The Powerful Benefits of Combining Massage Therapy with Chiropractic Care in North Vancouver
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals are searching for natural ways to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Two treatments that have garnered significant attention for their ability to address a wide range of physical ailments are massage therapy and chiropractic care. While both of these therapies offer distinct benefits when used separately, combining them can provide even more powerful results. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of integrating massage therapy with chiropractic care and how this combination can enhance your health and well-being—especially at our clinic in North Vancouver.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and other joints, aiming to improve mobility, relieve pain, and promote overall health. Common conditions treated with chiropractic care include back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and more.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to alleviate pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. There are various types of massage, such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and trigger point massage, each offering unique benefits for different conditions.
The Power of Combining Massage Therapy with Chiropractic Care in North Vancouver
When combined, massage therapy and chiropractic care work synergistically to provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to wellness. Let’s dive into the key benefits of integrating these two therapies:
1. Enhanced Pain Relief
One of the most significant benefits of combining massage therapy with chiropractic care is enhanced pain relief. Chiropractic adjustments are highly effective at addressing dysfunction in the spine and joints, which can cause pain and discomfort. However, massage therapy works to relax the surrounding muscles, reduce tension, and improve blood circulation. Together, these treatments can offer more comprehensive pain relief, especially for conditions like:
2. Improved Range of Motion
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy help improve joint mobility. Chiropractic adjustments physically move the spine and joints, while massage therapy helps to release muscle tension and tightness that may be restricting movement. When combined, these therapies can help restore your full range of motion, allowing for greater flexibility and improved physical performance.
3. Reduced Muscle Tension and Spasms
Massage therapy is known for its ability to target muscle tightness and spasms, which are often caused by poor posture, overuse, or stress. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, focuses on spinal alignment, which can indirectly reduce muscle strain through post-adjustment relaxation of the muscles that bridge the joint caused by a reflex loop at the spinal cord. By combining these therapies, you can experience faster relief from muscle tension, as both treatments address the root causes from different angles.
4. Stress Relief and Improved Relaxation
Massage therapy is well-known for its stress-relieving benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels. Chiropractic care also contributes to relaxation by improving nervous system function and reducing pain, which can help lower overall stress levels. When used together, these therapies can significantly improve your mental well-being, allowing you to feel more relaxed, centered, and balanced.
5. Faster Recovery After Injuries
Whether you're recovering from an athletic injury, an auto accident, or a chronic condition, combining massage therapy with chiropractic care can expedite the healing process. Chiropractic adjustments help foster improved motion at the spine and joints, while massage therapy works to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. Together, these treatments enhance recovery, decrease inflammation, and help you get back to your normal activities more quickly.
6. Prevention of Future Injuries
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy focus on preventing future injuries. Chiropractic adjustments ensure proper spinal alignment and joint function, which helps prevent strain on muscles and ligaments. Massage therapy improves flexibility and reduces muscle tightness, which decreases the risk of overuse injuries. When combined, these therapies work together to support long-term musculoskeletal health and minimize the risk of recurring injuries.
7. Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
Unlike traditional medical treatments that often focus solely on alleviating symptoms, chiropractic care and massage therapy offer a more holistic approach to health. These therapies work with your body's natural healing mechanisms, aiming to restore balance and improve overall wellness. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of health, this combined approach can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Why Choose Our North Vancouver Clinic?
At Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care through a combination of chiropractic treatments and therapeutic massage. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with each patient to design a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their unique health goals. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, stress reduction, or simply want to enhance your overall wellness, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How to Incorporate Both Therapies Into Your Routine
If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of both massage therapy and chiropractic care, here’s how you can incorporate them into your routine at our North Vancouver clinic:
Schedule regular chiropractic adjustments: Start by visiting one of our expert chiropractors to address any musculoskeletal conditions as they are able to diagnose the issue.
Complement with massage therapy sessions: Follow up your chiropractic care with regular massage therapy sessions to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
Consistency is key: For optimal results, make these therapies part of your regular health routine. Frequency will depend on your individual needs and goals, but many patients find that bi-weekly or monthly sessions provide lasting benefits.
Conclusion
The combination of massage therapy and chiropractic care offers a powerful, holistic approach to health and wellness, and our North Vancouver clinic is here to guide you on your journey to better health. By working together, these therapies enhance pain relief, improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and accelerate recovery. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your overall health, incorporating both treatments into your routine can lead to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of combining massage therapy with chiropractic care, reach out to our North Vancouver clinic today to schedule your consultation. Start your journey toward better health and well-being today!
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
Understanding Shin Splints: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment at Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver
As summer approaches and the days are getting longer and warmer, we’re seeing more and more people hitting the trails and roads for longer or more frequent walks, jogs and runs. This usually coincides with an increase in patients coming in to the clinic with something commonly known as shin splints. Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), are a common overuse injury affecting athletes and active individuals. Characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), shin splints often result from repetitive stress on the lower leg muscles and bones. At Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to effectively treat and prevent shin splints, helping you return to your activities pain-free.
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints refer to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia. The pain typically occurs in the lower two-thirds of the shin and is often triggered by high-impact activities like running, jumping, or sudden increases in training intensity. Common risk factors include:
Flat feet or overpronation
Improper footwear
Sudden changes in physical activity
Running on hard or uneven surfaces
Tight calf muscles or weak core muscles
If left untreated, shin splints can progress to more serious conditions like stress fractures.
How Mountain Health and Performance Can Help
At Mountain Health and Performance, we provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. Our services for treating shin splints include:
1. Chiropractic Care
Our chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Through spinal and extremity adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and personalized exercise programs, we aim to alleviate pain and correct biomechanical imbalances contributing to shin splints.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to accelerate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. It is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries like shin splints, promoting faster recovery with minimal discomfort.
3. Custom Orthotics
For individuals with flat feet or abnormal gait patterns, custom orthotics can provide the necessary support to reduce stress on the shins. Our team conducts thorough assessments to design orthotics that align with your unique biomechanics.
4. Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to promote healing and reduce pain. It's particularly effective for chronic cases of shin splints that haven't responded to other treatments.
5. Massage Therapy
Registered Massage Therapists at our clinic use techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance recovery. Massage therapy can be an effective adjunct to other treatments for shin splints.
Prevention Tips
Preventing shin splints involves addressing the underlying causes:
Gradual Progression: Increase training intensity and duration gradually.
Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning.
Strength Training: Incorporate exercises that strengthen the lower leg muscles.
Flexibility: Regularly stretch the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
Surface Variation: Avoid running exclusively on hard surfaces; mix in softer terrains when possible. If running on a track, avoid running in the same direction for the entirety of the run.
Why Choose Mountain Health and Performance?
Located in North Vancouver, Mountain Health and Performance is a multidisciplinary clinic offering chiropractic care, massage therapy, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you recover from shin splints and prevent future injuries.
Contact Us Today
Don't let shin splints keep you from your active lifestyle. Book an appointment with our experienced team and take the first step toward recovery.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
How Underfueling Can Lead to Injury During Training: Nutrition Guidelines for Athletes
Why Fueling Matters for Athletes
Whether you're training for a marathon, hitting the gym, or practicing your sport daily, one factor can make or break your progress: fueling your body properly. Unfortunately, many athletes unintentionally underfuel, leading to fatigue, poor performance, and injury.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the connection between underfueling and injury risk and offer evidence-based guidelines for carbohydrate, protein, and fluid intake to keep you healthy and performing at your best.
What Is Underfueling?
Underfueling occurs when your energy intake (food and drink) doesn’t meet the demands of your training and daily activity. It can be intentional (e.g., dieting) or unintentional (e.g., busy schedule, poor appetite, or lack of nutrition knowledge).
How Underfueling Increases Injury Risk
If you consistently underfuel, your body won’t have the resources it needs to recover and adapt to training. This increases your injury risk in several key ways:
Increased risk of stress fractures due to impaired bone remodeling
Muscle breakdown and delayed recovery from lack of protein and energy
Weakened immune system, making it harder to stay consistent with training
Hormonal disruption (like reduced estrogen or testosterone), which affects both performance and recovery
Athletes who underfuel are more prone to overuse injuries like tendinitis, bone stress injuries (BSIs), and muscle strains.
Nutrition Guidelines to Prevent Injury
To stay strong and resilient during training, you need to focus on three key areas: carbohydrates, protein, and hydration.
1. Carbohydrates: Your Primary Source of Energy
Why they matter: Carbohydrates fuel high-intensity workouts and support glycogen stores. Low-carb diets can lead to fatigue and muscle breakdown.
Daily Carbohydrate Recommendations:
Training Load / Carb Intake (g/kg body weight)
Light (<1 hr/day) = 3–5 g/kg
Moderate (1–3 hrs/day) = 5–7 g/kg
High (>3 hrs/day)7–10+ g/kg
Example: A 70 kg athlete training 2 hours daily should consume 350–490g of carbs per day.
Best sources: Whole grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, rice, oats, pasta, and legumes.
2. Protein: Essential for Recovery and Repair
Why it matters: Protein supports muscle repair, immune function, and adaptation to training stress.
Daily Protein Recommendations:
Athlete Type / Protein Intake (g/kg body weight)
Endurance athletes = 1.2–1.6 g/kg
Strength athletes1.6–2.2 g/kg
Tip: Distribute protein intake evenly throughout the day, aiming for 20–30g every 3–4 hours.
Best sources: Lean meats, eggs, dairy, soy, legumes, protein shakes.
3. Hydration: Prevent Cramping and Fatigue
Why it matters: Dehydration affects performance, coordination, and injury risk. Even a 2% fluid loss can impair performance.
Fluid Intake Guidelines:
Before training: 5–10 mL/kg 2–4 hours prior
During training: 400–800 mL/hour, depending on sweat rate
After training: Rehydrate with 150% of fluid lost
Pro tip: Weigh yourself before and after long workouts to estimate sweat loss. Use sports drinks with electrolytes for workouts over an hour (it will also help replenish your carbohydrates!)
Signs You Might Be Underfueling
If you’re underfueling, your body will send you signals. Look out for these warning signs:
Frequent or nagging injuries
Ongoing fatigue or poor recovery
Loss of menstrual cycle (in females)
Increased illness or cold frequency
Mood changes and low energy availability
Constant hunger or fixation on food
Fuel Smart to Train Hard
If you're serious about your sport, nutrition should be a top priority. Proper fueling isn’t just about performance — it’s about injury prevention, long-term health, and sustainable training.
By meeting your needs for carbohydrates, protein, and hydration, you give your body the tools it needs to perform, recover, and stay injury-free.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor