As part of the comprehensive chiropractic care our patients receive, Spencer Chiropractic is proud to offer the many benefits of massage therapy. Our Licensed Massage Practitioner, Christy Richards, lends her expertise to patients who are good candidates, employing a variety of techniques to promote whole-body health and healing.
Whether you’re hoping to relax and unwind, recuperate after a sports injury, or manage pain from a soft tissue injury, a regular, professional massage regimen that applies techniques appropriate for your personalized treatment plan can make a world of difference. Here are just a few of the several treatment approaches that may be applied during a table session.
Soft Tissue Release
Soft tissue release is an ideal massage technique for those with injuries or severe muscular stress. It is built on the therapeutic concept of myofascial release, which is where connective tissue is manually massaged to promote the natural, spontaneous release of the tissue as well as the muscle group being targeted. This release results in the muscle once again conforming to its uninjured resting length and often an immediate reduction in pain symptoms.
Deep Tissue Massage
While it is similar to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage targets the deeper muscles and fascia (connective tissue). It combines slow, firm strokes with deep finger pressure to increase blood circulation and promote relaxation. It may also result in a decrease in blood pressure and increase natural production of serotonin, the hormone that promotes an overall sense of happiness.
[Related: How Massage and Chiropractic Care Work Together]
Sports Massage
Sports massage is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of massage techniques intended to reduce discomfort from sports-related injuries and strain. This technique generally focuses on areas of the body that are used the most and prone to injury or tension. For a runner, this may be their legs and lower back, while a softball pitcher will likely need more of an upper-body focus. Regular sports massage can improve old injuries, reduce the likelihood of future injuries, and potentially even improve performance in a wide variety of sports.
Neuromuscular Massage Technique
Also called trigger point myotherapy, neuromuscular massage was developed for those with nerve-related pain, particularly in the lower back. By using alternating degrees of focused pressure on an area prone to tension and spasms, the therapist can help reduce or eliminate spasms and the pain associated with them.
Swedish Massage
As the name implies, this general massage technique was developed in Sweden. It is one of the best known forms of massage. Swedish massage aims to promote full body relaxation by relaxing the muscles throughout the body. The massage therapist uses long, gliding strokes that follow the path of the circulatory system in toward the heart. This technique not only relaxes the body, it can also promote oxygenation of blood and even lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Contact Spencer Chiropractic Center today to discuss the different types of massage techniques, and which one would work best for you!