Individualized massage, from deep tissue and sports work to relaxation and optional cupping.
Melody is the independent, licensed massage provider at our Bridgeton office. Book directly with her for deep tissue, sports, myofascial, trigger point, relaxation massage, or optional cupping. You can schedule a massage on its own; a chiropractic appointment is not required.
Whether you need targeted deep tissue work to address a specific injury or a full-body session to manage stress and promote recovery, every session is customized to your goals. Cupping may also be included when it is appropriate for your health history and the area being treated.
Do not assume chiropractic insurance benefits cover massage. Check with Melody and your plan before your session.
Optional Massage Technique
Cupping uses controlled suction over selected muscles and soft tissues. Some patients choose it as part of a massage session for muscle soreness, tightness, or short-term comfort and movement. Research is still developing, so cupping is presented as an optional technique rather than a guaranteed treatment.
A 2023 systematic review found that the strength of evidence varies by condition and outcome, from moderate for short-term soft-tissue flexibility to low or very low for many musculoskeletal conditions.
The therapist selects cup size, placement, suction, and treatment time based on your comfort and health history. Circular redness or darker marks are expected after cupping and can remain visible for several days. The cups should not cause sharp pain, blistering, or broken skin.
Cupping may need to be modified or avoided with blood-thinning medication, a bleeding disorder, fragile or irritated skin, active infection, recent surgery, or a suspected blood clot.
Your therapist reviews your health history, discusses your goals, and evaluates areas of tension or restriction to build a session plan.
Using a combination of techniques such as deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage, or optional cupping, your therapist addresses your specific needs.
After your session, you'll receive stretching and self-care recommendations to extend the benefits of your massage between appointments.
May reduce the feeling of tightness and make movement more comfortable for selected muscles.
May provide short-term comfort as one part of a broader plan for appropriate musculoskeletal symptoms.
Offers a hands-on option for soreness, muscle sensitivity, and recovery after demanding activity.
Many patients choose massage for relaxation, quiet time, and temporary relief from physical stress.
Massage may be scheduled on its own or near a chiropractic visit when both providers consider that appropriate.
Pressure, positioning, and techniques are adjusted to your comfort, goals, health history, and current stage of recovery.
Massage therapy is beneficial for a number of patients, from those managing chronic conditions to anyone looking to maintain overall wellness. You may benefit from massage if you experience:
People seek massage for relaxation, muscle tension, or soreness after activity. Benefits vary, and some conditions call for medical evaluation or a modified session. Talk to Melody or your treating clinician first if any of the following apply to you:
Massage sessions with Melody are offered in 30, 60, and 90 minute formats. Your first visit follows a consistent rhythm so you know exactly what is going to happen on the table.
Before you arrive
A short health-history form covers medications, surgeries, and areas to avoid or focus on. Tell Melody about other care you receive; any necessary sharing of information should be discussed with you and handled with appropriate authorization.
Upon arrival
A few minutes to talk through your goal for the session, deep tissue, sports work, full body relaxation, or focused work on a specific area. Pressure preferences are set up front and adjusted throughout.
Getting on the table
Melody leaves the room while you undress to your comfort level and get on the table under the sheet. She knocks before re-entering.
Session begins
The room is warmed, lighting is low, and only the area being worked on is uncovered at any one time. Professional draping is used throughout.
Main massage
Melody combines techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, and trigger point work) based on the goals of the session. Pressure is checked early and adjusted whenever you ask.
Session closes
The session ends with lighter strokes to settle the nervous system. You take a few minutes to come back to the room before getting up.
As you finish
A glass of water is offered as you re-dress. Melody briefly reviews how the body responded and any areas that may need follow-up.
Next steps
If certain areas would respond well to chiropractic care or shockwave therapy, Melody coordinates that conversation with Dr. JC for you.
Your plan
You receive a frequency recommendation, weekly for acute work, every two to four weeks for maintenance, monthly for general wellness, based on your situation.
How you treat your body in the hours after a massage decides whether the relief lingers for days or fades by the next morning. These four habits protect the work.
Massage mobilizes circulation and metabolic byproducts in the muscle tissue. Hydration helps the body clear that load comfortably.
Dosage: Day-of treatment and the next 24 hours.
Treated muscles are warm and pliable. Easy stretching tells the nervous system to keep that new resting length.
Dosage: 5 to 10 minutes the evening of treatment.
Heavy meals immediately after a massage can leave you feeling sluggish. A light meal and a walk help the body integrate the parasympathetic shift.
Dosage: The first hour or two after treatment, then back to normal.
Mild post-massage soreness is normal after deep tissue work. A warm bath later in the evening soothes treated muscle and helps you sleep.
Dosage: Once that evening, only if sore.
The two services are booked separately. Talk with both providers about whether combining them makes sense and how to time your appointments. Neither a same-day combination nor a particular order guarantees a better result.
Melody works with a wide cross-section of patients, from athletes and stressed-out professionals to postpartum moms and post-injury rehab cases. These are the groups we see most often.
People looking for quiet time and a session focused on neck, shoulder, or back tension after a demanding workweek.
With clearance from your obstetrician, prenatal massage relieves low back, hip, and round ligament tension. Side-lying positioning keeps you and the baby comfortable.
Patients who choose massage alongside chiropractic care when both providers consider it appropriate. Scheduling and payment remain separate.
Runners, lifters, golfers, and team-sport athletes who want a session tailored to soreness, training demands, and their recovery schedule.
New moms with neck, upper back, and forearm tension from holding, nursing, and lifting. A focused 30 to 60 minute session gives a real reset.
Tension-type and cervicogenic headache patients whose neck and shoulder muscles drive the pattern. Targeted suboccipital and upper-trap work often shortens both frequency and intensity.
Cashiers, nurses, teachers, and food service staff on their feet 8 plus hours a day. Calves, hamstrings, and low back paraspinals respond quickly.
Patients who have lived with shoulder, neck, or low back tightness for years. A consistent monthly massage with adjusted pressure keeps the system loose.
Patients recovering from auto accidents, sports injuries, or surgical procedures whose treatment plan includes both chiropractic care and massage therapy as complementary pieces.
Melody sees patients from Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, Hazelwood, Florissant, St. Ann, Creve Coeur, and across North County St. Louis. Massage appointments are booked by phone or in person at your next chiropractic visit.
FAQ
At Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton, our on-site licensed massage therapist offers deep tissue massage, sports massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, Swedish relaxation massage, and cupping therapy. Each session is customized to your needs and goals.
Yes. Cupping may be added to a massage session when it fits your goals and health history. Suction cups are placed over selected muscles for a limited time. Temporary circular redness or darker marks are common and may remain for several days. Tell the therapist about blood-thinning medication, a bleeding disorder, skin irritation, infection, or possible blood clot before treatment.
Sessions are available in 30-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute options. Your therapist will recommend the ideal duration based on the areas being treated and the complexity of your condition. A 60-minute session is the most common choice for therapeutic work.
Coverage varies by plan and by how the service is provided. Massage and cupping are offered by an independent on-site massage provider, so do not assume they are covered under your chiropractic benefits. Contact Melody and your insurance plan before the visit if coverage is important to you.
Yes, when both services are appropriate for your goals and health history. Some patients prefer massage and chiropractic care on the same day, while others schedule them separately. Combining services does not guarantee a particular result, so each provider will make recommendations within their own scope.
Frequency depends on your condition and goals. Patients managing acute pain or recovering from an injury may benefit from weekly sessions initially, then transition to every two to four weeks for maintenance. Those seeking general wellness and stress relief often do well with monthly sessions.
Deep tissue massage uses slow, sustained pressure to target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, making it ideal for chronic tension and adhesions. Sports massage incorporates faster-paced techniques like stretching, compression, and joint mobilization matched to the demands of athletic activity. Both are available at our Bridgeton, MO office and can be customized to your needs.
Massage may help some people when neck and shoulder muscle tension contributes to a headache. Migraine and new, severe, or unusual headaches need appropriate medical evaluation, and results from massage vary. Tell your provider about vision changes, weakness, fever, head injury, or a sudden worst-ever headache.
You undress only to your comfort level. Our licensed massage therapist uses professional draping techniques so only the area being worked on is exposed. Many patients keep their undergarments on. Your comfort and privacy are always respected at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic.
Massage may be considered for selected muscle soreness and movement limitations after an accident, but significant trauma should be medically evaluated first. Timing and pressure depend on the injuries, symptoms, medications, and any imaging or specialist recommendations.
From the first phone call to exception customer service, I would recommend this place 100%.
If you want a Chiropractor that is thorough and on point, he's the one.
Excerpts about the office experience, not evidence of a particular treatment result.
Massage therapy helps relieve muscle tension and improve circulation in the lower back.
Learn MoreTherapeutic massage targets tight neck muscles and helps restore comfortable range of motion.
Learn MoreDeep tissue massage can release adhesions and reduce shoulder stiffness and discomfort.
Learn MoreBook a Massage Session
Our licensed massage therapist Melody takes appointments by phone or in person at your next chiropractic visit. Sessions are 30, 60, or 90 minutes.
Online booking is not available for massage therapy. Chiropractic appointments can still be scheduled online.
