Massage vs Chiropractor: Which One Should You Book First?

The choice between massage vs chiropractor depends on where your pain is coming from. A chiropractor focuses on how your joints, spine and nerves are moving. A registered massage therapist (RMT) focuses on your muscles and other soft tissues. If you are stiff, locked up or have pain that started with a joint or your spine, a chiropractor is often the first stop. If your pain feels like tension, tightness or muscle soreness, massage is often the better start. Many people do best with both.

At Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage in Ajax, we offer chiropractic care and registered massage therapy under one roof. This guide explains how the two compare and how to decide where to start.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring and maintaining the health of your joints, muscles and nerves. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other hands-on techniques to improve movement and reduce pain.

At your first visit, your chiropractor reviews your health history and performs a full examination. X-rays may be used to help confirm a diagnosis and rule out fractures. In Ontario, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor.

What Does a Registered Massage Therapist Do?

In Ontario, massage therapy is a regulated health profession. According to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, the scope of practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain.

RMTs use hands-on soft tissue techniques to relieve tension, ease pain and improve how muscles move. Treatment can also include stretching, hydrotherapy and remedial exercise.

Massage vs Chiropractor: Side-by-Side Comparison

When Should You See a Chiropractor First?

A chiropractor is often a good first step if:

• Your back or neck feels stuck or locked

• Your pain started suddenly after lifting, twisting or a fall

• You have pain that travels into your arm or leg

• You have pain in a joint, such as your shoulder, knee, ankle or jaw

• You want an exam to understand what is causing your pain

Our chiropractors treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, knee pain, ankle pain, foot pain and TMJ. See our full list of conditions we treat.

When Should You See a Massage Therapist First?

Massage therapy is often a good first step if:

• Your pain feels like tightness, tension or muscle soreness

• You have tension headaches or neck and shoulder tension from desk work

• You have a repetitive strain injury

• You want to recover from training or a sports injury

• You are pregnant and dealing with back pain, neck pain or sciatica

• You want to reduce stress

Can You Use Chiropractic and Massage Together?

Yes. Chiropractic and massage often work well together because they treat different parts of the same problem. Tight muscles can pull on joints, and stiff joints can make the muscles around them work harder.

At our clinic, Dr. Noble does some soft tissue work, but his main focus is on spinal adjustments. When massage will help your recovery, he often refers patients to one of our RMTs. Having both services in one clinic makes it easier to coordinate your care.

Should You Get a Massage Before or After a Chiropractic Adjustment?

There is no single rule. Some people like massage first, so their muscles are relaxed before an adjustment. Others prefer an adjustment first and massage afterward. The best order depends on your condition and how your body responds. Ask your chiropractor or RMT what makes sense for your treatment plan.

How Much Do Chiropractic and Massage Cost?

Massage prices include HST. See our full fee schedule. Many extended health plans cover part of the cost of both services, so check your plan before you book.

Still Not Sure Which to Book?

If you are not sure whether to book chiropractic care or massage therapy, call us and we will point you in the right direction.

Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage has served Ajax, Pickering and Durham Region for more than 30 years. Our team includes chiropractors Dr. John Noble and Dr. Mike Lue Pann and registered massage therapists Jessica Raedisch and Rolf Castanheiro. Meet the team.

We are located at 8 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax, ON L1T 2Z7. Book online or call 905-427-3202.