Is It Good To Combine Massage Therapy With Chiropractic Adjustments?

By: Jannet King

Is-It-Good-To-Combine-Massage-Therapy-With-Chiropractic-Adjustments

Muscle tightness. Chronic stress. Nagging pain that doesn’t seem to go away. For many people, these are everyday experiences, and managing them often means choosing between chiropractic care and massage therapy. But what if the most effective solution wasn’t about choosing one or the other?

Chiropractic and massage therapy are powerful treatments on their own, but together they offer a complementary, holistic approach to healing. Chiropractic adjustments focus on joint health and nervous system function, while massage therapy works through soft tissue and muscular recovery. When combined, these therapies may enhance mobility, accelerate recovery, and provide more sustainable pain relief.

This kind of integrative health care acknowledges that no single system in the body functions independently. Your muscles, joints, and nerves all work in connection. When one is out of balance, the others follow. Combined therapy restores that balance, which helps your body heal and perform more effectively.

This article examines how chiropractic care and massage therapy work in synergy to support whole-body wellness, providing enhanced mobility, accelerated recovery, and sustained pain relief by addressing both joint health and soft tissue function.

How chiropractic care supports the nervous system

Chiropractic care is best known for its focus on spinal health, but its true value lies in its impact on the nervous system. The spine houses the spinal cord, which connects the brain to every muscle, organ, and tissue in the body. When spinal joints become restricted, that communication network can be disrupted.

These hypomobile segments, referred to as subluxations or joint restrictions, can lead to inflammation, misfiring nerve signals, and movement limitations. Chiropractors use targeted spinal adjustments to restore joint motion, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on surrounding tissues.

The benefits of routine chiropractic adjustments may include:

Enhanced flexibility: Addresses muscular imbalances and improves joint health.
Increased muscle tone and strength: Optimizes nervous system function to support stronger, healthier muscles.
Optimized physical performance: Corrects biomechanics to improve movement patterns. Many professional athletes incorporate chiropractic care into their training regimens to enhance coordination, prevent injuries, and optimize movement efficiency.
Reduced stress and better sleep: Balances the nervous system, improving sleep quality and energy levels.
Injury prevention: Maintains proper body mechanics to reduce injury risk.
Long-term pain management: Keeps joints and muscles aligned and functional, reducing reliance on pain medication.
Improved posture: Corrects misalignments, helping you stand straighter and maintain better body mechanics.
Faster recovery: Reduces recovery time after physical activity or injury by promoting circulation and reducing tension.
Enhanced mental clarity: A well-aligned spine may improve focus, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being.

A study published in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association found that spinal manipulation therapy significantly improved both pain and functional outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers noted improvements in mobility, reduced disability, and overall better quality of life for those receiving consistent chiropractic care. These findings reinforce the role of chiropractic adjustments in managing musculoskeletal pain and supporting long-term recovery.

By correcting spinal dysfunction, chiropractic care not only supports mobility but also enhances the nervous system's communication with the rest of the body.

The role of massage therapy in soft tissue and muscle recovery

Where chiropractic focuses on bones and joints, massage therapy addresses the muscles, fascia, and connective tissues that support those structures. Stress, injury, poor posture, and overuse can all create chronic muscle tension, trigger points, and inflammation. Over time, these soft tissue issues can cause discomfort and contribute to joint misalignment.

Massage therapy may help release muscle tension and restore function to the body’s soft tissue system. Depending on your needs, therapists may use techniques like:

Trigger point therapy to relieve concentrated muscle knots
Deep tissue massage to address chronic tension in deeper muscle layers
Swedish massage to promote blood flow, relaxation, and stress relief

Massage increases circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This state of “rest and digest” is essential for recovery and healing, especially when the body is under physical or emotional stress.

Together with chiropractic care, massage therapy helps prepare the body to receive adjustments more effectively and recover more completely.

The biomechanics of integration: Why chiropractic and massage therapy work better together

Muscles, joints, fascia, and the nervous system function as one interconnected biomechanical unit. When joint motion is compromised due to misalignment, restriction, or injury, surrounding muscles often tighten to stabilize the affected area. Over time, this protective mechanism can lead to chronic muscular tension, reduced circulation, and an increased risk of compensatory strain elsewhere in the body.

Likewise, when soft tissues such as muscles or fascia remain tense or inflamed, they can inhibit proper joint motion, restrict flexibility, and pull structures out of alignment. This cyclical feedback loop between structural restriction and soft tissue dysfunction contributes to persistent discomfort, movement limitations, and neuromuscular imbalance.

That’s why chiropractic and massage therapy work best when used in conjunction with each other. Each therapy supports and amplifies the effects of the other by targeting different layers of dysfunction. This creates a more efficient, responsive, and sustainable environment for healing.

According to a 2021 clinical review in The Permanente Journal, chiropractic care is most effective when incorporated into a broader, multimodal approach to pain management. The study highlights that spinal manipulation can lead to measurable improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life, particularly when combined with therapies such as soft tissue work, exercise, or patient education. This reinforces the clinical value of combining chiropractic adjustments with massage therapy in a coordinated care plan.

Massage therapy may help:

Relax tight or overactive muscles
Loosen fascial restrictions and reduce adhesions
Improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues
Prime the body for deeper structural correction

Chiropractic care may help:

Restore joint alignment and mobility
Improve spinal and postural mechanics
Reduce stress and compensation in the surrounding muscles
Enhance communication within the nervous system

Together, these therapies help restore optimal function. This two-pronged approach helps reinforce healthy movement patterns, reduces the root causes of pain, and lowers the risk of recurring dysfunction. By addressing the entire system of joints, muscles, and neural control, chiropractic and massage therapy offer a truly integrative path to whole-body wellness.

Benefits of combining chiropractic and massage care

Patients who receive chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy often report faster and longer-lasting relief, as well as improved overall function. Here are some of the top reasons to consider this combined approach.

Joint pain relief: Many cases of joint pain involve both joint dysfunction and surrounding muscle tension. Chiropractic addresses joint restrictions, while massage therapy relieves the soft tissue stress that contributes to them.

Muscle tension relief: Tight muscles limit motion and contribute to pain. Massage therapy helps release tension, reduce spasms, and prepare the muscles for better mobility after an adjustment.

Enhanced range of motion and flexibility: Chiropractic adjustments realign the joints, and massage helps elongate the surrounding tissues. This combination may support a fuller range of motion and less stiffness throughout the body.

Faster recovery from activity and injury: For athletes and active individuals, combining chiropractic care and massage therapy may support faster recovery, reduced soreness, and improved performance.

Stress relief and nervous system regulation: Massage therapy promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate the body's response to stress. Chiropractic adjustments support better communication between the brain and body. Together, they may reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.

Immune function support: Chronic stress and inflammation can weaken the immune system. Regular chiropractic and massage care may reduce stress hormones and promote immune balance.

Together, these benefits highlight why chiropractic care and massage therapy are often more effective when used in tandem. Addressing both the structural and soft tissue components of pain enables more comprehensive relief, improved mobility, and a greater sense of balance in the body. This integrated approach not only helps manage current symptoms but also supports long-term function, prevention, and overall wellness. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic tension, or simply aiming to move and feel better, combining these therapies may offer the most complete and sustainable path forward.

How to integrate chiropractic and massage therapy into your routine

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule for chiropractic and massage therapy. Your ideal cadence depends on your symptoms, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. While frequency varies, many find it beneficial to start with weekly chiropractic appointments and bi-weekly massage sessions, to transition to weekly chiropractic care and monthly massage for ongoing maintenance as conditions improve.

Here are three common ways to combine massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments:

Massage before chiropractic care to loosen muscles and make adjustments more effective
Massage after chiropractic care to reduce post-adjustment soreness and enhance recovery
Alternating appointments to support consistency and give the nervous system time to adjust

Working with a licensed chiropractor is the best way to determine what works for your body. Many patients find that integrating both therapies leads to greater results with fewer visits over time.

Chiropractic and massage: A smarter path to holistic wellness

Ultimately, integrating chiropractic adjustments with massage therapy provides a comprehensive and proactive approach to holistic wellness. This combined strategy not only addresses pain and tension but also optimizes your body's natural healing capabilities, leading to improved posture, increased flexibility, and enhanced overall resilience. Discover how this smart self-care choice can transform your health journey today. Whether you’re managing chronic back pain, recovering from injury, or simply looking to feel stronger, this approach offers a smarter, more sustainable path to wellness.

Frequently asked questions

Does massage help chiropractic adjustment?

Yes. Massage therapy can help prepare the body for a chiropractic adjustment by relaxing tight muscles, improving circulation, and reducing surface tension. When muscles are less resistant, adjustments can be more comfortable, effective, and longer-lasting. Many chiropractors recommend massage before an adjustment to support better outcomes.

What does a chiropractor do for back pain?

Chiropractors evaluate and correct spinal misalignments that may be contributing to back pain. Using targeted spinal adjustments, they work to restore joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on nearby nerves. This aims to address the root cause of pain and supports long-term relief without relying on medication.

Should I get a massage or go to the chiropractor first?

It depends on your goals and how your body responds to them. Many people find that getting a massage before a chiropractic adjustment helps loosen tight muscles and improves the effectiveness of the adjustment. Others prefer a massage after an adjustment to help reinforce alignment and promote recovery. A chiropractor can help you determine the best order for your needs.

How often should I get chiropractic and massage therapy?

The right frequency depends on your condition, goals, and how your body responds to care. During periods of active pain, you may benefit from visiting the office two to three times per week. As you improve, weekly visits can help maintain progress and provide preventative support. Your doctor of chiropractic can help develop a care plan tailored to your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Can chiropractic and massage therapy help with posture?

Chiropractic adjustments help correct spinal misalignments that may be contributing to poor posture, while massage therapy targets tight muscles and imbalances that pull the body out of alignment. Together, these therapies may support better body mechanics, reduce tension, and facilitate easier maintenance of good posture throughout the day.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.