What Are the Health Benefits of Massage?

Massage Therapy at Poindexter Family Chiropractic

While chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine and its impact on the nervous system, massage focuses on the 650 muscles of the body.

Relaxation promotes a host of benefits for the mind and body including a heightened sense of well-being, release of muscle tension, and relief from anxiety and depression. In addition, relaxation has been shown to help restore immune function and improve circulation, thereby enhancing healing throughout your body. However, many types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Here are just a few of the health problems that may benefit from massage:

  • Back pain
  • Neck and Shoulder Pain
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • TMJ Dysfunction
  • Stress
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Arthritis
  • Sports Injuries
  • Repetitive Stress Injuries

Massage Therapy Styles

Our massage therapists are trained in various massage styles to help you feel relief from symptoms, heal injuries and to promote overall wellness.
Here are just a few of the types of massage therapy we offer and a brief
description of each:

Deep Tissue – The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on tissues deep under your skin. Deep tissue massage can be therapeutic, relieving chronic patterns of pain and tension and helping with muscle injuries. Deep tissue massage is best for focusing on those painful trouble spots in your body.

Swedish – Swedish massage therapy involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the most superficial layers of your muscles. By relieving muscle tension, this style of massage therapy can be both relaxing, energizing and therapeutic.

Reiki – There is a belief that life energy flows through the body, deeply affecting one’s entire being. Research suggests that energy extends throughout and beyond the physical body. When imbalances occur in the energy’s flow, this disruption can lead to physical, mental and emotional distress. The healing art of Reiki (pronounced “RAY-key”) addresses these imbalances to support good health and well-being.

Pre-natal – During pregnancy your body goes through major changes. Pregnancy massage can help with these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain. Massage may be a great option at a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited. Using specially designed pregnancy massage pillows, the massage therapist will help get you into a comfortable position.

Sports Massage – This style of massage therapy uses a variety of approaches to help athletes before, during and after sporting events. Athletes use this to promote flexibility, help prevent injuries, help muscle strains and aid in healing after a sports injury occurs.

Neuromuscular Therapy Massage – Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that is intended to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This form of massage addresses trigger points, circulation, nerve compression, postural issues and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.

Chiropractic and Massage

Chiropractic and massage therapy are holistic therapies that share the goal of increasing your total health and well-being. Both approaches offer natural, hands-on, drug-free techniques to help the body heal itself. They can be used as preventive as well as restorative therapies. Both work together to resolve the root cause of your pain rather than treat the isolated symptoms. Used in combination, chiropractic and massage therapy can help you maintain optimum health and enjoy life to the fullest.

If you receive chiropractic without addressing related soft tissue problems, you may still experience pain and reduced mobility. In addition, shortened fascia and tight muscles can decrease the beneficial effects of your adjustment. Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to help address soft tissue problems so that you can hold your adjustment longer and discover your full potential.

Sound interesting? Please contact our Battle Creek chiropractic office to make an appointment today.

Healing Touch Chiropractic | (269) 979-7814

Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy for Battle Creek