Why Massage Therapists Do Not Perform Adjustments
Updated: Aug 17
It is important for clients to understand the scope of practice for massage therapy. Massage therapists do not perform chiropractic adjustments. We do not adjust the skeletal system, crack bones, or intentionally manipulate joints in the way a chiropractor does. Those services are outside of a massage therapist’s legal and professional scope of practice in Texas.
If you are seeking spinal or joint adjustments in the DFW area, I highly recommend reaching out to a licensed chiropractor who is trained to assess and perform those techniques safely and appropriately.
Massage Therapy and Myoskeletal Health
While I do not perform adjustments, massage therapy can play an active role in myoskeletal health. Through targeted soft tissue techniques, massage therapy helps address muscular tension, postural imbalances, and movement restrictions that influence skeletal alignment and overall function.
One technique I utilize is MAT, which stands for Myoskeletal Alignment Technique. MAT was created by Erik Dalton. MAT focuses on working with muscles and connective tissue to support natural alignment without forceful joint manipulation. It's roots are in osteopathic medicine.
I also highly recommend that clients interested in learning more about structural and chiropractic principles explore the work of ML Reese, often referred to as the Father of Chiropractic, for additional information beyond the current, modern techniques.
Additional Techniques Within Scope
Within my scope of practice as a licensed massage therapist, I can incorporate osteopathic stretching and osteopathic techniques that do not use manual manipulation. Osteopathic based work emphasizes balance, mobility, and functional improvement through gentle soft tissue methods. This approach is very different from chiropractic spinal manipulation or joint cracking.
About Popping Sounds During Massage
Occasionally, a client may hear or feel a pop during a massage session. This can occur when muscles relax and joints naturally decompress. This is not an adjustment and is not intentional skeletal manipulation. It is simply a result of soft tissue release.
Why Proper Qualifications Matter
Chiropractic adjustments should only be performed by licensed and properly trained professionals. Receiving spinal or joint manipulation from individuals who are not qualified can increase the risk of injury, including nerve irritation, joint damage, disc injury, and worsening of existing conditions. Chiropractors undergo extensive education and clinical training to safely assess the spine and determine when adjustments are appropriate. For your safety and long term musculoskeletal health, spinal manipulation should never be performed by unlicensed or untrained individuals.
Referrals and Complementary Therapies
If you are seeking spinal or joint adjustments, I am happy to provide referrals to trusted chiropractors or osteopathic doctors in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Chiropractic care, osteopathic therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy often work best when used together. In many cases, receiving massage therapy before chiropractic care allows muscles to relax, which may help support longer lasting results following an adjustment.
With care and support,
Suzan Walker LMT
Legal Disclaimer
Massage therapy services are provided strictly within the licensed scope of practice and do not include chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulation, or medical diagnosis. Massage therapy is not a substitute for chiropractic, osteopathic, or medical care. Clients seeking spinal or joint adjustments should consult a licensed chiropractor or osteopathic physician.
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