Chiropractors may be best known for the procedure of spinal adjustment, but they have a variety of techniques at their disposal. one of them is massage therapy, an effective way to ease pain and loosen stiff muscles. Getting a massage is not just a way to pamper oneself at the spa. And there are different types of massage.

Deep tissue massage involves working deep into muscles. Deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable, but it should never be painful. Another type involves the use of heated rocks, like basalt, to warm muscle tissue. There is also a type that uses a very light touch to work on blood and lymphatic flow.

Massage is important because tight muscles are more than an annoyance. Depending on which muscle or muscle group is involved, they can pull excessively on the spine or on some other joint, causing dysfunction and discomfort.

A regular regimen of massage may also lower blood pressure, ease stress, depression and anxiety and help people with chronic back pain sleep better, according to the American Chiropractic Association.

Talk with your chiropractor about ways that you might benefit from one or more types of massage therapy.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com