Chiropractors may use different kinds of massage to treat their patients. Massage is sometimes used to relax patients before a treatment. Traction massage is done before a spinal adjustment. It helps the muscles relax which makes an adjustment more beneficial. The patient lies on a table face up and a pillow is put under their knees. A set of rollers moves gently up and down the spine which massages and stretches the back muscles. Traction devices are also used to lengthen areas of the spine. This helps separate the vertebra which decompresses discs and decreases nerve root pressure and pain.

Massage chairs are also used by chiropractors to loosen tight muscles or adjust the spine. They select the area of the massage and the length of time it needs to be done for each patient. The also set the amount of pressure and type of massage technique. There are massage chairs with traction features. Some of these chairs have rollers that move up and down that move up and down the spine. The rollers lightly push in and around each disc which adjust the spinal column. Massage chairs can stretch the lower body from the hips to the feet. Arms and shoulders can be stretched as well.

Some chiropractors treat their patients with neuromuscular therapy or trigger point myotherapy. This kind of massage therapy is a manual therapy which treats back pain caused by soft tissue injury. A chiropractor will use his fingers, knuckles or elbow to apply pressure on painful muscle spasms. The amount of pressure applied depends on the comfort of the patient. This relaxes the muscles and releases lactic acid. It also helps more blood and oxygen to go into the muscle. Neuromuscular therapy is a treatment for Ischemia, Trigger Points, Nerve Compression, Postural Distortion and Biomechanical Dysfunction.

Chiropractors may be trained in deep tissue massages. Deep tissue massage is done by strokes across the grain of the muscles. Massages are done before or after a treatment. It helps decrease problems in the muscles such as congestion, tension and spasms. Stress on joints, ligaments, cartilage and discs are reduced. If a massage is done before a chiropractic treatment, it makes the joints suppler so the adjustments are easier. After an adjustment, it helps the adjustment work well and relaxes the patient. The pressure used in deep tissue massage may be somewhat uncomfortable. Soreness may be felt for a few days before relief of painful symptoms.

Soft tissue massage can help muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia or connective tissues. Problems in these areas can add to back pain from other reasons. Chiropractic adjustments often last longer when soft tissue areas are treated. Soft tissue massage decreases swelling and inflammation. Nutrients go to the tissues as waste products are removed. Circulation will also improve with this type of massage. Some techniques used for a soft tissue massage are trigger points, Swedish massage and Friction. A chiropractor usually uses a combination of techniques to treat patients such as massage, adjustments, stretching and other therapies

“What is in it for me?” Our human nature causes us to ask this question. Ultimately, we are concerned about our own interests. We should certainly be courteous when driving, waiting in line, or chatting on the phone. However, we ultimately want to know how we will benefit from certain products or services. Hot stone therapy is no different. Is it helpful for therapists to use stones, and hot ones at that? In fact, hot stone massages can provide patients with a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the most significant ones:

1. Revitalizes and relaxes muscles and muscle tissue

Unfortunately, getting a hot stone massage will not give you the physique of the Incredible Hulk. However, it can revitalize muscles that are weak and unused. If you are recovering from an injury, a massage can speed up your recovery, and can improve muscles that have become weakened, due to inactivity.

In addition to reinvigorating your muscles, massages can also provide relief to “trigger points” in your muscles. By relaxing tense muscles in part of the body, you can actually benefit other regions of the body as well.

2. Improves blood circulation

While massages in general can improve your blood circulation, hot stone massages are fantastic at achieving this goal. The reason is that they use heat therapy. The therapist warms the stones to a perfect temperature, which allows them to inflate tiny blood vessels in your body. The result is that your blood circulation quickens.

3. The body releases toxins

Perspiring not only serves as the body’s air-conditioner, but also allows the body to release toxins. While we often do not consider skin to be an organ, it is technically the largest organ of the human body! By using heat therapy, such as hot stone massages, the increase of the body’s temperature causes perspiration to push toxins out of the skin’s pores. This can have a tremendously helpful effect on your overall health, and can even be effective against some sicknesses.

4. Stress-reduction takes place

Stress is a part of everyday life. However, it is important to realize that although we cannot always eliminate the causes of stress, we can indeed change how we deal with it. Stress basically consists of those tense and worrisome feelings we have, due to problems in our lives. Hot stone massages reduce stress by allowing our bodies to relax, and increasing our bodies’ blood circulation. The heat therapy from stones creates this effect.

5. Reduces pain

Our bodies sense the world, through tiny objects called sensory receptors. However, our brains tell our sensory receptors “You are feeling pain.” Hot stones reduce the signals of pain from the sensory receptors, to the brain. Thus, we feel less pain.

Hot stone massages can provide an array of benefits, including the aforementioned ones. Reducing stress in our lives remains one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle of our hectic modern world. Hot stone massages remain one of the best ways to decrease the stress and increase the rest!