Should I See a Chiropractor or Massage Therapist?

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Core Chiropractic Principles

Customized to address and relieve neuromusculoskeletal conditions, chiropractic techniques focus on realigning displaced spinal vertebrae to restore optimal functioning of the nervous system. Adjustments and manipulations to the spine alleviate the pain of pinched nerves, strained lower back muscles, neck pain and sciatica without subjecting affected individuals to surgery or unnecessary prescription medications. In addition, spinal adjustments given by Dr. King decompress the spine so that blood flow throughout the body is improved and exchange of nutrients at injured sites is facilitated.

Typical chiropractic treatment sessions involving an adjustment and manipulation take less than an hour. Many patients enjoy satisfactory results within 24 hours of treatment.

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Fundamentals of Massage Therapy

Similar to chiropractic medicine in the way it relieves pain holistically, massage therapy also improves circulatory system functioning, relieves the discomfort of stiff, strained muscles and stimulates release of endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are pain-relieving neurotransmitters produced in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Exercising increases endorphin production to suppress muscle pain or fatigue. When you undergo massage therapy, your muscles, tendons and ligaments are tricked into thinking you are actually exercising. This naturally results in a significant increase in endorphins. Patients report feeling extremely relaxed, more flexible and calmer following a therapeutic massage session with Dr. King.

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You're In Pain-Should You Choose Chiropractic or Massage Therapy?

While chiropractic treatments tend to focus on realigning spine and neck vertebrae to eliminate back, neck and headache pain, they can also involve therapeutic massage techniques such as deep tissue, sports and myofascial massage. Massage therapy manually "works out" muscles and ligaments to enhance cell metabolism and generate growth of new cells within inflamed tissues. Alternately, strictly chiropractic techniques are designed to alleviate pressure on nerves usually caused by misaligned vertebrae compressing and irritating spinal nerves.

Due to the strong, symbiotic relationship your muscles and skeleton have with each other, the answer to this question is simple-choose both! Supplementing chiropractic treatments with massage therapy is not only a great way to effectively relieve a wide variety of bone, joint and muscle conditions but will also contribute to your overall health and well-being.

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To learn more about the benefits of integrating chiropractic with massage therapy, call Dr. King today at (910) 777-7228.