According to research conducted by Consumer Reports magazine, the combination of chiropractic and massage therapy is the most effective when treating pain that has been caused by fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, but the therapies are not limited to treating these two conditions. Whenever a person has been injured from an accident or personal activity, he/she can benefit from regular massage as moderate pressure that is applied to the muscles and soft tissue during this therapy has been shown to have many positive biologic effects. When paired with chiropractic care, here are the top ways that massage therapy can benefit a patient.
Promotes a Holistic Approach to Care
Since our spine is supported by so many parts of our body, our symptoms must be healed holistically. Instead of depending solely on medication or therapy, a holistic approach to care is where chiropractors in Ponte Vedra focus on more than one area of your health. For example, when a chiropractor corrects the position of a person's vertebrae with adjustments, the patient also needs to have massage therapy so that the tissues and bones surrounding the vertebrae can be targeted for optimal joint and bone health. Along with excellent massage therapy, a holistic approach to chiropractic care may include physical therapy, prescription medication, and dietary plans.
Prepares the Body for Adjustments
Many patients who experience chiropractic adjustments for the first time may feel a bit tense afterwards. When patients receive a massage before the chiropractic adjustments, they will experience less pain as the tissues and muscles around the spine would be loosened. In addition, if a patient receives a massage after the chiropractic adjustment, he/she will feel less sore.
Improves Range of Motion
When a person is injured from a physical activity or a car accident, their range of motion will be negatively affected. The patient is likely to have trouble completing everyday activities and continuous pain that will ultimately impact their overall quality of life. While a chiropractor will work on a patient’s vertebra, a massage therapist will work on the muscle and tissues that surround the spine. The result of regular massage appointment is increased flexibility and range of motion.
Supports Optimal Circulation
One of the main components of the nervous system is the spinal cord. During a massage appointment, the manipulative movements that the therapist provides on a patient’s back can assist the nervous system with circulation so that blood, oxygen, and nutrients are transported to the proper place in their body.
Stimulates the Immune System
The combination of massage and chiropractic care is especially important after an injury. The purpose of the massage is to promote optimal healing by releasing the stress and tension that the accident has caused. On the other hand, chiropractic care can heal the trauma that was caused by the car accident or injury.
Alleviates Stress
The reason many people obtain regular massages is to relieve stress. The same concept is true for a patient who is receiving chiropractic care. A massage can help a patient deal with pain and alleviate stress by loosening the tight muscles in their back.
To help a person improve range of motion and reduce constant pain, a Ponte Vedra chiropractor can work closely with highly skilled massage therapists to improve a patient’s overall quality of life. In many cases, a massage is strongly recommended before a patient receives spinal adjustments as the therapy will ensure that the muscle tension is relieved before joints are pulled out of alignment. After a patient has received a massage, it will also be easier for a chiropractor to place the joints back into their original position. Many patients have reported that their recovery from an injury or accident is much quicker when receiving chiropractic care and massage therapy.