Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage for pain relief, mobility & active recovery.
Can massage therapy help with neck pain, back discomfort, and tight muscles?
For many people, it can. Therapeutic massage can help ease muscle tension, reduce certain types of soreness, and make everyday movement more comfortable.
At Spinal & Sports Care Clinic, we offer massage therapy tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking to ease muscle tension, recover from physical activity, or simply feel more comfortable in your day-to-day life.
Our services include therapeutic, deep tissue, Swedish, sports, and pregnancy massage, as well as intraoral massage, craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage. We also provide therapeutic enhancements such as cupping, hot stone, and cold stone. When appropriate, massage therapy can also complement chiropractic care as part of an individualized approach to musculoskeletal health.
Explore our services below to learn which options may be right for you.
Our massage therapy services
Every person has different needs, preferences, and goals. Our massage therapists can tailor their techniques and pressure to the areas being addressed, your comfort level, and your treatment goals.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage focuses on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using slower strokes and more targeted pressure. It may be appropriate for persistent muscle tightness, areas of muscular tenderness, and tension associated with repetitive activity or physical demands.
Deep tissue massage isn’t necessarily better than lighter pressure. Your therapist can adjust the approach based on your needs, preferences, and whether deeper work is appropriate for your condition.
Swedish massage
Swedish massage uses flowing strokes, kneading, and other hands-on techniques to address superficial muscle tension and promote relaxation. It can be a good option if you want to unwind, ease everyday tightness, or experience massage with a lighter or moderate pressure.
Sports massage
Sports massage focuses on the soft tissues used during physical activity. It may incorporate targeted massage techniques to address muscle tightness, post-exercise soreness, and movement restrictions associated with training and sports.
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend hiker, a gym regular, or simply someone who likes to stay active, sports-oriented massage can be part of a recovery routine that supports comfortable movement and continued participation in the activities you enjoy.
Pregnancy massage
At the Spinal & Sports Care Clinic, we have several Massage Therapists that specialize in Pregnancy Massage to help you through some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy. Many of our patients enjoy both chiropractic care and massage therapy during their pregnancy to increase and reinforce the benefits of their treatment.
Pregnancy can place additional physical demands on the back, hips, and other areas of the body. Pregnancy massage uses an appropriately modified approach to help address muscle tension and promote comfort during pregnancy.
Benefits of pregnancy massage include:
- Reduces back pain and sciatica
- Reduces swelling, varicose veins, and leg cramps by increasing circulation
- Improves sleep, reduces fatigue
- Alleviates stress, tension, and pain in your joints, muscles, and nerves
- Reduces tension and headaches
- Combats stress and promotes relaxation by decreasing stress hormones
- Helps prepare the body for delivery by loosening the pelvic muscles and reducing tension
- Enhances self-esteem and provides emotional support
- Helps manage digestive complaints: constipation, gas, nausea, and indigestion
Massage enhancements: cupping, hot stone & cold stone
Looking for an additional option to complement your massage? Ask about our available massage enhancements.
Cupping
Specialized cups create gentle suction on the skin, lifting the tissue rather than applying direct pressure. Cupping may help reduce the feeling of muscle tightness, improve short-term comfort, and complement traditional massage techniques. Temporary circular marks, skin discoloration, or bruising can occur.
Hot stone
Smooth, heated stones are incorporated into the massage to provide soothing warmth. Heat may help relax tight muscles, ease feelings of stiffness, and promote relaxation. The warmth can also make massage pressure feel more comfortable for some people.
Cold stone
Cooled stones are incorporated into the session to provide a refreshing cooling sensation. Cold applications may temporarily soothe areas that feel warm or irritated and help reduce the sensation of discomfort following physical activity. Cold therapy may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain circulation or sensation issues.
Contrast therapy
Combines hot and cold applications within the same session, alternating between warming and cooling sensations. This approach may help ease feelings of muscle soreness, provide temporary relief from discomfort, and offer a refreshing recovery experience after physical activity. The changing temperatures create a unique experience that combines the relaxing feel of warmth with the invigorating sensation of cold.
Active Release Technique®
Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on soft tissue method that combines precise pressure with specific movements to address restrictions in muscles, tendons, fascia, and other soft tissues. It’s often used for repetitive strain, overuse, and movement limitations related to work, training, or sport.
Our clinic is home to the only ART-certified massage therapist in Spokane Valley, bringing this specialized care to our patients right here with our team.
Specialty care most clinics don’t offer
In addition, Spinal and Sports Care Clinic offers specialty care that most clinics don’t offer: intraoral massage, craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage, provided by therapists with advanced training.
Intraoral massage
Intraoral massage is a specialized technique in which a trained therapist uses gloved hands to work on the jaw muscles from inside the mouth, along with the muscles of the face and neck. Many jaw muscles can’t be fully reached from the outside, which is why this approach can add something that standard massage can’t.
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, light-touch technique focused on the head, neck, and spine. It uses minimal pressure, so it may appeal to people who want a calmer, lighter form of bodywork than deep tissue or sports massage. Many patients choose it for relaxation and relief from feelings of tension.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, light-touch massage technique that uses slow, rhythmic strokes to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid through the body. Please ask our team whether it may be appropriate for you.
Because we work alongside our chiropractors, intraoral massage and craniosacral therapy can be part of a coordinated plan for jaw, head, and neck concerns.
What can massage therapy help with?
Muscle tension and soreness can affect everything from your workouts to your sleep, workday, and ability to enjoy your favorite activities. Therapeutic massage works with the body’s soft tissues to help reduce tension, improve comfort, and support movement. Depending on your individual needs and whether massage is appropriate for your condition, treatment may help with:
Neck and shoulder tension
Muscle tightness associated with prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, physical work, or exercise.
Back discomfort
Muscular tension and soreness affecting the upper or lower back.
Muscle soreness and overuse
Discomfort following workouts, sports, or physically demanding activities.
Limited flexibility and mobility
Soft tissue tightness that makes certain movements uncomfortable or restricted.
Hip and leg muscle tension
Tightness associated with activity, prolonged sitting, or repetitive movement.
Stress-related muscle tension
Physical tightness that can accompany everyday stress and difficulty relaxing.
Recovery from physical activity
Support for managing muscle soreness and maintaining comfortable movement between workouts or athletic activities.
Massage therapy may help manage symptoms associated with some musculoskeletal conditions, but it does not diagnose or cure every underlying cause of pain. Persistent, severe, unexplained, or worsening symptoms may require evaluation by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Why pair massage therapy with chiropractic care?
Muscles and joints work together to support movement. When you’re dealing with discomfort, addressing only one aspect of the problem may not fully address your needs.
Massage therapy and chiropractic care can complement one another by addressing different components of musculoskeletal health.
Massage therapy focuses on soft tissues, including muscles and connective tissue. Chiropractic care may involve the assessment and treatment of spinal and other musculoskeletal concerns using appropriate techniques.
When clinically appropriate, combining these services may offer several benefits:
Address muscle tension and joint-related concerns
Massage focuses on soft tissue discomfort, while chiropractic care can address relevant joint and movement concerns.
Support comfortable movement
Reducing muscle tightness and addressing mobility limitations may help make everyday activities and exercise more comfortable.
Complement an individualized care plan
Your provider can help determine whether massage, chiropractic care, exercise, or a combination of approaches is appropriate for your needs.
Support an active lifestyle
A coordinated approach may help you manage recurring muscular discomfort while working toward your activity and mobility goals.
Not everyone needs both treatments, and combining them does not guarantee better results. The appropriate approach depends on your symptoms, examination findings, preferences, and overall health. At Spinal & Sports Care Clinic, our goal is to help you understand your options and choose care that fits your needs.
What to expect at your massage appointment
A conversation first
Your appointment begins with a conversation about your goals, areas of concern, health history, and preferred pressure. This helps your massage therapist determine which techniques may be appropriate and whether any precautions are needed.
During your session
Your therapist will work with you to maintain a comfortable, professional environment and adjust the treatment as needed. You can communicate your preferences at any point, including asking for lighter pressure, avoiding an area, or stopping a technique.
After your session
You may notice reduced muscle tension or feel more relaxed. Responses vary from person to person, and some people experience temporary soreness after massage.
Already a chiropractic patient?
If you’re already receiving chiropractic care at our clinic, let us know. Where appropriate, your providers can help you consider how massage may fit into your overall care plan.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a massage?
How often you get a massage depends on your goals, symptoms, activity level, and how your body responds. Some people schedule occasional sessions for general muscle tension, while others may benefit from a more consistent schedule as part of a broader care plan. Your therapist can help you determine a reasonable frequency.
Can massage therapy help with back and neck pain?
Massage may help relieve muscle tension and provide short-term improvement in some types of back and neck discomfort. However, pain can have many causes, and massage isn’t appropriate for every condition. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Should I get a massage before or after a chiropractic adjustment?
There is no single order that’s best for everyone. Depending on your needs and treatment plan, massage may be scheduled before or after chiropractic care, or on a separate visit. Your providers can help determine what makes sense for you.
Does insurance cover massage therapy?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the reason for treatment. Our office requires an active massage prescription in order to bill insurance as it contains required diagnoses codes. Massage enhancements such as cupping, hot stone, and cold stone are self-pay services. Contact our office before your appointment to discuss current services, pricing, and any applicable insurance requirements.
How long is a massage appointment?
Our clinic offers 60-minute massage sessions. Please contact our team to confirm current appointment availability, service options, and scheduling details.
Can I add cupping, hot stone, or cold stone to my massage?
These enhancements may be available by request, depending on therapist availability and whether the service is appropriate for you. Please let our front desk know when scheduling so we can coordinate your appointment and explain any additional charges.
Ready to get back to your adventure?
You don’t have to let muscle tension and everyday aches dictate how you spend your time. Whether you’re managing tight muscles, staying active, or looking for another way to support your musculoskeletal health, massage therapy may be a useful part of your approach to feeling and moving better.
At Spinal & Sports Care Clinic, we combine a practical approach to massage therapy with access to chiropractic care when appropriate, helping you explore options that fit your needs.
Keep the adventure going.
Book your new patient appointment in just a few clicks. Have more questions? Call or text (509) 922-0303 to contact our team to learn more about our massage services and available appointments.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms — such as loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive leg weakness, or numbness in the groin — seek urgent medical care.
Updated October 2026