Licensed Massage Therapy in Traverse City, MI
At Pathways Chiropractic, our licensed massage therapists provide expert, medically focused massage therapy to help patients in Traverse City, MI relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and support their overall wellness. Whether you’re looking for relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply need a dedicated hour of therapeutic care, Pathways Chiropractic offers a full range of massage modalities in a welcoming, professional setting. Call (231) 252-4249 or book online today.
Massage Therapy Services at Pathways Chiropractic
Our team of three licensed massage therapists provides personalized one-hour sessions tailored to your specific needs and goals. We offer a comprehensive range of massage techniques so that every patient — whether dealing with chronic tension, post-injury recovery, pregnancy-related discomfort, or athletic soreness — receives the most appropriate and effective treatment possible.
Swedish / Relaxation Massage — A gentle, full-body technique that uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and ease overall muscle tension. Swedish massage is ideal for patients new to massage or those primarily seeking stress relief and general well-being.
Deep Tissue Massage — Targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using firmer pressure and slower strokes. Deep tissue massage is highly effective for breaking up scar tissue, releasing chronic muscle knots, and addressing tension patterns that develop from repetitive strain, poor posture, or previous injuries.
Prenatal Massage — Specifically designed for expecting mothers, prenatal massage addresses the unique musculoskeletal challenges of pregnancy — including lower back pain, hip discomfort, leg cramps, and swelling — using safe, pregnancy-adapted positioning and techniques. This service pairs beautifully with our pre/postnatal chiropractic care for comprehensive maternal wellness support.
Trigger Point Therapy & Myofascial Release — Focused techniques that target specific areas of muscle hyperirritability and restricted fascial tissue. These methods are particularly effective for localized pain, referred pain patterns, and areas of chronic tightness that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Sports & Recovery Massage — Designed to support athletes and active individuals with injury prevention, performance enhancement, and post-activity recovery. Sports massage incorporates targeted techniques to reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and keep the body performing at its best.
General Therapeutic Massage — A customized approach that blends techniques from multiple modalities based on your individual needs. This is ideal for patients with complex or multi-area concerns, or those who want their therapist to address whatever feels most necessary during that session.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage at Pathways Chiropractic offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits that extend well beyond simple relaxation. Regular massage therapy can significantly reduce chronic back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain, ease muscle tightness and trigger point activity, alleviate headaches and migraines, improve posture-related discomfort, and support recovery from sports activity and physical overexertion.
Beyond musculoskeletal benefits, massage therapy is widely recognized for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, lower cortisol levels, and enhance overall mood and well-being. For patients also receiving chiropractic care, massage therapy complements adjustments beautifully — relaxing the muscles that surround the spine makes adjustments more effective and longer-lasting, while chiropractic alignment supports healthier muscle function and reduces the tendency for tension to return.
Massage Pricing, Insurance & Scheduling
One-hour massage sessions at Pathways Chiropractic are priced at $95. Many insurance plans cover massage therapy when it is medically necessary — including Veterans Affairs benefits when combined with chiropractic care in the same visit. We also accept HSA and FSA payments. Our team will verify your insurance benefits on your behalf so you always know what to expect before your appointment.
Scheduling is easy — call us at (231) 252-4249, text us, or book a massage online. We offer convenient scheduling including same-day openings when available, and our team will match you with the right therapist for your specific needs and preferences. We serve patients throughout Traverse City and the surrounding Northern Michigan communities from our office in Traverse City, MI.

Massage Therapy FAQs
What types of massage therapy are available at Pathways Chiropractic?
We offer Swedish/relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, prenatal massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, sports and recovery massage, and general therapeutic massage. All sessions are one hour and provided by our team of three licensed massage therapists. Your therapist will tailor the session to your specific concerns and goals.
How much does a massage session cost at Pathways Chiropractic?
One-hour massage sessions are $95. Many insurance plans cover massage therapy when it is considered medically necessary, and we accept HSA and FSA payments. We encourage patients to call our office at (231) 252-4249 before their first appointment so we can verify their insurance benefits and provide a clear picture of any out-of-pocket costs.
Does insurance cover massage therapy at Pathways Chiropractic?
Yes, many insurance plans include massage therapy coverage when it is medically necessary for pain, injury, or functional improvement. This includes Veterans Affairs benefits, which often cover massage when combined with chiropractic care in the same visit. Our team handles insurance verification and billing directly so patients don’t have to navigate the process on their own.
How does massage therapy work alongside chiropractic care?
Massage therapy and chiropractic care are highly complementary. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment to spinal joints, while massage therapy relaxes and lengthens the surrounding muscles that can pull the spine back out of alignment. Together, they produce more comprehensive and longer-lasting results than either treatment alone. Many of our patients schedule massage and chiropractic appointments on the same visit for maximum benefit.
Is prenatal massage safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Prenatal massage performed by a trained therapist is safe throughout pregnancy and offers significant benefits for expecting mothers, including relief from lower back pain, hip discomfort, leg cramps, and swelling. Our therapists use pregnancy-adapted positioning and techniques to ensure safety and comfort at every stage. Prenatal massage pairs especially well with our pre/postnatal chiropractic care for comprehensive support during pregnancy.
How often should I get a massage at Pathways Chiropractic?
The ideal frequency depends on your individual needs and goals. Patients dealing with chronic pain or actively recovering from an injury often benefit most from weekly or biweekly sessions. Those seeking maintenance and general wellness typically find every two to four weeks to be sufficient. Many of our patients love their sessions so much they schedule standing appointments every other week year-round. Your therapist will help you determine the frequency that makes the most sense for your situation.
Do I need to be a chiropractic patient to receive massage therapy at Pathways Chiropractic?
No — massage therapy at Pathways Chiropractic is available to all patients regardless of whether they are also receiving chiropractic care. You are welcome to book a massage independently as a standalone service. That said, many patients find that combining massage therapy with chiropractic care produces significantly better results, and we’re always happy to discuss how an integrated approach might benefit you.


