Total Health Systems
Massage TherapyvsChiropractic Care

Massage Therapy vs Chiropractic Care

Massage therapy and chiropractic care complement each other beautifully. Massage focuses on soft tissues—muscles, tendons, and fascia—to release tension and promote relaxation. Chiropractic care targets the skeletal system, particularly the spine, to restore proper alignment and nerve function. Many conditions benefit from both: massage relaxes tight muscles that may be pulling joints out of alignment, while chiropractic adjustments address the structural issues that cause muscle tension.

Quick Comparison

Massage Therapy

Focus: Soft tissue manipulation, muscle tension relief, and relaxation

Best For:

  • Muscle tension and knots
  • Stress and anxiety relief
  • Chronic muscle pain
  • Athletic recovery
  • Improved circulation
  • General wellness

Common Techniques:

Swedish massageDeep tissue massageTrigger point therapySports massageMyofascial releaseStimaWell mat therapy

Session Length

30-90 minutes

Typical Frequency

Weekly to monthly

Learn More About Massage Therapy →

Chiropractic Care

Focus: Spinal alignment, joint function, and nervous system optimization

Best For:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Joint dysfunction
  • Headaches from spinal issues
  • Sciatica
  • Postural problems
  • Nerve-related symptoms

Common Techniques:

Spinal adjustmentsJoint manipulationMobilizationInstrument-assisted techniquesFlexion-distraction

Session Length

15-30 minutes

Typical Frequency

1-3 times per week initially

Learn More About Chiropractic Care →

When to Choose Each Treatment

Choose Massage Therapy When...

  • Your pain is primarily muscular (tight, achy muscles)
  • You carry stress in your shoulders and back
  • You need recovery after intense physical activity
  • You want relaxation along with pain relief
  • You have chronic tension headaches

Choose Chiropractic Care When...

  • Your pain involves joint stiffness or "popping"
  • You feel like something is "out of place"
  • You have shooting pain or numbness (nerve involvement)
  • You recently had an injury affecting your spine
  • Your headaches originate from neck issues

Combine Both When...

  • Chronic back pain with both muscle tension and alignment issues
  • Post-injury recovery requiring both soft tissue and joint work
  • Stress-related conditions affecting muscles and posture
  • Athletes seeking optimal performance and recovery
  • Comprehensive wellness and preventive care

Common Questions: Massage Therapy vs Chiropractic Care

Either sequence can work. Getting a massage before can relax muscles, making adjustments easier.

Getting one after can help muscles adapt to the new alignment. At Total Health Systems, we can coordinate your appointments for optimal results.
Massage therapy addresses soft tissues but cannot directly correct spinal misalignment. However, releasing tight muscles can help maintain proper alignment achieved through chiropractic care and prevent joints from being pulled back out of position.
Massage therapy is typically more effective for immediate stress relief due to its relaxing nature and longer session times. However, chiropractic care can help with stress by improving nervous system function and reducing pain that contributes to stress.
Coverage varies by plan. Many insurance plans cover massage therapy when prescribed for medical conditions, especially when provided in a healthcare setting like Total Health Systems.

Our staff can help verify your specific coverage.

Ready to Start Your Massage Therapy or Chiropractic Care Treatment?

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