By Isabelle Gallagher, Salem State University Health Care Studies Student
When it comes to healing ailments and looking for pain relief, there are many options to choose from. It is important to know which services are going to be the most beneficial to one’s issues and own recovery plan. When looking at massage therapy and chiropractic care, both can aid in pain and tension relief, but for certain issues one over the other may be a better choice. Approximately 52 million people in the United States alone experience chronic pain, (which is pain that persists either constantly or on and off for at least 3 months), in their lifetime, and these practices are shown to aid in the lessening of symptoms. Every type of person, of any age, gender, or background may receive these treatments and see positive results from them.
Massage Therapy uses manual manipulation of soft tissue on the body to release blockages and to ease built up tension and pain, manage health conditions, and to maintain wellness. As one of the earliest tools in human history to relieve pain, massage as a pain relief technique has been seen in many cultures throughout the world.
Massage has been shown to be effective in helping to treat people with upper and lower back pain, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, osteoarthritis symptoms, and other tension build-ups in the body. Whether discomfort or tension is coming from an intense workout or an injury, massage may help address the problem. Massage therapy is also known to have a positive effect on mental health. Massage helps to relieve stress from the body, which in turn decreases anxiety and depression levels. It has also been shown to help with sleep conditions such as insomnia.
There are many different types of therapeutic massage that may be beneficial depending on the issues that need to be addressed. Many opt for traditional or Swedish massage, which is the most common massage seen in Western societies. These types of massage mostly provide relaxation, stiffness relief, and increased circulation. There is also deep tissue massage, which is similar but puts a focus on certain areas to address specific issues. Another type of massage is a sports massage, which is beneficial for people who are more active and are regularly doing intense physical activity, used to prevent injury and to lead to a quicker recovery. Another type of massage is pre/post natal massage, which is used specifically for pregnant, soon to be pregnant, or post pregnancy women, which targets different areas and muscles which may be holding a lot of stress or strain. There are many other types including oral massage, reiki massage, chair massage, and foot massage, all having their own unique purposes and benefits.
Chiropractors use spinal and joint manipulation to realign and treat areas of the musculoskeletal system, relieving pain and discomfort. It has been shown to help relieve pain in the lower back, neck, muscles, and headaches. Many musculoskeletal issues in many areas including the head, jaw, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, pelvis, knees, and ankles may be addressed with chiropractic care.
Chiropractors primarily treat spinal issues, injuries, and misalignments. They also treat most muscle, joint, and bone pain and dysfunction including in the legs, arms, hips, and back. Whether someone has chronic back pain from doing tedious work all of their life or they got injured from a car crash, chiropractic care may be recommended to help realign and heal the pain and discomfort.
Prior to actual treatment, Chiropractors may do imaging testing like MRI’s, x-rays, or CT scans to get a better idea of what is causing the issue. Chiropractors may then go about treatment using different techniques. These techniques include adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, exercise and stretching, and joint taping or bracing. These may be used singularly or in conjunction with several techniques depending on the issue.
Both massage therapy and chiropractic care are massage therapy vs chiropractic care including fibromyalgia, sciatica, and arthritis. There are many benefits to both therapies, and they may even be used together for treatment. It is important to do research and listen to the medical professionals as well as the massage therapist and chiropractor you are working with for the best overall results and effects.
Body & Soul Massage in Salem Ma offers Therapeutic Massage for Pain Relief. To learn more about our services visit www.bodysoulsalem.com.
To learn more about Chiropractic Care check out Salem Chiropractic Center www.salemchiropracticcenter.com