The numerous therapeutic effects of massage therapy have been supported by scientific research. Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure.
Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. However, massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs, spinal manipulation or those acts of physical therapy that are outside the scope of massage therapy. Our therapists at Custom Chiropractor offer several types of massage:
Deep Tissue Massage is a type of massage used specifically to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as sprain and strain injuries common in sports. The therapist uses slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues with sustained pressure. This helps break down scar tissue that is formed after an injury, leading to a release of pressure in muscle tissues caused by injuries.
It can also promote more rapid healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. Increased blood flow induces a faster rate of healing, as it increases nutrition and hydration to the affected area.
Deep tissue focuses on specific areas for deeper relief using slow stroke techniques. It is meant to affect the deeper layers of the muscles and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Shiatsu
Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing traditional acupuncture points. Using pressure applied to your body’s meridians to harmonize and balance energy flow, this treatment stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems.
Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing. The benefits of this treatment may include pain relief and a strengthening of the body’s resistance to disease.
Originally I was going to see a Chiropractor but thought I’d schedule an appointment with a massage therapist first. I’ve had minimal movement this past year due to medical reasons and have been working at a desk for over ten years so needless to say, my back was riddled with knots and had tightness of my neck and back. I am so glad I found SCCC!! Maria was my massage therapist and she was amazing!! She made me feel very comfortable and was lovely to chat with. She knew exactly where and how to kneed out my problem areas! I scheduled my return appointment before leaving the office! I will definitely be a long term client and cannot wait to schedule an adjustment with the chiropractors as well!
Sofia V.
I had a 1 hour massage. Extreme shoulder and neck tension with knots. Maria, my therapist was wonderful working out my target areas and gave pointers on what to do at home to help. She provided guidance as well as terrific massage. Of course I am scheduled for next week. Highly recommend. Friendly, professional and affordable.
Andrea G.
I also saw Florence weekly for massages to help with the severe hip pain that was plaguing me. Not only are the providers great, but the front of the office staff are as well. They’re professional and friendly and are genuinely caring. I recommend SCCC to everyone and particularly to those pregnant mommas out there dealing with those pesky pregnancy aches and pains.
Sarah C.
The reason for my visit was because I was experiencing lower back pain, due to working from home and travelling on a plane for extended hours. First I saw Florence (massage therapist) we did a deep tissue massage which left me feeling relaxed, it minimized my back pain and made me feel AMAZING.
Elena G.
Shiatsu aids in reducing chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. This technique has the ability to improve range of motion and relieve muscle tension and increase, maintain or improve muscle flexibility. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
Deep tissue massage is best suited for people engaging in highly physical activities, such as running, or those suffering from injury or chronic pain. If you have a low threshold of pain or are looking for strained muscle relaxation, Swedish massage is more gentle and may be a better option. If you have an underlying medical condition, talk to your doctor before you try deep tissue massage.
4 Issues Chiropractic Care address during pregnancy
- Headaches: Due to the tilt in the neck as a result of posture and the misalignments common to the forward shoulders and loose ligaments, nerve receptors in the neck can be irritated and map out a headache as a response.
- Pelvic Alignment: Proper pelvic alignment allows the baby enough room to grow properly at each stage. As you get closer to labor, a properly aligned pelvis allows the baby to move to the proper head down position allowing an easier labor and delivery. If a pregnant mom does not have proper alignment of the pelvic joints, tightening and spasm of the uterine ligaments and uterine muscle can occur which is termed in-utero constraint. This condition can block the baby’s ability to turn properly and is the main cause of breech presentations. Read more about the Webster Technique here.
- Nausea: When the upper neck misaligns, it can rotate and choke the nerve tissue, one of the symptoms which can occur is nausea. While nausea is a normal part of pregnancy, a chiropractic examination can determine if in fact this symptom is actually a result of nerve interference in the neck.
- Back Pain: 76% of women experience back pain during some portion of their pregnancy. This is due to the shifts in posture and the hormonal changes which occur as the weight gain continues.
Combining Massage Therapy and Chiropractic
People look to massage therapy for a variety of reasons. A skilled massage therapist can often ease pain in sore joints, stiff muscles and even help reduce stress. You will receive even greater benefits if you combine massage therapy with chiropractic services.
The use of both chiropractic and massage therapy is an excellent way to avoid or relieve many muscular complaints. Improvements to the central nervous system are found when utilized together, as this system monitors pain signals in the body. The central nervous system controls the mechanisms through which pain signals are sent to the brain and throughout the body. Combining both treatments reduces pressure and nerve inflammation which decreases pain in your joints. It also decreases soft tissue inflammation due to increased blood flow. You may notice improvement of the immune system’s ability to combat infections by increasing white blood cell function, as massage improves blood flow to injured areas.
With a literal hands-on approach, a massage therapist manipulates the body to help patients cope with injuries caused by physical, mental, and emotional stress. Massaging injured muscles will loosen the muscle tissues, minimizing nerve pressure and increasing the muscles range of motion.
By choosing both chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy, the overall health and vitality will be improved as the muscles and skeletal system of the body work together to regulate movement by signals provided and sent by the nervous system. After an accident or injury, the nerves of the body can become inflamed. Massage therapy as well as chiropractic therapies can alleviate nervous and muscle restraint. Both massage therapy and chiropractic therapies can reduce muscle tension and inflammation of the nervous system, allowing both systems to function at a higher level.
Are there any side effects to Massage Therapy?
As always, side effects vary from person to person. Some influencing factors include your underlying muscle tension, specific injuries and conditions you present with, and your presentation on the day of massage. People typically have more muscle soreness after the massage for a day or two, particularly if receiving a deep tissue massage. However, deep tissue massage should not inflict unsupportable pain. Therapists are trained to prepare your body for the pressure they will be applying and communicate with you during the massage to ensure comfort. If your muscles are overworked and sore already, you’ll probably feel the effects more as toxins leave your body.
Bottom line is:
Therapeutic massage benefits vary for each patient – decreased pain, improved range of motion and decreased muscle tension are common goals. While therapeutic massages are often soothing, relaxation is not the singular goal of the session.
Therapeutic expectations between massage therapists and patients can vary considerably. In some cases, a health professional offers acupuncture and can be carried out as part of a larger treatment plan. Those undergoing physiotherapy for trauma, for instance, may have daily therapeutic massage to relax muscles, enhance muscle tone, and increase flexibility.
Therapeutic massages can be used by people as a stand-alone therapy. Many people receive daily therapeutic massage to maintain themselves in good physical condition, including athletes, office workers, or busy parents.
When performed by a competent and fully qualified massage therapist, people of all ages can benefit from therapeutic massage. Massage is also suitable for disabled people, expecting mothers, and people being treated for medical conditions, although some special precautions may need to be taken to protect the patient’s health.
A variety of massage types are used to extract specific therapeutic massage techniques. Based on your needs, the massage therapist will change and adapt your massage techniques. If you are unsure if massage is suitable for you or not, please contact us. For your convenience you can also book online with one of our registered massage therapists.
