Understanding the Difference Between Chiropractic and Massage Therapy
Many people dealing with back pain, stress, or muscle tightness often wonder: should I see a chiropractor or get a massage? While both can offer incredible relief, they serve different purposes and work in complementary ways.
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we offer both chiropractic care and therapeutic massage, and understanding the difference can help you get the most out of your wellness routine.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors focus on the spine and nervous system. Using hands-on adjustments and other tools, they help realign the spine, reduce nerve pressure, and restore motion to joints that aren’t moving properly.
✅ Common chiropractic techniques include:
Spinal adjustments
Active Release Technique (ART)
Flexion-distraction (gentle disc therapy)
Spinal decompression
Postural correction
Chiropractic care is best for:
Low back pain or sciatica
Neck stiffness or headaches
Herniated discs
Postural imbalances
Nerve-related symptoms (numbness, tingling)
When your spine is out of alignment, it affects your entire nervous system, which can impact your energy, digestion, sleep, and more.
What Does a Massage Therapist Do?
Massage therapy focuses on the muscles and soft tissues. Therapists use techniques like deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release to relieve tension, increase blood flow, and promote relaxation.
✅ Common types of massage:
Deep tissue massage
Prenatal massage
Trigger point therapy
Sports massage
Relaxation massage
Massage is ideal for:
Muscle tightness or knots
Stress and anxiety relief
Improving circulation
Recovering from workouts or injuries
Enhancing flexibility and relaxation
Massage does not correct spinal misalignments but is excellent for helping muscles release chronic tension that may be pulling your joints out of alignment.
When Should You Choose Chiropractic vs. Massage?
Here’s a simple breakdown to guide you:
👉 Choose chiropractic if you’re dealing with:
Joint pain or stiffness
Sciatica, pinched nerves, or disc issues
Poor posture or spinal imbalances
Headaches related to neck tension
👉 Choose massage if you’re dealing with:
Tight muscles or knots
Stress-related body tension
Muscle recovery after physical activity
Chronic soft tissue pain
For many patients, the best results come from combining both approaches. At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, our doctors often pair spinal adjustments with muscle therapy to create a complete treatment plan.
How Re-LAX Chiropractic Can Help
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we provide:
Gentle, personalized chiropractic care to restore spinal alignment
Therapeutic massage to support muscle recovery and tension relief
Spinal decompression for disc-related issues
Active Release Technique (ART) for soft tissue and sports injuries
Prenatal chiropractic and massage for expecting mothers
Our experienced team works together to ensure your body functions at its best. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, battling chronic stress, or just want to move better, we tailor your care to your lifestyle.
📍 Visit Us at Re-LAX Chiropractic
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
🌐 www.re-laxchiropractic.com
Not sure which care is right for you? Book a consultation and let’s create a plan that works for your body, goals, and comfort. Relief and balance start here!