Here’s one of the most common questions I hear as a holistic chiropractor. People ask all the time. Is it better to see a chiropractor or a massage therapist first? Great question. They complement each other beautifully. But who to see first? The order can feel confusing. At Twin Waves Wellness Center, Dr. Suzanna and I (hi, I’m Dr. Kira!) tell patients you won’t notice any debilitating results getting a massage before chiropractic treatments or afterwards. Or mixing up the schedule. That said, there are significant benefits of massage before and after chiropractic care. So, who first? Let’s find out.
Who To See First: Chiropractor or Massage Therapist?
Chiropractic care and massage therapy are both powerful. Holistic chiropractic care focuses on the spine. The nervous system. How the body communicates. Massage therapy works directly with muscles. The body’s soft tissues. It helps release tension. Improves circulation. Provides a sense of calm. Both are great. But they’re better together.
Combining Chiropractic Care with Massage
Dr. Suzanna reminds patients that the body works as a whole. Not in isolated parts. When the nervous system relaxes, muscles let go. When muscles relax, the spine responds. This is the beauty of integrating holistic care. Different areas of the body are targeted. Both alleviate stress. Relieve pain. Help people naturally cope with depression. Soothe discomfort in the back. Increase circulation.
Visiting a Chiropractor
Chiropractic targets tension stored in the back. Uses spinal manipulation to restore alignment. Traditional chiropractic care typically involved cracking backs. Popping things back into place. We do chiropractic differently. We practice Network Spinal Chiropractic in San Diego. It’s a holistic approach that uses gentle touch. No cracking or popping. Just soft touches along the spine that move energetic blocks in the body. It’s like chiropractic combined with energy healing. Holistic chiropractic looks at the root cause of pain. Helps restore nervous system function.
Seeing a Massage Therapist
Massage also targets back tension. But it doesn’t work with the bones and joints. A massage therapist is all about muscle tissue. Pressure points. They work deeply with these parts of the body. Using their hands. Fingers. Elbows. Forearms. Oils and lotions are commonly applied to the skin. The goal of massage? To reduce pain. Tension. Work out muscle knots. Soften neck pain. Relieve physical and emotional stress. Soothe body and mind. Speed up recovery after injury. Or surgery.
Should You Get a Massage or Physical Therapy First?
Now for the big question. Who should you see first? A chiropractor or massage therapist? Let’s talk timing.
Seeing a Massage Therapist Before the Chiropactor
There are benefits to getting a massage before heading to your local chiro. Seeing a massage therapist first can be helpful if you’re:
- Super tight
- Highly stressed
- Nervous to see a chiropractor
- Experiencing mobility issues
Massage calms the nervous system. Soften muscle tension. It also makes the body more receptive to chiropractic care. Dr. Suzanna explains it like this. When muscles are tight, the spine can resist change. Here’s when massage creates space for chiropractic care. So the
The adjustment is gentler. And more effective. Are you new to chiropractic care? Getting a massage first can help you feel more relaxed. This can change the whole experience.
Seeing a Chiropractor Before Getting a Massage
Some chiropractors recommend massage after an adjustment. Why? It’s simple. Chiropractic care restores alignment. Resets nervous system imbalance. Getting a massage afterward helps integrate these changes. The body releases endorphins after an adjustment. Shifts into healing mode. Say the muscles are tight. This can pull the spine back out of alignment. Massage helps prevent this. A post-adjustment massage helps the nervous system remember new patterns. Supports stability. Instead of tension. Many patients tell us that relief lasts longer when followed by a massage.
Long-Term Relief Comes From Listening to Your Body
Here’s the truth. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people feel great with a massage before chiropractic care. Others do better seeing a chiropractor first. We often see patients alternate depending on what their body needs. The thing that matters most is consistency. If you’re looking for long-term relief, combining care is where it’s at. Same thing for injury recovery. And nervous system regulation. Speak to a chiropractor. Talk with a massage therapist. They can work together. Dr. Suzanna and I are a twin chiropractic team. We encourage a team-based approach. Especially with massage and chiropractic. Your body talks. We help you hear what it’s trying to tell you.
Final Thoughts: Chiropractor or Massage Therapist First?
If you’re unsure whether to see a chiropractor or a massage therapist first, consider this. You don’t have to choose just one. Massage is relaxing. Restores soft tissue. Relieves muscle tension. Alleviates stress. Chiropractic supports alignment. Movement. Posture. Nervous system health. Together, they create lasting change. Unsure where to start? We’re happy to help. To listen to your needs. What matters most is that you’re supported. Aligned with the best therapy for your body’s needs. This way, a care plan can be created that supports long-term healing. Balance. Radiant well-being.