Tag: massage therapy

Therapy

Pregnancy Massage – How Pregnancy Massage Can Make Your Pregnancy More Enjoyable

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Pregnancy is one of life’s most amazing experiences, but it can also be hard on the expecting mother’s body. Prenatal massage helps ease pain and reduce many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Note that a massage therapist should avoid placing pressure on the abdomen and legs (particularly around the ankles) because it can dislodge blood clots, which are dangerous for pregnant women. For more information, you can visit Prenatal Massage Carlsbad to proceed.

Pregnancy is one of a woman’s most important and life-changing experiences, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Fortunately, there are many ways that a pregnant woman can ease the discomforts of her changing body and make her pregnancy more enjoyable. One way to do this is through prenatal massage.

The goal of prenatal massage is the same as a regular massage: to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and offer relaxation. However, a prenatal massage is specifically designed for the unique changes in a pregnant woman’s body. The most notable change is the change in blood volume. The increased amount of fluid in the body can cause swelling and put extra pressure on the veins and arteries. Pregnancy massage improves circulation by increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the body’s cells, which reduces edema and swelling and helps keep the blood moving efficiently throughout the body.

In addition, pregnancy massages also help increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the blood, which is good for both mom and baby. This shift in hormones can help relieve stress and decrease epinephrine and cortisol levels, which can cause fatigue.

Another big benefit of pregnancy massage is improving lower back pain and leg cramps. The enlarged abdomen can stress the back, neck, abdominal, and leg muscles. A prenatal massage can help ease the tension in these muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the pain from swollen joints.

Sciatic nerve pain is another common pregnancy-related issue that can be eased with a prenatal massage. This can feel like numbness or tingling in the lower back, bum area, and sometimes down the legs. Prenatal massage can help release the tension in the surrounding muscles, alleviating the numbness and tingling.

The side-lying position used in a prenatal massage is ideal for most women. This is because it reduces the risk of supine hypotension, which can cause dizziness and lightheadedness when the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava. However, a physician should be consulted before a person undergoes this type of massage to ensure it is safe for her.

Pregnancy is a time of great change for the body. It can also be a time of discomfort and pain from the shifting pelvic bones, swollen ankles, or tight muscles. Many women find regular massages can help reduce pain, relieve stress and anxiety, increase sleep quality, and promote relaxation. The specialized massage techniques used in prenatal massage are designed to address these specific issues experienced by pregnant women safely.

Prenatal massage can be beneficial in reducing swelling, as it stimulates soft tissues to reduce fluid accumulation in swollen joints and improves the removal of tissue waste carried by the lymph system. In addition, massage can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain as the uterus puts pressure on the muscles in the lower back and pelvic area.

Research shows that pregnant women who received regular therapeutic massages throughout their pregnancy had fewer complications during birth and a significantly higher rate of healthy newborns. This is partly due to the positive impact on hormone levels, including reducing stress-related hormones and increasing mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin.

A prenatal massage is safe for most women, provided the practitioner has experience working with pregnant clients. They will take extra care to avoid areas of the body that could compress the uterus. Prenatal massage typically involves a woman lying on her side, if possible, after 16 weeks (to prevent the uterus from being compressed against the spine). In some cases, therapists will use a stool or chair to support the woman to remain comfortable in an upright position.

Prenatal massage is not appropriate for women with certain conditions, such as DVT (blood clot in a leg) or placenta previa or accrete. However, it is usually fine for women with gestational diabetes who are in good control of their blood sugars. Women with high blood pressure should consult their doctor about getting a massage. They may need to limit the duration or frequency of the sessions. They should also let their therapists know that they are expecting and discuss what position they feel most comfortable in.

Pregnancy massage is designed to reduce back pain that often comes with weight shift and extra strain on the lower back. It can also alleviate tension in the shoulders, hips, and legs as the body adapts to changing posture.

Studies indicate that pregnancy massage may help to reduce the levels of cortisol, a hormone that can cause stress and depression in expecting mothers. Cortisol can increase the chances of premature birth and low birth weight for newborns. Moreover, elevated cortisol may also contribute to other complications, such as increased agitation, sleep disturbances, and apathy. In a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers found that expectant mothers who received regular prenatal massage had fewer episodes of depression, less anxiety, and better mood than those who did not receive treatment. The researchers also noted that pregnant women who received massages responded more positively to the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation, orientation, and motor scales (an infant’s abilities to interact with the external environment).

In a typical session, expectant mothers remain fully draped, with oil or lotion applied over body regions that are properly uncovered. The massage typically focuses on the neck and shoulder muscles, lower back, and sciatic pain in the hips and thighs. In addition, the deep muscles in the calves can be addressed to reduce swelling from edema.

The massage is generally performed on the side of the body since lying on the stomach can create pressure on the abdomen and restrict blood flow. A few bolsters or pads are used to support the client’s knees, feet, and abdomen as needed. The therapist must have experience working with pregnant clients, as the positioning of the body during massage is critical for the safety and comfort of the mother and baby.

When looking for a qualified therapist, it is wise to seek recommendations from friends and family members who have had children, as well as online directories and forums. Ask therapists to describe their level of training and the types of pregnancy massage they have experience performing. It would be best if you also inquired about the therapist’s safety precautions, such as avoiding certain pressure points that could induce labor.

Pregnancy is a time of many physical changes. Every day, from shifting pelvic bones to swollen ankles, brings a new set of challenges for the expectant mom. While these changes are exciting, they can be very tiring as well. Studies show that women who receive regular massages have better overall moods and are more likely to sleep well. Massage has been shown to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and ease back pain – all common during pregnancy. This can help you get a better night’s sleep, making you feel more rested and ready to take on the day.

Studies also show that prenatal massage regulates hormones related to stress and mood. This can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety that are so common during this time. It has also been shown to increase the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which can contribute to a better overall mood and improved sleep.

It’s important to note that receiving a prenatal massage at any point during the pregnancy is safe if the patient has a doctor’s or midwife’s approval. Some massage therapists may prefer not to treat expectant mothers during the first trimester due to the increased risk of miscarriage. Still, they can work around this issue and provide a comfortable treatment experience. They can use pillows and bolsters to support the pregnant woman and are trained to position the mother safely for her and her baby.

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, it’s worth noting that women who receive regular massages during pregnancy often have shorter labors and less need for pain medication. This is believed to be due to the reduced levels of stress hormones discussed earlier.

It’s recommended to have a massage at least once per week during the second trimester and weekly during the third trimester. This schedule offers the most benefits, including relaxation, pain relief, swelling reduction, and regulating hormones related to stress and mood.

Therapy

Spinal Decompression

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Spinal decompression is a treatment that relieves back pain by lowering the pressure in herniated discs. It is most common in the lower (lumbar) spine but can also be effective in the upper (cervical) spine. Several studies have found that spinal decompression is an effective therapy for relieving low-back pain. However, there are some important things to keep in mind. For more information, call your local Chiropractor Frisco.

Spinal decompression therapy relieves pressure on spinal nerves, surrounding muscles, and soft tissue. This allows the herniated material pushing on nerves to return to its normal position, alleviating pain and allowing your body to heal naturally. It also eliminates the need for surgery, anesthesia, or other invasive treatments.

Many people who suffer from herniated discs, chronic back pain, and neck pain find relief with noninvasive treatment methods. These include acupuncture (where needles are inserted into various points on the body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals), chiropractic care, spinal manipulation, and physical therapy. Some patients are even able to get relief with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

If these treatments don’t provide relief, then doctors may recommend surgery to help ease the symptoms of a herniated or bulging disc. Typically, these surgeries involve removing tissue impinging on the spinal cord or one of the compressed nerve roots passing through or exiting the spinal column. Surgery options for herniated discs can include laminectomy, corpectomy, or spinal fusion.

During a spinal decompression therapy session, you will lie on a specialized machine that uses computer controls to stretch and unload the spine gently. The machine will create a cycle of distraction and relaxation that progresses to a peak over several minutes. This cycle helps increase space between the vertebrae in the spinal column, alleviating pressure on spinal nerves, spinal discs, and joints. The reduced strain also boosts circulation, facilitating the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients into the affected area.

This noninvasive approach to treating herniated discs is safer and more effective than surgical options. Research has shown that over a month or two, 85% of people with herniated discs experience significant pain relief, and the majority of those who continue treatment report that their symptoms have disappeared altogether.

If you’re experiencing the numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation that often accompanies herniated or bulging discs, contact Manhattan Sports Therapy to learn more about our noninvasive spinal decompression therapy. It can significantly reduce your pain and discomfort in just a few visits.

When compared to the risks associated with surgery, which can include damage to spinal nerves, back muscles, and blood vessels and infection, spinal decompression therapy is a safe, noninvasive treatment. Spinal decompression therapy is also safer than taking prescription pain medications, which often come with dangerous side effects.

Spinal decompression uses motorized traction to lengthen and decompress the spine gently. The reversal of pressure in the discs creates a negative intradiscal vacuum that helps to reposition bulging or herniated discs, removing the pressure on pinched nerves and promoting the healing of injured or diseased tissue.

Patients who experience back or neck pain from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other conditions can benefit from this state-of-the-art technology for lower back and sciatica pain relief and neck and arm/leg pain relief, depending on the condition. Unlike other types of spinal therapy, which can take up to three or four weeks to see results, spinal decompression is quick and effective and requires no recovery period.

It’s also safe for patients who have had prior spinal surgeries and is a great option for those with a history of spinal disc disease. Spinal decompression can help recover from surgery and speed up the healing of a damaged or injured spine.

The best thing about spinal decompression is that it’s a natural, drug-free way to ease pain caused by herniated discs and other spine issues. It’s so gentle that most patients fall asleep during treatments, and it can be performed in our office. This is in stark contrast to back surgery, which can lead to a long and painful recovery and can even result in nerve damage or numbness.

Millions of people suffer from chronic back and neck pain that does not respond to conservative treatments or medication. They are tired of spending money on invasive surgery and getting only short-lived relief. Many have seen their friends or relatives undergo spinal surgery, risking serious complications and experiencing the dreaded “failed back surgery syndrome.” For those looking for an alternative to expensive surgeries and dangerous pain medications, a new noninvasive treatment called spinal decompression can be the answer.

Several studies have shown that spinal decompression can reduce or eliminate back pain in many patients. It is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment for herniated or bulging discs, degenerative spinal conditions, stenosis (narrowing of the space in your spine), sciatica (pinched nerves), and other causes of neck pain. The therapy involves repetitive, gentle stretching of your spine. It also promotes the retraction of herniated or bulging disc material back into the space between your vertebrae, relieving nerve pressure.

Your doctor may order diagnostic imaging to take “pictures” of your back or neck to indicate the cause of your pain. These include CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays. The most important thing is to find a solution to your pain that will let you return to your normal activities. Your healthcare provider can suggest medications or other treatments to alleviate your symptoms and allow you to return to work, play, or school.

Surgery may be recommended for some conditions that cause pain or weakness in the lower back or neck, such as:

A herniated (bulging) disc in which part of a disk protrudes into the space between your vertebrae.

Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the space in your spine as you age.

Facet joint syndrome occurs when the joints that connect your spine become inflamed or damaged.

In surgery, your surgeon will remove the section of bone causing the problem, usually through an incision in your back. They will then replace the damaged bone with a piece from another part of your body, such as the hip or a donated bone. They may also use screws and connecting rods to secure the bone sections.

Often, the bones of the spine heal on their own. Medications and other conservative treatments, such as spinal decompression, can offer relief while you heal. Some people can avoid surgery altogether by starting decompression therapy early. Our spinal decompression therapy is gentle, comfortable, and relaxing; in fact, most patients fall asleep during their sessions.

Spinal decompression is a cost-effective alternative to surgery and other invasive treatments for back pain. The treatment helps to restore disc height, which decreases lower back pain. Additionally, spinal decompression is an excellent therapy to use in conjunction with chiropractic care or physical therapy. Getting spinal decompression therapy in the early stages of your herniated or bulging discs can help you avoid the need for surgery, which comes with a much longer recovery time.

Studies show that many people who have a herniated or bulging disc would benefit from spinal decompression therapy over surgery. Typically, patients who undergo spinal decompression therapy experience immediate relief from their back pain. The treatment can also treat other conditions, such as sciatica and arthritis.

The nonsurgical spinal decompression technique is performed with a special table that manipulates and decompresses your spine. You are strapped into the machine, which a professional operates. The device uses motorized traction and computer controls to ensure you get the best possible results. The traction creates negative pressure between your vertebrae, which draws away fluid and relieves spinal compression.

You can expect to feel a sense of pain relief after just six sessions and full relief after about eight to 12 treatment sessions. However, the number of sessions you require will vary by case. The goal is to get your symptoms under control so that you can start your rehabilitation program as soon as possible.

Spinal decompression is safe and comfortable, and most people sleep through their treatment sessions. The sessions are quick; most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within a few weeks. If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, contact us to see if spinal decompression therapy is right for you.

It’s important to note that spinal decompression is not suitable for everyone, including pregnant women and those with implants in their bodies. It’s best to speak with a chiropractor to learn more about the procedure and whether or not it’s appropriate for you. If not, they will recommend other noninvasive options to help you overcome your back pain.