The Who, What, When, Where, and Why’s of Massage Therapy

The Who, What, When, Where, and Why’s of Massage Therapy

When you’re in pain there are so many options for treatment it can be overwhelming. Advice from friends, family and the internet can make navigating treatment difficult and confusing. There are many different types of medical practitioners to choose from, all of whom claim to be the right treatment for you. I am going to cover the “who, what, when, where and why” of massage therapy. This will help you decide if massage therapy is the right treatment for you.

The who- Those who practice massage therapy are licensed massage therapists or LMT’s for short. All massage therapists must be licensed in the state of Illinois. This means they have completed a rigorous training program of at least 750 hours and passed a national certification exam. LMT’s study the body and its anatomy, including muscles, bones and joints. This provides LMT’s with a vast knowledge of kinesiology, pathology and education on how to treat a wide array of patients.

The what- By definition, massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft tissue, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments. While there are many different techniques, or methods of massage therapy, there are two main types, relaxation and rehabilitation. Relaxation massage therapy is typically practiced in a spa, resort or wellness center setting. It usually includes a full body treatment and focuses on overall stress and anxiety reduction. Rehabilitation massage therapy is typically practiced in medical clinics, hospitals and chiropractic offices. This type of massage therapy is focused around a specific injured area and works to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Both types of massage therapy offer enormous benefits to a person’s health and well-being.

The when- The most difficult part about choosing treatment from any medical professional is when to go, when to finally make that call and set up the appointment. It is so difficult to know when a minor ache is going to disappear in the next couple hours, or stick around for a few months. Fortunately, massage can help with both new and chronic injuries and ailments. However, there are a few guidelines to follow. First and foremost, if you are under the care of a doctor it is important to get the “okay” from them first. Secondly, if you have had any type of trauma, it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor before coming to a massage therapist. For example, if you’ve fallen down the stairs, been in a car accident or slipped and hit your head, your first step should be to see your doctor. Also, if you have any active swelling in a new injury, you are not quite ready for massage yet. For example, if you twisted your ankle 24 hours ago and are experiencing swelling, redness and heat, hold off on massage. Other than that, the sooner the better! I always explain to my patients that the longer you’ve been in pain, the longer it takes to return the body to normal working order.

The where- Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic has been in the community for almost 60 years. Not only do we employ skilled massage therapists, we also have 2 experienced chiropractic doctors and a physical therapy department. This means we are able to offer a total body approach, massage to loosen the muscles, chiropractic care to return the bones to their proper alignment and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles. At Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic our motto is “feel great, get moving again, live life again,” and the first step of that can be through massage therapy. We offer many different massage therapy modalities including Swedish relaxation, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and raindrop therapy.

The why- The ‘why’ of massage therapy is the most important part! I get asked all the time “what does massage do?” An easier question would be “what doesn’t massage do?” Massage therapy offers physical, emotional and mental benefits to patients of all ages. Everyone knows that massage therapy helps release tension and relax tight muscles. It is a great modality for sports injuries, sprains and strains and chronic pain. It also helps improve posture and prevent overuse injuries. What many don’t know, however, is that massage therapy is amazing for treatment of depression, anxiety and stress. Other indications for massage therapy include insomnia, fibromyalgia, headaches and digestive disorders. Massage is also shown to improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. So if you’re asking yourself if massage therapy would be beneficial to you, the answer is (almost) always “yes!” Our massage therapists at Strelcheck Chiropractic clinic would love to answer any further questions you have and get you feeling great again, moving again and living life again!

By Candace Gardner LMT

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Benefits of Chiropractic Care for ALL Ages

May 12, 2022

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7 Tips to Prevent Dry Skin in Winter

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How to Prevent Dry Skin in Winter Dry winter skin isn’t inevitable. By making some changes to your skin care regimen and habits, using the right products, and trusting chiropractic care, you may be able to keep your skin looking soft, smooth, and vibrant all winter long. Let’s take a closer look at 7 tips that may help you boost the health of your skin during the colder months of the year. 1. Moisturize right after washing Each time you wash your face, hands, or body, you strip your skin of its natural oils. These oils help to lock in moisture, and it’s important to replace them. That’s why it’s important to use a moisturizer any time you wash your skin, especially in winter. Also, try keeping the water temperature closer to lukewarm to help keep your skin nourished. 2. Apply sunscreen daily Even though it’s cold…the sun is still out! If you plan on spending time outside to partake in winter activities such as shoveling snow, skiing, hiking, ice skating, etc., put on some SPF. And don’t be fooled by dark, dreary days in winter either. The sun’s harmful UV rays can permeate clouds and still cause damage. 3. Adjust your skin care routine If your skin seems to be especially sensitive or irritated due to the dry winter air, you may want to consider simplifying your skin care routine for the time being. Try to avoid irritants such as fragrances and alcohol and consider using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. 4. Use a humidifier Using a humidifier in your living space will add moisture to dry winter air and help keep your skin hydrated. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your bedroom. 5. Dial down the temperature When it’s chilly outside, the first thing you want to do is crank up the heat! But central heat can make the air in your house even drier. Try setting the thermostat to a cool, yet comfortable setting of 68°F to 72°F to maintain healthy skin. This will also help keep those gas bills down. 6. Hydrate from the inside Drink water. Poor hydration might cause skin to appear duller. Additionally, wrinkles, scars, and pores become more prominent. Because the skin loses some of its elasticity when dehydrated, it’s more likely to crack and experience irritations and blemishes, such as pimples or acne. Experts recommend a general daily H2O intake of about a 1/2 to 1 ounce of water for each pound you weigh. So, a 150-pound person should drink between 75 and 150 ounces of water every day. Drink water throughout the day, and definitely during or after exercise or other more rigorous activities. 7. See your Chiropractor While many at-home remedies can help combat dry skin, you can also reach out to your chiropractor if your dry skin symptoms become worse or don’t improve. They will have recommendations for treatments meant just for your symptoms. Among the skin ailments that chiropractors treat in their clinics: Eczema (including in children) Acne, pimples, and other inflammation Rashes caused by allergies Cosmetic conditions, such as cellulite, spider veins, and scar tissue With its unique emphasis on vertebral alignment, chiropractic care contributes to a stronger immune system and, therefore, overall healthier skin. Spinal manipulation improves the function of your nervous system. This ensures that nerves and hormonal glands do not experience interruptions that might result in acne, eczema, or other skin problems. Many chiropractors also employ a technique called lymphatic massage to increase lymph circulation. Lymph contains white blood cells and helps to flush toxins and fluid waste from the body, supplying cells with the nutrition they require for healthy skin. Discover clearer, healthier skin If you are searching for a solution to maintain your skin’s radiant glow throughout the long Midwest winter months, call Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic.  

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Reduce Holiday Stress

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Chiropractic Care for Holiday Stress The holidays are one of the most stressful times of the year. Unavoidable for many, the stress stems from the hustle and bustle at the stores, erratic driving on the roads, and the general need to check all of the “tradition” boxes that take up dwindling free time: Christmas light viewing, baking cookies, visiting with family and friends, and more. We feel the stress in our minds. We feel the stress in our bodies. Chiropractors are medical professionals who can offer relief. Ease the Tension Stress causes our bodies to tighten up in knots. This causes tension in muscles, moving things out of alignment and resulting in pain. The most common places to experience pain due to muscle tension are your neck, shoulders, and lower back. When our body is out of sorts, our sleep and capacity to focus also tend to suffer. A chiropractic adjustment is a natural solution to restore the nervous system to its optimal functioning. By addressing the spinal column, a chiropractic doctor ensures that the brain can transmit messages to the rest of the body without interruption. The result: body and mind tension release! Nourish Your Body Time is limited during the holidays, so we tend to turn to quick, unhealthy options to satisfy our hunger. Fast food. Microwavable dinners. Frozen pizzas. We also overeat. If you are seeking relief from stress, poor dietary decisions actually do more harm than good. Nutrition is a cornerstone of chiropractic care. Chiropractors know their patients and are qualified to provide individualized guidance on what to eat and what not to eat. Additionally, they might recommend vitamins and nutritional supplements, such as B complex vitamins, to create a more relaxed state in the body. Furthermore, they educate about exercise, stretching, and relaxation techniques specific to their patients’ needs. It all works hand-in-hand. Sustainable Stress Relief The human body has the ability to heal itself of its ailments, including stress. Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic provides patients with the natural care and resources to help them rediscover their center and better cope with the hectic holiday season—even when it’s all over.

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Eat (Some) Sugar Over the Holidays!

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Eat (Some) Sugar Over the Holidays! We give you permission to eat sugar over the holidays. Seriously! After all, passing up the cookie platter or the vanilla- and chocolate-layered Christmas cake is unrealistic for many of us, especially on special occasions. However, we do have one condition: Don’t eat too much added sugar. From a chiropractic perspective, it’s simply not good for your mental and physical health. How much sugar is too much sugar? Recommendations vary among health organizations when it comes to added sugar intake. However, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, recommends limiting calories from added sugars to no more than 10 percent each day. For someone who consumes 2,000 calories a day, that’s a maximum of about 12 teaspoons worth, or 200 calories. Common sources of added sugar include soft drinks, fruit drinks, flavored yogurts, cereals, cookies, cakes, candy, and most processed foods. However, that list is not exhaustive. Sugar’s Impact on Your Health Consuming too much added sugar has the potential to negatively affect the body and mind’s normal functioning. Joint pain, digestive issues, and depression are among the conditions we chiropractors treat that may arise due in part to sugar intake. Sugar and Joint Pain Joint pain is often the result of inflammation. Eating too many sweets can contribute to inflammation, worsening joint pain. Additionally, some studies suggest added sugar, particularly from sodas and desserts, can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This is especially true in women. Cutting back on sugar alone might not resolve your joint pain 100 percent, but our qualified staff have additional methods for helping you reduce inflammation. Sugar and the Digestive System Unsurprisingly, your digestive system takes a hit when too much added sugar is consumed. Here are a few discomforts you may experience: Stomach pain Cramping Diarrhea Exacerbated gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis Gallbladder disorders, including gallstones Acid reflux/heartburn Constipation Sugar intake also contributes toward obesity. With obesity comes a host of other health problems. No matter the gut issues you are experiencing, we can help you pinpoint the probable source and treat your pain. Depression and Irritability Regularly consuming added sugar beyond the 12-teaspoon recommendation may increase your likelihood of developing depression. Research shows this is true among both men and women. At the very least, although a candy bar can provide a temporary jolt in energy, your mood can quickly shift to one of irritability once the sugar high wears off. Enjoy Your Holiday! Chances are, your holiday dessert options will not include a fruit tray, offering you natural sugar options for satisfying your sweet cravings. That’s OK! Enjoy a slice of cherry pie with a dollop of whipped cream. Simply keep in mind the bigger picture: On most days, many of us could improve our physical and mental health simply by being more cognizant of our added sugar intake.   Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5 https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-signs-youre-eating-too-much-sugar/ https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/sugar-and-acid-reflux#is-it-safe https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317196

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10 North Virginia St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(Corner Rte. 14 & Crystal Lake Ave.)

Phone: 815-459-3860

Email : info@strelcheckchiro.com

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