Chiropractic care is primarily focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal system disorders, with a particular emphasis on the spine. The core of this practice involves the manual adjustment of joints, which aims to restore proper alignment and function. While many people associate chiropractic treatment only with spinal adjustments, soft tissue work is widely integrated into many treatment plans. Chiropractors frequently incorporate various forms of soft tissue manipulation, though these methods are typically distinct from a full-session massage.
The Scope of Soft Tissue Therapy in Chiropractic Care
Soft tissue manipulation is generally considered within the scope of practice for Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) across most jurisdictions. This recognizes the close relationship between bony structures and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Tight muscles can pull joints out of alignment, and misaligned joints can cause muscle tension and pain.
The rationale for using soft tissue therapy is to address this interplay between the hard and soft tissues. Manipulating soft tissues helps to reduce muscle hypertonicity, improve localized circulation, and decrease inflammation. This preparatory work relaxes the musculature, which makes a subsequent spinal adjustment easier and more effective.
Chiropractors also use soft tissue manipulation after an adjustment to help the newly corrected joint alignment hold for a longer period. The goal is to encourage the muscles to maintain the corrected position rather than immediately pulling the joint back into misalignment. Treating both the joint and the surrounding soft tissue provides a more comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health.
Specific Soft Tissue Techniques Used by Chiropractors
Chiropractors utilize several specific, targeted techniques. Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) involves applying sustained, gentle pressure to release restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. This technique restores the smooth movement of tissues restricted due to injury or chronic strain.
Another common method is Trigger Point Therapy, which applies direct, focused pressure to localized spots known as trigger points or “knots” within a taut muscle band. This pressure interrupts the pain-spasm cycle and reduces muscle tension and referred pain. Many chiropractors also use Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), employing specialized tools to scrape or rub the skin.
IASTM, often recognized by brand names like Graston Technique, is designed to induce microtrauma to break down scar tissue and fascial adhesions. This controlled injury stimulates a localized inflammatory response, promoting tissue healing and improving mobility. Furthermore, techniques like Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) use gentle muscle contractions by the patient against a counterforce, followed by passive stretching. This method leverages neurological principles to achieve a deeper, more lasting stretch and muscle lengthening.
Distinguishing Chiropractic Soft Tissue Work from Massage Therapy
While both Doctors of Chiropractic and Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) manipulate soft tissue, their underlying goals and context differ. A DC’s soft tissue work is typically adjunctive, meaning it is a focused part of a broader treatment plan centered on neuromusculoskeletal function. The primary goal is to facilitate the structural adjustment of the spine or a joint by targeting local pain generators and tight areas that impact mobility.
In contrast, massage therapy delivered by an LMT is a primary treatment modality focused on broader, systemic goals. These goals often include full-body relaxation, stress reduction, and chronic pain management over a wider area. Consequently, a chiropractor’s manipulation is short and highly localized, often lasting only 5 to 15 minutes per session.
A full session with an LMT is generally much longer, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, and covers a much larger area or the entire body. The educational pathways and licensing are also separate. Chiropractors complete a doctorate program to become primary care providers, while LMTs complete a certification program focused entirely on soft tissue manipulation. Though a chiropractor may use a technique that resembles a specific type of massage, their work is integrated into a structural and rehabilitative approach.