Ashland chiropractor, chiropractor in Ashland, VA

Massage for healthy soft tissue

Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to address soft tissue problems. Gentle kneading and stretching lengthens contracted muscles and fascia. Techniques such as sustained pressure, ice massage and stretching can release trigger points. Painful sprains and strains, as well as myofascial adhesions, can be addressed directly with massage techniques that improve circulation and stimulate healthy separation and realignment of injured fibres.

In general, massage increases circulation. This reduces painful swelling and inflammation, and promotes healing by removing waste products and bringing nutrients to your tissues. Like a sponge absorbing water, both fascia and muscles begin to soften and lengthen.

Maintain everyday good health

Both massage and chiropractic offer preventive care to support your ongoing good health and well-being. A timely visit to your chiropractor can reestablish normal alignment and mobility before secondary soft tissue problems develop.

Regular massage can release chronically contracted muscles and fascia, improving the balance among muscle groups and promoting healthful circulation. Your body will be more resilient in the face of daily stresses, less prone to injury and subluxation.

Finally, massage triggers the bodys relaxation response, interrupting a cycle of stress and muscle tension that can build in response to lifes challenges. Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a massage, you are less likely to slip into patterns of tension that can contribute to soft tissue problems and subluxations.

Supporting your home care

To the extent that both chiropractic and massage therapy help resolve your pain and improve mobility, you may find it easier to stretch and exercise. This can help you maintain and even improve the flexibility, strength and balance needed to prevent tension, injury and new subluxations.

Massage is also a powerful tool for helping you to become aware of areas of chronic tension or postural problems, and to understand how these affect your body mechanics. You can then take preventive measures on your own before pain develops.

Massage supports Chiropractic

You can benefit in a number of ways by adding massage therapy to your chiropractic care program. Recovery is normally faster and more complete when you address multiple components of your pain. Chiropractic treatment often proceeds more easily, with less discomfort, when soft tissue has been relaxed with massage. You may be less anxious and more ready to receive chiropractic adjustment after a relaxing massage..Adjustments frequently last longer when muscle tension is released that might otherwise pull your joints out of alignment again.

Chiropractic supports massage

If you are seeking massage therapy for pain but find your pain Persists, recurs or even worsens after your massage, chiropractic could help in these ways: If your pain involves a subluxation, chiropractic adjustment may give immediate relief as your joint is restored to alignment and mobility. You may find that surrounding soft tissue heals quickly once it is no longer subjected to the stress of misaligned joints. The joint movement in chiropractic adjustments can sometimes relax deep layers of soft tissue that can be difficult to reach with massage. Dr. Brown can use x-rays and manual diagnostic techniques to evaluate other possible causes for your pain and can make appropriate referrals if necessary.

Which should I do first

Chiropractors and massage therapists generally agree that your adjustment and massage should be scheduled as closely together as possible. Consult Dr. Brown to determine the preferred order. Whatever the order, the two therapies will build on each other over time to resolve problems, and support your general good health.