What is Chiropractic Massage Therapy?

When chiropractic care is used in conjunction with massage therapy, both treatments work together to create a harmonious effect, resulting in a much faster recovery time for the patient. When the body becomes more relaxed through massage, it allows the doctor of chiropractic to smoothly realign various parts of it.

Chiropractic massage has been proven to assist in mending of a large number of conditions including:

Chiropractic care is an excellent method for improving overall health and musculoskeletal efficiency, while massage has a number of beneficial effects on the body and the mind. Chiropractic massage additionally benefits patients with muscle spasms, as well as soft tissue injuries.

Deep Tissue Massage

While many massage techniques induce relaxation with soothing and gentle kneading, deep tissue massage involves more intense muscle manipulation. Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. Additionally, this type of massage reduces stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.

Unlike most traditional massage that promotes whole-body relaxation, deep tissue massage is often used to target specific trouble spots after an accident or injury has left you stiff and sore, as in instances of whiplash or falls.

Deep tissue massage is used to treat a variety of physical ailments such as:

A Typical Deep Tissue Massage

Before a deep tissue massage, a trained and certified massage therapist will discuss the client’s accident, injury or complaints of generalized stiffness, gaining an understanding of how the pain or injury is impacting the client’s daily life and what he or she is hoping to gain from the massage therapy. The massage itself will be customized to the specific needs of the client, focusing on the stiff, sore and achy areas that are of the most concern.

Deep tissue massage works by breaking down muscle adhesions that can build up after an accident or a chronic illness. By applying intense, controlled pressure and friction to an afflicted area across the grain of the muscle, deep tissue massage relaxes rigid tissue and relieves the pain associated with stiff muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Deep tissue massage may cause some discomfort, and therapists encourage their clients to keep them informed about their comfort level and pain tolerance during deep tissue therapy.

Therapists may encourage their clients to apply ice to tender spots following a deep tissue massage. Some soreness the day after a deep tissue massage can be expected, though the discomfort should pass in a day.

Relaxation Massage

Indulgent and soothing, relaxation massage may not provide therapeutic treatment, but the psychological benefits of the deep relaxation it provides are equally beneficial to body, mind and spirit. Intended to relax tense muscles and ease stress, relaxation massage is the perfect antidote to workweek stress and a wonderful way to unwind.

Relaxation massage is typically performed in a temperature-controlled room with a soothing ambiance, delicate lighting and relaxing music. The client lies comfortably on a massage table, undressed, but adequately draped with a large sheet. This type of massage is entirely customizable. The massage therapist will tailor the massage to the needs and preferences of the client and increase or decrease pressure accordingly. Gentle and soothing, relaxation massage involves rubbing and kneading of the upper tissue layers, inducing profound tranquility that can often lull clients to sleep.

Relaxation massage focuses on the neck muscles and shoulders, where much tension is held, as well as the muscles of the back, legs and feet for head-to-toe soothing. Fragrant oil aromatherapy is often combined with relaxation massage for a holistic and nurturing sensory experience.

Following a relaxation massage, clients should feel relaxed, pampered and recharged. In the hours following a relaxation massage, clients are encouraged to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and to rehydrate the body.

Prenatal Massage

Attending to the unique needs of expectant mothers is the goal of every prenatal massage. Certified prenatal massage therapists are specially trained to tailor their massage techniques to help alleviate common pregnancy complaints and to protect both mother and child during the massage.

How Does Prenatal Massage Work?

Prenatal massage is unique in its application. During the massage, the expectant mother is carefully supported by cushions and pillows in order to provide superior comfort and protect her and the baby from strain or injury. This also helps alleviate extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied.

Prenatal massage is especially gentle, and deep tissue techniques are never used as a safety precaution. In fact, many areas of the body are avoided during this massage to protect mother and child, while extra attention is given to areas of the body that are particularly affected by pregnancy, like the feet and back.

The benefits of prenatal massage are numerous. The gentle kneading massage can be supremely comforting both physically and emotionally to an expectant mother, and the psychological benefit itself can be quite therapeutic. In addition to stress and anxiety reduction, prenatal massage can help reduce expectant mothers’ common aches and annoyances, like swollen ankles lower back pain, leg cramps and headaches.

Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from prenatal massage. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program.