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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Chiropractors have the skills and knowledge to deal with your muscles and the nerves that control them. Back pain, headaches, and sports injuries are familiar conditions and can treat them by correcting your body’s structural alignment. This will improve function, and if they see that your alignment is off, they will help you increase your range of motion in your spine and joints to prevent additional health problems and to restore your well-being. In addition to adjustments, chiropractors use other treatments as well, including electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat and ice, lasers and therapeutic exercises. The goal is to help realign you and promote healing in tissues damaged by structural imbalances.

Chiropractors can do more than just “crack” a patient’s back, and while this treatment can be very beneficial, there are certain situations where medication or surgery may be a better option. Chiropractic treatment is not appropriate for broken bones, dislocations, infections, cancer or tumours, or osteoporosis. As well, if you suffer from any visceral conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or any chronic degenerative diseases like Parkinsons or multiple sclerosis, you should seek traditional medical treatment for those conditions rather than chiropractic care. Seeking chiropractic treatment if you have some of these conditions may be more than just ineffective, it may be quite harmful.

It’s important that you understand when chiropractic care is beneficial and when it is not, because this will help you find the right treatment to help with your specific condition. In some cases, even if the condition itself cannot be treated by a chiropractor, you will still be able to see one because their treatments can be done alongside traditional medical care, and may be beneficial in  treating joint and muscle symptoms you are also experiencing as a part of something else. Chiropractic care is more than just spinal manipulation, and you will receive advice on healthy habits like exercise and nutrition as well. You can improve your lifestyle by incorporating chiropractic care as part of a holistic and whole-body approach to your health, which will help you effect a positive change in your well-being and your life.

Chiropractic care can be complementary to other treatments, but it’s important that you discuss your medical history and health issues openly and honestly with your chiropractor so that they are aware of your situation and any conditions you are dealing with. This will allow them to assess you properly, and they will discuss whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this type of care.

At Burnaby Heights Chiropractic we want what’s best for you. We truly care about our clients. Whether you are looking for a licensed chiropractor or registered massage therapist, we can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

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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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Gather Your Medical History

If you’ve seen other doctors or medical professionals and have any relevant medical records, make sure to bring them with you. It will give your chiropractor a clearer idea of your full medical history and the type of treatment you may need.

Arrive Early

It’s a common courtesy to arrive around 10 minutes early so you can complete any paperwork before your appointment. It’ll also give you some time to settle and mentally prepare for your session. Also, keep in mind that your first appointment will probably be longer than later ones as you bring your chiropractor up to date with your medical history and symptoms.

Dress Comfortably

Your first visit will likely include a chiropractic adjustment, which will require you to lay on a table in various positions. We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing that will not restrict your range of movement.

Record Your Symptoms

Try to make detailed notes of your symptoms before your appointment, including symptom type, severity, association with specific activities and the time of day when they are the most severe or mild. Bring your notes with you to the appointment so you can describe everything in full detail. Remember also to include how the symptoms started, how long they persisted, and anything you have done to moderate them.

Be Ready For Your Physical Exam

After you have brought your chiropractor up to date about your condition, they will do a physical exam. It includes checking your reflexes, joint movement, spine and posture. They may gently twist your body to examine your range of motion or press on areas and ask if it hurts to identify the issue correctly. They may also ask you to bring in any x-rays or MRIs you have to assist their evaluation.

Be Ready For A Chiropractic Adjustment

Don’t let those videos you might have seen online scare you. Chiropractors are highly educated and thoroughly trained to deliver safe, effective care. Chiropractic adjustments help to reduce pain and discomfort. They are done to help you, not make things worse! Your chiropractor may pull, push or rotate a section of your body to realign your spine. If you hear a popping or cracking sound as your joints adjust, don’t worry! It is just a side effect of the joints moving more than they usually do, similar to cracking your knuckles.

You may feel a bit sore after your appointment as your spine and muscles adapt to the treatment. That should pass after a day or two.

Ask Questions

You’ll probably receive a treatment plan from your chiropractor. Take your time to understand it fully and ask any questions before leaving.

At Burnaby Heights Chiropractic, we go the extra mile to help you live your best, pain-free life. Dr Eaton, our registered chiropractor, is here to provide you with treatments that will alleviate your pain and deliver lasting results. Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, a shoulder injury or a muscle sprain, we want to help. Contact us today to book an appointment.

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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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Exercise

Physical activity helps to increase flexibility, strength, and joint mobility. It is an essential aspect of your overall health and can help reduce your pain. Exercise lubricates your joints by encouraging fluid to circulate. It increases blood flow, meaning more nutrients are delivered to body tissues to assist in the healing process. Non-weight bearing exercises (like swimming) are especially useful at managing arthritic pain. Be sure to ask your chiropractor for the best workouts and stretches based on your type of pain.

Related: 5 Stretches and Exercises for Better Posture.

Spinal Manipulation

Studies have proven that spinal manipulation can decrease back pain and increase mobility. Many patients experience an enhanced range of motion and report fast pain relief from manual therapy. Your chiropractor can see if spinal manipulation is right for you.

Behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy is effective in reducing long-term pain. Relaxation and coping techniques can help decrease muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure. Reducing your level of stress is also helpful. Try incorporating stress-relieving exercises into your daily life like yoga and meditation. Just a few minutes each day of doing either can put your mind and body to rest.

Acupuncture

This is proven to be clinically beneficial in treating pain, especially shoulder and lower back and pain. Acupuncture is one tool that many chiropractors incorporate into their practice to offer complete care to patients.

Medication

Some medications are beneficial in the management of chronic pain. Although, there is still some types of medicine that carry a risk of addiction. Starting treatment plans that do not involve the use of any medications—like any of the first four methods mentioned above—are a good first step to managing pain before starting any pharmaceutical treatment. If you are considering medicine, talk to your family doctor to find out more first.

Chronic pain can be managed in several different ways beyond the five listed above. It is essential to consider all avenues before approaching treatment with medication. If you have any questions, visit a qualified health professional like Dr Forest Eaton at Burnaby Heights Chiropractic to see what option will work best for you.

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Headache

You could be experiencing headaches for a variety of reasons such as malnutrition, dehydration, or there could be a misalignment in your neck or spine. A chiropractor can help improve the blood flow to your brain, which could relieve your headache symptoms.

Muscle or Joint Pain

Do not just reach for the Aspirin when you experience muscle or joint pain. Have a chiropractor check your body to make sure it is functioning optimally through spinal manipulation. That way your throbbing muscles and joints will receive an increase of blood flow, which can help alleviate your pain, naturally.

Sitting All Day

If your job requires you to sit for most of the day, you are likely to end up with poor posture. This can lead to unwanted pressure on your neck, shoulders, and upper back. This pressure can cause bones and discs to shift and lead to problems like a herniated or slipped disc.

Chronic Back Pain

If your back is always in pain, you need to see a chiropractor. There could be several factors causing it such as the type of work you do or your posture.

Different Shoe Wear

If you notice that the soles of your shoes wear out differently, that could be a sign that your body is not aligned correctly. It means that the pressure put on your feet is not equal, which can lead to pain in other areas of your body.

Limited Motion Range

If you notice that your legs and arms are not as flexible as they once were or your neck does not turn as far as it used to, then you should see a chiropractor. They can adjust your joints and bones to relieve your pain and increase your body’s range of motion.

Accident

If you were recently involved in a vehicle collision, or a major accident involving any machinery, you should get your body checked out by a chiropractor. They can diagnose and treat a multitude of accident injuries. Your top priority after an accident should be to see your chiropractor.

Sharp, Shooting Pain

If you experience a sharp, shooting pain in your legs or a tingly sensation, this could be an indicator that you are suffering from a slipped disc or pinched nerve. An experienced chiropractor can quickly identify the cause of your pain and perform the right spinal adjustments accordingly.

Active

If you live an active lifestyle by spending your free time playing sports or working out, you are subjecting your body to pressure and strain. While being healthy does involve physical activity, sometimes the exercise we participate in can cause us harm. Regular visits to the chiropractor will ensure your body performs optimally.

Healthier Choices

Part of living a health-conscious life is being aware of your body and its limitations. A chiropractor can provide you with techniques, guidance, and exercise routines to improve your physical and emotional well-being.

If any of the above signs apply to you, book an appointment at Burnaby Heights Chiropractic. Our experienced chiropractors and registered massage therapists can quickly identify ways to improve your musculoskeletal health.

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Improving your posture not only prevents strain on your joints and muscles, but it also helps to correct bone and joint alignment, decreases unnecessary stress on your spine and increases muscle efficiency. Having poor posture is caused by more than just sitting at a desk all day. Factors such as obesity, pregnancy and wearing heels that are too high can result in bad posture. What’s the best way to correct this? Here are five movements you can do on a daily basis to improve your muscle coordination and straighten your back.

Trapezius Stretch

Sitting down, gently bring your right ear to your right shoulder. If needed, raise your right hand over your head and place it on your left cheekbone to increase the pressure. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds before repeating on the opposite side. Do this stretch three to four times a day.

Levator Scapulae Stretch

Similar to the previous stretch, this is a modified version that has you gently pulling your head and nose to your armpit area. Don’t force this movement. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat with the other side. Again, do this three to four times a day.

Chest Stretch

Sit at the edge of your chair and place your legs slightly wider than the width of your shoulder. Place your hands out with the palms facing upward before lifting your chest. Hold this for 20 to 30 seconds, three to four times per day.

Chin Tucks

More of an exercise than a stretch, look forward while seated and move your head backwards, as though to form a double chin. Don’t tilt your head back, but rather bring your chin inward. Hold this position for eight seconds, then repeat it five times to complete one set. Do three to four sets throughout your day.

Shoulder Blade Squeeze

Lastly, we have another sitting exercise. With your arms relaxed and placed by your side, squeeze your shoulder blades together. Do this five times to complete one set, doing three to four sets throughout your day.
If you’ve completed these movements but still find that your posture is lacking and discomfort is setting in, then it’s time to visit a certified chiropractor to help. At Burnaby Heights Chiropractic, it’s our mission to make sure every one of our clients gets the help they need while in a relaxing environment. On top of chiropractic care, we also have a registered massage therapist who works to reduce pain and improve your range of motion. Contact us today for more information or book your appointment online at https://bbyheightschiro.com/.

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Asking assistance

If you think your child has suffered a concussion, the first step is to get the attention of the on-site health worker or team coach who should be trained to handle such situations. Allow them to perform a proper sideline assessment. Getting an immediate analysis of how your child is doing after a possible severe impact is the first step to protecting them from worsening the injury.

Resting is not enough

While 80% of concussion symptoms improve within a couple of weeks, prolonged symptoms are not uncommon. If you feel that your child has not recovered completely or is not showing signs of recovery, bring him to a healthcare provider. They will use the Standardized Concussion Assessment tool- 5th edition (SCAT 5) or its modified version to track symptoms and help to estimate recovery. Resting alone cannot help to calm symptoms of concussion and need to be combined with an individualized symptom-based approach. Prescribed rest can be ineffective without taking into account an individual’s symptom and history. Interventions such as therapies, medicines, activity modulation tests can help to shorten the duration of post-concussion symptoms.

REAPing benefits

Rest

Like any other injury, head injuries were also believed to get better with adequate resting. However, as discussed earlier, determining the right amount of rest is a major component of early evaluation and diagnosis is an injury by a trained medical professional.

Evaluation

Post-concussive evaluation and monitoring by a medical professional is extremely crucial to determine the well being and path to recovery for your child.

Activate

Research and studies have indicated that a gradual reentry in the sport is actually productive in the healing process to someone with a concussion.

Prevent

Once your child recovers from the injury, you need to be aware of the relative risks and plan to eliminate or at least reduce the risks. It is easier to sustain a second concussion than the first one.

At Burnaby Heights Chiropractic, we strive to provide all of our customer with the same quality of care without reservation. As members of both the BC Chiropractic Association and the BC College of Chiropractors, it is our mission to ensure that everyone we meet gets accessible, ethical, high quality chiropractic treatments in a clean and relaxing environment. Contact us for more details.

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