The Benefits of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy
Chiropractic and massage therapy are complementary practices in helping patients along the road to wellness. Dr. Vollrath and a Registered Massage Therapist often work together to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Dr. Vollrath's adjustments use moderate pressure to correct restrictions and misalignments along the spine and in other joints in the body. His treatment techniques involve using highly controlled procedures combined with the gentle application of force. The goals of these procedures are to reduce pain and inflammation while increasing the range of motion, mobility, along with enhancing the performance of the joint and the nervous system. Specific conditions such as sciatica, pain in the back, shoulders and neck benefit most from this type of treatment.
WHAT DOES MASSAGE THERAPY DO?
The role of a Registered Massage Therapist is to apply moderate pressure while manipulating the soft tissues, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goals of massage therapy are to increase blood flow to that part of the body by helping to restore flexibility and promote healing in the related fibers and joints. A Registered Massage Therapist also helps decrease inflammation and pain while simultaneously reducing stress.
LEVERAGING MASSAGE THERAPY FOR IMPROVED CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Massage therapy can and is often used with chiropractic treatments. Implementing after chiropractic adjustments can be a fundamental part of a successful treatment plan.
BEFORE ADJUSTMENTS
One of the best aspects of chiropractic care is the variety of approaches specialists can take. This includes patient evaluation, reflex testing and possibly leg length testing to identify specific spinal joint dysfunction. Depending on the initial assessment outcome, Dr. Vollrath will determine if the 'Activator 'method is the best approach to take. The Activator device is designed to mimic the effects of a manual spinal adjustment. Dr. Vollrath uses the device because of the precise way of manipulating the spine. In addition, due to the instrument's speed, muscles are less likely to tense during treatment.
Dr. Vollrath will have the patient will lie face down. At the same time, he works the tissue surrounding the problem areas by tapping the spring-loaded device, first with a small amount of pressure followed by a quick thrust. Afterwards, Dr. Vollrath will evaluate the patient for signs of correction. This kind of treatment can be used in tandem with other alignment techniques.
AFTER ADJUSTMENTS
In some cases, Dr. Vollrath may recommend booking a session with a Registered Massage Therapist following an adjustment. Massage therapy helps muscles adapt to the new position of the spinal structures. For example, Dr. Vollrath works to restore normal mobility to a joint; the muscles surrounding the joint must also respond and provide the correct tightness. Tight muscles could otherwise limit the joint, bringing about the pain to return. With massage therapy, the muscles relax, and soft tissues heal faster once the joints are in correct alignment.
If you have questions about how massage therapy may enhance the results of chiropractic treatment, please book a consultation with Dr. Vollrath at Core Chiropractic Center today!
