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
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
Shockwave and Class IV Laser Therapy: A Powerful Duo for Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common and stubborn causes of heel pain. If you've been waking up with sharp pain under your foot or struggling with discomfort that limits your daily activities, you're not alone.
At Mountain Health and Performance, we understand how frustrating it can be when pain lingers despite rest, stretching, and traditional treatments.
That's why we offer a powerful, proven combination: Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser Therapy. Together, these advanced therapies help stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and get you back on your feet faster.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that supports your arch — the plantar fascia — becomes irritated and inflamed.
Symptoms often include:
Sharp heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning
Discomfort after periods of rest
Tenderness along the bottom of the foot
Plantar fasciitis can be notoriously difficult to heal because the foot is under constant use. Without the right treatment approach, the condition can become chronic and severely impact quality of life.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy uses high-energy sound waves to target damaged tissues. It works by:
Stimulating blood flow to the area
Breaking down scar tissue and calcifications
Triggering your body’s natural healing response
Research shows that Shockwave is highly effective for chronic plantar fasciitis, often succeeding where traditional treatments have failed. Most patients experience noticeable pain relief and improved mobility after just a few sessions and long term healing will occur in the months following the treatment plan.
What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class IV Laser Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that delivers concentrated light energy deep into tissues.
The laser works at a cellular level by:
Reducing inflammation
Accelerating tissue repair
Enhancing circulation
Unlike lower-powered lasers, a Class IV laser penetrates deeper, reaching areas traditional therapies often miss. Treatments are comfortable, soothing, and non-invasive — and they enhance your body’s ability to heal naturally.
Why Combining These Treatments Works Even Better
While Shockwave Therapy and Laser Therapy are both effective individually, combining them offers even greater results.
Shockwave kickstarts the healing process by stimulating tissue repair and breaking up chronic adhesions.
Laser Therapy reduces inflammation, calms irritated tissues, and speeds up cellular regeneration.
Together, they create a comprehensive healing environment — addressing both the cause of your pain and the inflammation that keeps it going.
This dual approach is especially beneficial for patients with long-standing, stubborn plantar fasciitis who haven't seen success with other treatments.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Mountain Health and Performance, your care plan is personalized to your needs.
Typically, a course of Shockwave and Laser Therapy involves several sessions spaced over a few weeks.
Shockwave treatments take only a few minutes and can cause mild discomfort (similar to a deep tissue massage), but many patients find it very tolerable.
Some individuals feel temporary soreness or a slight flare-up after sessions — this is a normal part of the body’s healing response.
Laser treatments feel warm and relaxing, with no discomfort.
There’s little to no downtime after treatments, and improvements often build with each session.
True tissue healing and long-lasting relief typically continue to progress even after the treatment series has ended.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living
If heel pain is limiting your life, it’s time for a different approach. At Mountain Health and Performance, we've been helping patients move better and feel better for over 25 years with evidence-based, innovative care. To our knowledge, we’re the only clinic offering both these services in North Vancouver.
Our experienced team is here to guide you toward lasting relief with treatments that work.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact us today to book your consultation and find out if Shockwave and Class IV Laser Therapy are right for you.
Dr. Amy Wiggins
BKin, DC
North Vancouver 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