Back Clinic Therapeutic Massage Team. We all want to relax. In our hectic lives, it’s hard to find time for R&R. If you deal with this in your life, a massage is in order. Massage therapy is a general term that refers to various types of soft tissue manipulation for therapeutic purposes. It involves manually working on the body with gentle pressure or through the use of mechanical aids. Depending on the way the massage is applied, it can be used to provide relaxation and well-being.
Healthcare providers recognize massage therapy as a legitimate therapy for lower back pain. It utilizes manual manipulation to improve circulation, relax muscles, improve range of motion, and increase endorphin levels. This therapy usually follows some medical treatment. Types of therapy include neuromuscular, sports, and Swedish.
For example, Neuromuscular therapy, which is the most effective treatment for low back pain, consists of alternating levels of pressure applied to muscles to alleviate the muscle spasms. First of all, make sure to drink plenty of water following a massage. With massaging procedures, the tissues of your body will be stimulated, resulting in the release of toxins.
Drinking at least 10 glasses of water throughout the day will flush out the toxins. Aim to drink 2-3 glasses within the first hour or so and then at least 8 more within the next 24 hours. In the hour following the massage, drink several glasses and then continue with eight more in the next 23 hours.
Nerves control muscle fibers. Muscle twitching is an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers. When individuals play sports/work out vigorously or for a long time, they may experience muscle twitching and can often see and/or feel the twitches happening. The most worked-out muscles are likely to twitch, which includes the biceps, thighs, and calves, but twitches can occur in any muscle. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, and functional medicine can help relax the muscles, improve circulation, restore function, and train individuals to prevent future episodes.
Muscle Twitching
A muscle twitch often occurs after intense physical activity or a hard workout because the muscle or muscles have been overworked, and there is hyper-excitability of the nerve/s that makes the muscle/s continue to contract.
A muscle twitch that can be seen is called fasciculation.
A muscle twitch that cannot be seen is called fibrillation.
If there is pain or the twitching is prolonged, it is a muscle spasm.
Causes
The most common causes include the following:
Intense exercise and rigorous physical activity build up lactic acid in the muscles.
Dehydration is a very common factor for shaky muscles.
Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies could cause muscle spasms in the hand, calves, and eyelids.
Using caffeinated products to increase physical performance.
Not enough or a lack of healthy sleep.
Anxiety or stress.
Certain medications like estrogen and corticosteroids.
Nicotine and tobacco use.
Physical Activity/Exercise
Intense exercise and physical activity can cause muscle fatigue.
Muscle fatigue triggers twitching and cramping in overworked muscle fibers.
Electrolytes play a role in muscle contraction.
Electrolyte loss and imbalances within muscle fibers through sweating can lead to twitching.
Dehydration
Muscle mass comprises 75% water.
Water carries nutrients and minerals to muscles to support function.
Not being properly hydrated can cause twitching and cramping.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Nerves need vitamin D to relay messages to and from the brain to the body’s muscles.
A vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness and twitching.
Lack of sleep can affect neurotransmitter function.
A common site of fasciculation tiredness occurs in the eyelids.
Anxiety and Stress
Experiencing psychological stress or high anxiety levels can cause excess muscle tension.
This can lead to muscle twitching.
Muscle fasciculation caused by stress can occur anywhere in the body.
Certain Medications
Certain medications can lead to involuntary muscle twitching.
The reaction can be a side effect due to interactions with other medications.
Individuals should discuss side effects and medication interactions with their doctor when taking a new medication.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors are experts on the musculoskeletal system and have many techniques to treat muscle fasciculation and spasms. It often depends on the cause/s, and specific treatment varies on a case-by-case basis. Common chiropractic treatments include:
Massage therapy
Heat and ice therapy
Manual manipulation
Joint adjustments
Ultrasound
Stretches to keep the muscles flexible
Exercises to strengthen the muscles
Nutritional recommendations
Fasciculation
References
Bergeron, Michael F.. Muscle Cramps during Exercise-Is It Fatigue or Electrolyte Deficit?. Current Sports Medicine Reports July 2008 – Volume 7 – Issue 4 – p S50-S55 doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e31817f476a
Gragossian A, Bashir K, Friede R. Hypomagnesemia. [Updated 2022 May 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (F.L.): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500003/
Küçükali, Cem Ismail, et al. “Peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndromes.” Reviews in the neurosciences vol. 26,2 (2015): 239-51. doi:10.1515/revneuro-2014-0066
Maughan, Ronald J, and Susan M Shirreffs. “Muscle Cramping During Exercise: Causes, Solutions, and Questions Remaining.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 49, Suppl 2 (2019): 115-124. doi:10.1007/s40279-019-01162-1
Miller, Kevin C et al. “Exercise-associated muscle cramps: causes, treatment, and prevention.” Sports health vol. 2,4 (2010): 279-83. doi:10.1177/1941738109357299
Riebl, Shaun K, and Brenda M Davy. “The Hydration Equation: Update on Water Balance and Cognitive Performance.” ACSM’s health & fitness journal vol. 17,6 (2013): 21-28. doi:10.1249/FIT.0b013e3182a9570f
After traveling, body/musculoskeletal aches and pains can present from continual standing in line, sitting, staying in the same position, carrying a heavy bag or pulling a suitcase, and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed with different pillows, on a plane or car can cause body imbalances, jerking the spine out of alignment, straining the neck, shoulders, and back causing headaches, soreness, stiffness, back pain, and compression. Chiropractic massage and decompression will relieve travel pains, loosen stiff and sore joints, soothe aching muscles, realign the spine, and restore body health and comfort.
Musculoskeletal Health
The musculoskeletal system is comprised of:
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
Bones
Joints
Tissues that move the body and help maintain structure and form.
The health of the musculoskeletal system is defined as the absence of injury, disease, or illness within the system. Keeping this system healthy is crucial for the health of the other body systems.
Common Muskuloskeletal Conditions
Musculoskeletal injuries – work-related, personal, automobile, sports, or physical activity
Musculoskeletal health is enhanced by increased circulation that increases oxygen flow that relaxes the mind and body. Overworked sore, tired muscles after traveling can keep the body tense which could lead to chronic stress symptoms. Chiropractic massage therapy effectively reduces stress and anxiety by manipulating the body tissues like the muscles, tendons, connective tissues, and ligaments, increasing blood circulation and improving flexibility.
Jet-Lag
The body is weak after traveling into different time zones, which can cause jet lag, stress, and relaxation problems.
Jet lag can cause sleep problems, leading to extreme fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
Chiropractic can alleviate jet lag effects quickly by working/massaging/stretching out the muscles, increasing blood flow, flushing out toxins, and calming the body.
Travel Stress
The stress starts right before the trip when preparing, packing, and setting up the house while away.
The body tenses up when traveling to maintain focus, stay alert, and be ready for surprises.
When on vacation, having fun and doing all kinds of activities can make individuals forget to relax.
Waking up early and going to bed late can contribute to travel stress.
Chiropractic therapy will relieve all the strain and return the body to a relaxed state.
Relieve Back Pressure
Sitting for hours can increase pressure on the spine.
The muscles become stiff from the immobility accumulating pressure on the body and the mind, increasing the risk for other pains.
Chiropractic therapy will help lower heart rate and blood pressure relieving discomfort and stiffness.
Relax and Sleep
The internal body clock can get thrown off when traveling, resulting in little to no sleep and irritability.
Driving or flying will drain the body and mind, which can cause fatigue and anxiety.
Chiropractic will restore body and mind functions resulting in sleep and relaxation.
Spinal Decompression Texas
References
Crofford, Leslie J. “Chronic Pain: Where the Body Meets the Brain.” Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association vol. 126 (2015): 167-83.
Sadler, Sean G et al. “Restriction in lateral bending range of motion, lumbar lordosis, and hamstring flexibility predicts the development of low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 18,1 179. 5 May. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1534-0
Waterhouse, J et al. “The stress of travel.” Journal of sports sciences vol. 22,10 (2004): 946-65; discussion 965-6. doi:10.1080/02640410400000264
Pregnant and Chiropractic: Many women experience back/pelvis/leg/feet swelling, soreness, achiness, and pain during pregnancy. A growing belly added weight and changes in connective tissue can cause a variety of musculoskeletal strains and misalignments. Chiropractic care provides health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, nerves, joints, muscles, and bones. It is an art and science of adjusting a misaligned body, reducing stress, and promoting health throughout the body.
Pregnant and Chiropractic
With a primary doctor’s clearance, chiropractic can provide safe adjustments. Chiropractors trained to work with pregnant women utilize techniques that avoid applying pressure on or around the abdomen. Benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy include:
Restores and maintains spinal alignment and balance.
Helps control symptoms of nausea.
Improves energy levels.
Relieves body pain.
Helps reduce labor time and delivery.
Restores pelvic positioning and balance, improving standing, sitting, and walking mechanics.
A chiropractor trained in the needs of pregnant women will also provide exercises and stretches that are safe during pregnancy. A chiropractor will discuss/recommend treatment options, patient concerns, and a complete medical history assessment. They will monitor symptoms to customize treatments to the individual’s specific needs to get the most relief.
Body Composition
Gestational Hypertension
Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy. It is not preventable and returns to normal levels postpartum. However, there is an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later if gestational hypertension begins to develop. According to Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is diagnosed by the following:
Blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on at least two occasions.
Must be more than four hours apart.
There is no other organ damage present.
References
Gutke, Annelie et al. “Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica vol. 94,11 (2015): 1156-67. doi:10.1111/aogs.12681
Poděbradská, R et al. “The effect of physiotherapy intervention on the load of the foot and low back pain in pregnancy.” “Vliv fyzioterapeutických postupů na zatížení plosky a bolesti zad v těhotenství.” Ceska gynekologie vol. 84,6 (2019): 450-457.
Schreiner, Lucas et al. “Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics vol. 143,1 (2018): 10-18. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12513
Orthopedic massage is part of injury rehabilitation that focuses on the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints and ligaments. Pain could be caused post-surgery, an acute injury, or overuse/repetitive motion injury from work or sports. The objective is to:
Decrease pain
Release tension
Restore balance
Increase mobility and flexibility
Preparing the body to return to everyday routines and activities.
Whatever the cause of the muscle damage or injury, an orthopedic massage will lengthen and soften the muscles and ligaments, allowing for a better range of motion of the affected joints.
Orthopedic Massage
All massage techniques can improve joint movement and function. Orthopedic massage is specifically designed to return the joints to their normal position function and alleviate pain with movement.
Swedish massage focuses on overall relaxation.
Deep tissue massage reduces deep muscle pain and strain.
Orthopedic massage therapists have an extensive understanding of anatomy, soft tissues, and misalignment of the musculoskeletal system that can cause pain and injury. It is similar to sports massage targeting damaged areas for recovery and rehabilitation from conditions and injuries. Sports massage helps the individual strengthen and retrain the damaged areas back to optimal performance and prevent injury. Orthopedic massage utilizes:
Massage benefits many symptoms and conditions. It has been shown to help with:
Sprains
Pulled muscles
Torn ligaments
Carpal-tunnel syndrome
Frozen shoulder
Tennis elbow
Tendinitis
Sciatica
Bulging discs
Post-surgery
Techniques
A therapist will look at the range of motion, flexibility, and rotation of the tissues. This will help determine what muscle groups and tendons are involved and which techniques to use. Massage therapists use an assortment of approaches to loosen muscles and tendons. These include:
Active Engagement
This is used to reach deep, hard-to-reach muscles by applying pressure and massaging lengthwise in a perpendicular motion.
It is beneficial for whiplash and/or back pain.
Positional Release
This is a gentle treatment for inflamed muscles and tissues highly sensitive to other techniques.
Soft tissues are manipulated into comfortable positions and held in place for a specific time.
This lengthens and softens tissues to bring pain relief.
Nerve Mobilization
Also known as neural mobilization, this method addresses strained nerves and pain sources.
Muscle Energy Release
The therapist provides resistance while the individual voluntarily contracts muscles.
Effective with low back pain.
Trigger Point Therapy
Pressure intervals are held on trigger areas to release lactic acid and promote circulation.
Myofascial Release
Gentle pressure is applied to stretch fascia tissues.
Body Composition
Brittle Bones
The reason bones become weaker is that bone tissue is living tissue that constantly forms new bone material and absorbs the old bone material. As the body ages, the rate at which bone is reabsorbed becomes faster than newly formed bone material. One reason for rapid bone loss is lack of exercise and physical activity. The Mayo Clinic has stated that individuals that spend a great deal of time sitting, whether at home or work, have an increased risk of osteoporosis than more active individuals. Sitting too much with little to no activity can lead to weakened bones. Just like the muscles, bones get stronger when they are in use. Walking, running, jumping, and getting the body moving along with using some resistance, can increase the strength and durability of the bones.
References
Kim, Seung-Kook et al. “Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomized controlled trial.” Medicine vol. 99,12 (2020): e19514. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000019514
Klein, Ifat et al. “Lymphatic treatments after orthopedic surgery or injury: A systematic review.” Journal of bodywork and movement therapies vol. 24,4 (2020): 109-117. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.034
Loew, Laurianne M et al. “Deep, transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2014,11 CD003528. 8 Nov. 2014, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003528.pub2
Majewski-Schrage, Tricia, and Kelli Snyder. “The Effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Patients With Orthopedic Injuries.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 25,1 (2016): 91-7. doi:10.1123/jsr.2014-0222
A neuromuscular massage is a form of manual massage used to release strained muscles. Strained areas are also known as trigger points that tend to be the cause of muscular pain symptoms. Trigger points are small areas of the muscle that contract the tissue. The lack of blood and nutrients in these areas causes an inability for the muscles to relax. The area becomes hypersensitive, causing fatigue, weakness, inflammation, and pain. Trigger points can lead to referred pain in which other areas of the body experience sensations of pain, tingling or numbness.
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage treatment involves applying alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the trigger point/s done through manual and instrument manipulation. Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes this form of treatment as an effective treatment for pain caused by soft tissue injury.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is generally used to address muscle aches and pains and is administered on an on-off basis. Neuromuscular manual therapy techniques are specialized and designed to correct pain and movement dysfunction by treating:
Neuromuscular massage is considered an ongoing treatment.
Massage Reduces Pain
Muscles, when spasming, are painful to the touch. The pain is caused by ischemic muscle tissue. Ischemia means the muscle is lacking proper blood flow because of the spasm. This causes adverse effects because the muscles are not receiving enough blood; the muscles also do not receive enough oxygen.
The lack of oxygen causes the muscles to produce lactic acid.
The lactic acid causes the muscles to feel sore following physical activity.
Neuromuscular massage therapy relaxes the muscles releasing the lactic acid, allowing the muscles to receive enough blood and oxygen. Neuromuscular therapy can feel painful at first, but the pressure of the massage will alleviate the muscle spasm/s. It is crucial to communicate with the chiropractor and massage therapist about the pressure – whether it is too much, too little, feels better, feels worse, etc. Massage therapy pressure should never be overly painful. Individuals often describe the pressure as good pain, where they can feel the difference. Following a neuromuscular massage, the soreness should fade after twenty-four to thirty-six hours. The tight muscles should remain relaxed for four to fourteen days, depending on activities and stress levels.
Massage Treatment
Medical issues and conditions for which neuromuscular massage can treat include:
Tendonitis
Headaches
Temporomandibular joint pain – TMJ disorders
Jaw pain
Carpal tunnel
Upper back pain
Low back pain
Sciatica
Hip pain
Knee pain
Iliotibial band syndrome
Calf cramps
Plantar fasciitis
Neuromuscular Massage Benefits
Individuals who undergo neuromuscular massage therapy can experience the following benefits:
Reduced and/or complete elimination of pain.
Increased blood circulation.
Body toxin release.
Increased flexibility and strength.
Better movement.
Improved posture.
Balanced musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Increased energy and vitality.
Body Composition
Fatigue
When it comes to getting fit, remember it is a long-distance marathon, not a quick sprint. Whether physical, mental, or a combination, fatigue is a common obstacle for successfully reaching health goals. Physical fitness requires energy:
Energy for work or school.
Energy to set up the gear or get to the gym.
Energy for the workout.
Energy to prepare regular healthy meals.
Combined with the pressures of everyday life can make it a challenge to work out consistently. The objective is to make gradual changes rather than significant immediate changes. This will help prevent/avoid early burnout and help lead to maintaining healthy habits. One tip could be scheduling the workouts and meal prep time for the day or week when most active. For example, knowing that after work or school, the body can’t take a workout and needs to crash at the end of the day, set up the exercise for the morning or afternoon. And once the workouts become a routine, energy levels will improve, allowing for more activity.
References
Bervoets, Diederik C et al. “Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systematic review.” Journal of physiotherapy vol. 61,3 (2015): 106-16. doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2015.05.018
Field, Tiffany. “Massage therapy research review.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 24 (2016): 19-31. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005
Furlan, Andrea D et al. “Massage for low-back pain.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews,9 CD001929. 1 Sep. 2015, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub3
Qaseem, Amir et al. “Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.” Annals of internal medicine vol. 166,7 (2017): 514-530. doi:10.7326/M16-2367
Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body. New aches and pains start to present as the pregnancy progresses. Hormonal changes can affect the state of mind, making trying to relax or relieve stress extremely difficult to impossible, causing more frustration and tensed muscles. It’s absolutely safe and beneficial to get a professional therapeutic massage while pregnant. Most pregnant women are cleared to get massages after their first trimester. However, if it is a high-risk pregnancy, talk to your doctor before scheduling a massage.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
A therapeutic massage while pregnant, known as prenatal massage, generates a peaceful and serene mindset. Studies show prenatal massage is beneficial for the mother and baby. Pregnant women that are unable to find discomfort/pain relief benefit from prenatal massage. Benefits include:
Swelling is reduced
Improved hormone regulation helps reduce instances of low birth weight
Joint, back, and nerve pain/sciatica is reduced, and function improved
Headaches lessen in severity and frequency
Blood and nerve circulation improves
Sleep cycles improve
Anxiety, depression, and stress improves
Types of Massage
Safe massages when pregnant. The most common prenatal massage is a Swedish Massage. This type of massage is gentle but forceful enough to provide the aforementioned benefits. Swedish Massage focuses on the topmost layer of muscle with long strokes that incorporate movement of the joints. Avoid deep-tissue massage when pregnant, as this is a more aggressive style of massage.
Back Massage
During pregnancy, posture changes from the added weight. The center of gravity shifts making the spine and back muscles work harder. This regularly makes the muscles achy, sore, and stiff. Prenatal back massage is done while sitting or lying on the side. Long strokes are performed on the muscles, along with gentle kneading. The focus is on the muscles along the spine and the low back. This type of massage is highly beneficial if sciatica is presenting.
Neck Massage
Massaging the neck loosens tight muscles, improves awkward neck posture, alleviates nerve pain preventing tension headaches, and promotes flexibility. Most therapists will start with the neck and arms while the individual sits up, then lie down to work on the rest of the body.
Chiropractic Massage
This type of massage is performed by a licensed chiropractor and/or a physical massage therapist at the direction of a chiropractor. Chiropractic massage therapists have undergone thorough training and always take care to avoid any pressure points or areas that could cause discomfort.
Areas that Are Avoided During Massage
Professional massage therapists know what areas to avoid during the therapeutic massage, but it’s also important for the patient. The areas that will be avoided include:
The pressure points in the wrist and around the ankles. These areas have points that could cause uterine contractions and cervical ripening.
Around the belly. However, it is recommended to perform gentle, low-pressure massaging at home.
Around open wounds, rashes, or skin conditions.
Safety Tips
Other precautions to take when receiving a massage during pregnancy. The massage therapist should look out for blood clot symptoms or varicose veins. Other precautions to follow:
Make sure the massage therapist knows you are pregnant before beginning.
If the massage triggers nausea, discomfort, or is not enjoyable, ask to stop.
Avoid massage tables that have a hole cut out for the belly.
The recommended method is on the side, supported with proper padding to ensure stability and comfort.
The massage should be no more than an hour.
A massage in the first trimester is not recommended.
A trained massage therapist should perform a prenatal therapeutic massage. However, a partner can perform an easy, safe massage at home following a few guidelines.
Avoid the ankles and the areas around the wrists.
Avoid the belly and the area around it.
Back, neck, scalp, and foot rubs are recommended.
Utilize long gentle strokes with all-natural and safe massage oils or lotions.
Talk to your physician if you have an increased risk for blood clots.
Get a Massage
A prenatal therapeutic massage can improve hormone regulation, help sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a healthy and optimal delivery.
Body Composition
Diastasis Recti Post-Baby Weight
Pregnancy can cause abdominal muscle separation or diastasis recti.
This happens when the outermost abdominal muscles/rectus abdominis, which are the muscles from the breastbone to the pubic bone pull apart from the fibrous attachment point/linea alba. Muscle separation is common after pregnancy, but the degree and location of the separation are what vary from one woman to another. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus makes room for the growing baby. This can cause the abdominal – recti muscles to stretch and become flabby. This muscle separation is not linked with complications for the mother or the baby and it is not a sign of muscle loss.
References
Hall, Helen et al. “The effectiveness of complementary manual therapies for pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis.” Medicine vol. 95,38 (2016): e4723. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004723
“Perineal Massage in Pregnancy.” Journal of midwifery & women’s health vol. 61,1 (2016): 143-4. doi:10.1111/jmwh.12427
Schreiner, Lucas et al. “Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics vol. 143,1 (2018): 10-18. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12513
Scar tissue if left untreated/unmanaged could lead to mobility and chronic pain issues. Individuals that are recovering from a traumatic injury often have issues brought on from scar tissue. Scar tissue build-up is part of the healing process but in some cases, the tissue build-up can create another set of health issues. Restricted mobility and range of motion and lack of flexibility can worsen over time.
Chiropractors are taught to consider the presence of scar tissue when performing adjustments. This is especially true for patients recovering from a traumatic injury. If left untreated it could affect:
Recovery progress
Treatment approaches
The capability of the individual to handle the treatment
The planning and execution for a chiropractic recovery strategy
Scar Tissue Breakdown
Scar tissue can be broken up, managed, and kept loose/relaxed through various chiropractic/physical therapy techniques, stretches, exercises, and diet adjustments. Breaking up scar tissue and keeping it relaxed is necessary to restore full movement and range of motion. A certain degree of scar tissue will remain to mark the wound, but the pliability and softness of these tissues can be treated. Chiropractors can implement several techniques to break down scar tissue.
Graston Technique
The Graston technique uses instrumentation for addressing scarring in soft-tissue areas like the legs, neck, and lower back. A chiropractor targets the thicker scar tissue areas gently breaking them down.
Instrument Adjustment
Using a pulsating instrument, chiropractors can target specific areas of scar tissue buildup. The instrument massages the areas to improve flexibility and reduce stress in the tissue.
Assisted Manipulation
The assisted manipulation technique soothes the area before performing manual adjustments. A chiropractor could use light oil for heat, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to loosen tension, or numbing gel/cream to soften any sensitivity.
Trigger point therapy
This therapy focuses on heavily scarred tissue areas, where there is substantial buildup. A chiropractor breaks down the scar tissue while continually testing the motion.
Therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage is necessary with widespread scar tissue. It improves blood flow and gently stimulates scar tissue to improve movement and alleviate pain. These techniques and how they are applied depending on the individual and the amount of tissue build-up. For example, certain techniques work better for different situations like:
The Graston technique could help after surgery
Trigger point therapy can help when muscle spasms, and knots present
Therapeutic massage could be best suited for soft tissue scarrings, like whiplash or muscle strains
Adjustment Attention
Recent injuries that produce scar tissue can usually be felt while a chiropractor palpates the area, while radiological imaging shows scar tissue from past injuries. A chiropractor will take note of these areas when developing a treatment plan. Severe scar tissue will need special focus, which could mean a longer recovery. This is because the body could take longer to adjust to the adjustments being made. A thorough consultation and investigation will be performed/examined before any adjustments begin.
Chiropractic Massage Rehabilitation
References
Shin, Thuzar M, and Jeremy S Bordeaux. The role of massage in scar management: a literature review. Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] vol. 38,3 (2012): 414-23. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02201.x
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
