Bodywork
As a complement to acupuncture and chiropractic, we incorporate various forms of bodywork techniques into our treatment programs. From neuromuscular re-education to myofascial release, our goal is to release muscular adhesions, decrease pain, and increase mobility.
In working with your body, we will make sure your muscles are working synergistically. This doesn’t just happen on the treatment table. We will analyze your body, posture and muscular imbalances, and provide you with tools and corrections to take with you and use as part of your daily routine. If you haven’t moved in a while, this might mean working on an exercise routine that is not only effective, but also fun and joyful. If you are used to moving, it might mean incorporating something new into your routine such as yoga, to increase your flexibility.
Myofascial Release
We’ll find tender areas where muscles and connective tissue are producing pain and restricted movement and gently release it.
Think of your fascia as a body suit that connects all your tissues together.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on, whole-body approach for the evaluation and treatment of pain and the restoration of motion. This involves muscles and the connective tissue (fascia) that holds your entire body together.
Your Body’s Body Suit
Think of fascia as a densely woven fabric, like a sweater, that connects all your organs, muscles and tissues. Even your heart, blood vessels, lungs and spinal cord. Fascia “holds you together.” Since it covers you from head to toe, think of it as a body suit that you live in.
When you’re healthy, the fascia is relaxed. Like our clothing, it has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. But that changes when we experience physical trauma, scarring or inflammation. Then, the fascia loses its pliability. It can become tight, restricted and a source of tension, reduced motion and even producing pain.
What You Can Expect
First, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, looking at your posture, your ability to turn, bend and move. We’ll identify specific movements that produce increased pain or discomfort.
Then, I’ll use my hands to locate the tender areas. Gently stretching the fascia and involved muscles causes them to release. This is not a massage! You’ll have some homework: drinking more water. By drinking more than your usual water intake, you’ll help flush out toxins that have built up and reduce soreness.
Your New Normal
Progress is rarely a straight line. Expect some ups and downs as your body learns it can abandon its defensive posture. As your body heals, your brain will eventually recognize your new posture and muscle tone as normal. With time, expect better movement, more strength, flexibility, improved posture and greater vitality.
Massage Therapy
We recommend massage in combination with your chiropractic care. While chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine and its impact on the nervous system, massage focuses on the 650 muscles of the body. Both disciplines work together to help keep the body in proper alignment, balance and function. Every muscle in your body hurts and you’re just aching to get a massage, but it seems like such an extravagance in terms of money and time. Yet, many different activities make up a good wellness routine and massage is just one of those elements in addition to nutrition, exercise and chiropractic care. So don’t feel guilty when you call to schedule that massage!
Physical, mental and emotional health benefits of massage:
- Massage, when it is combined with chiropractic care can be an unbeatable team.
- Massage improves the circulation of oxygen-carrying blood to the extremities and helps in eliminate wastes from the body
- Massage relaxes you, relieves stress and anxiety, and supports feelings of general wellbeing
- Massage works with your chiropractic care to retrain muscles that support your spine
- Massage helps in managing the pain associated with certain physical conditions, such as arthritis and sciatica
- Massage serves to either stimulate or relax the nervous system, depending on the type of massage being administered
- Massage may have an effect on weight loss it helps to burst fat capsules and the fat is reabsorbed into the bloodstream
Just keep in mind that a massage is not a substitute for chiropractic care! Although the two may work in conjunction with one another, massage provides “feel good” therapy while chiropractic adjustments keep your nervous system functioning properly. That’s far more important than a temporary “feel good” luxury!