Therapeutic Massage Therapy Morgantown WV | Coombs Family Chiropractic

The Therapy

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, promote relaxation and well-being, and as a recreational activity.

Unlike a simple relaxation massage, therapeutic massage is goal-oriented. It is applied with clinical intent — targeting specific muscles, tendons, and fascia that are contributing to your pain, dysfunction, or impaired recovery. At Coombs Family Chiropractic, massage therapy is used strategically as part of a broader care plan to maximize the effectiveness of every chiropractic adjustment.

Massage works by increasing local blood flow, releasing muscular adhesions and trigger points, reducing cortisol levels, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, and improving tissue extensibility — all of which create an ideal environment for healing and recovery.

Therapeutic massage therapy at Coombs Family Chiropractic in Morgantown, WV

Modalities We Offer

Types of Massage Therapy

We offer multiple therapeutic massage modalities, selected and adapted based on your specific condition, goals, and comfort preferences.

Swedish / Relaxation Massage

The foundation of therapeutic massage, Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes; kneading; friction; and gentle stretching to increase circulation, release surface tension, and activate the body's relaxation response. It is ideal for first-time massage recipients, patients recovering from acute injury, or anyone experiencing high stress levels.

Promotes full-body relaxation
Improves circulation and lymphatic flow
Reduces cortisol and anxiety
Gentle — suitable for most patients
Excellent post-adjustment complement

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage applies sustained, firm pressure using slow strokes to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It targets chronic muscle tension, adhesions ("knots"), and scar tissue that can restrict movement and cause persistent pain. Particularly effective for patients with long-standing postural problems, repetitive strain injuries, or chronic back and neck pain.

Breaks down deep muscle adhesions
Relieves chronic pain patterns
Improves range of motion
Targets scar tissue and fascia
Ideal for athletes and laborers

Therapeutic / Rehabilitative

Our therapeutic and rehabilitative massage integrates multiple modalities — myofascial release, trigger point therapy, cross-fiber friction, and neuromuscular techniques — to address specific injury and dysfunction patterns. Coordinated with Dr. Coombs's chiropractic findings, this approach accelerates recovery and prepares the muscles to hold their corrected position after adjustment.

Condition-specific treatment
Trigger point release
Myofascial decompression
Injury rehabilitation support
Integrates with chiropractic plan

Why Massage Works

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Regular therapeutic massage provides far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond a temporary sense of relaxation.

Muscle Recovery

Massage accelerates the removal of metabolic waste from muscles, delivers fresh oxygenated blood to fatigued tissue, and reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) — helping athletes and active patients recover faster between workouts and treatments.

Targeted Pain Relief

By deactivating trigger points, releasing hypertonic (chronically tight) muscles, and restoring normal neuromuscular function, massage provides meaningful relief for neck pain, back pain, headaches, and joint pain — without medications or side effects.

Stress Reduction

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the body's "rest and digest" mode — lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. This physiological shift profoundly reduces anxiety, mental fatigue, and the physical manifestations of chronic stress.

Enhanced Circulation

The mechanical pressure and rhythmic strokes of massage dilate blood vessels and enhance lymphatic drainage — improving the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to muscles and organs, and the removal of inflammatory byproducts from injured tissue.

Post-Chiropractic Enhancement

Muscles are the primary mechanism that holds joints in their correct position. Massage before or after chiropractic adjustment relaxes overactive muscles, allowing the spine to accept and maintain corrections for longer — extending the benefit of every visit to Dr. Coombs.

Improved Flexibility

By releasing adhesions in fascia and improving the extensibility of muscle fibers, massage increases your available range of motion — making everyday movements easier, reducing injury risk, and improving performance in sports and physical activities.

Massage in Your Care Plan

When to Add Massage to Your Care Plan

Massage therapy pairs powerfully with chiropractic care. Here are four situations where adding massage to your plan makes a significant difference.

Chronic Muscle Tightness

If tight muscles are pulling your spine out of alignment between adjustments, massage addresses the underlying muscular tension — giving your chiropractic corrections a much better chance of holding long-term.

Sports & Activity Recovery

Athletes and active individuals who train hard benefit greatly from regular massage between chiropractic visits. Faster muscle recovery means more training, better performance, and fewer overuse injuries.

High Stress & Anxiety

Chronic stress causes muscle guarding and tension — particularly in the neck, shoulders, and upper back — that contributes directly to pain and spinal misalignment. Regular massage breaks this stress-pain cycle effectively.

Post-Injury Rehabilitation

Following an injury — auto accident, workplace injury, or sports trauma — massage helps reduce scar tissue formation, restore normal tissue mobility, and accelerate the overall rehabilitation process alongside chiropractic care.

The Power Combination

Chiropractic + Massage: Better Together

Chiropractic and massage therapy are not competing approaches — they are complementary therapies that work together synergistically to produce results that neither achieves alone.

Think of it this way: Dr. Coombs's chiropractic adjustment corrects the position of the vertebra, but it is your muscles and ligaments that hold it in place afterward. When those muscles are chronically tight, shortened, or in spasm, they tend to pull the corrected vertebra back out of alignment within days — forcing more frequent adjustments.

Massage therapy directly addresses those muscles — releasing tension, restoring normal length, and reducing hypertonicity — so the adjusted joint can maintain its corrected position for much longer. The result: fewer adjustments needed over time, longer intervals between visits, and a faster progression toward long-term health.

Adjustments hold longer — fewer visits required

Reduced pain and inflammation after adjustment

Muscles receptive to adjustment — less resistance, easier corrections

Faster overall recovery from chronic and acute conditions

Comprehensive care addressing structure and soft tissue together

Patient Success Story

"I had been to multiple doctors and physical therapists for years with no relief from my upper back and neck pain. After just one visit with Dr. Coombs — combining chiropractic adjustment with massage — I went to the gym for the first time in years. The combination approach is truly remarkable."

— Verified Google Review · ★★★★★

Did You Know?

Research shows that combining chiropractic care with massage therapy produces significantly greater improvements in pain and function than either therapy alone — particularly for neck pain, low back pain, and headache conditions.

Add Massage to My Plan →

Book Your Session

Ready to Relax, Recover & Heal?

Whether you want to add massage to your existing chiropractic care plan or you are starting fresh, our team is ready to build the right approach for your goals. Call us or book online today.

55 Don Knotts Blvd, Suite 4
Morgantown, WV 26508

MWF: 9–1 & 3–7
Tue & Thu: 9–12 Noon

Most Insurance Accepted
CareCredit Available

Book Massage Session → 📞 (304) 943-0124

Walk-ins welcome · Emergencies seen same day