Chiropractic Care vs. Massage Therapy: Which Do You Need?

If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or stress, you’ve probably wondered: Should I see a chiropractor or get a massage? Both options offer real benefits — but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right care for your needs.

What's the Difference?

Massage therapy focuses on relaxing muscles, easing tension, and reducing stress. It’s great for general wellness, recovery from physical activity, or temporary relief from soreness and tightness.

Chiropractic care, on the other hand, targets the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine and nervous system. Chiropractors work to correct misalignments (subluxations) and restore proper joint function, but they also treat muscular issues using techniques like:

• Soft tissue therapy

• Active Release Technique (ART)

• Trigger point therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)

This means chiropractors can help with both bones and muscles, making chiropractic care more corrective and clinically focused than massage alone.

When to Choose Chiropractic Care

• Chronic back or neck pain

• Poor posture or spinal misalignment

• Nerve-related pain (like sciatica)

• Recurring headaches or migraines

• Limited mobility or stiffness

• Recovery from injuries or accidents

If your pain keeps coming back, chiropractic adjustments combined with soft tissue work may address the root cause — not just the symptoms.

When Massage Therapy Helps Most

• Muscle soreness or fatigue

• General tension and stress relief

• Poor circulation or lymphatic drainage

• Support for relaxation and emotional well-being

Massage can complement chiropractic care, especially if you’re dealing with stress-related tightness.

What About Combining Both?

Many people benefit from both chiropractic care and massage therapy, especially when used together. Massage can relax tight muscles before an adjustment, making chiropractic treatment more effective. Chiropractors may also refer patients to massage therapists for additional soft tissue work and vice versa.

Bottom Line:

If you're looking to correct spinal issues, improve function, and relieve both joint and muscle pain, chiropractic care is your go-to. If you're mainly seeking stress relief or general muscle relaxation, massage therapy may be enough.

Still unsure? Talk to a chiropractor to see which option suits your situation best — and whether combining both could get you better results.