Is it Better to Go to the Chiropractor Before or After A Back Massage?

Chiropractic care and massage go together like peanut butter and jelly – but figuring out which service you should take advantage of first can be a bit of a nightmare. Some people operate are the impression that chiropractic care and massage can be used in any order whatsoever. And there’s certainly some truth to that.

The Benefits of Massage Before Chiropractic Adjustment

Scheduling your massage before your adjustment helps to release tension held in tight muscles. This can increase the effectiveness of the adjustment as well as reduce discomfort during the adjustment, as the muscles are often too tense to relax the body during the adjustments.

If you are going to a chiropractor for the first time, a massage before treatment can help to ease the physical effects of anxiety about your first adjustment. In this case, your adjustment will have a greater impact after the massage because your body may be less resistant to the movement.

Spinal misalignment may cause the supporting muscles to tense up in a protective effort of the spinal column. Reduction of tension in these muscles through massage decreases their resistance and interference with your adjustment. Massage may clear access to your joints and spine and reduce the chance of muscle spasm.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care Before Massage

Scheduling a massage after your chiropractic adjustments may help your body acclimate and absorb the beneficial side effects of the adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments often release feel-good chemicals including endorphins that can be fully absorbed through the massage.

Sometimes, in cases of severe pain, your adjustments can leave you feeling sore and even tired or groggy. A massage may be the perfect solution to soothe soreness and ease the after-effects of an intense adjustment.

Chiropractic adjustments can be a bit of a shock to your soft tissue, leaving the body highly stimulated and in an elevated state of tension. A post-adjustment massage can bring the body back to a relaxed state, so you leave the office feeling renewed and calm.

Can I Get a Chiropractic Adjustment and a Massage the Same Day?

Yes, it’s completely safe— and sometimes even recommended— to get an adjustment and a massage on the same day. Some people do them back-to-back, taking advantage of the fact that the two are done in the same building.

Other people prefer to wait a few hours between the massage and the adjustment, especially if they don’t have the appropriate window of time to do both in the same visit. Still, others like to space them out more, which is perfectly fine, too. Again, this ultimately comes down to your preferences, schedule, and what your doctor of chiropractic thinks is the most effective for you.