Patients will experience several benefits after deep tissue massages, including an improvement in their physical and mental health. Deep tissue massage is very effective, and the following are just some of the benefits associated with this treatment:

Stress relief

Deep tissue massage is an effective way to unplug and relax as this type of massage will help lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin levels, a hormone that relaxes the body while producing soothing effects. Deep tissue massage will also help with physical symptoms of stress, including tight muscles and shoulders and tension headaches, by addressing these issues and helping your body relax.

Pain reduction

Deep tissue massage can help treat several conditions that cause pain, including plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, stiff neck and chronic pain in your lower back. This kind of massage will lessen muscle tension which occurs with chronic pain and can loosen the tight tissue clusters causing you pain. Many people believe that deep tissue massage is more effective for relieving chronic pain than medication or other medical treatments, so it’s worth considering.

Lower blood pressure and heart rate

Deep tissue massage reduces stress and tension, affecting blood pressure. Massage has a positive impact on diastolic, systolic and arterial blood pressure, but it can also increase the production of serotonin, which is known to produce good feelings and happiness.

Easier movement

Scar tissue will lead to chronic pain and stiffness, and deep tissue massage will help break up this scar tissue by improving drainage and lymphatic circulation, which will improve your flexibility and range of motion. It is recommended that people recovering from surgery get deep tissue massage because it can minimize scar tissue.

Reduces arthritis symptoms

Pain, stiffness, sleep issues and limited range of motion in joints are all symptoms of arthritis, and deep tissue massage therapy can be used as treatment. Moderate pressure will be applied to reduce pain and ease the tension, which will make it easier for patients with arthritis to move around. People with arthritis often struggle to sleep, and this type of massage can also improve sleep issues by alleviating pain that would otherwise keep you awake at night. 

The health care team here at Burnaby Heights Chiropractic would be happy to provide you with more information regarding the many benefits massage therapy offers. If you are looking for the a registered chiropractor or an RMT in the Burnaby area, contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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The good news is that there are a lot of self-massage techniques you can use to relieve stress and alleviate muscle pain, and if you do these correctly, they can be very effective. The right techniques will help improve blood circulation while increasing mental alertness, so take some time every day to complete the following:

Massage Your Head

Place your thumbs on your cheekbones with your other fingers close to your ears and apply gentle pressure to your temples using your fingertips. Make circles with your fingers and move along slowly towards the center of your forehead until both hands meet and repeat the process to experience relief.

Stretch at Your Desk

If you spend a lot of time typing, you need to move your entire arm to maintain flexibility, and stretching will do this while giving your forearms a break. Stretch your arms up into the air, feel your shoulders stretch, and then take your right arm and clasp your left while maintaining your stretch. Pull slightly to the side, then switch and complete this movement again for another 15 seconds. It’s very important that you move your arms in ways that you normally don’t when you are seated and typing, as this will increase blood flow. It’s also important that you stretch your legs so that they experience movement throughout the day.

Massage Your Neck

Place two fingertips on the back of each side of your neck and apply steady pressure. Hold this position and once you release, slowly roll your shoulders forward and backward, and repeat this process a few times to relieve built-up pressure in your neck.

Massage Your Jaw

A lot of people do not realize the difference this can make, so use your fingertips to press up under your cheekbones and start from the inside and move out toward your temples. As you apply pressure, open and close your mouth, and once you reach your ears, press your thumb under your jawbone and pull your fingertips down the side of your face. Repeat this pulling motion along your jaw, and as you move towards your chin, you will instantly feel relief.

Don’t Forget About Your Knees

Sitting for too long can have a negative impact on your knees, so straighten and relax your legs while seated and gently press the side of your knee with your fingertips or knuckles and work your way around your knee. Bend and straighten your leg a few times and repeat the process with your other leg.

While these simple massage techniques can help make a world of difference,you may still want a professional massage. Contact us today at Burnaby Heights Chiropractic to find out more about our services, and we will gladly schedule an appointment!

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What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor can appropriately assess and treat acute or chronic pain in the muscular and skeletal systems. Dr. Forest Eaton has been in clinical practice for over 15 years and has seen thousands of patients recover from painful conditions. A chiropractor will use adjustments, activator, flexion-distraction and more to restore much of your back’s mobility. Additionally, we understand that seniors can require a little extra, we also offer custom orthotics to correct your back and posture even when you aren’t at the chiropractor. A referral for acupuncture can also be fed into treatment processes to target certain nerves and muscles that require extra relief.

What does a massage therapist do?
While a chiropractor can help with issues related to body structure, a massage therapist will deal with the soft tissue portion of your body. Using massage techniques can provide relief once again for chronic, and acute pain. With communication between patient and massage therapist, treatment will be even more effective. Once your massage therapist is able to understand what helps with your pain and/or swelling, they will be able to work off of that. Massage therapy can be more effective in combination with chiropractic treatments

How does massage therapy and chiropractic care help seniors?
Chiropractic and massage therapy treatments are a great option for seniors in search of relief. Each patient is unique and requires treatment tailored to their own personal condition. Our services are customizable and patients can choose the preferred frequency that works for them. Out treatments are drug free and pair excellently together. Our doctors take extreme pride in the level of quality of care they provide. Feel secure knowing that you or a loved one is safe in the healing hands of the Burnaby Heights Chiropractic clinic.

Conditions that visiting a chiropractor can help with

• Improper posture: Regular visits can help your posture stay strong, sturdy, and sustainable
• Scoliosis: while the condition itself cannot be cured, it can be managed with chiropractic visits
• Joint deterioration: help to slow joint deterioration by making sure the body mechanics are working as best they can
• General pain: Enjoy pain free living as you age gracefully
• Lack of mobility: regain lost mobility due to a multitude of conditions

Looking for a long term solution to back and hip pain? Call the Burnaby Heights Chiropractic practice to book your first appointment and feel the difference.

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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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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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Fatigue

If you’re on your feet all day, it’s likely that they’ll start to ache over time. Are your feet tired and sore all the time? Then visit a registered massage therapist, as they’ll have the extensive training to help alleviate pain and discomfort. This treatment, in addition to exercises or stretching your feet, will improve their overall health.

Foot Injury

This is probably the most obvious cause of foot pain. Whether it happened from playing sports, in an accident or from clumsiness, an injury to any part of the foot is going to cause some level of pain or discomfort. Registered massage therapists can target foot ailments and injuries in order to relieve tension within the muscles and ligaments in the area. This will help to improve your mobility, especially when combined with specified foot exercises.

Plantar Fasciitis

You’ll likely be diagnosed with plantar fasciitis is you’ve recently overused your plantar fascia (the balls of your feet). You’ll experience muscle fatigue, excessive tension and overall discomfort that’s likely to increase if you don’t seek treatment. This condition can be brought on by running, prolonged standing, dancing, weight gain or wearing poorly fitted shoes. Massage therapy treatments will help to relieve pain and allow your feet to heal more effectively.

Referred Pain

Sore or injured tissue can create other problems throughout your body. Due to any limits in your mobility, an injury to one area of your body can transfer that pain to another area. Say you have a knee injury, those muscles are now tense and sore, affecting your mobility. Because of this change, you’ll need to shift your movements to compensate for the limitation, putting extra weight on your feet or hips. This change in alignment can cause the foot to ache in places it’s never ached before. A registered massage therapist will help to identify what’s contributing to your pain and create a custom treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort.

Pronated or Supinated Feet

If you have pronated feet, it means that they naturally roll inward, whereas supinated feet naturally roll outward. This can contribute to a large amount of foot, calf and ankle pain. While it might be painful, it will only cause a problem with your mobility in extreme cases. Orthotic referrals can help with this issue, but so can massage therapy. It brings pain relief to the strained areas as well as aids in strengthening muscular structure and support going forward.

At Burnaby Heights Chiropractic, our registered massage therapists in Burnaby, BC are dedicated to helping patients heal within a relaxing environment. We also offer chiropractic treatments that will make you feel like a new person. Call us or visit our website to book an appointment.

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