The ancient oriental technique of massage is more than just a way to relax. Massage is used by many healthcare professionals to promote healing, especially in combination with chiropractic techniques. Once your chiropractor performs joint adjustments, massage therapy helps loosen muscles to promote flexibility and function while providing pain relief. At Kanawha Valley Family Chiropractic in Charleston, WV, we believe this combined treatment offers you much more than either therapy alone.

Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage is different in some ways from the sort of massage that is primarily used for stress relief. When the fascia that covers a muscle becomes tight, massage can loosen it. Deep tissue massage improves circulation and promotes healing. By varying the technique from long, smooth strokes to quick taps, the therapist can produce different effects on muscles, fascia, and soft tissue. People of all ages benefit from massage, as do women who are pregnant and suffering from conditions like back pain. Massage may also be combined with techniques such as aromatherapy or the application of heat and cold for maximum benefit.

Combining Massage with Chiropractic

The musculoskeletal system is truly a system in that problems in one area often translate to problems elsewhere. A misalignment in the thoracic spine can cause elevated blood pressure. Flat feet increase the risk of pain in the knees and hips. A chiropractor can analyze your posture and gait, and perform joint adjustments to restore correct alignment. Massage therapy helps loosen tight muscles that are contributing to posture problems or causing pain and loss of flexibility. When you receive treatment from both a chiropractor and a massage therapist, the result is pain relief and increased flexibility.

What Massage Helps

Messages through the nervous system via the spinal cord tell your muscles what to do. Inflammation can interfere with those messages and massage can reduce inflammation. Muscles that are overly tight make chiropractic treatment less effective. Massage is an excellent way to loosen muscles and relieve spasm. The combination of massage with chiropractic treatment has been shown to increase blood flow, improve flexibility and immune system function and promote better range of motion. Massage can be an effective treatment for conditions such as joint replacement surgery, fibromyalgia, or nausea from chemotherapy. Massage therapy also stimulates the lymphatic system.

No matter what your musculoskeletal issues, Kanawha Valley Family Chiropractic has solutions. Our chiropractor offers a free consultation for new patients. We treat all ages, including women who are pregnant, at our office on 4216 MacCorkle Avenue South East in Charleston, WV. Extended hours provide you with scheduling flexibility, and we offer other services such as nutritional counseling and lifestyle advice. All of our care is non-invasive and drug-free. If you want to improve your health and find pain relief, please call us at 304-931-4633.