Every day, a patient will inquire about the best time to schedule a massage. Is it before or after I perform a chiropractic adjustment on them?
To determine the best time to get a massage along with chiropractic adjustments, I always consider the role of massage as an adjunct to my chiropractic care.
Here are some more thoughts from Don Girodo, LMT with the Healing Horizon care team in Grand Junction, Colorado. He is a licenced massage therapist who specialises in therapeutic, Swedish, ayurvedic, and Himalayan hot stone massage.
Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care in Combination:
Massage and chiropractic care are two distinct therapies that can be used to treat musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractic care and massage are frequently combined to achieve better results. Chiropractic care involves the treatment of joint dysfunctions that cause nerve irritation. When nerves are impinged or irritated, a significant function is lost, causing muscles to tighten around the affected joint. The primary goal of chiropractic care is to manage these joint problems so that nerve and muscle affectations can be managed and organ system function can be influenced. In some cases of joint dysfunction, however, the muscles surrounding the joint become so tight that joint adjustment becomes more difficult. Massage and chiropractic care are combined in this line to reduce muscle spasms, perform joint adjustments, improve joint mobility, and manage pain.
Massage is most effective at:
There are several points to consider when getting a massage and chiropractic care. This endeavour is based on the professional judgement of massage therapists, chiropractors, and the patient’s condition. Massage can be performed before and/or following a chiropractic adjustment. Here are some guidelines to help you decide when is the best time to get a message:
Massage before Chiropractic treatment:
Massage can be performed before a chiropractic adjustment if the patient has tight muscles around the joint to be adjusted. Because of the limited access to the joints when the muscles are tight, it is difficult to adjust them. Chiropractors recommend a massage before any chiropractic adjustments to relax tight muscles and allow for a more effective joint adjustment. Those new to chiropractic adjustments may want to consider massage before the therapy to alleviate discomfort while the adjustments are being performed. It’s important to note that most adjustments aren’t painful. Massage, on the other hand, helps to alleviate any potential discomfort.
Massage following Chiropractic care:
Some patients find that getting a massage after a chiropractic adjustment is beneficial. This also allows the muscles to relax, which helps to maintain improved joint alignment. In addition, those who visit the chiropractor frequently due to recurring joint problems should have a massage after the chiropractic treatment. Because tension transfers to the joints and bones when muscles become overly tight, this allows the joint to hold the alignment better.
It generally depends on your condition and the recommendations of your chiropractor and massage therapist on whether massage should be sought before or after treatment. Massage should be tried before and after chiropractic adjustments to see which works best for you.
