Massage Adjustments?

As a licensed massage therapist, a great question I get asked frequently is if I do adjustments. What this refers to specifically is spinal adjustments which are physical manipulations of the spinal vertebrae. The short answer is, no.

The more complete answer is that a massage therapist works with the soft tissues of the body; these being the connective tissue (skin, fascia that covers and holds everything together), tendons, ligaments and muscles. We use our hands, elbows, forearms and sometimes tools to loosen, stretch, shorten or lengthen these tissues so that the client feels relief. Relief from what? Well, that could mean stress relief. Or it could be for pain management, joint comfort, injury rehabilitation or to keep these body tissues supple, strong and moving the way they are supposed to.

Those who work with the spinal vertebrae are also licensed health care practitioners, typically chiropractors or osteopaths. They specifically assess the continuity of the spinal fluids, the vertebrae and any mis-alignments, injuries or degeneration which affect the body's health. These practitioners, just as massage therapists, educate, assess and treat structures of the body. The difference is that I work with muscles and a chiropractor (for example) works with bones.

What's the connection between the two and why do I get asked if I do adjustments? The connection is that the bones and muscles give structure to the body so we don't all look like a bean bag chair. They work in unison to keep the body upright and mobile. Plus, they keep all our other parts from spilling all over the place.

The reason I get asked about adjustments is because often after a massage therapy session, a client will move a certain way and feel the relief of that familiar "crack" when a vertebrae re-aligns itself spontaneously. Though I say spontaneously, this isn't to be mistaken for "coincidence".

Why is this? Simply put, because the bones go where the muscles put them. This is why you could go to get weekly adjustments for your neck and yet it continues to "go out". If the muscles of the neck or shoulder are continually tight and shortened; as soon as an adjustment is made to the vertebrae, it will be pulled back out of position by the offending muscle(s) structure.

I've seen clients that have received adjustments for years without significant relief of their problem and once they incorporate massage into their wellness regimen, they find the spinal adjustments begin to hold for longer periods of time between visits.

So again, I don't "do" adjustments. But with the help of massage therapy, your body frequently is able to do it's own adjusting.

How Can Massage Help?

Being a licensed massage therapist for the past 10 years, I have heard a lot from people on what they think massage is like and how it benefits the body/mind. Some of the information is spot-on and some of it is most definitely lacking.

For instance, far too many people associate massage with this luxurious service that only pampered, rich people (who don't need it) can afford to get. Well, they're right that it can be luxurious, but it's not just for the spoiled set.

Massage therapy is highly beneficial for relieving the effects of every day stress. Whether that stress load comes from work or family obligations, ill-health, relational difficulties or any other situation, massage can effectively reduce (and relieve) the body and mind with the very first session. Why is this important? With stress linked to nearly every disease known to man, keeping it to a minimum may be a "secret" to a longer, healthier life.

Beyond stress relief, massage is frequently used for pain control, to release muscle tension and speed injury rehabilitation. When used regularly, it is effective for headache, shoulder and back pain relief.

Massage works on all the systems of the body, not just the muscles. It rejuvenates the entire body by increasing the blood and lymph circulation. Oxygen is much more effectively distributed and utilized as well.

The skin brightens and internal organs become more toned. Certain massage techniques benefit the digestive tract and may curb constipation or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The nervous system is positively impacted and a release of "feel good chemicals" is allowed to flood the body.

Now, with all that said....is massage therapy a panacea for every ailment out there? No. It does not suit all conditions, nor does everyone respond well to it.

However, it IS another tool to use to increase the quality of your life. Give it a try. Your body and mind will thank you.