When I set up the Spinal Health Centre (as it was back then South Street Chiropractic), I was aware of the benefits that massage could offer. However, I also had sent nearly 10 years hearing “I haven’t been right since I had a massage. Please help!”.
That created quite the dilemma. The solution was 2 fold. Firstly, integrate massage and ‘soft tissue therapy’ into the course of care we offer at right time when it will have the maximum benefit. Secondly, ensure that the massage therapists are fully training in how chiropractors approach healing and make sure they understand how to combine with adjustments, k laser and medical dry needling (acupuncture).
We have ensured that our massage therapists have all been training in massage as well as other techniques. That makes them highly skilled.
For me it was important, and logical to reduce the inflammation in the tissue before starting massage. Once that has been achieved (and typically is well on the way in the first month of care), then massage can be profoundly beneficial.
An appreciation of the type of neurological input into the brain is helpful at this point. Massage stimulates Beta fibres (akin to A and B roads). Chiropractic adjustments stimulate Alpha fibres (akin to motorways). Chiropractic adjustments are completed in less than 20 milliseconds. Massages are usually 2-10 minutes on one area. It makes good sense to get the bulk of the travel done quickly by motorway before moving to the other roads. This was the journey (we call it the new client voyage) is completed efficiently and effectively.
And for those who love massage as part of the well being wellness care? Do I think it’s a good idea. I absolutely do. We have 2, 4, 6 week massage memberships. We also have a 1 hours massage for those that love the full body immersion.