiropractic regulation raises safety concerns.
When a chiropractor cracks your neck, the cracking sound is actually gas bubbles being released from the joints. It is not your bones cracking or breaking. The process is called cavitation and it helps to improve joint mobility and relieve tension.