During the exam procedure, the doctor notes any areas of muscle tension, spasm or restricted spinal joint movement. If part of your personalized Plan of Care , the massage therapist working under the doctor's direction, will apply muscle techniques to:

• help reduce muscle spasm
• decrease trigger points (knots that refer pain to other parts of the body such as in the neck causing a headache)
• improve circulation
• flush tissue congestion
• restore normal tissue elasticity to the problem area or area

In many cases, this helps to relieve the pain and speed the bodies healing process as well as improving muscle tone and overall spinal mobility. Getting a massage prior to seeing one of the doctors can also allow the adjustment to be more effective. Many insurance companies recognize the benefits or massage and provide for re-imbursement.