Massage therapy is a very important part of the treatment AZ Chiropractic offers. It is defined as “the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. Many insurance companies have coverage for massage under the physical therapy benefits as long as a Chiropractor or Osteaopath prescribes it. Physical rehabilitation is a large part of the care given to our patients. Massage therapy is has proven to be beneficial for many chronic conditions such as low back pain, bursitis, headaches, fatigue, depression and more. It also a great tool for acute cases such as strains or sprains, sports injuries, and auto accidents. Our physical bodies are under constant stress and tension. The care you receive at AZ Chiropractic will help relieve your physical struggles you encounter in your everyday living.
What can I expect?
During your first visit to AZ Chiropractic, you will discuss your complaints with the doctor which will help determine which areas of your body require massage.
We have licensed massage therapists always available at the office. They are scheduled on the half hour. Massages for most patients are most beneficial in 30 minute segments, targeting the specific area of complaint you may have. Some patients feel the most benefit when they are massaged twice a week and others prefer once a week.
Your therapist will take you back to one of our massage rooms. It will be a quiet, warm, and comfortable room. Soft music will play to help you relax. The therapist will leave the room while you unclothe the area that needs to be worked on. It is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will relax on the massage table, under clean, soft sheets while you wait for the therapist to return. You will be properly draped during the entire session. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. Areas like your neck, back and shoulders are commonly worked on. Other areas might include arms, legs, feet, and hands. You will not be touched on or near your private areas.
What does massage feel like?
It depends on the patient. Some prefer deep massage, while others prefer lighter pressure. Some form of Swedish massage is most common for most therapists. Usually your session will start with broad strokes to help relax your muscle tension and calm your nervous system. As you become more relaxed, the therapist will gradually increase the pressure and begin targeting specific areas to help you get relief. Lotion is used to help the therapist massage without causing too much friction to the skin. Please always let your therapist know if you are uncomfortable at all. If you need more or less pressure, it is important to communicate in order to get your body the most benefit.
Some patients feel most comfortable talking about their day, while others feel best when they just lay quietly. The therapists are comfortable with either. The goal is for you to be relaxed. After your massage, you should feel more relaxed and limber. Since toxins are released from your soft tissue during massage, we recommend you drink plenty of water afterward.
Some patients prefer their adjustment before massage, while others wait until after. It is completely up to you, but it is a vital part to the therapy and care you receive at AZ Chiropractic.
