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Chiropractic Care: Is a Massage All You Need?

Jan 23

We often hear "I have a headache" or "My back hurts." But what are the causes of these symptoms? Well, there are many possible reasons for pain. The most common cause is muscle tension. Another reason may be that you have injured your neck or spine in some way and it has caused nerve irritation. A Chiropractor's office near your area offers relief from both types of pain by correcting spinal alignment and helping to relax tense muscles with massage therapy, not just chiropractic adjustments alone!

Can massage therapy help with chronic pain in the neck or back?

Yes, it can! Massage therapy is an excellent way to relax tense muscles. It has many health benefits including stress relief and improved blood circulation. Some people report that massage helps with pain management as well. The results are cumulative so it may take several sessions for you to see a difference in your chronic neck or back pain but the effects are worthwhile! And remember if you have injuries from car accidents it's important to be checked by a chiropractor first before receiving any type of massages because there could be other factors causing the pain such as spinal misalignment.

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Are there any situations where massage therapy would further aggravate an injury? 

Yes, there are instances where massage therapy would exacerbate an injury. Massage therapists should have a clear understanding of the patient’s injuries or any pain that may be causing discomfort before starting treatment so they can identify changes in symptoms. If you begin to feel increased pain during your session, speak up!

Your therapist will stop immediately and investigate what might be making the situation worse. Their goal is to help you relax by relieving tension from your muscles but if their technique causes more harm than good then it needs to change accordingly.

Massage therapy is generally considered to be safe for most injuries, however, if you are unsure of how massage may affect your current condition or injury then consult with your doctor first.

 

What types of injuries is massage therapy the best treatment for?

There are many different types of injuries that massage therapy can be beneficial for. Carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff injuries are a few examples of conditions that may respond well to massage treatment. Massage has also been shown to help relieve pain and improve function in people with chronic lower back pain. If you’re not sure if massage is the right treatment for your injury or condition, speak with your doctor or therapist. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

How often should I receive massages?

This answer varies from person to person. Some people find relief after one session while others may need multiple sessions per week for an extended period of. It’s important to listen to your body and follow the advice of your therapist. If they think you need a massage every day for a week, then go for it! But if they recommend that you space out your massages to once a week, then stick to that schedule.

The bottom line is that you should do what feels best for you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your therapist wants you to get the most out of your sessions so don’t be shy about speaking up.

Is massage therapy only good for relaxing tense muscles?

No, there are many other benefits associated with massage therapy including increased circulation, reduced stress levels, and relief from pain caused by conditions like arthritis. Massage also helps improve joint mobility and flexibility, reduces scar tissue build-up from injuries, and helps with lymphatic drainage.

If you’re considering massage as a form of treatment for your pain or injury then discuss it with your doctor first to see if they think it will be beneficial to you. If they do give the green light but recommend that massage is paired with other treatments like physical therapy exercises then go for it! Your doctor knows what’s best so trust their advice even if it means having a few extra appointments each month.

Massage can open up airways which help facilitate breathing by increasing lung capacity and reducing respiratory problems caused by conditions like asthma. It also has been shown in studies on preterm infants to improve developmental outcomes at one year of corrected age.

We all know that exercise is important for our physical health, but did you know it’s also good for the brain? Research has shown that there are many benefits of regular exercise on cognitive function. One study found that higher levels of muscle tension correlated to better performance in memory-based tasks and improved concentration. If you want more mental clarity or sharper focus, consider some new forms of workouts that a Chiropractor's office near your area can suggest like yoga or tai chi rather than just running on a treadmill every day. Give us a call here at Peak Potential Family Chiropractic - Houston Heights if you need help finding an ideal workout routine tailored to your needs!