Massage therapy often gets labeled as a “luxury,” but research shows it offers powerful physical and emotional benefits. Beyond relaxation, massage helps lower cortisol (your body’s primary stress hormone), reduces inflammation and supports immune function.
More Than Pampering: The Science Behind Massage Therapy
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), massage therapy can slow heart rate and blood pressure, decrease stress hormones and relieve both acute and chronic pain (NIH, 2012). Similarly, the Mayo Clinic Health System notes that regular massage supports circulation, flexibility, joint health and even sleep quality (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Massage + Chiropractic: A Perfect Partnership for Whole-Body Health
Chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy are a powerful combination. Adjustments help realign the spine and restore joint mobility while massage therapy relaxes the surrounding muscles, improving how long adjustments “hold.”
Tight muscles can pull vertebrae out of alignment, contributing to back and neck pain. By loosening tension and increasing blood flow, massage helps your chiropractor work more effectively and can even make adjustments more comfortable.
When Should You Schedule a Massage?
For most people, receiving massage therapy before or after an adjustment enhances the results. Massage before an adjustment prepares the muscles and soft tissues, making your body more receptive. Massage after can help reduce any residual soreness and promote circulation to healing tissues.
Your chiropractor can help you decide which approach is best for your unique needs.
Experience the Benefits at Solutions Chiropractic Plus
At Solutions Chiropractic Plus, we focus on the full picture of wellness, not just pain relief. Our massage therapists work closely with our chiropractors to help patients feel better, move better and recover faster.
Call us or go online to schedule your appointment!
(605) 348-2116
www.solutionschiropractic.com
References:
- Crawford, C. et al. (2015). Systematic Review: Massage Therapy for Pain. Pain Medicine, 16(9). ScienceDirect
- Mayo Clinic Health System. (2022). The Benefits of Massage Therapy. mayoclinichealthsystem.org
- National Institutes of Health. (2012). Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know. newsinhealth.nih.gov