IndexA Brief History of Massage TherapyTypes of MassageWhat are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?What is the Difference Between a Spa Massage and a Chiropractic MassageAre There Risks to Chiropractic Massage? Does chiropractic massage have any side effects? What is the connection between chiropractic care and massage therapy? Should I get massage before or after my adjustments? Is chiropractic care as safe as chiropractic massage? What are the pros and cons of all this? Massage therapy has been around for centuries and has been used for medicinal and/or healing purposes throughout the world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Has your doctor prescribed chiropractic massage in Wasilla? Wondering if chiropractic care with massage therapy could help heal your injuries? Maybe you've heard or read stories about chiropractic massage therapy and wondered if there are chiropractors or massage therapists near you in Wasilla? There are so many questions! Depending on your situation, you likely have questions regarding both chiropractic care and chiropractic massage therapy, including:What are the pros and cons of massage therapy? Should I get massage before or after chiropractic adjustments? Can I see the chiropractor and get a massage on the same day? Are both practices safe? How does massage therapy affect my body? Are there any side effects to chiropractic massage? You may have other questions, but the above are the most frequently asked questions. We would like to take a few minutes to introduce you to chiropractic massage, answer some of your questions, and go over the pros and cons of this type of treatment. A Brief History of Massage Therapy The use of massage as therapy dates back centuries. This treatment has its roots in the ancient medicinal practices of Egypt, China and India. Even the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, described massage therapy as “the art of rubbing”. During the Renaissance, this type of healing therapy reached Europe and in the 1850s, a pair of American doctors, who had spent time in Sweden studying other forms of medicine and healing, returned to America with what is now called massage Swedish. Types of Massage While almost everyone is familiar with the classic Swedish massage, few people know that there are a substantial number of different massage techniques, including some that are a blend of massage techniques. Chiropractic massage techniques vary from clinic to clinic and even from person to person, depending on the type of massage that will work best for the individual. The most used massage techniques are: Swedish massage: sometimes called relaxation massage. This is the most common type of massage as it is gentle and provides a feeling of deep relaxation. Pregnancy massage: It is a Swedish massage but with some modifications to adapt to the woman's growing belly. Sports massage: For those who live a lifestyle active lives, are involved in heavy exercises or perform physically demanding jobs, or for athletes, sports massage helps keep muscles strong and flexible, improving blood circulation to promote healing. Deep tissue massage: This massage uses multiple strokes slow and goes against the flow, if you will and will use stronger pressure to reach the connective tissue. For those with very tight muscles, chronic pain, or those with injuries, this type of intense massage often leaves the person with some soreness afterward. Hot stone massage and aromatherapy: This technique can be combined or performedseparately. These are basically Swedish massages performed with scented essential oils and/or with hot stones placed in certain positions to release tension. These rounded stones are then used to massage areas of the body. Trigger point massage: Trigger points are actually muscle knots that are often painful to the touch. This type of massage is common in chiropractic massage therapy and works well for sciatica, low back pain, migraines, and carpal tunnel. Thai Massage: This is more of a toning, rather than relaxing, massage, as the therapist stretches, pulls, and compresses the body quite vigorously.Shiatsu massage: the word Shiatsu means pressure with the fingers. In this massage, thumb or finger pressure is placed on specific acupuncture meridians to release blocked energy. Chair massage: You often see this massage in shopping malls, where people sit on chairs with their faces in a special cushion. This type of massage is also performed on massage chairs that you find in public places, such as shopping centers or open-air cinemas. Therapeutic Massage: This is the most common type of massage you will experience at your chiropractor's office. These are different types of massage, depending on the client's needs. Stretching, hot compresses, or cold compresses may also be involved. What are the benefits of massage therapy? Regardless of the type of massage you receive, the benefits of regular massage are many. Reduced stress Deep feelings of well-being and relaxation (the exception being Thai or Shiatsu massage) Improvements in blood circulation Faster healing due to improved blood flow Improved range of motion and flexibility Reduced pain Deeper, more restful sleep Improved mood Fewer episodes of depression Improved immune function Chiropractic massage therapy, in particular, offers healing and benefits to reduce or prevent muscle pain. The University of Miami Medical School Touch Research Division has conducted over 100 studies demonstrating the benefits of regular massage therapy, some of these studies show benefits for anorexia sufferers, lower blood pressure readings, fewer PMS symptoms and more . What is the Difference Between a Spa Massage and Chiropractic MassageWhen you think of a spa massage, what comes to mind? Scented candles? Zen music? Low lights and maybe a tabletop fountain? A spa massage is a wonderful way to relax and feel good. Taking care of ourselves with this type of treatment is important for our self-esteem and image. Stress is more harmful than we think and spa massages are a great way to relieve stress. However, spa massages differ greatly from chiropractic massage, which is supervised or performed by a doctor trained in chiropractic medicine. Chiropractors have years of training regarding the spine, muscles and biology. Their training allows them to dig out and then focus on problem areas. Your doctor will then tell your therapist what type of massage you need, including other treatments you may require to help heal your wounds. If you're simply overworked, on vacation, looking for some self-care and time to yourself, or need stress relief, a spa massage is just the thing for you. If you are in pain, have pain in your lower back, neck, shoulders or joints and need relief, if you have suffered an injury or have been told you need to see a medical therapist, or if your doctor hasIf you actually prescribed massage as part of your treatment plan, then you should consult a chiropractic massage therapist. Are there risks in chiropractic massage? As with chiropractic care, massage therapy has a long history of safety and effectiveness. There are some precautions you should be aware of, but the number of serious injuries reported is quite small. Things to be aware of and talk to your doctor and massage therapist about include: Any allergies you may have, such as latex or certain massage oils. For example, if you have a nut allergy, you should tell your therapist so that he or she avoids using sweet almond oil. If you are taking Warfarin or if you have a bleeding disorder or low platelet count, tell your massage therapist and avoid vigorous massage If you think you are pregnant, tell your chiropractor and your massage therapist If you have a blood clot, open wound or a skin infection, tell your therapist so they can avoid that area. If you suffer from weakened bones due to any health problem, such as osteoporosis, or if you have recently had surgery, talk to your doctor and tell your chiropractor and therapist. Although most cancer patients can benefit from massage therapy, consult your oncologist first and inform your massage therapist and chiropractor about your condition. Does chiropractic massage have any side effects? The good news is that there are almost no side effects. This holistic means of helping the body heal has very minor issues that could include: Allergic reaction: As mentioned above, if you have allergies, let your massage therapist know so you don't experience an allergic reaction to certain essential oils, latex, or massage oils. Temporary pain in some areas Possible swelling or small bruising Discomfort There are no known side effects other than the feeling of deep relaxation! Are there other things I should know about chiropractic massage? There are some other points we would like to highlight regarding chiropractic massage, for example: Please do not use massage therapy as your sole means of healthcare. Chiropractic care and massage therapy go hand in hand to provide you with healing techniques and amazing benefits, but that won't change the need for other types of medical care, including tests, vaccinations, and prescriptions for serious health problems. Tell your chiropractor and therapists about any medical conditions you may have, as well as any prescriptions you are taking. They may suggest supplements to improve your health, but interactions may occur if you don't disclose your medications. If you are using other therapies, such as acupuncture, let your chiropractor and therapist know. If you are considering chiropractic care or chiropractic massage but aren't 100% sure it's right for you, don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with your chiropractor, massage therapist and/or your healthcare provider. You should also not hesitate to ask your chiropractic massage therapist in Wasilla about their training and experience. What is the connection between chiropractic care and massage therapy? While the body is made up of several systems, chiropractors and massage therapists both focus on the musculoskeletal system. This area includes the spine, soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues. By manipulating these areas, the body is stimulated to heal itself. Chiropractors focus on the spine and joints of the body. Massage therapists focus on muscles and connective tissues. Because muscles connect to and surround the spine and joints, it is clear how the two therapies fit together