Massages and chiropractic care may sound similar to you causing confusion but these are two very different treatments. For complete healing it is extremely necessary to be cautious and mindful of the health treatments you are opting for, especially if it is voluntarily.
Your healthcare workers and doctors treat illnesses but there are many other services that help you prevent the illness altogether. This is commonly known as preventive care or therapeutic treatment.
Chiropractic Practices 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 anxiety, enhance flow, and promote rest. Chiropractic goals for structural correction, even as rubdown specializes 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 analyze 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 as well.
Techniques Used In Chiropractic Care
When you visit A chiropractor, they will use controlled pressure, 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 this can reap the following benefits;
- alleviate pain,
- improve mobility,
- promote overall wellness
Very commonly, after a major injury your doctor may prescribe chiropractic therapy for better results. The conjunction of medical care and chiropractic treatments has shown great results.
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.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A massage can promote
- relaxation,
- relieve tension,
- improve circulation
- relaxation of tense muscles
2. 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 ut aligning the anatomy to its default positions
On the other hand massage therapy targets the soft tissues and muscles overall. Massages are more popular a method to relax and release tension and not a treatment method
Approach To Treatment
Chiropractors use controlled pressure 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 joint pain or muscle injury which causes chronic pain
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!
Consult Your Medical Care Provider
It is always better to consult your primary physician to figure out what will be better for your overall health; a message or a chiropractor.
Therefore, a chiropractor and a massage therapist both can heal you and manage pain so you can live comfortably. Choose wisely and we hope you find the practitioner that is best for you.
Chiropractic Care in Ventura County
Dr. Logan Osland is a board certified Chiropractor with offices in Ventura & Oxnard California. Schedule a time for your first appointment and don’t forget about making an appointment with our in-house massage therapists and take advantage of our discount packages.
