Massage vs. Chiropractic: What's the Difference?
We often hear clients ask, "Should I be seeing a chiropractor or getting massage?" The truth is, both can be incredibly effective—but they do different things. And depending on your needs, one might be more appropriate than the other (or even better, both).
Here’s how to understand the difference so you can make the most informed choice for your body.
Chiropractic = Joint Alignment
Chiropractors focus primarily on your skeletal system. They use adjustments (also called manipulations) to bring your joints back into better alignment, especially in the spine. This can relieve nerve compression, improve mobility, and help your body move more efficiently.
Massage = Soft Tissue Therapy
Massage therapists focus on muscles, fascia, and the nervous system. We use hands-on techniques to reduce tension, improve circulation, release restrictions in soft tissue, and calm your entire system. Massage is especially helpful for chronic pain, stress relief, and muscular imbalance.
So which is better? Neither is better—they just serve different roles. If your issue is rooted in muscle tension, fascial restriction, stress, or postural habits, massage might be the better starting point. If you have joint dysfunction, nerve compression, or mobility issues that aren’t improving, chiropractic may be a good complement.
How they can work together: Massage helps soften the tissue around your joints, making chiropractic adjustments easier and more effective. On the flip side, chiropractic care can help reinforce postural alignment that massage helps you access. Many people see the best results when both therapies are used in tandem.
At The Deep Tissue Spa, we believe in collaborative care. We’re happy to refer clients to trusted chiropractors when needed, and we love when clients integrate bodywork and chiropractic in a way that feels sustainable and supportive.
The most important thing? Listen to your body. You don’t need to choose one forever. Start with what feels most accessible, then build from there.
