Massages vs. Chiropractor

[hockeybronx]

Hey Playa...

Anybody have any experiences they want to share regarding either massages or chiropractic work?

Side effects also. I know massages have no major side effects but what about going to a chiropractor? Is it worth it to be re-alligned? What time frame do you need to go for? Once, one month, or forever.

I've just been wondering if it's worth it. So if you have first hand experience post it up!

[TrevorK]

I go to a chiropractor because of back issues.

A chiro is completely different than a massage - the chiro will manipulate your body to put it back into shape. A message isn't going to fix a misaligned spine - it's just going to relax the muscles (Relaxing the muscles relieves the tension, which relieves the pain).

A chiro will re-align the bones, which will break up the scar tissue. I can see a total difference in myself (But I have a problem to begin with) - even with the treatments, they go very quickly now to get realigned because the scar tissue isn't as dense.

Is chiro for everyone? No.

Would it hurt to go on a regular basis (To a good one)? No

Costs me $15/visit.

[MerfBall]

Chiropractic adjusments are blind manipulation of your spine, there is a lawsuit going on in ontario against some Chiropractors which I'm not sure has been settled yet.

It does help, but most chiropractic offices you have to sign a waiver now (because of lawsuits). Which is enough reason imho not to go.

I've done, found it helps, but stopped altogether. The risk vs. benefit wasn't worth it to me. If you do do it, I'd recommend avoiding neck manipulations as much as possible.

[JeremyD]

My chiro would argue that it *IS* for everyone. Being that your Spine is connected to, and affects the function of everything in your body. Think of it like the electrical system in your car. If the wiring it faulty the car will not perform as it should.

I found it to be beneficial. I do have back problems tho. I went for several years and stopped for awhile and noticed a decline in overall health and mental capabilities. Since going back I have noticed a difference. Although my chiropractor is also understands nutrition and encourages a healthy diet.

It does depend on the chiropractor that you goto as well. There are 2 types. One that believes it is a path to healthier living (preventative approach) and one that treats it like a form of physio therapy (reactive approach). Which you want to goto depends on what sort of problems you have and what your attitude is towards a more holistic healing methods.

I actually trust my chiro more than my GP. She seems to have a greater knowledge of overall health and wellness and how to stay healthy.

Chiro fees are usually 15 bucks. If you are a student they can be less. Depends on the chiropractor. However that 15 bucks is subsidized by Alberta health care. If you exceed 200 bucks a year you will end up paying the full 28 a visit.

[spike98]

IMO chiros are crooks. Thats why alberta heathcare doesn't reconize them as treatment for medical conditions. Go with physio instead. You will get much better results.

[kiwi]

What's the difference between physio therapy & chiropractics?

[sexualbanana]

Originally posted by kiwi
What's the difference between physio therapy & chiropractics?

In my experience, physio works the muscles that need the strength. Whereas Chiro is more about alignment if the joints themselves.

[MerfBall]

Originally posted by kiwi
What's the difference between physio therapy & chiropractics?

Physio is treatment to restore strength, endurance, movement and physical abilities affected by injury, disease or disability.

Chiropractic is blind manipulation of the spine.

[BloNdie]

can anyone reccommend a good chiropractor? that they have had good experiences with?

[bspot]

One time I went in for a massage and she asked what I'd like done. I said "the works" and boy was I suprised.

[hexified]

Originally posted by bspot
One time I went in for a massage and she asked what I'd like done. I said "the works" and boy was I suprised.

but was that a professional...or your g/f?

[2.0turbo]

Rub and Tug all the way.

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by BloNdie
can anyone reccommend a good chiropractor? that they have had good experiences with?

Dr. David Lawson
Suite 310, 840 - 7 Ave S.W.
262-1121
www.calgarychiropractic.com

A coworker recommended him to me when she got her whiplash taken care of. I had strain in my neck fixed by this guy.

[TrevorK]

Originally posted by sexualbanana


In my experience, physio works the muscles that need the strength. Whereas Chiro is more about alignment if the joints themselves.

Exactly.

Sometimes you need both - Physio isn't going to help if you're out of alignment, because one side will always be stronger than the other.

[Majestic12]

My sister's a chiro, so free treatments for me! Yay!

Her style is different though, she only works with the neck and top of the spine, that area, and only with pressure points.

So none of that arm-twisting back-bending stuff you see on TV.

It's sweet, she fixes headaches in 20 seconds.

[mo_virgin]

My Sister is a Chiropractor too. There is alot of bad press about chiropractors, some of it is justified, some of it is not. SOme chiropractors have a mentality that they can fix everything and anything through your back with adjustments . Others know that there is a limitation to what they can do. I don't agree with alot of people on this thread talking about "blind adjustments" and "risk" of death. THe risk is minimal and virtually nonexistent. As for "Blind" adjustments that is not correct, chiropracters go through a minimum of 8 years college/university and intense practicum to be able to treat patients, its not a "blind" scam.

All i know is that chiropractors provide good care and relief for back problems.

[project240]

Went to a chiro once... never again. Makes you stop and think when you sign a waiver before treatment.

I hate the idea of my body being manipulated and bent and joints cracking all for the sake of healing. The majority of doctors will always prescribe physio or massage well before chiro.

Just my 2 cents.

[hockeybronx]

Originally posted by mo_virgin
There is alot of bad press about chiropractors

Hey Playa...

I would definetely have to agree with this, that is why I'm asking people here on Beyond. If I searched on the internet I'd have 75% of the results telling me I'll die if I go to the chiropractor, 20% of people telling me if I don't go to the chiropractor I'll die, and the other 5% will tell me I will die on the drive over to the office.

[ricosuave]

ive been using a chiro for over 20 years - the bad press some of them have gotten are really no different than a quack doctor prescribing the wrong pills, or f++king up a surgery or something.

i had a very serious back injury from a rear ender, and chiro helped me all the way through it.

it may not be for all, it depends on what the problem is. you may be in need of a massage, or physical therapy. its similar, but different.

the one i use is:

www.spineguys.com

check it out, let us know what you come up with!

rico

[ricosuave]

oh, and check out the 'myths' section too.

and another thing, these guys dont twist and crack your arm around your shoulder and stuff like that. they use a 'pressure gun' that knocks the joint or bone back into place in a speed faster than the muscles around it have time to react. thats the problem with the older style hands on guys. they press, or twist, and the body naturally resists it, and its difficult to do.

anyway, read up on the above site.

rico