Chiropractic
Q: What is chiropractic care?
A: Chiropractic care is a natural method of healthcare that
focuses on treating the causes of physical problems, rather than
the symptoms.
Q: What conditions
can chiropractic treat?
A: It is generally known that chiropractic has been proven effective
in the treatment of low back pain and various musculoskeletal
ailments. However, people are becoming increasingly aware that
chiropractic relieves many additional conditions, including headaches,
neck pain, muscle spasms, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis,
pinched nerves, numbness or tingling to the arms or legs, and
injuries to extremities such as shoulders, wrists, knees and
ankles.
Q: Is chiropractic safe?
A: The risks associated with chiropractic are very small. When
side effects do occur, they are typically very mild and temporary.
The risks and benefits of any suggested treatment will be discussed
with you in advance, so that you can make an informed decision
about your care.
Acupuncture
Q: What does an acupuncture treatment consist of?
A: The initial visit requires approximately 60 to 90 minutes,
during which a thorough intake is done. During treatment, the
patient usually lies comfortably on a table, although treatment
may also be done in a sitting position. The number of needles
used varies, depending on the patient's condition. Patient comfort
is emphasized throughout the process.
Patients often report a general feeling of tranquility and well
being during and after treatment, and/or report feeling energized
and alert. Each patient is unique as is his/her response to treatment.
The practitioner and patient discuss a treatment plan, and depending
on the condition, herbs, dietary, and/or lifestyle suggestions
may also be recommended.
Q: Is acupuncture safe?
A: Acupuncture treatment - in the hands of a licensed acupuncturist - is
very safe. The sterilized, disposable needles are extremely fine,
and manipulations are very gentle.
Q: What if I'm currently receiving medical treatment?
A: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine treatment serves as an
effective complement to Western medicine treatment. We advise
all patients to receive a full medical evaluation before they
begin any complementary therapies. Do not discontinue prescribed
medications or other established medical care without consulting
your physician. Throughout the course of acupuncture, herbal
or other adjunctive therapies, keep your physician informed of
any changes in your health status.
Because acupuncture therapy addresses the whole body, patients
often notice improvements in aspects of their health that were
not the intended area of treatment. Acupuncture and herbs may
help to manage side effects of pharmaceuticals, chemotherapy
or post-surgical pain.
Massage
Q: What Is therapeutic massage?
A: Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of soft tissue
throughout the body in order to bring about generalized improvements
in health, increased relaxation, relief from stress, and reduction
in muscle discomfort.
Q: Can therapeutic massage address
and alleviate chronic pain?
A: Yes, in many instances. Chronic
cycles of unrelenting pain plague millions of people. This frequency
of pain leaves the body vulnerable to additional pain and dysfunction
and little time for the body to respond to its own natural healing. These
types of pain derive from several etiologies, including repetitive
strain injuries, diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia,
and even emotional stress overload. A chronic pain injury
can lead to decreased range of motion, further reduction in circulation,
fatigue, inefficient posture, headaches and anxiety.
Therapeutic massage is an effective tool for prevention of and
recovery from this type of pain. Massage can decrease the intensity
of chronic pain by increasing the pliability of overly tight
muscles and scar tissue. An increase in blood and lymph circulation,
another benefit of massage therapy, will also aid in the recovery
of pain by delivering oxygen and fresh nutrients throughout the
body.
Q: Isn't stress relief one of the areas
that massage addresses?
A: Massage therapy is a remarkable tool for helping people effectively
deal with stress. A short-term goal of a relaxing massage is
that it provides a physical and mental break from life's stressful
situations. Over time, massage therapy may be utilized to help
develop healthy and productive responses to stress.
The healthiest and most effective people are those who respond
well to stress. Stress is a normal and unavoidable part
of everyday life. Therefore, understanding how to cope with stress
is an important strategy for a healthy lifestyle. Stress stimulates
your nervous system, which then tightens muscles and increases
blood pressure and heart rate; breathing becomes shallow and
digestive processes are slowed. When the amount of stress overrides
rest and recovery time, physical and emotional disturbances arise.
Headaches, shoulder and back pain, and insomnia are common culprits
of highly stressed individuals.
Q: Can therapeutic massage aid in sports injuries or other conditions?
A: Many sports and fitness enthusiasts rely on regular massage
as an important part of their health maintenance regime. A variety
of massage techniques can aid in the recovery of muscle fatigue
after a strenuous workout, facilitate recovery after an injury,
and provide maintenance for a fit body through an exercise routine.
Therapeutic massage will enable muscles to reach their fullest
potential by increasing circulation, decreasing swelling, and
increasing flexibility. Massage therapy may also be utilized
as a tool in the development of body self-awareness.
Q: Does therapeutic massage provide advantages for conditions
unique to women?
A: Yes, therapeutic massage is a wonderful way to relax and
to move through life's challenges more gracefully. Physical and
emotional stress from premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy and menopause
may all be alleviated with the aid of therapeutic massage. Massage
can help calm emotions and ease muscle tension, thereby decreasing
pain and increasing one's overall state of well being. Therapeutic
massage offers a balanced and positive association with your
body that will enable you to experience enhanced vitality. Furthermore,
the caring touch of massage can help restore energy and boost
feelings of self-confidence. |
