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9837 5161

The differences between chiropractic care and massage therapy

When having musculoskeletal pain such as headaches, neck pain, back pain, knee pain and lower back pain, should I get massage or chiropractic care. It is a frequent asked question from patients. They do not know the differences between chiropractic treatment and massage therapy.

Massage Therapy – Chiropractor Near Me

Massage treatment is a natural healing method that began about 5000 years ago. Its history dates back to 3000 BCE or even earlier and originates in India. There are different massage styles and techniques including stroking, squeezing, kneading, rolling, pressing and striking. Apart from focusing on injured or overuse muscles, ligaments and tendons are also important to work on. There are different types of massage therapy that focus on certain parts of the body, use different tools, aroma and healing approaches. The most common massage types are listed here – relaxing massage, Thai massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage, pregnancy massage, trigger point massage and reflexology.

Having regular massage could reduce the muscle tension and stiffness caused by long-term repetitive muscle strain.  Massage may improve not only musculoskeletal system issues but also mental health issues. Research reveals that people with chronic pain are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression compared to normal healthy people. Other benefits of massage could increase joint range of motion and flexibility, improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Chiropractic Care – Chiropractor Near Me

Chiropractic originates from the Unite State and the founder of chiropractic was D.D Palmer. The word of chiropractic comes from the greek word “cheirpraxis”, which mean done by hand. In Australia, a qualified chiropractor is required to finish five years of academic and practical training at accredited universities. Chiropractors are also referred as Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), but are different from the Doctor of Medicine. Doctor of Chiropractic is classified to one of the allied health professionals.

Chiropractors utilize manual therapy to correct joint misalignment to ease musculoskeletal pain instead of prescribing medicine and performing surgery. Spinal manipulation not only can correct misaligned segments but also may alter functions in the central nervous system. The effect of spinal adjustment is to alter firing from paraspinal muscles spindles and to increase pain thresholds. Moreover, spinal manipulation may change how functional connectivity in the brain areas to process pain.

There are many chiropractic techniques and methods to help patients with acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain, which are not limited to only chiropractic adjustment. Diversified and Gonstead techniques are the mainstream to be used for manipulative chiropractors.

A variety of chiropractic techniques are used for different age groups and suitable for a wide range of conditions. Sacral occipital technique (SOT), activator method, Thompson terminal point technique and flexion distraction therapy are the gentler techniques to realign spinal subluxation, which will not involve audible sounds from joint manipulation.

Combining massage therapy and chiropractic care may have a better outcome than chiropractic treatment alone. Chiropractors will refer patients to remedial massage therapist if massage helps to solve a muscular issue or injured muscle recovery.

A general rule of thumb is to visit a chiropractor if you have joint pain, restriction and pinched nerve such as sciatica. Experiencing pain from muscle injuries, stiffness and tension are suitable for massage therapy. If you are uncertain what the condition is, you should consult a medical doctor or chiropractor before choosing a therapy. 

Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Kings Park NSW 2148

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Blacktown NSW 2148

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

Acacia Gardens NSW 2763

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kellyville NSW 2155

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Schofields NSW 2762

The Ponds NSW 2769

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153