Massage or Chiropractor for Neck Pain?

Patients ask us all the time, asking, “Should I use massage or chiropractor for neck pain?” On the surface, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy sessions can seem very similar. Granted, chiropractors and massage therapists focus on relieving joint and muscle pain, preventing injuries, and helping people recover from injuries they’ve experienced. Still, their treatment methods can be very different.
Understanding the difference between these two types of treatment can help you decide which is best for your specific condition or injury.
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors use their hands to restore range of movement to stuck or “subluxated” joints, relieving pain and improving performance. Because Chiropractic focuses primarily on the spinal joints and the musculoskeletal system, including the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones).
The primary goal of chiropractic care is pain relief, increased strength & mobility, improved recovery time after injury, and easing the pain of chronic conditions and injuries. Chiropractors work with their patients individually to address the cause of their patient’s pain.
When Should You See a Chiropractor in Denver
It’s best to see a chiropractor as soon as you begin experiencing joint pain, neck pain, back pain, headaches, or issues with mobility. Chronic pain in the spine, pelvis, and shoulders, or pain radiating to the arms or legs. In addition, other problems we treat in our patients include muscle pain, plantar fasciitis, and sciatica.
However, if you’re unsure what is causing your pain, visiting a chiropractor before going to a massage therapist is wise. A doctor of Chiropractic is better suited to diagnose your problem than a massage therapist accurately. Integrative Health and Rehabilitation chiropractors have decades of experience accurately diagnosing and treating injuries. They can quickly diagnose the cause of your pain and determine if massage therapy can help.
What Do Massage Therapists Do?
The primary difference between massages and chiropractic adjustments is that massage therapy focuses on muscles and soft tissues. Massage therapists use their hands to relieve pain, tension, and stiffness in the muscles.
An experienced massage therapist focuses on relieving pain and reducing tension. Because massaging the muscles improves blood flow, reduces muscle spasms, and helps recovery.

When Should You See A Massage Therapist?
Massage therapy is an excellent solution for relieving stress and tension muscle tension. Massages can also improve your range of motion, relieve chronic headaches, and help improve your sleep.
Is Chiropractic or Massage Therapy Better?
Whether a Chiropractor or Massage Therapist is better depends on your specific problem. Combining Chiropractic and massage therapy can relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce muscle tightness.
Massage therapy could benefit if your only complaint is muscular pain or tension. Consulting a chiropractor may be necessary if you have been experiencing joint, spine, or musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractors are better suited to treat these types of complaints.
The Benefits Of Seeing Both a Chiropractor and Massage Therapist
These two therapies work well together when deciding whether to see a chiropractor versus a massage therapist. Chiropractic care can be more effective when combined with massage therapy. Other types of treatment that work well with chiropractic adjustments include acupuncture, dry needling, and laser therapy.
How Can Integrative Health and Rehabilitation Help You?
The team at Integrative Health and Rehabilitation is here to help. Diagnosing and treating the true source of your pain can be a challenge. That’s why our providers are committed to working with you to determine the cause of your condition and help you recover as quickly as possible.
If you have back pain, neck pain, or headaches, schedule an appointment with us today. Still not sure if we can help? Contact our office and one of our providers will answer your questions quickly. Want to know what our patients think? Read our 5 Star Google reviews!