Format: Jessica interviews Dr. Codi
Excerpt: Why Jessica Deardorff and Dr. Codi Osborne often prefer a full ashiatsu session plus cupping before chiropractic adjustments, and when after can help too.
Why We Prefer Massage Before Chiropractic Adjustments
A Q and A with Dr. Codi Osborne, DC
If you have ever felt like your body “locks up” right before an adjustment, you are not alone. As a massage therapist, I see this all the time: people walk in with tight shoulders, a guarded neck, a clenched jaw, and a nervous system that is doing its absolute best to keep them stable.
That is why I asked Dr. Codi Osborne, DC, owner of Innately Yours Chiropractic Studio, to explain why she and I often prefer a full massage session before chiropractic adjustments, especially when there is a lot of tension, guarding, or anxiety around movement.
Jessica Deardorff: Dr. Codi, what is the simplest reason you like massage before an adjustment?
Dr. Codi: Because it helps the body stop bracing. When muscles are hypertonic or guarding, the nervous system is basically saying, “Not yet.” Massage can reduce that protective tone so the adjustment is more comfortable and the body is more receptive.
Jessica: What is “guarding,” and how do clients recognize it?
Dr. Codi: Guarding is protective tension. It can show up as jaw clenching, tight upper traps, a stiff upper neck, shallow breathing, or that feeling of “I cannot fully relax.” It is common after injuries, during high stress seasons, with poor sleep, and with repetitive posture.
Jessica: From your lens, what changes after a massage that makes the adjustment easier?
Dr. Codi: A few key things. Blood flow increases, tissue temperature rises, and muscles become more pliable. That reduces resistance and helps the joint move more smoothly during the adjustment.
Jessica: Where do Ashiatsu and cupping fit into this?
Dr. Codi: Ashiatsu is broad and deep, which can be ideal for chronic tension patterns. Cupping can help lift and mobilize fascial restriction and support microcirculation. Together, they can reduce soft tissue pushback that might otherwise counteract joint mechanics work.
Jessica: Is your preference always massage before, no exceptions?
Dr. Codi: Not always. There is no one size fits all. Massage after an adjustment can be great for soreness, adaptation, and helping tissues settle into new mechanics. But when the main limiter is guarding or stiffness, massage first tends to be the better starting point.
Jessica: What timing do you recommend in real life?
Dr. Codi: Same day is best. If that is not possible, within a week is still helpful, especially if it is a full session and the work is intentional.
Jessica: Any tips to help clients “hold” changes longer?
Dr. Codi: Hydrate well, keep movement gentle after care, and do slow nasal breathing with longer exhales to cue the nervous system to downshift. Small inputs, repeated, add up.
Want to try the massage first sequence?
If you tend to feel tight, guarded, or nervous about an adjustment, consider ashiatsu plus cupping first, then chiropractic. It is not about forcing change, it is about preparing your system for it. 
Book individually here:
Innately Yours Chiropractic Studio (JaneApp)
https://innatelyyourschiro.Educational note: This post is not medical advice. If you have sudden severe headache, fainting, weakness, numbness, vision changes, fever with headache, or anything alarming, seek urgent medical care.