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
The Top Benefits of Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)
Massage therapy has long been associated with relaxation—but today’s Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) do much more than help you unwind. At Mountain Health & Performance in North Vancouver, our RMTs are trained to assess and treat soft tissue dysfunction, injury, and pain using evidence-based techniques tailored to your health goals.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or looking to optimize athletic performance, here are the top benefits of RMT—and why it’s an essential part of our multidisciplinary approach to care.
✅ 1. Reduces Muscle Tension and Pain
One of the most well-known benefits of massage therapy is its ability to relieve tight muscles and reduce pain. By working on specific muscle groups, RMTs can improve tissue pliability, reduce trigger points, and ease movement restrictions—helping you feel and function better.
Common areas treated: neck and shoulder tension, low back pain, TMJ dysfunction, hip stiffness, and calf tightness.
✅ 2. Improves Circulation and Healing
Massage therapy enhances blood flow and lymphatic drainage, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing metabolic waste. This improved circulation supports the body’s natural healing process—especially valuable during injury rehab or recovery from intense training.
Bonus benefit: Better circulation can also reduce swelling and inflammation in targeted areas.
✅ 3. Supports Recovery from Injury
Our RMTs work closely with our chiropractors to support your rehabilitation plan. Whether you're healing from a sports injury, sprain, strain, or overuse condition, massage therapy can:
Reduce pain and guarding
Improve soft tissue flexibility
Support range of motion restoration
✅ 4. Helps Manage Chronic Conditions
Many clients find regular massage therapy helps manage chronic conditions such as:
Tension headaches and migraines
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Arthritis-related pain and stiffness
TMJ disorders
Sciatica and nerve-related pain
At Mountain Health & Performance, your RMT will tailor each session based on your unique history, symptoms, and goals.
✅ 5. Reduces Stress and Enhances Well-Being
Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system—reducing stress hormones like cortisol and promoting a sense of calm. This can lead to better sleep, lower anxiety, and even improved immune function.
It's not just about relaxation—it's about whole-body health.
✅ 6. Improves Athletic Performance and Recovery
For athletes and active individuals, massage therapy plays a vital role in:
Enhancing mobility and flexibility
Reducing post-exercise soreness
Preventing overuse injuries
Supporting performance longevity
Our RMTs work with recreational and elite athletes to keep their bodies moving at their best.
Why Choose RMT at Mountain Health & Performance?
Located in North Vancouver, our clinic takes a collaborative, evidence-informed approach to care. Our Registered Massage Therapists are an integral part of our multidisciplinary team, working alongside our other practitioners to deliver personalized, effective treatment.
Whether you’re seeking pain relief, stress reduction, or injury recovery, our RMTs are here to help you move, feel, and live better.
Book Your RMT Appointment Today
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of massage therapy in a professional, patient-focused environment, we’d love to help.
👉 Book online here.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
Post-Game Recovery: What Professional Athletes Do (and How You Can Too)
Why Recovery Matters as Much as Training
When you think of professional athletes, you might picture intense workouts or highlight-reel moments. But behind the scenes, post-game recovery is where real performance gains happen. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or training for a marathon, smart recovery can be your secret weapon. At our Mountain Health and Performance, we teach athletes of all levels how to recover smarter, prevent injuries, and boost long-term performance.
Here’s how the pros do it—and how you can too.
1. Active Recovery Is Essential
Elite athletes rarely go from full intensity to a complete stop. Light movement post-game will promote circulation and can speed muscle repair.
How to recover like a pro: Try 20–30 minutes of low-impact cardio like walking, cycling, or a gentle yoga session after a tough game, or try a lower-intensity cycling, swimming or mobility work-out the day after a tough workout or competition.
2. Contrast Therapy & Cold Immersion for Faster Muscle Recovery
Ice baths aren’t just Instagram hype (spoiler: a dedicated blog post on this is coming!). Many athletes use cold therapy or hot/cold contrast showers to reduce inflammation and aid muscle recovery.
At-home hack: End your regular shower with a 30-second blast of cold water. Gradually build up your cold tolerance and over time, increase the cold exposure while alternating with warm water.
3. Prioritize Soft Tissue Care
Massage therapy and myofascial work aren't luxuries — they’re essential for tissue health and injury prevention.
Pro tip: Book a recovery massage within 48 hours after a major competition or heavy training session. If a post-competition massage is not practical or feasible for you, try some post-competition foam rolling on major muscle groups which may hasten your recovery.
4. Sleep: The Most Powerful Recovery Tool
Sleep is when most recovery happens, including muscle repair and hormone balancing.
Quick win: Aim for 8-10 hours of high-quality sleep with a consistent bedtime routine. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, dark bedroom, and no screens for least 60 minutes before bed.
5. Refuel Properly After Games
Nutrition is key to recovery. Most, if not all pro teams consult with nutritionists or dieticians and have a post-game nutrition strategy in place to replenish energy stores and hydration, and provide the body what it needs for tissue repair.
Winning combo: Eat a mix of carbs and protein within an hour after intense exercise — think smoothies, wraps, Greek yogurt and/or a banana. Not eating can seriously hinder your ability to recuperate following intense activity and increase your chances of injury over time.
Final Tip: Recovery will always happen in some capacity, but recovering optimally requires intent
Don't just train hard — recover smart. Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver offers massage therapy, chiropractic care, laser therapy, shockwave and other tools to help you recover. Book an appointment with one of our practitioners and recover like a pro.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
Mountain Health and Performance Welcomes New Team Member
Mountain Health and Performance is please to announce the latest edition to the team; Callum Weekes, RMT!
Callum Weekes RMT
Callum is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). He is passionate about helping people move better, feel better, and live with less pain. Whether you’re dealing with stress, recovering from an injury, or managing chronic tension, Callum takes the time to understand your goals and tailors each treatment to suit your needs.
With training in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, and myofascial release, Callum blends therapeutic and relaxation-focused approaches to support the body’s natural healing process. He’s dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel heard, comfortable, and cared for.
Callum is excited to work with people from all walks of life, whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or simply looking to prioritize your overall wellness.
Callum is accepting is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. He is currently accepting new patients. To book with Callum, click here.