Soft Tissue Therapy vs. Chiropractic Adjustments: What’s Right for You?

Chiropractic Therapy / March 27, 2025
Woman giving herself a massage on the arm with a soft tissue therapy tool.

Two of the most common types of treatment available at chiropractic clinics are soft tissue therapy and manual adjustments. But what is soft tissue therapy, and how is it beneficial to the patient? And are chiropractic adjustments safe?

These are some of the most frequent questions we receive at ChiroCare of Florida. Soft tissue mobilization is one of the most effective treatments for muscle pain, and the benefits of chiropractic adjustments to the spine are quite significant. With nine offices throughout South Florida, we’ve enabled millions of patients to live pain-free lives as we provide many services related to neuro-skeletal and muscular injuries and conditions.

At ChiroCare of Florida, our chiropractors perform soft tissue massage, soft tissue mobilization physical therapy, instrument-assisted treatment, chiropractic adjustments, and more. We view each patient as a whole, providing non-invasive, holistic care. These scopes of treatment can effectively reduce pain and discomfort associated with auto accidents, athletic injuries, chronic health conditions, work-related injuries, poor posture, and more.

Keep reading to learn more about soft tissue therapy vs. chiropractic adjustments and determine which treatment option may be right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your healing journey. ChiroCare of Florida accepts most major insurance plans for your convenience.

What Are Soft Tissue Therapy and Chiropractic Adjustments?

The first question we often hear from new patients is, “What is soft tissue therapy?” Soft tissue therapy is a treatment that consists of manual manipulation of the body’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The therapy helps to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore optimal function in the body. It promotes healing and addresses discomfort. Possible techniques involved with soft tissue therapy include massage, stretching, and trigger point therapy. Other therapy options include myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. You may receive treatment with Electronic Stimulation (E-STIM), ultrasound therapy, or the Graston Technique.

Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, focus on the alignment of the vertebrae in your neck and back. Here, a chiropractor applies swift, strong force to your spinal joints to improve spinal motion and the body’s ability to move. This treatment helps reduce pain, corrects body alignment and posture, and improves bodily function. But are chiropractic adjustments safe, and what do chiropractic adjustments do precisely? Yes, the treatment is safe with little to no risk. The end result is reduced inflammation, less pain, improved nervous system function, and optimal body alignment.

Takeaway: Soft tissue therapy focuses on the muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Chiropractic adjustments focus on the bones in your spine. Both therapies help reduce pain and promote healing.

How Do These Therapies Work?

Soft tissue mobilization uses stretching and pressure to get rid of muscle tension and release trapped fluid in the body. It’s an excellent treatment for sprains, strains, knots, and any other condition that results in tight, immobilized muscles. It frequently treats injuries and conditions associated with repetitive movements or overuse and health conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. The primary goal is to improve the flexibility and function of these soft tissues. Soft tissue therapy improves blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing pain. The treatment helps restore normal movement patterns to restricted areas of the body.

What do chiropractic adjustments do? Chiropractic adjustments focus on the bones in the spine and help relax the joints. These adjustments help conditions like lower back pain, headaches, hip pain, and pain resulting from things like auto accidents or sports injuries. There are many benefits of chiropractic adjustments. Manual adjustments increase the range of motion in the joints, reduce inflammation, and restore proper alignment. This can help relieve nerve irritation and release tension.

Takeaway: Both soft tissue therapy and chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring proper motion to the affected areas, reducing pain, and treating inflammation.

Techniques Used in Soft Tissue Therapy

Techniques Used in Chiropractic Adjustments

Which Conditions Are Best Treated by Each Therapy?

When seeking chiropractic care, the type of treatments you receive will depend on the type, cause, and area of your pain. Soft tissue therapy and chiropractic adjustments treat specific conditions with specific goals, methods, and results.

Soft tissue therapy generally treats the following conditions:

Chiropractic adjustments generally treat the following conditions:

Take away: Soft tissue therapy and chiropractic adjustment treat different injuries and conditions.

Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Needs

To find the right therapy for your needs, it’s essential to have an in-person consultation with an experienced chiropractor. During this consultation, we’ll perform a physical evaluation and ask questions regarding your pain levels, medical history, and treatment goals. Here, we’ll work together to form a treatment plan that works for you. Both soft tissue therapy and chiropractic adjustments take place over a series of sessions spaced out over weeks or months. Some patients receive ongoing maintenance care from a chiropractor to prevent injuries and pain from recurring.

When choosing the right therapy, there are a few key questions to ask your provider and things to take note of for your discussion.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

Ask your chiropractor these questions to see if they’re right for you.

Assessing Your Symptoms and Goals

Consider these questions before your consultation to provide the most relevant information about your condition.

Takeaway: Having as much information as possible can improve your treatment prognosis and outcomes. Always know before you go.

Real-Life Success Stories: Soft Tissue Therapy and Chiropractic Adjustments

Hear what other ChiroCare of Florida patients are saying about their experience with soft tissue therapy and manual adjustments.

“I’ve been coming here for about a month and highly recommend it. I used to have very bad neck pain, and now I am pain-free!”–Lantana K.

“The providers are very thorough and always suggest ways to keep you aligned and pain-free. I came in with severe back pain, and after my treatment plan and monthly maintenance, I am now pain-free!” –Teche T.

“This team is not only professional and competent but compassionate as well. I was completely disabled with pain, and they were so gentle and caring. I have never felt better.”–Rod K.

Schedule an Appointment with ChiroCare of Florida Today

If you’re ready to feel your best, make an appointment with ChiroCare of Florida today. Experience the very best in soft tissue therapy and chiropractic adjustments with a treatment plan that’s tailored to meet your needs. Start your journey to pain relief and improved well-being today.

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