Therapeutic massage is an age-old remedy, which has proven to be an effective complement to chiropractic care. Both are holistic in nature, and are based on belief in the innate healing power of the body. Together, chiropractic and massage facilitate the natural healing process by keeping the body in proper alignment and ensuring a free flow of nerve impulses and circulation of fluids.
Problems in the muscular-skeletal system can impede the natural healing process, and often cause dysfunction and pain. Most chiropractic doctors would agree that it is important to treat soft tissues such as muscles and tendons to help prevent and correct subluxations, and lessen the accompanying pain. Together, chiropractic and massage provide you with a more complete and effective system of health care.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE:
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Increase the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments
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Aids in preparing the body for chiropractic adjustments
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Helps relieve pain in muscles and related soft tissues
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Helps prevent future problems
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE:
The therapeutic effects of massage are recognized by personal and clinical experience, and supported by scientific research. They include:
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Relaxation
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Improved circulation
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Muscle Relaxation
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Reduction of Anxiety
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Alleviation of Certain Kinds of Muscular Pain
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Improvement in Cellular Nutrition
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Relief from the Negative Effects of Stress
MASSAGE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Local massage is often used in preparation for an adjustment. Massage relieves muscle tension and warms up the soft tissues in the area, making joints more pliable and more easily adjusted. Many chiropractors themselves (or an assistant) prepare an area with local massage. A general massage 12 to 1 hour long) can also be good preparation for an adjustment. In addition to preparing the immediate area of concern, it helps you relax overall and become more receptive to other hands-on treatment. Some find massage after an adjustment beneficial for further relaxation. With regular therapeutic massage, chiropractic adjustments may last longer.
RELIEF AND RECOVERY:
The pain that brings you to a chiropractor often involves problems in the musculature. These problems might include:
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NERVE CONSTRICTION - Nerves run alongside of, between, and through muscles. Tight muscles can squeeze and put pressure on nerves causing constriction, which interferes with the free flow of nerve impulses and sometimes causes pain. Through muscle relaxation, massage alleviates the constriction of nerves due to muscle tension.
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POOR CIRCULATION - Tight muscles may also constrict blood vessels, thus slowing blood flow to an area, a condition called Ischemia. Ischemia causes pain. By increasing circulation in an area, massage reduces ischemia and therefore the pain it causes.
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TRIGGER POINTS - Trigger points are specific spots in muscles and tendons which cause pain, and which may radiate pain to a larger area. They are thought by some to be small areas of spasm. Trigger points may be caused by sudden trauma (from falling or being hit), by repeated use of a particular muscle, or may develop over time from chronic muscular tension in an area. Direct pressure with the thumb or fingers on a trigger point will often deactivate it, thus relieving the pain it causes.
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DAMAGED TISSUES - Accidents at home, work, play, or on the road can leave bruises, sprains, and other injuries in the soft tissues. Massage improves general and local circulation, helping to clear cellular debris from an injury site, and bringing nutrients needed to heal the damage tissues. Thus massage helps speed recovery.
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PAIN SPASM/ PAIN CYCLE - You may get caught in the pain-spasm-pain cycle. This phenomenon is started either by pain or spasm in a muscle, which perpetuates itself in an endless loop. For example, you may tense up from pain this causes more tension “ more pain “ more tension more pain and on and on until something breaks the cycle. Massage, often used with ice, helps break this painful cycle.
TODAY'S HEALTH PROBLEMS
Many of today's major health problems are caused by chronic stress and conditions of modern living and working. Prolonged mental and emotional stress may lead to tension headache, backache, ulcers, colitis, blood sugar irregularities, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Too much stress has also been proven to impair the immune system leaving us vulnerable to many diseases, and inhibiting recovery as well.
Driving or riding in daily commutes, and sitting for long periods of time at workstations tax the body. The repetitive movements required in certain occupations, for example, with some office work (computer data input, filing and sorting), physical labor (carpentry, gardening), playing musical instruments (violin, guitar) and sports (tennis, golf), can lead to chronic muscle tension. This may lead to loss of flexibility in joints, misalignment and poor posture. Circulation in tense muscles is decreased causing ischemia and pain. Trigger points are common with chronic tension and the pain-cycle may set in.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE HELPS
Therapeutic massage received regularly helps workout chronic muscular tension. Massage melts away a certain amount of tension in each session, and if received regularly, keeps tension from building up again. It helps you identify and correct patterns of holding tension. You can learn to relax and let go of tension you may not have even been aware of.
Therapeutic massage and stretching can help you regain and maintain proper alignment. When muscles are relaxed and restored to their optimal length, correct posture and alignment are more easily sustained.
Massage can also trigger the relaxation response, relieving the negative effects of stress and restoring balance in the body. Some positive effects of the relaxation response include slower heart rate, deeper breathing, more relaxed muscles, and better internal circulation and digestion.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MASSAGE
You can call and schedule a massage yourself or the chiropractic doctor can prescribe massage and coordinate the chiropractic and massage treatments. Insurance reimbursement may also be available.
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REFERENCES
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Healing massage Techniques: Holistic, Classic and Emerging Methods. By Frances M. Tappan, San Mateo, CA: Appleton & Lange, 1988.
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A Physician's Guide to Therapeutic Massage: Its Physiological Effects and Their Application t Treatment. By John Yates, Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia, 1990.
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The Bodywork Knowledgebase: Practitioner's Desk Reference. Volume 1 (1959-1988). Compiled by Richard Van Why, 1989.
Hemingway productions www.hemingwaymassageproducts.com
MASSAGES OFFERED:
Swedish Massage
Still the most popular massage today, Swedish massage techniques leave the body relaxed and rested. Using lighter, rhythmic strokes, Swedish massages are enjoyed by people of all ages and lifestyles.
Benefits:
Improved circulation, Relief of muscle tension, Relief of carpal tunnel syndrome, Enhancements to and maintenance of chiropractic adjustments, General feelings of relaxation and well being.
Swedish massage includes long, relaxing strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well-being. Swedish massage helps release the body of unwanted strain and stress. Your body will feel rested and your mind at ease for a total pampering experience.
Deep Tissue
True deep tissue massage can be one of the most therapeutic and healing massages. Although not as rhythmic as other massage types, deep tissue massage interacts the most with the body's muscles and muscle groups.
Benefits:
After a deep tissue massage, sore and tired muscles often become revived and energized. Body often feels as if it had a strenuous, yet impactful workout.
Now available at Back & Neck.
Basalt Stone Massage
Spend an hour and a half in the treatment that is the hottest rage in top day spas around the country. Allow the deep, penetrating heat of volcanic basalt stones melt the tension away. Relax while the therapist adds heat to the muscles, which enhances relaxation, circulation and healing process of a therapeutic massage. This modality can combine energy work to help balance the body.
Benefits:
Perfect for those wanting a super-deep tissue massage to help stubborn muscles release and relax. The combination of hot cold stone create a relaxing sensation and provide therapeutic value to rid muscle tension.
Trigger Point (Neuromuscular)
Trigger points are tender areas usually found in tight muscles. They may radiate, or refer, pain to other areas of the body. They can also cause muscle weakness or restricted range of motion. Trigger points can result from a number of causes, including direct trauma, exposure to cold, and overuse of a muscle group. Neuromuscular massage is a manual system of working with trigger points.
Benefits:
Good for relieving soft tissue pain and dysfunction, improvement of circulation, pinpointing relief to specific problem areas.
Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is essential as the body's drainage system for cleansing and filtering out of bacteria and toxins. Congested lymph pathways can cause soreness, aches, pains and flu-like symptoms. Lymphatic massage helps to unclog the lymph system. Beginning in a clockwise motion on the body, the lymph system is manually cleansed. Best performed in a series of six, or as part of a full detoxification program, this form of massage helps the body to heal itself from many common maladies. As with most massage, it is vital to drink lots of water after a lymphatic massage.
Benefits:
Many cases of disharmony on the body and mind are due to an exhausted lymph system. This helps to clear the 'passage-ways'. Excellent after surgery.
Sports Massage
Perfect for a very active or athletic individual who seeks a muscle intensive massage modality. Sports massage concentrates more on specific areas of the body. Ideal for recreational lifestyles to help relieve discomfort or pain from over activity.
Benefits:
Sports massage is performed to help the individual in affected muscle groups or areas. Technique is great for someone who has a recurring area of the body that needs special attention and relief.
Contact our office in Bloomington, Indiana, for licensed chiropractor services, such as physical therapy, adjustments, and massage.
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