WEBVTT
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In the time it takes you to get home, work, or play, Dr.
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Joe's podcast will inform and educate you on chiropractic, nutrition, and fitness, keeping you and your family up to date on current products, health tips, and optimized living with chiropractic care.
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And here's your host, Dr.
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Joe Shepherd.
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Hello, my name is Dr.
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Joe Shepherd of Shepherd Chiropractic.
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Today on Dr.
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Joe's Power On Podcast, episode number 57, we're talking about a question that comes up regularly at our office.
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Why do chiropractic adjustments and medical massage therapy work so well together?
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So let's kick off those shoes, take a deep breath, and maybe roll those shoulders back, and let's get aligned together.
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So at Shepherd Chiropractic, we offer both chiropractic care and massage therapy.
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And it's one of the things that I really enjoy about having both services available because we're able to look at the whole big picture when it comes to our patients' musculoskeletal health.
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Now, chiropractic adjustments and massage are not the same thing.
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Then they don't do the same thing either.
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And no one is simply a replacement for the other.
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But because they approach different parts of the musculoskeletal system, they can complement each other extremely well.
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So today we're going to talk about the connection between the two, how they can work together, when massage may be helpful, and when chiropractic care may be helpful.
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So that's why taking a team approach can make so much sense.
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So let's get started.
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You know, chiropractic and massage are different tools, but have similar goals.
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So let's start with the basics.
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When you think about chiropractic care, you probably think about a chiropractic adjustment.
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An adjustment is a very specific technique used to influence movement, optimize nerve function, and increase the motion of the joint.
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As a chiropractor, I'm looking at things like how the spine and other joints are moving, where they may have areas that are restricted, and how they're functioning, and what may be contributing to that particular complaint or symptoms.
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Massage therapy takes a different approach.
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Medical massage focuses primarily on soft tissues, things like muscles, ligaments, and the surrounding tissues.
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A massage therapist may work on areas of muscle tension, soreness, soft tissue restrictions, maybe knots, using their specific techniques based upon the patient's needs.
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So when you think about your body as a moving system, you've got joints that move, muscles that create movement, connective tissues that support movement, and a nervous system coordinating all of it.
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So everything works together.
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And that's why it makes so much sense to address more than just one component.
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So think about the muscles in the joints.
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Here's a simple way that I explain it to patients.
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Imagine you've got an area that's bothering you.
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Maybe it's your neck or lower back or maybe it's your shoulder.
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Maybe you're sitting at your desk all day working in the yard, possibly lifting weights, playing some sports, or doing something repetitive.
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The muscles around that area become very tight and fatigued.
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And at the same time, the joints in that region may not be moving well as they should.
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Those things can influence each other.
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If you're uncomfortable moving a joint, then the surrounding muscles have to change the way they work.
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If a muscle is extremely tense, that may affect how comfortably you can actually move that joint.
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It's not always as simple as saying it's a muscle problem or it's a joint problem.
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Sometimes there are multiple pieces of the puzzle.
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That's why having both chiropractic care and massage therapy can be very valuable.
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So what does massage bring to the table?
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Well, let's talk specifically about massage therapy.
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And a lot of people hear the word massage and immediately think of relaxation.
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And there's nothing wrong with relaxate with relaxation.
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Massage can certainly feel great, but medical massage can be much more targeted than simply getting a relaxing massage at a spa.
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Techniques can be very specifically directed towards muscular tension, knots, or very soft tissue areas that are sore.
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For example, maybe someone has been spending 10 hours a day at the computer.
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Their shoulders are constantly elevated.
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Their upper back is tight, their neck feels stiff.
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Their muscles may be doing a lot of work just to maintain the same position throughout the day.
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Massage can be one way of addressing some of that soft tissue tension.
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Or maybe you've increased your workout routine.
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You went from exercising two days a week to maybe three or four days a week.
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And your muscles are telling you, hey, what are you doing to me?
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That's where the appropriate soft tissue work can sometimes be very helpful.
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Or maybe you spend an entire weekend painting, gardening, moving furniture, mulching the yard, or some other project around the house.
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And you wake up Monday morning and you think, what did my muscles do?
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Why am I so sore in there?
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We've all been there, and massage therapy can be one tool for addressing those areas.
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So what does chiropractic bring to the table?
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Well, let's flip that around.
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What does chiropractic care bring to this picture?
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You know, a chiropractic evaluation allows us to assess joint movement, function, and determine whether the adjustment is appropriate.
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The goal isn't simply to crack something.
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There's a lot more to the appropriate chiropractic care than making a joint pop or crack.
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We're looking at the individual, we're looking at their history, we're taking an examination, and we're looking at where you're experiencing and what you're trying to accomplish.
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You know, if an adjustment is appropriate, it can be used as one component of your care.
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And sometimes combining that with soft tissue work can make a lot of sense for people.
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So why do they work so well together?
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Well, let's put these pieces together.
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Imagine someone comes to the office with neck and upper back discomfort.
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They've been sitting at their computer all day for years.
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Their upper back feels stiff, their shoulders feel tight, they don't move their neck as comfortably as they used to.
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And there are several things contributing to that situation.
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You know, their muscles may be tight, their joints are not moving, their workstation is not set up properly, they're probably not taking enough movement breaks, and they're not exercising enough and not getting enough sleep.
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That's not one problem with one solution.
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It's a whole picture.
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So we use chiropractic care to address the appropriate areas of joint dysfunction, nervous system dysfunction, and movement issues.
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And massage therapy may be used to address areas of soft tissue tension or stiffness.
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And then we also talk about what the patient is doing outside the office.
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You know, are they exercising?
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Are they taking enough breaks from sitting?
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Are they working on their posture and ergonomics?
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Are they getting enough sleep?
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Staying active?
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That's much more comprehensive approach than just simply asking, come in and we'll fix it.
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So massage before or after the adjustment.
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That's one of the questions I do get.
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Should I get a massage before an adjustment or after?
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You know, and the honest answer depends.
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There isn't a universal rule that says massage always has to come first or that the adjustment has to come first.
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And it depends on the patient's condition, goals, symptoms, what techniques they're using.
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Sometimes addressing muscle tension before an adjustment may make sense.
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And in other situations, massage may be appropriate afterward.
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And sometimes the two services may be scheduled separately.
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That's one of the benefits of having both services available at Shepherd Chiropractic.
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You know, we look at the individual patient and determine what approach makes sense for them.
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And it's not about doing more just to do more.
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We also want to make something very clear.
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The goal isn't to give someone every possible service just because we can.
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More treatment isn't automatically better treatment.
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The goal is to provide appropriate care based on the individual.
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If someone doesn't need massage, then they don't get a massage.
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If someone doesn't need an adjustment, well then just they won't get the adjustment that day.
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If someone needs a different type of health care altogether, that's important for us to recognize that as well.
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You know, it's our responsibility to listen, evaluate, educate, and provide the appropriate care.
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And sometimes the best thing we can do for a patient is to tell them exactly what they need to do outside of our office.
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Maybe that's exercise.
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Get more rest and sleep.
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Maybe it's seeing another healthcare provider.
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Maybe it's simply giving your body some time to recover.
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And you know, good health care isn't about doing the most, it's about what doing what's truly appropriate.
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You know, your body works as a team.
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You know, think about how you actually move throughout the day.
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When you reach for something, your shoulder moves, your upper back contributes, your neck and spine are involved, your muscles contract, your nervous system coordinates the movement, your feet and legs help stabilize you.
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Your body doesn't just say, today we're only going to use your shoulder.
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Everything works together.
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And that's why the concept of combining chiropractic care and massage therapy, when appropriate, we're not treating two completely separate things.
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We're addressing different pieces of a system that are designed to work together.
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You know, what about athletes?
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You know, this combination can also be particularly interesting for people who are active.
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Maybe you run, maybe you work out with weights, play golf, pickleball, and enjoy cycling.
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Or maybe you can participate in competitive sports.
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Or maybe even the idea of exercise for you is chasing your kids or grandkids around the house.
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Whatever your activity level, your body experiences stress from that movement.
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And movement is a good thing.
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You know, we want you to move, but recovery matters also.
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For an appropriate patient, chiropractic care may be used to address joint movement and function, while massage therapy may help address soft tissue concerns.
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And that is where the foundation for good training, good recovery, good sleep, good nutrition, good hydration, and appropriate exercise.
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That's truly the bigger picture.
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So what about people who are who are not athletes?
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You do not have to be an athlete to benefit from taking care of the musculoskeletal system.
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In fact, some people who need to think about this most is those don't consider themselves active as all at all.
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You sit behind a desk all day, your body is still working.
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You stand all day at work, your body is still trying to work.
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You've been driving for several hours every day, your body is still working.
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If you spend your weekends doing household projects, you know, your body is working over the weekend.
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Your body responds to what you ask it to do or what you don't ask it to do.
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That means taking care of your muscles and joints is important, whether you're running a marathon or simply trying to get through your workday comfortably.
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So don't forget what happens between your appointments.
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Now, here's one of the most important things I want you to remember.
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What you do between your appointments truly matters.
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You know, you could receive excellent chiropractic adjustments.
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You could receive excellent massage, but if you go home and spend the next seven days doing the exact same thing that aggravated the problem in the first place, you're going to have a difficult time making lasting changes.
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And that's why you need to look at your daily habits.
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Do you move regularly?
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Do you sit for hours without a break?
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Are you exercising regularly?
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Are you strengthening your body with weights?
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Are you sleeping enough?
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Are you managing your stress?
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Are you using proper technique when you're lifting and bending?
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Are you gradually increasing your activity instead of going from zero to 100?
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You know, these things do matter.
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Your appointments are important, but they're only a small part of the picture.
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So when should I get evaluated?
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Well, that's another important question.
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When should I actually come in?
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Well, you don't necessarily have to wait until you're in severe pain.
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Maybe you're noticing that your neck doesn't rotate as far to the right as it used to.
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Maybe your back feels stiff when you wake up in the morning.
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Maybe your shoulders are tense when you're trying to drive home.
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Or maybe you have recurring discomfort after your workouts.
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Or you're noticing that old injury is starting to bother you again.
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Those things are worth paying attention to.
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It allows us to have conversations about the whole musculoskeletal picture.
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Instead of looking at just the spine separately from the muscles, we can recognize that they're connected.
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If a patient has a particular goal, we can discuss whether chiropractic care, massage, or both, or another approach may be appropriate.
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And that can make the experience much more convenient for our patients also.
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You don't necessarily have to think of chiropractic and massage as two completely separate worlds.
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They can be complementary parts of a larger picture.
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So what's the bottom line?
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So if I could summarize today's episode in just a few words, I it would be this different tools, different purposes, one body.
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Chiropractic adjustments focus on joint movement and function and optimize nervous system.
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Medical massage therapy focuses on muscles and other soft tissues.
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Because joints and soft tissues work together, addressing both can make sense for some patients.
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You know, but the ultimate goal isn't simply to have a massage or receive a specific adjustment.
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The goal is to help you move better, function better, and participate in all the activities you you enjoy.
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And that's really what we're all about here at Shepherd Chiropractic.
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You know, move well and live well.
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So, in closing, I hope today's episode helped explain why chiropractic adjustments and medical massage therapy can work so well together.
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So if you're dealing with muscle tension, stiffness, recurring discomfort, or simply want to learn more about how chiropractic and massage therapy can complement each other, we'd be happy to talk to you.
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At Shepherd Chiropractic, we'll take the time to understand what's going on and help you determine what approach may be appropriate for you.
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Remember, your body works as a team.
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And sometimes your healthcare can work as a team also.
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Until next time, keep your power on, take care of yourself, and keep moving.
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Thanks for joining us on this episode of Dr.
00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.599
Joe's Podcast.
00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:49.599
Discover more insights on chiropractic, nutrition, and fitness on next week's episode and at Shepherdchiropractic.com.
00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:03.839
In the time it takes you to get home, work, or play, Dr.
00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:17.600
Joe's podcast will inform and educate you on chiropractic, nutrition, and fitness, keeping you and your family up to date on current products, health tips, and optimized living with chiropractic care.
00:00:17.839 --> 00:00:19.359
And here's your host, Dr.
00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:20.960
Joe Shepherd.
00:00:27.039 --> 00:00:28.800
Hello, my name is Dr.
00:00:28.879 --> 00:00:31.359
Joe Shepherd of Shepherd Chiropractic.
00:00:31.519 --> 00:00:32.479
Today on Dr.
00:00:32.560 --> 00:00:40.719
Joe's Power On Podcast, episode number 57, we're talking about a question that comes up regularly at our office.
00:00:41.359 --> 00:00:47.439
Why do chiropractic adjustments and medical massage therapy work so well together?
00:00:47.759 --> 00:00:55.759
So let's kick off those shoes, take a deep breath, and maybe roll those shoulders back, and let's get aligned together.
00:00:56.000 --> 00:01:01.359
So at Shepherd Chiropractic, we offer both chiropractic care and massage therapy.
00:01:01.439 --> 00:01:12.560
And it's one of the things that I really enjoy about having both services available because we're able to look at the whole big picture when it comes to our patients' musculoskeletal health.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:17.519
Now, chiropractic adjustments and massage are not the same thing.
00:01:17.840 --> 00:01:19.920
Then they don't do the same thing either.
00:01:20.159 --> 00:01:23.680
And no one is simply a replacement for the other.
00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:32.319
But because they approach different parts of the musculoskeletal system, they can complement each other extremely well.
00:01:32.480 --> 00:01:44.560
So today we're going to talk about the connection between the two, how they can work together, when massage may be helpful, and when chiropractic care may be helpful.
00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:49.359
So that's why taking a team approach can make so much sense.
00:01:49.519 --> 00:01:50.799
So let's get started.
00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:56.239
You know, chiropractic and massage are different tools, but have similar goals.
00:01:56.480 --> 00:01:58.560
So let's start with the basics.
00:01:58.799 --> 00:02:03.840
When you think about chiropractic care, you probably think about a chiropractic adjustment.
00:02:04.159 --> 00:02:15.360
An adjustment is a very specific technique used to influence movement, optimize nerve function, and increase the motion of the joint.
00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:31.039
As a chiropractor, I'm looking at things like how the spine and other joints are moving, where they may have areas that are restricted, and how they're functioning, and what may be contributing to that particular complaint or symptoms.
00:02:31.360 --> 00:02:34.319
Massage therapy takes a different approach.
00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:42.479
Medical massage focuses primarily on soft tissues, things like muscles, ligaments, and the surrounding tissues.
00:02:42.719 --> 00:02:55.919
A massage therapist may work on areas of muscle tension, soreness, soft tissue restrictions, maybe knots, using their specific techniques based upon the patient's needs.
00:02:56.240 --> 00:03:10.159
So when you think about your body as a moving system, you've got joints that move, muscles that create movement, connective tissues that support movement, and a nervous system coordinating all of it.
00:03:10.400 --> 00:03:12.000
So everything works together.
00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:17.919
And that's why it makes so much sense to address more than just one component.
00:03:18.240 --> 00:03:20.639
So think about the muscles in the joints.
00:03:20.879 --> 00:03:23.280
Here's a simple way that I explain it to patients.
00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:26.159
Imagine you've got an area that's bothering you.
00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:29.759
Maybe it's your neck or lower back or maybe it's your shoulder.
00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:38.400
Maybe you're sitting at your desk all day working in the yard, possibly lifting weights, playing some sports, or doing something repetitive.
00:03:38.639 --> 00:03:42.719
The muscles around that area become very tight and fatigued.
00:03:42.960 --> 00:03:48.639
And at the same time, the joints in that region may not be moving well as they should.
00:03:48.879 --> 00:03:51.680
Those things can influence each other.
00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:58.560
If you're uncomfortable moving a joint, then the surrounding muscles have to change the way they work.
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If a muscle is extremely tense, that may affect how comfortably you can actually move that joint.
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It's not always as simple as saying it's a muscle problem or it's a joint problem.
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Sometimes there are multiple pieces of the puzzle.
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That's why having both chiropractic care and massage therapy can be very valuable.
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So what does massage bring to the table?
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Well, let's talk specifically about massage therapy.
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And a lot of people hear the word massage and immediately think of relaxation.
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And there's nothing wrong with relaxate with relaxation.
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Massage can certainly feel great, but medical massage can be much more targeted than simply getting a relaxing massage at a spa.
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Techniques can be very specifically directed towards muscular tension, knots, or very soft tissue areas that are sore.
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For example, maybe someone has been spending 10 hours a day at the computer.
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Their shoulders are constantly elevated.
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Their upper back is tight, their neck feels stiff.
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Their muscles may be doing a lot of work just to maintain the same position throughout the day.
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Massage can be one way of addressing some of that soft tissue tension.
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Or maybe you've increased your workout routine.
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You went from exercising two days a week to maybe three or four days a week.
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And your muscles are telling you, hey, what are you doing to me?
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That's where the appropriate soft tissue work can sometimes be very helpful.
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Or maybe you spend an entire weekend painting, gardening, moving furniture, mulching the yard, or some other project around the house.
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And you wake up Monday morning and you think, what did my muscles do?
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Why am I so sore in there?
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We've all been there, and massage therapy can be one tool for addressing those areas.
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So what does chiropractic bring to the table?
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Well, let's flip that around.
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What does chiropractic care bring to this picture?
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You know, a chiropractic evaluation allows us to assess joint movement, function, and determine whether the adjustment is appropriate.
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The goal isn't simply to crack something.
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There's a lot more to the appropriate chiropractic care than making a joint pop or crack.
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We're looking at the individual, we're looking at their history, we're taking an examination, and we're looking at where you're experiencing and what you're trying to accomplish.
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You know, if an adjustment is appropriate, it can be used as one component of your care.
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And sometimes combining that with soft tissue work can make a lot of sense for people.
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So why do they work so well together?
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Well, let's put these pieces together.
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Imagine someone comes to the office with neck and upper back discomfort.
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They've been sitting at their computer all day for years.
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Their upper back feels stiff, their shoulders feel tight, they don't move their neck as comfortably as they used to.
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And there are several things contributing to that situation.
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You know, their muscles may be tight, their joints are not moving, their workstation is not set up properly, they're probably not taking enough movement breaks, and they're not exercising enough and not getting enough sleep.
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That's not one problem with one solution.
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It's a whole picture.
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So we use chiropractic care to address the appropriate areas of joint dysfunction, nervous system dysfunction, and movement issues.
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And massage therapy may be used to address areas of soft tissue tension or stiffness.
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And then we also talk about what the patient is doing outside the office.
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You know, are they exercising?
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Are they taking enough breaks from sitting?
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Are they working on their posture and ergonomics?
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Are they getting enough sleep?
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Staying active?
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That's much more comprehensive approach than just simply asking, come in and we'll fix it.
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So massage before or after the adjustment.
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That's one of the questions I do get.
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Should I get a massage before an adjustment or after?
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You know, and the honest answer depends.
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There isn't a universal rule that says massage always has to come first or that the adjustment has to come first.
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And it depends on the patient's condition, goals, symptoms, what techniques they're using.
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Sometimes addressing muscle tension before an adjustment may make sense.
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And in other situations, massage may be appropriate afterward.
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And sometimes the two services may be scheduled separately.
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That's one of the benefits of having both services available at Shepherd Chiropractic.
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You know, we look at the individual patient and determine what approach makes sense for them.
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And it's not about doing more just to do more.
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We also want to make something very clear.
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The goal isn't to give someone every possible service just because we can.
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More treatment isn't automatically better treatment.
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The goal is to provide appropriate care based on the individual.
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If someone doesn't need massage, then they don't get a massage.
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If someone doesn't need an adjustment, well then just they won't get the adjustment that day.
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If someone needs a different type of health care altogether, that's important for us to recognize that as well.
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You know, it's our responsibility to listen, evaluate, educate, and provide the appropriate care.
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And sometimes the best thing we can do for a patient is to tell them exactly what they need to do outside of our office.
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Maybe that's exercise.
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Get more rest and sleep.
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Maybe it's seeing another healthcare provider.
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Maybe it's simply giving your body some time to recover.
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And you know, good health care isn't about doing the most, it's about what doing what's truly appropriate.
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You know, your body works as a team.
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You know, think about how you actually move throughout the day.
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When you reach for something, your shoulder moves, your upper back contributes, your neck and spine are involved, your muscles contract, your nervous system coordinates the movement, your feet and legs help stabilize you.
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Your body doesn't just say, today we're only going to use your shoulder.
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Everything works together.
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And that's why the concept of combining chiropractic care and massage therapy, when appropriate, we're not treating two completely separate things.
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We're addressing different pieces of a system that are designed to work together.
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You know, what about athletes?
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You know, this combination can also be particularly interesting for people who are active.
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Maybe you run, maybe you work out with weights, play golf, pickleball, and enjoy cycling.
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Or maybe you can participate in competitive sports.
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Or maybe even the idea of exercise for you is chasing your kids or grandkids around the house.
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Whatever your activity level, your body experiences stress from that movement.
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And movement is a good thing.
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You know, we want you to move, but recovery matters also.
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For an appropriate patient, chiropractic care may be used to address joint movement and function, while massage therapy may help address soft tissue concerns.
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And that is where the foundation for good training, good recovery, good sleep, good nutrition, good hydration, and appropriate exercise.
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That's truly the bigger picture.
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So what about people who are who are not athletes?
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You do not have to be an athlete to benefit from taking care of the musculoskeletal system.
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In fact, some people who need to think about this most is those don't consider themselves active as all at all.
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You sit behind a desk all day, your body is still working.
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You stand all day at work, your body is still trying to work.
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You've been driving for several hours every day, your body is still working.
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If you spend your weekends doing household projects, you know, your body is working over the weekend.
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Your body responds to what you ask it to do or what you don't ask it to do.
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That means taking care of your muscles and joints is important, whether you're running a marathon or simply trying to get through your workday comfortably.
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So don't forget what happens between your appointments.
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Now, here's one of the most important things I want you to remember.
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What you do between your appointments truly matters.
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You know, you could receive excellent chiropractic adjustments.
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You could receive excellent massage, but if you go home and spend the next seven days doing the exact same thing that aggravated the problem in the first place, you're going to have a difficult time making lasting changes.
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And that's why you need to look at your daily habits.
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Do you move regularly?
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Do you sit for hours without a break?
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Are you exercising regularly?
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Are you strengthening your body with weights?
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Are you sleeping enough?
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Are you managing your stress?
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Are you using proper technique when you're lifting and bending?
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Are you gradually increasing your activity instead of going from zero to 100?
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You know, these things do matter.
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Your appointments are important, but they're only a small part of the picture.
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So when should I get evaluated?
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Well, that's another important question.
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When should I actually come in?
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Well, you don't necessarily have to wait until you're in severe pain.
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Maybe you're noticing that your neck doesn't rotate as far to the right as it used to.
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Maybe your back feels stiff when you wake up in the morning.
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Maybe your shoulders are tense when you're trying to drive home.
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Or maybe you have recurring discomfort after your workouts.
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Or you're noticing that old injury is starting to bother you again.
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Those things are worth paying attention to.
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It allows us to have conversations about the whole musculoskeletal picture.
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Instead of looking at just the spine separately from the muscles, we can recognize that they're connected.
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If a patient has a particular goal, we can discuss whether chiropractic care, massage, or both, or another approach may be appropriate.
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And that can make the experience much more convenient for our patients also.
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You don't necessarily have to think of chiropractic and massage as two completely separate worlds.
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They can be complementary parts of a larger picture.
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So what's the bottom line?
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So if I could summarize today's episode in just a few words, I it would be this different tools, different purposes, one body.
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Chiropractic adjustments focus on joint movement and function and optimize nervous system.
00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:19.600
Medical massage therapy focuses on muscles and other soft tissues.
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Because joints and soft tissues work together, addressing both can make sense for some patients.
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You know, but the ultimate goal isn't simply to have a massage or receive a specific adjustment.
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The goal is to help you move better, function better, and participate in all the activities you you enjoy.
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And that's really what we're all about here at Shepherd Chiropractic.
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You know, move well and live well.
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So, in closing, I hope today's episode helped explain why chiropractic adjustments and medical massage therapy can work so well together.
00:16:57.200 --> 00:17:09.279
So if you're dealing with muscle tension, stiffness, recurring discomfort, or simply want to learn more about how chiropractic and massage therapy can complement each other, we'd be happy to talk to you.
00:17:09.359 --> 00:17:18.240
At Shepherd Chiropractic, we'll take the time to understand what's going on and help you determine what approach may be appropriate for you.
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Remember, your body works as a team.
00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:25.599
And sometimes your healthcare can work as a team also.
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Until next time, keep your power on, take care of yourself, and keep moving.
00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:40.319
Thanks for joining us on this episode of Dr.
00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.599
Joe's Podcast.
00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:49.599
Discover more insights on chiropractic, nutrition, and fitness on next week's episode and at Shepherdchiropractic.com.
