Understanding Your Pain: Acute vs Chronic and How We Treat It
By Jess Johns, Massage Therapist
In the world of alternative medicine, chiropractic care and massage therapy are two widely recognized practices that offer relief from a variety of health conditions. While both can help with acute and chronic issues, understanding the differences between these conditions is key to getting the right care.
What Are Acute Conditions?
Acute conditions are sudden and severe health issues that typically arise quickly due to trauma, injury, or a specific mechanism. These conditions often involve tissue damage, pain, or limited function. Examples include:
Muscle strains and sprains
Joint injuries
Sports-related injuries
Sudden flare-ups of chronic conditions (like acute episodes of back pain)
How Chiropractic Helps with Acute Conditions
Chiropractors specialise in diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders, focusing on restoring joint and spine function. For acute injuries:
Manual adjustments help restore joint mobility and alignment
Soft tissue therapy targets surrounding muscles and ligaments
Injury-specific rehabilitation exercises support recovery
By improving joint function and reducing inflammation, chiropractic care can provide immediate relief, speed up healing, and help prevent further complications.
How Massage Helps with Acute Conditions
Massage therapy is also effective for acute injuries, particularly those affecting muscles or soft tissues. Techniques used may include:
Deep tissue massage
Trigger point therapy
Dry needling
Cupping
Massage can help:
Reduce pain and swelling
Improve circulation to the affected area
Promote relaxation, which supports the body’s natural healing process
What Are Chronic Conditions?
Chronic conditions are long-lasting health issues that persist for months or even years. Common examples include:
Chronic back pain
Long-standing headaches
Hip or joint pain
Arthritis-related discomfort
Chronic conditions often develop over time and may require thorough investigation to understand the underlying causes. Treatment is usually ongoing and tailored to the individual.
How Massage Helps with Chronic Conditions
Massage therapy can relieve chronic discomfort by targeting stiff muscles and soft tissues. Benefits include:
Reduced pain and tension
Improved flexibility and range of motion
Relaxation and stress relief
Regular massage can be especially helpful for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or ongoing muscular pain, improving overall quality of life.
How Chiro Helps with Chronic Conditions
For chronic issues, chiropractic care focuses on structural and biomechanical correction to improve movement and function. Regular treatments can help:
Reduce long-term pain
Improve mobility and flexibility
Increase strength and resilience
Support the body’s natural healing capacity
Chiropractors may also provide lifestyle advice and exercises to prevent recurrence and promote long-term wellness.
Conclusion
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy provide valuable support for acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Whether dealing with a sudden injury or managing a long-term issue, these holistic approaches complement traditional medical treatments and support overall wellness.
Understanding the differences between acute and chronic conditions helps you make informed healthcare decisions and achieve the best outcomes for your healing journey.
