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

Everyone wants to start the New Year off with changes that will make their life better. For many people, this means getting healthier, including finding ways to relax and reduce stress. One way to start the year off right is to relax into the New Year with massage therapy.

Massage therapy is a great way to begin the New Year relieving stress and improving ones overall health. It helps one relax the muscles, decrease the heart rate, boost blood circulation, increase the hormones called endorphins which are natural pain relievers, and reduce blood pressure, With massage therapy, one will feel more relaxed, alert, focused, and less stressed.

Massage therapy can benefit all ages. Elderly persons in need of palliative care will benefit from massage therapy. As well, a massage can help infants relieve a baby with belly gas. It can help maintain firm muscles and improve blood flow to and from the heart. A massage boosts circulation thereby removing wastes and toxins from the body much faster. Massage therapy supplies can also ease muscle and ligament tension which reduces pain. As well, muscles spasms will be greatly decreased. Massage therapy also improves deep breathing which can help one manage stress and help people manage breathing conditions such as asthma.

One can choose from a number of different types of massages such as: a Deep Tissue Massage will soothe deep sore muscles and tissues, a Swedish Massage increases the flow of energy through the body, and a Hot Stone Massage relaxes the muscles so that more pressure can be applied to the area. Massage therapy has a therapeutic affect and improves one’s circulatory, immune, muscular, and nervous systems. Massage therapy will involve using massage oils. Different oils have different benefits. For instance, safflower is a blood purifier, almond oil reduces swelling, and olive oil loosens tight muscles. These oils naturally enhance the massage experience. Essential massage oils are also used for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy helps to improve ones emotional and mental well being.

Massage therapy has become a popular form of treatment for not only athletes, but for people from all walks of life. Such lifestyle stresses as increased work hours, more physical activities, and more financial stresses, have resulted in many people seeking massage therapy. A qualified and certified massage therapist can identify the problem area and provide much needed relief, whether it is stress relief or relief from a physical injury. Relief from stress can even help ones physical health. For instance, high levels of stress increases the risk of heart disease. Massage therapy is a healthy way to reduce mental stress, tension-related headaches, anxiety, and promotes ones ability to achieve calm thinking, a relaxed state of mental alertness, and enhances an overall sense of positive well being.

If your previous year was full of stress and anxiety, starting the New Year with relaxing massage therapy will help you prepare to cope with any new stresses that come your way in the New Year. Massage therapy is an effective therapeutic treatment for restoring one’s spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well being.