Therapeutic massage, a widely recognized complementary intervention in chiropractic care, plays a crucial role in addressing musculoskeletal discomfort, enhancing recovery, and supporting overall health and wellness. Peer-reviewed research consistently validates massage therapy’s effectiveness in improving both physical and psychological outcomes for patients.
Field et al. (2007) demonstrated significant physiological benefits of massage therapy, noting reductions in stress hormones (cortisol), increases in mood-regulating neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine), and enhanced immune function. Such changes underscore the comprehensive benefits of massage therapy in managing stress-related symptoms and promoting overall patient well-being.
Further studies by Cherkin et al. (2011) highlighted massage therapy’s efficacy in managing chronic lower back pain, demonstrating improved functional outcomes, pain reduction, and decreased reliance on medication. Massage’s therapeutic effects arise from its ability to reduce muscular tension, enhance circulation, and stimulate natural healing processes.
Sherman et al. (2009) reinforced these findings, documenting notable improvements in chronic neck pain and associated dysfunction following therapeutic massage interventions. Their research emphasized massage’s capability to enhance musculoskeletal function and reduce pain severity significantly.
The safety profile of massage therapy further supports its widespread use, presenting minimal risks and promoting high patient satisfaction.
Incorporating therapeutic massage into chiropractic care effectively addresses both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. By providing targeted relief, reducing stress, and promoting natural recovery processes, massage therapy serves as an integral component in comprehensive, patient-centered chiropractic care.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2007). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397-1413.
Cherkin, D. C., Sherman, K. J., Kahn, J., Wellman, R., Cook, A. J., Johnson, E., … & Deyo, R. A. (2011). A comparison of the effects of 2 types of massage and usual care on chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(1), 1-9.
Sherman, K. J., Cherkin, D. C., Hawkes, R. J., Miglioretti, D. L., & Deyo, R. A. (2009). Randomized trial of therapeutic massage for chronic neck pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 25(3), 233-238.
