Certain medications can cause various reactions to massage and some may even contraindicate massage all together. Medications such as muscle relaxers and heavy duty pain relievers should not be taken before your massage appointment as they can change the way your tissues respond to massage.
Muscle relaxers, mood stabilizers, and pain medications can interfere with your perception of pain and/or your ability to communicate with your massage therapist. Any medication meant to thin the blood should also be avoided because of the pressure and increase of blood circulation caused during massage.
The doctor may advise the temporary use of muscle relaxants to help the patient regain enough comfort to then engage in other treatments, such as physical therapy.
It's better not to before your appointments, as then you might just numb all your pain and your body won't give the appropriate feedback during your session. Then you can give more accurate feedback to your chiro about what hurts and what doesn't.
Are muscle relaxers addictive? Carisoprodol and diazepam are controlled substances. This means they have addiction potential and can cause withdrawal symptoms if you develop a dependence and stop taking them. You should avoid these medications if you have a personal or family history of substance use disorder.
The truth is, it depends wholly on you. In general, it's best to get a back massage after your chiropractic care for minor stiffness and aches. Additionally, it's better to have your massage before your chiropractic care when you have a lot of muscle tightness.
Muscle relaxers stay in your system between 5 hours to 10 days depending on the specific medication. Methocarbamol exits in 5-10 hours, while cyclobenzaprine remains up to 10 days. Baclofen lasts 48 hours in urine, carisoprodol 2-3 days, and diazepam up to 3 weeks.
Abuse and serious risks are possible
Muscle relaxants can be addictive, so it's ideal to use them for the shortest possible time and keep them away from other adults and children. Because these medications depress the central nervous system, breathing can be affected, and an overdose can be fatal.
Medication: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help muscle knot soreness. Possible prescription medications include antidepressants or muscle relaxers. These medications can relax tension, lower pain, and promote sleep.
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.
The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.
Muscle relaxants are a type of medication that can be used to help relieve muscle pain and spasms. They work by affecting the nervous system, which in turn can help to reduce inflammation and muscle tension.
Most people prefer to take muscle relaxers at night, not only because the drowsiness side effect makes them unable to concentrate on the tasks of the day, but because the pain relief effect of the drug helps them get a more restful, pain-free and spasm-free night of sleep.
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a fast-acting medicine and you should start to feel some muscle relaxant effects within 30 minutes to one hour. The drowsy side effect will set in quickly, too, so be sure you are not driving or doing other hazardous activities.
Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone (Skelaxin) is a muscle relaxer that has the fewest reported side effects. It's also the least likely of the muscle relaxants to make you sleepy.
The bottom line
Common muscle relaxer side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. Headache, dry mouth, and blurry vision are also possible. These side effects may affect older adults more significantly, which is why muscle relaxers aren't recommended for people 65 or older.
While Flexeril was not classified as a narcotic, its sedative qualities led some individuals to misuse it, especially when combined with other sedatives or alcohol. Misuse could increase the risk of side effects or lead to dependency, making it a less-than-ideal choice for long-term pain management.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
Muscle knots, or trigger points, respond particularly well to massage therapy. A skilled therapist can apply targeted pressure to these tight areas, improving blood flow and easing tension. However, if the knots are caused by spinal misalignment or poor posture, chiropractic care can help address the underlying issue.
Yes! In fact, that's really the best way to get the most out of these appointments. You'll want to talk to both your massage therapist and your chiropractic doctor for a unique treatment plan. However, because they work so well together, many people benefit the most from scheduling them on the same day.