Massage allows chiropractors to perform more stable adjustments because it increases a body’s acceptance of the adjustment so the patient will see results a lot faster, whether it’s in the form of pain relief or increased mobility. Chiropractic care is a lot more effective with massage because a therapeutic massage will warm up the patient’s muscles and relax their entire body, allowing the chiropractor to maximize their adjustments to achieve optimal results. Together, these two forms of treatment will fight pain and patients will feel better right away. In addition to helping relax one’s muscles, massage will also relieve patients of any tension they’re feeling and eliminate toxins. Chiropractic care is a great way of ultimately extending the treatment to provide relief and eliminate pain in the patient’s joints, bones, tendons and their nervous system. 

Chiropractic and massage therapy work hand in hand because the combination of both helps the patient’s body as a whole as opposed to just certain areas. Together, they provide full-body health, as both treatments focus on rejuvenation and healing and the techniques applied in each treatment will help boost the effectiveness of the other. Treating the root of the problem is highly possible when these two forms of treatments are combined, which increases the chances of effective results.

Many patients dread certain types of health procedures and feel stressed about having to see a chiropractor, which is very natural. Massage therapy can help with this aspect because it helps to relax and de-stress patients so that they’re better prepared for their chiropractic treatment by feeling less anxious. This will help them respond to the treatment a lot better because when a patient feels relaxed, they will feel more comfortable throughout the adjustments and when your muscles are not stiff, they will accept the chiropractor’s techniques instead of resisting them. Patients notice a decrease in terms of discomfort throughout their chiropractic appointment if they’ve had a massage beforehand because the experience will be relatively painless. The recovery time will also be a lot shorter because your condition will be taken care of through different techniques and multiple points. 

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There is also a mechanical response that is triggered when you get a massage and this particular effect happens whenever pressure is applied to soft tissues. There are a lot of benefits to getting a massage, both physical and emotional, which is why people should schedule them regularly. 

The relaxation factor alone is well worth it and massages help a person’s heart rate slow down and improve their breathing so they can feel calmer, allowing their body to relax. Additionally, the production of stress hormones will start to decrease as well as a person’s blood pressure and the muscles will no longer feel tense. This state of relaxation also affects a person’s mood positively because it helps increase the levels of serotonin, which is the chemical found in the drain that is directly connected to a person’s emotions. 

Stress is a common condition that many people experience and massages will help fight it off so that its effects do not lead to more issues like anxiety, exhaustion, digestive disorders and psychological issues, to name a few. There are so many risks associated with stress, which is why it must be addressed; otherwise, you may experience insomnia, cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension, which massages can help prevent. When work or personal matters start to cause you a lot of stress, a massage can make a world of difference.

If your job requires you to sit at a desk for several hours a day, you may experience issues with your blood circulation and a massage can help with this too. It will help improve your circulation by moving fluids in your body so they can nourish and cleanse your body in a way that is very healthy. It’s a simple solution that will not only help with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells in your muscles but feels great too. 

Related: Health Benefits of Massage Therapy.

Allowing stress and tension to build up will lead to a lot of pain and allow waste products to accumulate in your body. Massages help eliminate the tension from your muscles so that you no longer experience spasms. Massage therapists will apply the right amount of pressure to the areas that need treatment and the goal of the session is to ensure you’re comfortable so they can eliminate all of your stress and the knots that are a result of it. 

If massage therapy is something you are interested in, Burnaby Heights Chiropractic can help. Located in Burnaby, their registered massage therapists and chiropractors will help you feel more relaxed through the unique and skilled techniques they apply that are specific to each patient and their needs. If you want an RMT who will listen, contact Burnaby Heights Chiropractic today!

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What Causes Shoulder Pain?

When your shoulder muscles are strained or injured, the areas around the muscle becomes inflamed, which leads to spasms, and can make moving difficult. The upper back muscles are the most prone to irritation, due to lack of strength or overuse. 

The main cause of shoulder pain is bad posture. Most people have jobs where they are sitting for around eight hours of the day, which negatively impacts your shoulders. Being slumped over a desk for long periods of time your muscles adapt, and stay that way, which is when you start to feel discomfort. When you are slumped over, the chest muscles get tight and short which pulls your shoulders forward, which causes your upper shoulder and your neck to get tight as well. 

If you suffer from shoulder pain, you may notice that some of the pain is not continuous and can come and go. You are not miraculously healed, the body is just acting like a well-oiled machine, and is repairing itself. However, if the root cause is not identified, the pain and injury will come back, in which case, massage therapy can be a great solution. 

Massage Therapy for Shoulder Pain 

Massage therapy not only aims to decrease shoulder pain, but to speed up the healing time of the injury, and improve posture. Treatments usually begin with massaging muscles in your shoulder, which will reduce the chronic tension and knots in the muscles. Next, your RMT will target specific muscles, such as the pectoralis major and minor in order to re-lengthen them so that your shoulder joints and blade resume their normal resting position.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Increased blood flow will aid in the recovery of your shoulder muscles 
• Reduce tension in your muscles which will improve flexibility 
• Increase endorphins 

While massage therapy is a safe solution for back pain, it is advised for patients to consult with their doctor. Things such as recent surgery, varicose veins, or an unhealed wound would make you ineligible for massage therapy. If you or someone you know is suffering from shoulder pain, contact Burnaby Heights Chiropractor.With a team of skilled registered massage therapists, we can help you identify the cause of your pain, and work with you to devise a treatment plan. 

Related: Massage Therapy to keep you Healthy

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General Rule(s) of Thumb 

Mattresses that don’t contour the body are usually the cause of lower back pain and neck pain, as they don’t offer the necessary support. On the other hand, a mattress that is too soft will not provide adequate support. A good mattress will distribute your weight and relieve pressure and pain. Ultimately, there is no such thing as a bad mattress, there is only a bad mattress for you.
It is based on personal preference and what your health concerns are when considering a new mattress. Therefore when choosing a mattress test out many, and choose what feels the most comfortable for you. 

Tips 

Searching for a mattress can be a daunting experience, especially with all of the variety on the market. Here are some tips to help you along the way. 

1. Keep your spine aligned
   It’s important to search for a mattress that keeps your spine aligned, as it can prevent pain in your neck and your lower back and prevent injuries to those areas. 
2. Ask about trial periods
   You should always ask about trial periods, because it takes time to know whether a mattress is for you or not. You might realize the mattress is not for your first night or over thirty nights. Having a leeway to test a mattress over a period of time guarantees that you won’t be stuck with a mattress you hate for several years. 
3. Do your research
   There are so many mattresses on the market, so going in with an idea of what is recommended for your needs is crucial for a successful purchase. If you do have areas of concern, consulting with your chiropractor will help you narrow down your options. 
4. Don’t be afraid to shop around
   These days there are many places that sell mattresses, which makes it great for the buyer, as you don’t have to go far to find what you need. Contrairly, it can become overwhelming, when you have too many options. Making a list of three to four stores that you’d like to visit will cut down your driving time, and will give you more time to shop for your mattress. 

Set a budget
Since mattresses vary in price, it is crucial that you set a budget and shop around it, or you may run the risk of spending way more than you intended. Many manufacturers may be willing to work with you since buying a mattress isn’t something you do every day, it would be worth it to see what kind of discounts or extended warranties they can offer.

Related: Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

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The following benefits may come as a surprise, but massage therapy is great for your overall health because it:

1. Helps reduce the number of headaches and migraines you experience, and in many cases, helps to eliminate them completely. Massage therapy can be used as a form of treatment because a professional and registered therapist will know exactly what pressure points they need to work on to alleviate the tension that causes your headaches. The next time you have a migraine and want to reach for medication, consider getting a massage instead because the results will surprise you. At the very least, you’ll see that the frequency of your headaches has been reduced, so it’s well worth it.
2. Helps treat digestive disorders, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. These conditions are difficult and frustrating to deal with but massage therapy will help. Massage therapists can focus on the affected areas and through massage can help stimulate movement of the digestive tract. This spontaneous movement will not only help with these disorders it will also reduce symptoms like cramping, bloating and gas and help you feel more comfortable. 
3. Helps improve your sleep, which is very important for a person’s health. If you have trouble sleeping at night, a massage will help you eliminate the stress that can be affecting your ability to close your eyes and get some rest. Insomnia makes it difficult to function and will ruin your day because a lack of sleep causes a person to be short tempered and groggy. By targeting your stress points, a massage therapist will help restore a healthy sleep pattern so that you can get the proper rest than every person requires. 

These are just three of the many health benefits that massage therapy provides and there are countless others. It’s much more than a relaxing experience and in addition to the fact that it feels good, a massage can help with so much more, resulting in a healthier and happier version of yourself.  

Related: How does Massage Work? The Truth will Amaze You.

The registered massage therapists at Burnaby Heights Chiropractic can provide you with an experience you won’t forget. They will target, massage and treat all of your problem areas to help with your health and well-being. If you want a chiropractor or an RMT you can count on, visit Burnaby Heights Chiropractic today!

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Here are all the reasons why you should get a massage on a regular basis:

1. Much like your vehicle, your body is complicated and requires maintenance. Whether you’re a professional athlete or sit a desk all day, massage therapy can help your body function better.
2. It helps relieve and manage physical pain, such as arthritis, muscle strains, back pain and tendonitis, to name a few. Massage therapy can help significantly with these issues and lessen the pain so that you’re not suffering on a daily basis. Special techniques are used to help manage your pain and prevent physical dysfunction.
3. If your immune system needs a boost, massage therapy can do wonders. The techniques applied by professional massage therapists help increase the distribution of lymphatic fluids which will help your immune system function better while also improving your circulation and recovery time. 
4. We all experience tension which causes our muscles to tense up and tighten. Massage therapy helps with blood flow in areas where circulation is having difficulty to help ease muscle tension and help you relax.
5. Stress affects our body negatively and, if not treated properly, can lead to serious problems such as heart disease, memory loss and issues with your immune system. Massage therapy helps reduce the symptoms of your stress so that your body and mind can function better.
   
   Related: How to find a perfect Massage therapist.

These are just a few of the benefits of massage therapy to provide you with an understanding of how this practice can help keep you healthy. If your body could use a massage, visit Burnaby Heights Chiropractic and see what a difference a couple of sessions will make. If you’re in the Burnaby area and want an experienced chiropractor or a registered massage therapist, you don’t have to look around any longer because they are the best when it comes to massage therapy. If you want to start feeling better, happier and healthier, contact Burnaby Heights Chiropractic and let their RMT’s work their magic on you today!

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Whether you’re an athlete or sit at a desk all day, you should see a chiropractor so they can assess the situation and rule out any serious injuries. A chiropractor will help you get to the source of your pain so that they can then treat it and eliminate the pain. Muscle strains in flat feet are very painful and if you don’t seek treatment, can lead to other issues and more serious challenges. 

Certified chiropractors know exactly how to approach the problem and will apply the right treatment accordingly. They will begin by assessing your situation to get a better understanding of your standing position, muscle tension and joint mobility in relation to your flat feet. They will also look at your medical history and discuss past injuries or other health concerns they may have. You can also help as a patient by arriving prepared and providing information about any foot or leg issues from your past and explaining your pain and how you feel when walking, playing sports, working or even attempting to rest. Helping the chiropractor understand your pain will help them provide an effective treatment plan that is most beneficial to you. 

Based on the information you provide, your chiropractor will come up with a personalized plan to target and eliminate your pain so that you can get back to your life and daily routine again. Treatments can consist of deep massages, strengthening and stretching exercises, a possible shoe assessment, the recommendation for orthotics as well as adjustments to help relieve you of your pain. You will most likely be given some homework consisting of daily exercises that must be completed as prescribed so that you see an improvement and benefit from the results. The recovery portion is not always fun nor is it easy, but a good chiropractor can get you back on your feet again.

Burnaby Heights Chiropractic can help manage and eliminate your pain. Their registered massage therapists and chiropractors will work with you one on one to provide the right treatment plan and therapy so that you no longer have to experience any pain. For the best RMTs, contact Burnaby Heights Chiropractic today!

Related: 5 Streches and Excercises for Better Posture.

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Knowing what kind of massage you are after will help you choose the right therapist. This means you need to know which type of massage therapy you need and the kind of relief your body requires. You may need a massage designed specifically to relax or something a little stronger, like a deep tissue massage. This information will lead you in the right direction and allow you to find a massage therapist you can visit regularly. Based on your needs, your therapist will also be able to make recommendations and provide you with care tips.

Some people visit a few different massage therapists before they find the perfect one. This is very normal and it can take some time to find a clinic you’re comfortable with. It can also take time to find the type of massage that works best for you. You may need to try a few different types of massages before you decide on the one that is meant for you. A perfect massage therapist will try all of the techniques and talk you through it so that together you can decide on the one that is suitable for you and your needs.

Your massage therapist should be able to answer all of your questions, provide guidance and offer information regarding aftercare. You should feel comfortable enough to ask as many questions as you want and express any concerns you may have. If you can communicate these feelings comfortably and are happy with the responses you receive, you’ve got yourself a perfect massage therapist. If they listen to you and understand your requests, it is a very good sign. Remember that a massage therapist should be open to feedback from the client so they can apply the right massage techniques based on the information you provide, so there is no need to be shy or to hold back your thoughts.

If you’re looking for a positive experience when it comes to massage therapy, Burnaby Heights Chiropractic can help! Their registered massage therapists will address your pain and apply the right massage accordingly. If you want a massage therapist you can trust or a chiropractor that truly has your best interests at heart, Burnaby Heights Chiropractic is the answer. 

Related: How Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Work Hand in Hand.

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Chemical Reactions and Electrical Impulses

Your muscles contract when they receive a signal from a nerve through electrical impulses. Starting within the brain, the signal makes its way down the nerve until it reaches a receptor. When stimulated, this receptor will release a chemical known as acetylcholine, which then travels to the muscle’s cell and causes it to release calcium. Calcium is the culprit that makes the muscles contract. When there’s no signal to the receptor setting this cycle in motion, the muscles will relax due to the lack of calcium.

A Big Reaction

Now, if a muscular overload occurs, causing a large increase of acetylcholine to be released into the receptors, an excessive amount of calcium will flow into the muscle cell. Since we know that calcium causes a contraction in the muscles, a large amount of calcium will result in major contractions within the fibres. This leads to a decrease in circulation in the affected area, meaning the muscles cells aren’t getting enough of the necessary nutrients and oxygen to reabsorb the calcium.

Ultimately, this will result in the muscle fibres being stuck in a state of contraction, creating the irritable patch known as a trigger point. Because this is a constant cycle of muscle contraction thanks to the continuous lack of blood flow, the trigger point and pain it produces won’t seize by itself. Stretching your muscles and massage therapy are necessary to get your circulation moving and break this painful cycle.

But What Causes a Muscle Overload?

You can experience a variety of muscle overloads, including exertion overload, repetitive stress overload (the most common), biomechanical overload, postural overload, referred pain overload and muscle trauma overload. There are also many factors that can leave you more vulnerable to experiencing any one of these forms of muscle overload. Those factors include muscle tension, structural inadequacies, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, chronic bacterial infections and viral diseases.

How Massage Therapy Can Help

Registered massage therapists understand how trigger points work and what it takes to eliminate them, as well as the pain they bring. While treating the different types of trigger points can vary slightly, the general practice surrounds your massage therapist feeling for areas in your tissue that aren’t normal. They can easily find tension spots and contracted muscles, but in order to permanently rid you of the trigger point, they need to locate the cause of it first.

At Burnaby Heights Chiropractic, our highly trained registered massage therapists are committed to creating a relaxing and healing environment for patients. Our Burnaby massage therapy clinic offers other chiropractic treatments as well, services that will make you feel like a new person. So give us a call or visit our website to book an appointment.

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