Chiropractic and massage therapy are two holistic therapies that share a common goal: to to treat the whole person rather than symptoms through natural, hands-on, drug-free techniques. When used in combination with each other, these therapies are preventative and restorative, helping to address the source of stress and pain so that you may achieve optimal health. Those that add massage therapy to their chiropractic care program, for example, will generally enjoy a faster recovery. And since multiple components of the pain are being addressed, the recovery is usually also more complete. Chiropractic adjustments will often proceed more easily when the soft tissue has already been relaxed by massage. And the massage is also helpful because it helps to relax the patient before chiropractic care, making them less anxious and relaxed and ready to receive chiropractic adjustment. The adjustments frequently last longer, too, because muscle tension has been released and joints are less likely to pull themselves out of alignment again.

Chiropractic care is based upon the fact that the body is self-regulating and self-healing. These functions are controlled by the body's nervous system, with the skull protecting the brain and the flexible bones of the spine protecting the fragile spinal cord. But when this system becomes impaired, malfunctions of the tissue and organs may follow, called Subluxation Complex. A chiropractic adjustment can help to restore the nervous system back to proper functioning, giving the body the ability to heal itself again. A chiropractic adjustment can do wonders for the body, improving everything from range of motion and increased circulation to reducing or eliminating pain and swelling. Massage therapy is based upon the same premise of the body having the ability to self-heal and regulate. If the muscles of the body become imbalanced, for example, it can lead to a variety of problems. If muscles are shortened and tightened and one side, the muscles on the opposite side may become overstretched, which can cause pain, weakened circulation, and other problems. But worse, this tightness may also pull the bones the muscles are attached to, sabotaging the work of the chiropractor to realign the body. A massage therapist can soften and stretch the muscle groups, relieving stress on the opposing muscles groups and strengthening weaker muscles, which complements the work of the chiropractor.

Those that are seeking massage therapy for pain but are still suffering should consider chiropractic care, especially if the pain goes away briefly but recurs or, in more serious cases, worsens. If your pain is caused by subluxation, for example, your chiropractor may be able to provide you with immediate relief by realigning and mobilizing your joint. And when it's not being subjected to the stress of being misaligned, the soft tissue around your joints will likely heal much more quickly. The joint movement that takes place during chiropractic adjustments is sometimes able to relax deep layers of soft tissues that are usually too difficult to reach during a massage, and chiropractors have other manual diagnostic techniques and x-ray equipment at their disposal that can help evaluate the causes of your pain, allowing them to make an informed referral, if necessary.

Chiropractors and massage therapists generally agree that the chiropractic adjustment and massage should be scheduled as closely together as possible, so consult your chiropractor to see, in your case, which should be first.

The Chiropractor that I refer my clients and friends to (if they are seeking a reccomendation) is Dr. Kim Johnston of Premier Chiropratic. Dr. Johnston is very thorough and professional, she is the chiroprator I use when I need an adjustment. You can contact her at 904-996-6922 or email at Kim.Johnston@premierchiroandwellness.com. Web site - www.premierchiroandwellness.com.