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.
Counseling and Psychotherapy
Q: Can psychotherapy be beneficial for children?
A: Children usually enter psychotherapy at
the request of a teacher or parent. Reasons vary, ranging
from difficulty behaving in the classroom, to showing signs
of depression or withdrawing from friends and family, to reacting
to seemingly normal situations with exaggerated anger or emotion.
Children are usually seen in one-on-one sessions as well as
in family sessions.
In a family, when one member changes, the
others need to adjust - even
when the changes are positive. The therapist, parents, and child/adolescent
work together in order to get the most from psychotherapy.
Q: If I'm having marital issues, such as a lack of closeness,
can psychotherapy help in rekindling the spark in our relationship?
A: A psychotherapist can help couples focus on communication.
Improving communication can help couples become aware of the
changes in feelings, lifestyle, and behaviors that naturally
occur over time.
Depending on the amount of time you have felt dissatisfied, resentful
or lonely, psychotherapy could either help you in a few sessions
or take quite awhile to sort out feelings that have been brewing
for years. The sooner couples begin to work things out, the better
their chances of rebuilding strong and loving relationships.
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