How Massage Therapy & Chiropractic Work Together

Every year, millions of people around the world suffer from physical pain--in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, and so on. Some people (and their doctors) seem to just look for a magic drug that can take away their pain. And while both over-the-counter and prescription medications certainly have their purpose, the Santa Barbara chiropractors at Advanced Chiropractor Group believe that other--and often better options--exist for pain relief.

After all, medications often come with unpleasant side effects, and pills can be costly or ineffective. Alternatively, many people are finding significant benefits from receiving two complementary and all-natural healing methods concurrently: chiropractic and massage therapy.

What is chiropractic care? 

A chiropractor examines, evaluates, and treats conditions of the body that may affect several major systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological, metabolic, and immunological. Doctors of chiropractic use non-invasive, drug-free, and all natural treatment methods tailored to the patient's specific needs, in order to resolve symptoms and address the underlying causes of dysfunction. Chiropractic methods may include spinal manipulations or chiropractic adjustments, postural analysis, corrective exercise, and lifestyle and nutritional counseling. 

What is complementary massage therapy? 

Massage therapy is used for a variety of reasons, including relaxation and rejuvenation of sore muscles, increased blood flow to and oxygenation of superficial and deep tissue, decreased stress and pain, and increased stimulation and effectiveness of the lymphatic and digestive systems. Depending on the goal of the treatment, our chiropractor uses a variety of hand movements, hand pressure, and/or special massage tools on various areas of the body (including known "trigger points").

How does massage therapy and chiropractic care work together to help relieve pain? 

Though we don't offer hour long massage therapy sessions, complementary massage therapy and chiropractic are highly complementary services that focus on the "whole body" when it comes to healing. Chiropractic care focuses on the restoration of your body's normal alignment and energy flow. When complemented with massage therapy, the restored energy flow is enhanced, which maximizes blood flow, tissue healing, and overall recovery. By receiving both techniques for the management of an acute or chronic injury, a patient can expect accelerated healing, improved outcomes, and a better quality of living. 

Complementary massage therapy techniques include: 

• Percussion 
• Myofascial Release
• Trigger Point
• Manual Traction
• Spray & Stretch
• Joint Mobilization

Complementary chiropractic and massage therapy have been shown to benefit people suffering from several disorders, including: 

• Acute and chronic back pain

• Work-related injuries, including whiplash and overuse injuries

• Anxiety and depression

• Stress

• Insomnia

• Osteoarthritis

• Obesity (thanks to the promotion psychological well-being, stimulation of metabolic/lymphatic systems, and concurrent lifestyle/nutritional counseling)

Are you ready to find relief from your pain? 

The staff at Advanced Chiropractic Group is dedicated to helping you get the relief you deserve. If you're curious about what massage therapy and chiropractic can do for you, then call us today or visit us at our convenient Santa Barbara, CA location.