Whether as a result of regular athletic activity, part of physical rehabilitation after an injury, or simply as a result of stress associated with a busy schedule, you may be feeling sore and achy lately. Perhaps a friend or family member has recommended that you seek out chiropractic care or massage therapy, but you are uncertain as to the difference between the two types of treatment and which would be your better option.

Although it is not unusual for chiropractic and massage services to be offered out of the same office, there are some distinct differences between the two treatments, in terms of training as well as scope of practice. Below, Dr. Nathen Horst will explain how each treatment modality works so that you can better understand which one would better suit your particular needs.

Chiropractor Training versus Massage Therapist Training

A chiropractic degree is actually considered a doctorate degree, which involves four years of undergraduate, pre-med study that is focused on the biological sciences, physiology and anatomy, followed by a four-year doctorate of chiropractic program at an accredited institution of postgraduate education. This chiropractic educational program will include a residency and several board and certification tests. After graduation, students are considered doctors of chiropractic (DCs).

In comparison, becoming a licensed massage therapist (LMT) requires a post-secondary degree program, including approximately 500 hours of practical experience. However, training requirements can vary from state to state. LMTs can opt to become certified, meaning that they have gone through further voluntary training and credentialing.

Which Conditions Do Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Treat?

Massage therapy focuses specifically on the muscles and surrounding soft tissue. If your primary problem is sore or stiff muscles, whether as a result of tension or overuse, massage therapy will likely be a good treatment option. Although massage can be performed as a form of relaxation, it can also have therapeutic benefits, depending on the specific technique that is used. As one example, a deep tissue massage is an excellent choice for athletes after practice or competition in order to help the muscles recover quickly and restore themselves for the next round of activity. By loosening up tight, sore muscles, massage therapists encourage proper flow of lymphatic fluid, thereby increasing circulation and helping relieve pain and stiffness.

Although chiropractors do care for soft tissues and muscles, it goes beyond that to include treating the entire musculoskeletal system. This will include the joints, tendons, and ligaments. Of course, the main focus of chiropractic care is on the spine and, specifically, keeping it in proper alignment. However, it will also cover other joints of the body, including the knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle. If, for example, you have actually strained a ligament in the knee as a result of a sports injury, a chiropractor will be able to relieve the immediate pain, and help you maintain good joint movement to reduce your chances of another ligament injury once you go back to your usual sports activities.

In many cases, massage therapy and chiropractic care go hand in hand. Massage therapy can be a good warm up for chiropractic adjustments by relaxing the muscles and soft tissue, which will make it easier for Dr. Horst to perform adjustments, as the body will be less tense. Although these two treatments can be applied separately, using them together can further boost your body’s healing abilities.