At Awender Chiropractic, we understand that pain and restricted movement are rarely caused by a single factor. Your body is a complex network of muscles, connective tissue, nerves, and joints — and when one part becomes tense or inflamed, it often affects the rest of your system. That’s why we offer professional massage therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to healing and wellness.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, muscle tension, work-related stress, injury recovery support, or overall relaxation and wellbeing, massage can play a vital role in enhancing your body’s natural healing processes. Massage therapy at Awender Chiropractic can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and other therapeutic modalities for a more complete approach to musculoskeletal health.
GET A 50 Min MASSAGE FOR JUST $98!
(ONE PER CUSTOMER. NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY.)
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy offers a wide range of physical and emotional benefits that extend far beyond simple relaxation. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Pain Relief & Muscle Tension Reduction
Massage increases blood flow to muscle tissue, helping remove metabolic waste and deliver oxygen and nutrients. This can significantly reduce chronic muscle tension and ease pain in areas like the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.
2. Stress Reduction & Mental Well-Being
Studies show that massage lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine — chemicals associated with mood regulation and relaxation.
3. Improved Circulation & Lymphatic Function
Manual pressure and release techniques stimulate blood and lymph flow, helping the body eliminate toxins and reduce swelling. This supports immune function and promotes faster healing.
4. Enhanced Range of Motion
By reducing muscular stiffness and improving tissue elasticity, massage can help you move more freely and with less discomfort — particularly beneficial for athletes and active lifestyles.
5. Injury Recovery Support
Massage therapy can help break up scar tissue, improve tissue alignment, and reduce protective muscle guarding after injuries, facilitating more efficient recovery.
6. Better Sleep Quality
Relaxation induced by therapeutic massage often translates to better sleep patterns — which are essential for recovery, mood stability, and overall health.
What to Expect During Your Massage Therapy Visit
Your massage experience at Awender Chiropractic begins with a comprehensive assessment. Our therapists will discuss:
- Your medical history and current concerns
- Areas of pain, tightness, or restricted movement
- Your daily activities, stressors, and lifestyle
- Your goals for therapy (pain relief, relaxation, injury recovery, etc.)
Based on this evaluation, we design a tailored massage plan that aligns with your body’s needs and complements any chiropractic care you’re receiving.
During the session, you’ll be made comfortable on a massage table with appropriate draping for privacy and warmth. Therapists use pressure and techniques adjusted to your comfort level and treatment goals.
After the massage, you’ll often feel looser, more relaxed, and more aware of your body’s mobility. It’s common to feel more restful and less tense — and your therapist may provide recommendations for stretches, hydration, or follow-up treatments.
Types of Massage Offered at Awender Chiropractic
At Awender Chiropractic, massage therapy is customized to your needs. Our licensed massage therapists use a variety of techniques based on your symptoms, goals, and physical condition.
Swedish Massage
This is one of the most commonly practiced styles and is ideal for relaxation, stress reduction, and general tension relief. It uses long, smooth strokes and gentle kneading to promote circulation and calm the nervous system.
Benefits:
- Eases muscle tension
- Promotes relaxation
- Reduces stress
- Improves circulation
Deep Tissue & Sports Massage
This type uses firm pressure and focused techniques to access deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It’s particularly effective for chronic pain, scar tissue, and repetitive-use injuries. Sports massage is tailored for athletes to support performance, recovery, and injury prevention.
Benefits:
- Breaks up muscle adhesions
- Reduces deep muscular tension
- Improves mobility
- Supports injury recovery
Shiatsu
A traditional Japanese technique that applies finger pressure to precise energy pathways, promoting balance, relieving tension, and encouraging circulation within muscles and nerve pathways.
Benefits:
- Enhances energy flow (qi)
- Supports nervous system balance
- Reduces stiffness and stress
Pre & Postnatal Massage
Specialized techniques designed to help expectant and postpartum mothers relieve stress, reduce muscle tension, and support comfort during pregnancy and recovery.
Benefits:
- Relieves pregnancy-related tension
- Reduces swelling and discomfort
- Supports relaxation
Chair Massage
A short, powerful session that targets the upper body, back, shoulders, neck, and head — perfect for busy patients or workplace wellness events.
Benefits:
- Quick tension relief
- Improves circulation
- Reduces stress on the go
Why Chiropractors Use Massage Therapy
If you suffer from pain and tension in the musculoskeletal system, Dr. Joseph Awender at Awender Chiropractic offers massage therapy and other natural pain relief options to residents of Redwood City.
Massage Therapy for Conditions We Commonly Treat
Massage therapy at Awender Chiropractic may be recommended for:
- Low back pain and stiffness
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Headaches triggered by muscular stress
- Sciatic discomfort and nerve-related tension
- Sports injuries and muscular imbalance
- Posture-related discomforts
- Work-related repetitive strain
- Pre/postnatal musculoskeletal strain
Because it supports circulation, tissue health, nervous system regulation, and muscular relaxation, massage often enhances outcomes when combined with other therapeutic care.
Safety & Who Should Consider Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is generally safe for most people when performed by a qualified, licensed therapist. However, there are some situations where massage should be modified or avoided, including:
- Acute injuries with swelling or inflammation
- Certain cardiovascular conditions
- Recent fractures or surgery
- Fever, infection, or contagious illness
Our therapists will screen for risks and collaborate with your chiropractor or physician to ensure safety and comfort.
Massage Therapy FAQ’s
1. What does therapeutic massage do that relaxation massage doesn’t?
Therapeutic massage targets deeper muscle tissue and dysfunction patterns, not just general relaxation. It’s designed to improve mobility, reduce chronic pain, and support healing, whereas relaxation massage mainly lowers stress.
2. How often should I get a massage?
Frequency depends on your goals. Acute pain or injury recovery may require more frequent sessions initially, while maintenance and wellness can be monthly or biweekly. Our therapists tailor recommendations to your needs.
3. Will massage therapy hurt?
Comfort levels vary. Deep tissue massage can cause pressure or mild soreness during or after the session, but it should not be painful. Therapists adjust techniques based on your comfort and feedback.
4. Can massage help with headaches and stress?
Yes. Massage reduces muscle tension and can decrease headache frequency and intensity, especially when muscle tightness is a trigger. It also lowers stress hormones and promotes relaxation.
5. Can massage help with injuries?
Massage supports injury recovery by improving blood flow, reducing scar tissue restrictions, and promoting muscle balance — making it an excellent complement to chiropractic and rehabilitative care.
6. Do I need to be a chiropractic patient to get massage?
No. Massage is offered as a standalone therapy or paired with chiropractic care, depending on your goals.
Schedule Your Massage Therapy Session in Redwood City
If you’re ready to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve your quality of life, massage therapy at Awender Chiropractic offers a personalized, high-touch approach to wellness. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you feel your best — naturally.
???? Call (650) 366-1273 to schedule your appointment, or visit us at 2342 El Camino Real Suite 100, Redwood City, CA 94063.