A chiropractic clinic may not spring to mind when you think of massage therapy. However, there’s a reason that leading chiropractic care facilities treat back pain and chronic conditions with this form of therapy. Below are the answers to four questions you may have about therapeutic massage.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy

1. What Is It?

Massage therapy uses the art of massage to provide targeted relief for physical and some mental ailments. It’s believed to help conditions by stimulating blood flow, saturating pain points and stiffness with the healing power of touch. A massage therapist is a certified and licensed professional with specialized training to treat medical conditions.

2. What Does It Treat?

Therapeutic massage can treat pain everywhere in the body but is used principally to relieve neck and shoulder pain as well as lower back pain and headaches. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also useful in treating back injuries and chronic inflammation around the spine, improving mobility and muscle health. A massage therapist will also relieve pain caused by fibromyalgia and may lessen anxiety and depression.

3. Are There Different Types?

Different types of massage approaches are tailored to individual needs, such as sports massages to promote healing and minimize the risk of injury. Clinical massage targets spasms and reduces inflammation from pulled muscles. For pain relief and general wellness, deep tissue massage may be recommended. Your therapist will ask about your specific complaints and conditions to decide the appropriate approach for your treatment.

4. Are There Risks?

The risk of injury is very low and is more likely to occur in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. Known side effects include blood clots, nerve damage, and fractures.

If you’re curious to see what massage therapy can do for your back pain, reach out to Wellspring Family Chiropractic in Cookeville, TN. Their licensed massage therapist has over 10 years of experience and is certified in deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and many other treatments. You can trust this team to give accurate diagnoses and deliver fast and effective relief from pain and soreness. Learn more about what massage therapy can do for you on their website, or call (931) 528-5284 to schedule a consultation today.