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5 Therapeutic Massage Benefits You May Not Know About

5 Therapeutic Massage Benefits You May Not Know About Holistic Wellness Deep Tissue Massage

When most people in the Black Hills think of massage, they may picture a relaxing treat. While relaxation is certainly one of the therapeutic massage benefits, research suggests massage therapy may also support musculoskeletal function, stress regulation and overall wellness.

At Solutions Chiropractic in Rapid City, SD, we integrate massage therapy with chiropractic care to support recovery and long-term wellness goals for patients throughout the Black Hills region.

Here are five therapeutic massage benefits you may not know about.

1. Massage May Support Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity

Many women in Rapid City balance work, family and daily stress. Chronic stress activates the sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) nervous system.

Research indicates massage therapy may reduce cortisol levels and increase serotonin and dopamine—neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and mood regulation (Field et al., 2005). These physiological changes are consistent with increased parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) activity.

Supporting parasympathetic tone may contribute to:

  • Improved relaxation
  • Better sleep quality
  • Reduced perceived stress
  • Improved overall well-being

Massage is not a replacement for medical care, but it may complement chiropractic adjustments by helping calm muscular and neurological tension.

2. Muscle Tension Can Influence Joint Mechanics

Muscles and joints function as an integrated system. When muscles become chronically tight, they may contribute to altered joint mechanics and restricted motion.

A Cochrane review found that massage therapy can provide short-term relief for chronic low back pain and improve function in some individuals (Furlan et al., 2015).

By improving soft tissue mobility and reducing muscular tension, massage may help support joint movement and complement chiropractic adjustments aimed at improving joint motion and mobility.

3. Massage and Chronic Pain Management

Massage therapy has been studied for both neck and low back pain. A systematic review found that massage may provide short-term improvements in pain and function for musculoskeletal conditions (Yuan et al., 2015).

Additionally, research suggests massage therapy may reduce anxiety and improve mood in certain populations (Field, 2016).

Because chronic pain often overlaps with stress and postural strain, massage may play a supportive role in a comprehensive care plan that includes chiropractic adjustments, movement strategies and ergonomic guidance.

4. When to Get Massage: Before or After an Adjustment?

At Solutions Chiropractic, timing depends on your goals and presentation.

Before an adjustment:
Massage may help reduce muscle guarding and improve tissue pliability, potentially making adjustments more comfortable.

After an adjustment:
Massage may support relaxation and recovery and may reduce post-treatment soreness.

Research on sports massage suggests it may assist with muscle recovery and perceived soreness (Weerapong et al., 2005), though individual responses vary.

5. Massage and Cardiovascular & Physiological Stress Markers

Some research indicates massage therapy may influence cardiovascular measures. A randomized study found reductions in blood pressure and heart rate following massage therapy sessions (Hernandez-Reif et al., 2000).

Other studies suggest massage may influence certain physiological stress markers associated with immune activity, including natural killer cell levels (Field et al., 2005). These findings are considered supportive and should not be interpreted as treatment for immune conditions.

Massage therapy is best viewed as one component of a proactive wellness approach.

Massage Techniques We Offer in Rapid City

At Solutions Chiropractic, our licensed massage therapists provide individualized care using evidence-informed techniques:

  • Deep Tissue Massage: Targets deeper muscle layers to address chronic tension patterns.
  • Trigger Point Therapy: Focuses on localized areas of tight muscle fibers.
  • Sports Massage: Supports recovery and injury prevention for active individuals.
  • Swedish Massage: Uses lighter pressure to promote relaxation and circulation.
  • Cupping Therapy: Uses suction to increase local blood flow and address muscular tightness.
  • Assisted Stretching: Therapist-guided stretching to improve flexibility and mobility.

Visit Solutions Chiropractic in Rapid City, SD

If you’re looking for therapeutic massage in Rapid City as part of a holistic wellness plan, our team is here to help.

405 E Omaha St., Suite D, Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 348-2116

Visit www.solutionschiropractic.com to learn more about our services.

You can also explore our recovery-support products here:
https://solutionschiropractic.com/featured-products-of-the-month/

Massage therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding medical concerns.

Sources

Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005

Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397–1413. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450590956459

Furlan, A. D., Giraldo, M., Baskwill, A., Irvin, E., & Imamura, M. (2015). Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9), CD001929. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub3

Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Theakston, H. (2000). High blood pressure and associated symptoms were reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 4(1), 31–38.

Weerapong, P., Hume, P. A., & Kolt, G. S. (2005). The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention. Sports Medicine, 35(3), 235–256. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004

Yuan, Q. L., Guo, T. M., Liu, L., Sun, F., & Zhang, Y. G. (2015). Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 10(2), e0117146. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117146