Patient Education
Chiropractic Care vs. Massage Therapy
Two different kinds of hands-on care, explained plainly, so you can choose the care that fits your pain and your goals, or combine both.
Before you read: both chiropractic care and massage therapy are available at KC Wellness and Physiotherapy, and many people combine them. This page is general education to help you understand how the two kinds of care differ and what each is best suited for.
Side-by-Side Comparison
What Chiropractic Care Involves
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating problems of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. A chiropractic physician starts with your history and an examination, then uses hands-on adjustments of the spine and joints, soft tissue work and exercise to help restore movement and ease pain.
Because a chiropractor examines you first, a visit can also help clarify what is behind your pain, and whether imaging, a medical evaluation or a different kind of care makes sense. At KC Wellness and Physiotherapy, Dr. Casey describes his approach as looking for underlying causes and making specific interventions and lifestyle adjustments to optimize the conditions for normal function.
What Massage Therapy Involves
Massage therapy is the hands-on manipulation of muscles, tendons and other soft tissues to ease tension, relieve soreness and promote relaxation. Styles range from gentle relaxation massage to deeper work on specific muscles and sports massage for people who train regularly.
Many people find massage helpful for stress and everyday muscle tightness. Massage therapists do not typically diagnose medical conditions, so if your pain followed an injury, keeps coming back, or comes with numbness or weakness, it is worth being examined by a licensed provider as well.
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
A chiropractic evaluation may make sense if:
- You have back or neck pain, or pain that travels into an arm or leg
- Your headaches seem connected to neck tension or posture
- You notice joint stiffness or a reduced range of motion
- You were hurt in a car accident, at work or playing a sport and want to be examined
- You want a diagnosis and a plan that includes exercises you can do at home
Massage therapy may be a good fit if:
- Your main goal is relaxation and stress relief
- You have general muscle tightness without a specific injury
- You want relief from soreness after training or a demanding week
- You already have a diagnosis and your provider has suggested massage as part of your plan
Many people use both
Chiropractic care and massage are not either/or, and both are available at KC Wellness and Physiotherapy. If you have pain after an injury, pain that travels into an arm or leg, or numbness or weakness, get examined first, then add massage for comfort and relaxation if it helps you.
Care Available at KC Wellness and Physiotherapy
Chiropractic care and massage therapy are both available at our office. Alongside chiropractic care, Dr. Casey provides targeted soft tissue work, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and supportive recovery therapies.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is available at our office.
Learn more ›Active Release Technique & Myofascial Release
Hands-on soft tissue methods that focus on tight or restricted muscles and the connective tissue (fascia) around them.
Learn more ›Chiropractic & Spinal Corrective Care
Examination and chiropractic adjustments for the spine and joints, paired with guidance you can use at home.
Learn more ›Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation-focused care and therapeutic exercise to help you move, strengthen and recover.
Learn more ›Dry Needling
May provide relief for some muscular pain and stiffness by easing trigger points, with optional electrical stimulation.
Learn more ›Hydrotherapy, Sauna & Recovery Therapies
Relaxation-oriented recovery options such as a full-spectrum sauna and hydrotherapy rooms.
Learn more ›Also available at our office: acupuncture and Kinesio taping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get massage therapy at KC Wellness and Physiotherapy?
Yes. Both chiropractic care and massage therapy are available at our office. Dr. Kowin Casey is a chiropractic physician, and his treatment can also include hands-on soft tissue care such as Active Release Technique and myofascial release. Call our office at (913) 424-2410 if you are not sure which to book.
Can I combine chiropractic care and massage therapy?
Many people do. The two can complement each other: chiropractic care looks at how your joints, muscles and nerves are working together, while massage focuses on muscle tension and relaxation. Both are available at KC Wellness and Physiotherapy. If you also receive care somewhere else, let each provider know about the other care you are receiving.
Which one is better for back or neck pain?
It depends on what is causing the pain. Pain that follows an injury, travels into an arm or leg, or comes with numbness or weakness should be examined by a licensed provider before you choose a treatment. Muscle tightness from stress or activity without those signs may respond well to massage. An examination helps sort out which applies to you.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept all major insurance plans. Call our office at (913) 424-2410 to confirm your coverage before your visit. Care is available without a prescription.
What happens at a first chiropractic visit?
A first chiropractic visit typically includes a conversation about your health history and symptoms and a physical examination before any treatment is recommended. New patients at KC Wellness and Physiotherapy can download the intake forms and fill them out before arriving.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have severe, sudden or worsening symptoms, seek medical care right away.
Not Sure Where to Start?
A visit with Dr. Casey can help you understand what is behind your pain and what kind of care fits. KC Wellness and Physiotherapy is at 1815 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108.
New patient? Download the intake forms or contact our office.