pain

The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Pain Relief: Why Your Chiropractor Might Refer You to a Massage Therapist

If you’ve ever dealt with nagging pain—whether it’s from an old injury or just the everyday stress of life—you know how it can take a toll on your body and mind. Maybe you've already seen a chiropractor to help with some of that pain, but what if they recommend something else too, like massage therapy? You might wonder, "Isn’t massage just for relaxing?" The truth is, massage therapy is so much more than that, especially when it comes to pain relief.

How Massage Therapy Eases Pain

Massage therapy isn’t just about feeling good in the moment (though that’s a nice bonus!). It actually works on the muscles and soft tissues to help reduce pain and tension. Whether it’s chronic discomfort, muscle tightness, or an injury that’s taking forever to heal, massage can help in some pretty impressive ways.

Here’s how massage therapy helps with pain relief:

  1. Loosens up tight muscles: If you’ve ever felt like your back or neck is "locked up," it’s usually because your muscles are tight and stiff. Massage helps release those knots and tension, giving your body more room to move without pain.

  2. Boosts circulation: When your muscles are sore or tight, it can limit the flow of blood to those areas. Massage increases circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients can get to your muscles, speeding up recovery and reducing pain.

  3. Reduces inflammation: If your muscles are inflamed, they can become swollen and painful. Massage therapy can calm that inflammation, which helps reduce pain and stiffness in the long run.

  4. Helps injuries heal faster: Whether it’s a sports injury or something more long-term, massage can help break down scar tissue and restore flexibility. This helps your body heal quicker and more effectively.

  5. Tackles chronic pain: For those dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia, tension headaches, or arthritis, massage can provide consistent relief by addressing the muscular imbalances that cause ongoing pain.

Why Your Chiropractor Might Recommend Massage Therapy

You might be wondering why your chiropractor, who already helps with your pain through adjustments, would suggest adding massage therapy into the mix. It’s actually a common recommendation because chiropractic care and massage therapy work so well together.

Here’s why your chiropractor might send you to a massage therapist:

  1. Muscle tightness makes adjustments harder: When your muscles are super tight, it can be tough for your chiropractor to perform adjustments that stick. Massage therapy helps loosen those muscles, making it easier for your chiropractor to align your spine effectively.

  2. Helps adjustments last longer: Even after a great chiropractic session, tight muscles can pull your spine back out of alignment. Massage therapy helps keep your muscles relaxed, so the benefits of your adjustment last longer.

  3. Full-body pain relief: Chiropractic care mainly focuses on the spine and joints, but pain often involves the muscles too. Massage therapy addresses those tight or overworked muscles, giving you a more well-rounded approach to pain relief.

  4. Improves movement and flexibility: When your muscles are tense, they can limit your range of motion and make it harder for your joints to function properly. Massage therapy increases flexibility, making it easier for your body to move and stay in proper alignment after adjustments.

How Chiropractic and Massage Work Together

The combination of chiropractic care and massage therapy is a powerful one. Together, they tackle pain from all angles—chiropractic works on the structure of your spine and joints, while massage therapy handles the soft tissues and muscles that surround them. This combined approach not only helps you feel better faster but can also prevent future pain from creeping back in.

What This Means for You

So, if your chiropractor suggests massage therapy as part of your treatment plan, it’s because they want to make sure you get the best results possible. By addressing both your spine and your muscles, you’ll experience deeper, longer-lasting pain relief. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, neck stiffness, or any other aches, adding massage to your chiropractic care is a great way to feel your best.

At Active Chiropractic, our team of chiropractors and massage therapists work together to create a plan that’s just right for you. We pride ourselves on helping you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love, pain-free!

  • “Dr. Molly is wonderful. She is kind and motivated to relieve my pain and discomfort so I can resume regular activities. Her recommended homework exercises are simple and take little time, but they have brought awareness of the underlying causes of my low back pain. Treatment has progressed rapidly and yoga and cycling are fun again. She is brilliant!”
    --Ken G – Google

  • “I have been seeing Dr. Hall since I moved to Raleigh in 2007. She cares about people and will give you homework (exercises) because she wants you to get better. Wish I didn't have to share her. ”
    -Kristin L – Google

  • “I have been to many different practitioners over the years for chronic pain in my left shoulder, but Active Chiro is getting me on the right track! Dr. Molly and Dr. Jenni are great, and I have found that combining the chiro/ART with acupuncture at Active Chiro with Stephanie Vanover has been life changing so far! ”
    -Angela H – Google

  • “After 12yrs in clinical practice, Dr. Molly Hall is hands down my favorite Chiropractor I have ever worked with. Not only is she an incredible practitioner, she is always PRESENT, her staff is gracious and professional, and her clinic space is a breath of fresh air! Because she practices ART (Active Release Technique), and NKT (Neurokinetic Therapy) I find that she has more tools than the average Chiropractor. She is my go to for personal injuries, and general body/joint upkeep, and she is my #1 referral for all of my patients as well. ”
    -Meaghan D – Google

  • “Wow. Just wow. I agree with all of what the past reviewers have to say. It is not hyperbole. Working with Dr. Jenni has probably been the most positive and pleasurable experience with the medical world in my entire life. I was is so much pain I was barely sleeping at night even with Acet or Ibuprofen. In less than 2 months, with Dr. Jenni's help and following her advice, I not only feel healed, I feel 10 years younger. And the entire staff is super friendly and competent. I am so grateful for Active Chiropractic. ”
    -Reed A. – Google

  • “Dr. Jennifer Lung is the best chiropractor I've seen in a decade. It's hard to find a chiro who isn't a total "quack" or trying to squeeze as much money out of you as possible, but those at Active Chiropractic have always looked out for my health before anything else. Dr. Lung gives me exercises after every appointment and it's clear that she genuinely cares about her patient's health and progress. The office is clean, modern, and cozy. I always leave feeling right! ”
    -Maura R. – Google