Massage Therapy for a Healthier Charlottesville

Each and every part of a human being, body and mind, is connected. Bones support muscles. Muscles move bones. Nerves feed messages back forth between muscles and brain. The human body is a complex, incredibly capable machine. But as anyone who works on cars can tell you, the more complex the machine, the more maintenance that machine requires to remain in optimal condition. That is why we at Charlottesville Family Chiropractic offer not just chiropractic expertise but a full range of massage therapy services to our Charlottesville clients. We want to help you stay fine-tuned so you can face everyday challenges and get the most out of the good times.

How Massage Helps

One principal aim of massage therapy is the release of stiffness in the muscles. Where does this stiffness come from? As we go about our normal daily exertions or react to stressors, our nerves send signals to the muscle groups telling them to contract. Without muscle contractions we could not move at all, so this process not allows us to do work but also to get out of the way of danger. Unfortunately, once the muscles contract they do not always return to a totally relaxed state. A stressed-out mind, for instance, may keep pouring signals into the muscles so that they remain clenched, causing stiffness and loss of mobility. Even worse, tight muscles cannot remove accumulated chemicals such as lactic acid, resulting in discomfort. Over time, chronic stiffness can even lead to skeletal misalignments, calling for the aid of a chiropractor.

Massage therapy breaks that cycle of stiffness. Physical manipulation of the muscles allows the muscle fibers to unclench, release their pent-up biochemicals and return to a more useful, relaxed state. Different methods address different physical needs, so we offer pediatric massage, pregnancy massage, myofascial release and facial massage among our physical manipulation techniques. Pregnancy massage, for instance, incorporates Swedish massage techniques as a way of relieving muscular strains and circulatory issues that occur as hormones and extra weight cause bodily changes. Along with chiropractic, massage is available for the woman in labor to facilitate progression and comfort during labor. A regular course of pregnancy massage reduces the fluid buildup in joints and tissues, taking pressure off the blood vessels in the process. The release of muscle tension near the sciatic nerve helps relieve pelvic and low back pain as well as headaches and insomnia associated with pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnancy massage can even alter hormone levels to treat pre-natal depression and reduce the chance of complications during birth. Pediatric massage is offered for children following injury to help reduce the affects of trauma, tissue damage and pain relief. Classes in Infant Child Massage are available for Parents and Caretakers.

We believe that practically anyone, from infants to the elderly, can enjoy better health and improved function through this ancient healing practice. Our infant, child and couples massage classes are helping to bring the power of massage to Charlottesville residents of all ages. Contact our clinic today and let us massage you and your loved ones back to health.