Massage therapy, when done right, is one of the most effective treatments for chronic pain, muscle tension, and injury recovery. At Family Tree Chiropractic, our licensed massage therapists work alongside Dr. Micah Carter to deliver therapeutic massage that goes far beyond the spa experience. For Edmond residents dealing with persistent pain, this integrated approach often produces results that neither treatment could achieve alone.
Why Therapeutic Massage Is Different From What You’re Used To
Most people think of massage as a luxury. Something you do on vacation or as a treat after a stressful month. And while relaxation massage certainly has its place, therapeutic massage is an entirely different category.
The massage therapists at our practice are trained to identify and treat the muscular components of pain. They understand anatomy, know how muscles interact with the spine and nervous system, and can feel where tension, adhesions, and trigger points are causing problems.
Here’s an example we see regularly: a patient comes in with chronic headaches. They’ve tried everything. Medication helps temporarily, but the headaches keep coming back. During examination, we find that the muscles at the base of their skull and along their upper back are locked up tight. These aren’t muscles that respond to stretching at home or a quick shoulder rub. They need skilled hands that can release deep tension without causing more inflammation.
That’s what therapeutic massage does. It’s targeted, intentional, and focused on solving specific problems.
How Massage Therapy Works With Chiropractic Care
One of the things that makes Family Tree Chiropractic different is how our services work together. Massage and chiropractic adjustments complement each other in ways that amplify the benefits of both.
Think about it this way: when your spine is misaligned, your muscles have to work overtime to compensate. They tighten up, develop trigger points, and eventually become part of the problem rather than just a symptom. You can adjust the spine perfectly, but if those muscles are still pulling everything back out of alignment, the correction won’t hold.
Massage releases that muscular tension. It allows the spine to move more freely during adjustments and helps those adjustments last longer. Dr. Carter often coordinates treatment plans so that patients receive massage before or after their chiropractic sessions, depending on what their specific condition needs.
The Muscles Nobody Thinks About
Most people know when their neck or shoulders are tight. But there are deeper muscles that cause significant problems and rarely get addressed.
The piriformis, a small muscle deep in the buttock, can mimic sciatica when it’s tight. The psoas, which connects the spine to the legs, contributes to lower back pain in ways that surprise most patients. The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are often the hidden cause of tension headaches.
Our massage therapists know where to look and how to treat these deeper structures. It’s not always comfortable in the moment, but patients consistently tell us the relief is worth it.
Conditions That Respond Well to Therapeutic Massage
Massage therapy at our clinic helps with a wide range of issues. Some of the most common we treat include:
- Chronic neck and shoulder tension from desk work, driving, or poor posture. The muscles in the upper back and neck take a beating from modern life, and targeted massage can break the cycle of tension and pain.
- Lower back pain often has a significant muscular component. Even when the spine is involved, the surrounding muscles contribute to stiffness and discomfort. Releasing them provides relief and supports other treatments like spinal decompression.
- Headaches and migraines frequently originate from muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, research supports massage therapy as an effective treatment for tension-type headaches. Many patients find that regular massage dramatically reduces headache frequency and intensity.
- Recovery from injuries including auto accidents, sports injuries, and workplace strains. Massage improves circulation to damaged tissues, reduces scar tissue formation, and speeds healing.
- Stress and anxiety symptoms that manifest physically. Chronic stress causes real, measurable muscle tension. Therapeutic massage interrupts that pattern and helps the body reset.
- Post-workout soreness and athletic performance for active individuals. Many athletes and weekend warriors in the Edmond area use massage as part of their recovery routine.
What to Expect During Your Massage Session
Your first massage at Family Tree Chiropractic starts with a conversation. The therapist wants to know what’s bothering you, where you feel pain or tension, and what your goals are. If you’re also seeing Dr. Carter for chiropractic care, the therapist will have notes about your condition and can focus on areas that support your overall treatment plan.
The massage itself is tailored to your needs. Some patients need deep tissue work to break up adhesions and release chronic tension. Others benefit from gentler techniques that calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation. Your therapist adjusts pressure and technique based on how your body responds.
Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on what’s being addressed (and what you paid for). Many patients notice improvement after a single session, though chronic conditions usually benefit from a series of treatments.
One thing our patients appreciate: the massage therapists here actually listen. If something hurts in a bad way, they adjust. If you need more pressure, they can provide it. Communication during the session helps ensure you get the most benefit possible.
The Connection Between Muscles and Overall Health
There’s a reason Dr. Carter includes massage therapy as part of the comprehensive approach at Family Tree. Muscles don’t exist in isolation. They connect to bones, interact with nerves, and affect how you move, stand, and function throughout the day.
When muscles are chronically tight, they restrict blood flow to the areas that need it most. They compress nerves and contribute to pain that seems unrelated. They pull the spine out of alignment and make it harder for the body to heal itself.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that massage therapy may be helpful for various types of pain. Releasing that tension has effects that go beyond just feeling good. Patients often report better sleep, improved energy, and reduced pain in areas they didn’t even mention during their intake. The body is interconnected, and treating the muscular system supports everything else.
Why Edmond Residents Choose Family Tree
People drive from across the Oklahoma City metro area to receive care at our clinic, and Edmond residents make up a significant portion of our patient base. The reason is simple: we offer services you can’t find at a typical chiropractor or a standalone massage studio.
The integration matters. When your massage therapist and chiropractor communicate about your care, you get better results. When multiple treatment approaches work together under one roof, you don’t have to piece together your own recovery plan.
Dr. Carter’s 23 years of experience means he’s seen virtually every condition that walks through the door. And the team he’s built shares his commitment to actually solving problems rather than just managing symptoms.
Claim Your Massage Voucher With Our New Patient Special
Right now, new patients can take advantage of an offer that includes a massage voucher along with a comprehensive first visit. Here’s what’s included:
- Chiropractic adjustment
- X-ray imaging
- Deep tissue laser therapy
- One-on-one consultation with Dr. Carter
- Report of findings explaining exactly what’s causing your pain
- Massage voucher to use on a future visit
The total cost is just $49. We’re limiting the massage voucher to the first 30 people who claim this offer, so availability won’t last forever.
This special is designed to give you a complete picture of what’s happening in your body and start you on the path to real relief. The massage voucher means you can experience our therapeutic massage services as part of your care plan.
Note: The $49 new patient special excludes Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is therapeutic massage different from spa massage?
Spa massage focuses primarily on relaxation. Therapeutic massage is designed to address specific pain, tension, and dysfunction. Our massage therapists are trained to identify problem areas and use techniques that produce lasting change, not just temporary relief.
How often should I get massage therapy?
It depends on your condition. Patients with chronic pain or recovering from injury often benefit from weekly sessions initially, then transition to maintenance visits every few weeks. Your therapist and Dr. Carter can recommend a schedule based on your specific situation.
Can I just get massage without chiropractic care?
While our massage services are most effective when combined with chiropractic treatment, we understand that everyone’s needs are different. During your consultation, we can discuss the best approach for your situation.
Is massage therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Many insurance policies cover massage therapy when it’s prescribed as part of treatment for a diagnosed condition. Our team can help verify your benefits.
Ready to experience massage therapy that actually addresses your pain? Claim your massage voucher by scheduling the $49 New Patient Special at Family Tree Chiropractic. Call (405) 340-4400 or book online. Remember, vouchers are limited to the first 30 patients who claim this offer.
