In 2020, back pain affected 619 million people globally and was the single leading cause of disability worldwide.
In many cases, pain triggers an initial visit to the chiropractor. Still, the goal of chiropractic treatment should be less about the pain and more about finding and treating the underlying issues causing discomfort. While chiropractors assess and adjust the alignment of bones and muscles, massage therapy focuses on manipulating the soft tissues to release tension and relax the body. These two disciplines complement one another and, when combined, can significantly improve patient outcomes and enhance the healing process.
Unsurprisingly, chiropractors are investing in luxury massage chairs to reinforce the effectiveness of their in-office therapies. Here we’ll explore five ways a massage chair can help you get the most out of your chiropractic care.
Massage Prepares Body for Chiropractic Adjustment
Massage has several benefits, such as stress relief, reduced inflammation and improved circulation. Relieving tension from the muscles is a vital component of massage therapy. When muscles are relaxed, they’re more accessible for a chiropractor to work with and around, which makes adjustments go smoother with longer-lasting results.
Restores Elasticity in Muscle Tissue
Spinal misalignment causes pain and can hinder an individual’s range of motion. This is because the bones are not in their proper location, causing decreased function in those areas of the body. Though a chiropractor can help to get bones back in place, the muscle tissue, soft tissue and ligaments surrounding the area will most likely still be tense. A massage chair session after your adjustment can alleviate residual tension around the spine and reduce the buildup of lactic acid that causes muscle pain.
Relieves Pressure on the Spine
Spinal injuries can occur from several causes but often have to do with improper distribution of weight on the spine. Our spine carries most of our body weight, the force of which is primarily placed on the lower back, which is where many spinal injuries can occur. Spinal misalignment and compression of the vertebrae can cause a pinched nerve, leading to pain and mobility issues. The spinal cord is very close to the pinched nerve, which hampers the communication between the body and the brain in a condition called subluxation.
Many luxury massage chairs recline to a zero gravity position to distribute the body’s weight evenly, creating a sense of weightlessness to relieve pressure on the spine and promote spinal decompression.
Massage Promotes Healing
One key advantage of combining massage therapy with chiropractic care is increasing circulation throughout the body. Massage techniques such as shiatsu, Swedish or deep tissue can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body’s ability to heal. Spinal adjustments can also improve circulation, but massage helps your body eliminate the buildup of lactic acid, the main culprit of muscle pain.
Improves Joint Function and Flexibility
Integrating chiropractic and massage therapy can significantly improve joint mobility and flexibility. Massage therapy helps relax and lengthen muscles, reducing stiffness and enhancing the range of motion in the joints. Chiropractic adjustments, on the other hand, correct misalignments that may be limiting joint mobility. By combining these therapies, individuals can experience improved joint function, increased flexibility and reduced discomfort.
Massage Improves Chiropractic Treatment Outcomes
Ultimately, supplementing chiropractic adjustments with massage therapy can amplify treatment results, leading to quicker recovery times and improved mobility. Additionally, regular massage can prolong the benefits of chiropractic care by helping to maintain muscle flexibility and prevent recurring issues.
Massage Session Before or After the Chiropractor?
Massage can be integral to a successful treatment plan, implemented before or after adjustments. A massage before your chiropractic session loosens tight muscles to make manipulation more effective with longer-lasting results. Getting a massage after an adjustment helps the muscles adapt to the new position of the spinal structures. When the chiropractor works to restore regular mobility to a joint, the muscles surrounding the joint must also respond and provide the right amount of tension. Tight muscles after a chiro session could push the joint back out of alignment and cause the pain to return.
Get the Most Out of Your Chiropractic Sessions with a Luxury Massage Chair from Japan
When used with chiropractic adjustments, an OHCO luxury massage chair can maximize healing, leading to quicker recovery times, increased mobility and fewer recurring issues. Designed in Japan with meticulous attention to detail and cutting-edge technology, the M.8 NEO or M.8 NEO LE can enhance your chiropractic outcomes and improve your quality of life for years to come.