Massages have been used therapeutically for thousands of years, with styles and techniques evolving throughout the centuries. Today, there are more than 100 varieties of massage being used in countries all around the world, helping to relieve back pain and muscle stiffness in millions of patients.
Although chiropractic care is not the same as massage, an increasing number of chiropractors are offering massage therapy to help alleviate pain and rehabilitate injuries in patients suffering from problems with their musculoskeletal system. Most qualified and experienced chiropractors agree that while massage therapy can be beneficial as a standalone treatment, it is far superior when performed alongside conventional chiropractic adjustments.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy refers to the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There are many different techniques, with some of the most popular being:
Swedish Massage
A gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, deep circular movements, kneading, vibrations, and tapping to relax your body and help you feel revitalized.
Sports Massage
Similar to Swedish massage, but targeted at people heavily involved in sport, and used to treat or prevent injuries.
Deep Massage
With slower, more forceful strokes, this type of massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue with the aim of stimulating blood flow to the area so that they can heal.
Pregnancy
Prenatal massage can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, helps with hormone balances and improve labor outcomes and newborn health
These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.
Reduction of swelling Reduced back pain Reduced joint pain Improved circulation Reduced edema Reduced muscle tension and headaches Reduced stress and anxiety Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles Better sleep
These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.
Reduction of swelling Reduced back pain Reduced joint pain Improved circulation Reduced edema Reduced muscle tension and headaches Reduced stress and anxiety Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles Better sleep
