Chiropractor Vs Massage: The Differences And Their Synergy
Massages and chiropractic care may sound similar to you and can cause confusion but these are two very different treatments. For complete healing we need to be cautious and mindful of the health treatments we are opting for.
Our healthcare workers and doctors treat illnesses but there are many other services that help prevent the illness altogether. There are commonly known as preventive care or therapeutic treatments.
Chiropractic Practice focuses on spinal adjustments to improve alignment and nervous system characteristics, regularly for musculoskeletal troubles.
Whereas Massage therapy mostly entails manipulating soft tissues to reduce muscle tension, enhance blood flow, and promote rest. Chiropractic is occupied with structural correction, even as a good rubdown specialises in tender tissue manipulation for rest and pain alleviation.
In this article, we will get into details of the difference between getting a massage or an appointment at the chiropractor to analyse which is the best route for you.
Understanding Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a specialized form of healthcare that focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those involving the spine.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine.
While a chiropractor is not a doctor, they undergo rigorous training and examinations for their certification. In the UK Chiropractors have to renew their license with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) each year in order to practice.
Techniques Used In Chiropractic Care
When you visit a chiropractor, they will use controlled pressure and manipulations, especially along your spine and this will alleviate any joint or muscle pain or misalignment.
The chiropractor will take a detailed history to curate a treatment plan based on your condition. It is possible that you may require more than one visit to get rid of the pain.
Treatment Goals
The primary goal of chiropractic care is to address misalignments in the spine (subluxations) and improve nervous system function and this can result in benefits like;
alleviate pain
improve mobility
promote overall wellness
Understanding Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a therapeutic practice that involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, like muscles and ligaments, to promote relaxation, relieve tension, and improve circulation.
A massage can promote
relaxation
relieve tension
improve circulation
relaxation of tense muscles
Techniques Used
Massage therapists use various techniques, such as
Swedish massage
deep tissue massage
trigger point therapy
sports massage (for sports injury only)
These different types of massages address specific issues that promote healing and relaxation.
You can choose which massage therapy you want based on your needs whether it is chronic pain, a muscle spasm, neck pain or simply to relieve tension in tight muscles.
You can benefit from a massage treatment even if you do not suffer from anything and are looking to simply relax
Treatment Goals
The primary goal of a massage is to relieve any stress on the body by using controlled pressure that feels good and helps you relax.
A massage is widely used as a relaxation activity.
A Comparison Between Chiropractic Care And Massage Therapy
In comparing chiropractic care and massage therapy, it’s important to understand that each targets different aspects of health and wellness, using distinct approaches and techniques to achieve therapeutic goals.
Focus Of Treatment
Chiropractic care focuses on the spine. It aims to treat the issue at hand and align the anatomy to its optimum positions
On the other hand massage therapy targets the soft tissues and muscles overall. Massages are a popular a method to relax and release tension and not a treatment method.
Approach To Treatment
Chiropractors use controlled pressure and manipulation along the spine to correct misalignments and restore proper function. Massage therapists use pressure subjected by hand movements to alleviate stiffness in the soft issues.
A lot of massage treatments involve aromatics to create an environment of calmness to help you relax as well.While a chiropractor may ask you for your detailed medical history a massage therapist doesn’t necessarily require it unless a current ailment needs to be addressed.
A chiropractor may call you for multiple sessions which may include a chiropractic massage but a massage can be a one time thing until you desire a session again.
Choosing Between Chiropractic Care And Massage Therapy
When deciding whether to seek chiropractic care or massage therapy, it’s crucial to consider your specific symptoms and health needs, guiding you towards the treatment that best aligns with your wellness goals.
Consider Your Symptoms
Your symptoms are the main determinant of the practitioner you should see.
Chiropractic therapy could be more suitable if you’re dealing with issues like chronic pain. joint pain or muscle injuries.
Alternatively, you might schedule a massage with your preferred massage therapists if you’re feeling worried about a pain or just want to unwind from muscle tension and relax your body after a demanding workweek.
Or even better, schedule both as the two do work together helping to reduce pain and improve mobility!
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As desk jobbers most of us can relate to niggling musculoskeletal aches and pains from time to time but don’t know where to turn when ongoing pain can signal an underlying issue. The Chiro Collective (TCC) provides colleagues looking after employee welfare with easily accessible wellbeing seminars, pop up events and workplace perks which ensure real outcomes.
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With day to day living most of us experience one of the three main causes that attribute to pain and dysfunction. These three main categories are repetitive actions, immobility and emotional/mental stress. These three stresses in our lives cause different forms of symptoms such as stiffness, pain, headaches, sciatica, poor sleep, low energy and spinal and/or extremity dysfunction.
If this is an area your organisation is keen to address preventatively, and you're looking for positive outcomes for your people which also align with any PMI or Health Cash Plan provisions you offer, then we think we can help.
If you contact us now we are offering 40% OFF all our events. Or ask about our FREE wellness Pop-ups.
