What is the Fitzpatrick scale?

The Fitzpatrick scale was developed in 1975 by Dermatologist Thomas B Fitzpatrick. It is a numerical scale which can be used to determine human skin colour by the amount of pigment and the way the skin responds to ultraviolet light.

Why is the Fitzpatrick scale important when having Laser Hair Removal treatment?

The Fitzpatrick scale can serve as a point of reference to gauge a personu2019s tolerance for different levels of sun and light exposure. Similarly to sunlight, laser hair removal machines use light and heat, which both have a direct effect on skin. This effect is partly why laser hair removal is regarded as a more long term hair removal treatment, as opposed to shaving or waxing, due to the laser, much like sunlight, being reactive with pigment. Melanin is a pigment found in hair, skin, and the iris of the eye.

What are the six different skin types in the Fitzpatrick scale?

Although there are many more skin tones, there are six Fitzpatrick skin types. In general, everyone will fall into one of the following categories:

Chiropractor vs Massage: Which is Best for You?

Written by: James Gill BOst GOsC 6039. Registered Osteopath, Founder & Clinic Director

Medically Reviewed Shibin Vinod BPT, HCPC PH124277, CSP 111177, MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine | MSK Physiotherapist

Chiropractic care and Massage Therapy are both popular choices for those seeking relief from pain, stress, and physical discomfort. While each approach has distinct techniques and benefits, choosing between them can be a challenge, especially if you’re unsure whether a chiropractor or a massage therapist is better suited to your needs.

This guide will explore the essential differences between these services, providing insights into each treatment’s focus, purpose, and the conditions they address. If you’re exploring these treatments for the first time, understanding their differences will help you decide which approach suits your health goals and lifestyle.

Quick Comparison: Feature by Feature

Feature	Chiropractic Care	Massage Therapy
Primary Focus	Joints, Spine, & Nervous System	Muscles, Tendons, & Soft Tissue
Core Goal	Restoring structural alignment & joint function	Reducing muscle tension & improving circulation
Typical Technique	Spinal adjustments (SMT) & joint mobilisation	Kneading, deep pressure, & soft tissue release
Best For	Trapped nerves, sciatica, & chronic joint pain	Muscle soreness, stress, & physical tension

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a form of manual therapy that primarily focuses on the spine, joints, and overall health. Our qualified chiropractors use techniques such as adjustments and spinal manipulations to address issues within the musculoskeletal system. Through targeted manipulations, chiropractors aim to reduce tightness, stiffness and help lessen pain. Muscles and joints stiffen up over time due to stress, as a result of long hours of work, lack of activity, stress and reduced sleep.

“Patients often come in thinking their back pain is just a ‘tight muscle.’ However, if that muscle is tight because the underlying joint isn’t moving correctly, a massage alone won’t solve it. Chiropractic allows us to address the structural ‘why’ behind the tension.” – Lauren Egginton MChiro | Registered Chiropractor
Specialist in Pregnancy, Paediatric Chiropractic & Functional Rehabilitation at Bodytonic Clinic.

A key aspect of chiropractic treatment is the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the spine and joints, such as back pain, joint stiffness, and headaches. Chiropractors assess structural imbalances and use targeted techniques to address these issues. In some cases, they may also recommend complementary treatments, including massage therapy, to further support muscle relaxation and recovery.

Lauren Egginton MChiro | Registered Chiropractor
Specialist in Pregnancy, Paediatric Chiropractic & Functional Rehabilitation | London

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscles and soft tissues to promote relaxation, relieve tension, and improve circulation. Unlike chiropractic care, which focuses on spinal alignment and joint mobility, massage therapy primarily targets muscle tightness and stress-related discomfort.

There are several types of massage offered at Bodytonic Clinic (Canada Water & Stratford), each offering different benefits. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, deep tissue massage helps relieve chronic tension, and sports massage is designed to aid muscle recovery. This treatment is commonly chosen for its immediate calming effects, ability to ease muscle soreness, and overall support for physical well-being. However, it does not involve joint adjustments or spinal manipulations, making it a focused approach for soft tissue relief.

Focus & Purpose of Treatment

Chiropractic care is most suitable for individuals experiencing pain due to an injury or ongoing musculoskeletal conditions that require assessment and targeted treatment. Chiropractors assess whether discomfort originates from the joints, muscles, tendons, or fascia and use adjustments to support spinal and joint health.

Massage therapy, on the other hand, is primarily used for relaxation and relief from acute muscle tension or stress-related discomfort. By working directly on muscle fibres, massage helps improve blood flow, ease stiffness, and promote relaxation. While both treatments can complement each other, chiropractic care is more structured towards diagnosing and treating pain associated with spinal and joint issues, whereas massage therapy focuses on immediate muscle relaxation.

“I find that patients who have a 60-minute Sports Massage a day or two before their Chiropractic adjustment tend to see faster results. When the soft tissues are relaxed, the spinal adjustments are smoother and stay in place longer.” – Shibin Vinod, MSK Physiotherapist.

Conditions Treated & Duration

Chiropractic care is particularly effective for conditions rooted in structural issues, such as chronic lower back pain or sciatica, where adjustments can alleviate nerve pressure. Conversely, massage therapy is often chosen for stress-related tension or post-exercise recovery, where the focus is on improving blood flow and easing tightness. Chiropractic’s primary focus is finding the source of the problem, diagnosing it and treating it through joint mobility, soft tissue techniques and exercises.

In some cases, combining both treatments can be beneficial-such as using chiropractic treatment for realignment and massage therapy to relieve tension in cases like tension headaches or chronic back pain.

The duration and frequency of chiropractic care and massage therapy sessions can vary depending on individual needs and goals. A typical chiropractic session lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, focusing on targeted adjustments and evaluations. For conditions requiring ongoing care, chiropractors might recommend a series of treatments over weeks or months, especially if addressing chronic issues such as diabetes, arthritis, sciatica, and disc herniations.

Chiropractic treatment is often viewed as a longer-term commitment to spinal health and spinal positioning.

Massage sessions, in contrast, generally last between 30 to 60 minutes, allowing time to work on various muscle groups and soft tissues. The frequency of massage depends on the desired outcome-weekly or biweekly sessions are common for relaxation and stress relief, while less frequent sessions may be sufficient for occasional muscle soreness or recovery. Unlike chiropractics, which often involve a structured treatment plan, this method can be adapted to meet short-term or long-term relaxation and recovery goals.

Risk Factors

While both methods are generally safe when performed by qualified professionals, each has specific considerations and potential risks. Chiropractic adjustments involve manual manipulation of the spine and joints, which may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain health conditions-such as osteoporosis, severe arthritis, or nerve disorders-should seek guidance from a GP or specialist who can evaluate their individual needs and recommend the most suitable and safe treatment plan.

Massage techniques are also generally low-risk but may require caution for those with recent injuries, circulatory issues, or certain medical conditions. For example, deep tissue massage may be too intense for individuals with blood clotting disorders or inflammatory conditions. Seek advice from your NHS GP or specialist before attending a massage session, and then discuss this with your massage therapist at the beginning of your session so they can provide a safe, specific approach and effective treatment.

Which Treatment Should You Choose?

Choose chiropractic care if you’re experiencing pain due to joint misalignment, spinal issues, or chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve mobility and manage discomfort over time.
Choose massage therapy if your main goal is muscle relaxation, stress relief, or easing minor muscle soreness. Massage can provide short-term relief and improve circulation, making it ideal for recovery and relaxation.

In some cases, a combined approach may be the best option, as chiropractic adjustments can help with spinal health, while massage therapy can assist in relieving muscle tension.

If you have concerns about musculoskeletal pain or mobility issues, our chiropractors at Bodytonic Clinic can provide a full assessment and personalised treatment plan. Book a consultation today to explore the best approach for your needs.

Not sure which clinic to visit?

We have 8 treatment rooms in Canada Water and 5 treatment rooms in Stratford, open Monday through Saturday. Our team can help determine if you need Chiropractic, Massage, or a combined plan during your initial consultation.