Massage therapy and chiropractic care have long been some of the most common types of complementary skeletal treatment. Both types of treatment have been proven effective for the relief of a range of joint issues. In both forms of treatment, the practitioner uses manual manipulation of a specific part of your body to achieve a therapeutic effect. A chiropractor, unlike a massage therapist, is a health care expert who undergoes years of training and takes countless exams before their certification.
The massage therapy techniques used by a chiropractor in Chandler, Arizona focus on the proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal system in relation to the nervous system. While massage therapists will focus on your body’s soft tissues, a chiropractor’s massage techniques will realign the bones in your body, muscles, and nerves to ease your discomfort. The following are the massage techniques used in chiropractic care.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a non-invasive and gentle massage technique designed for the treatment of your whole musculoskeletal system. In craniosacral therapy, the chiropractor uses light touches for the mobilization of the connective tissues, which encompass your spinal cord and brain. The motions generated by the massage move your body’s membranes and help in the self-correction of your body’s internal structure. Hence, it will ultimately improve the function of your whole body rather than your bones alone.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a soft tissue treatment modality designed for the alleviation of musculoskeletal pain and immobility. The fascia is a connective tissue which envelops most of your internal body structure. Any restrictions on its functions secondary to psychogenic diseases, infections, inactivity, trauma, and overuse lead to muscle tension, pain, and diminished blood flow. Myofascial release aims to free this connective tissue, thus addressing the discomfort and pain caused by its functions’ restrictions.
Cupping
In cupping therapy, special cups will be placed on your skin where they will create a suction-like effect. These cups will augment various forms of chiropractic massage. Cupping in chiropractic care has been shown to alleviate inflammation and pain and improve your body fluids’ flow. It also achieves a profound therapeutic massage effect.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage technique for the facilitation of your lymph’s natural drainage. Lymph carries your musculoskeletal system’s waste products to the organs which get rid of it. An accumulation of this waste in your musculoskeletal system will contribute to its inflammation and discomfort. By facilitating the drainage of waste products through the improvement of the lymphatic system’s drainage, your body gets rid of the waste products and hence manages your pain.
For most people, chiropractic care is the same as massage therapy since they both use manual manipulation. The above massage techniques are, however, designed to achieve more than you would reap from conventional massage therapy. Hence, these two types of treatment are no way interchangeable. Chiropractic care is your best bet to a healthy and optimally functioning musculoskeletal system. Unlike other approaches to alleviate joint pain, chiropractic care can be used in patients across all ages. Since it does not have any side effects, the treatment is also open to everyone, irrespective of their health status.
