Did you know that the history of massage dates back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt? Even without our modern knowledge of the human body, healers back then learned that people responded well to touch. Massage techniques have evolved over the centuries, but the basis remains the same. One modality that’s scientifically proven to reduce pain is trigger point massage. Would you like to experience this type of massage therapy for yourself? Read on to learn more about pressure point therapy and how you can benefit with trigger point massage to improve your health.

What Is a Trigger Point?

You might refer to them as “muscle knots,” but what are those little lumps exactly?

Rest assured that they’re not actual knots in the muscle fibers. Their scientific name is a myofascial trigger point.

In basic terms, it’s a tiny cramp inside the muscle tissue. Think of it as a miniature “charley horse” that only affects one small section of the muscle. Common trigger points include those “knots” between your shoulder blades that never seem to go away.

These “cramps” may be small, but they can create a lot of pain and discomfort. Reduced blood flow irritates the muscle even more, creating a vicious cycle of myofascial pain. In some cases, the pain can even radiate (or refer) to other parts of the body.

What Is Trigger Point Massage?

The goal of this type of massage is to find those active trigger points and get them to “calm down.” If you can release the trigger point, the entire muscle will relax and function normally.

Your therapist will start by palpating your muscles to identify the source of your pain (often a nagging trigger point). Then she’ll use direct pressure on the point to encourage it to release. She may also include some stretching and kneading techniques to further help the muscles relax.

This may feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’ve had the problem for a while. Communication is key to ensure that the pressure isn’t too much for you.

How to Massage Trigger Points

Even if you’re not an expert in pressure point therapy, there are some basic techniques you can try at home.

Start by downloading a trigger point chart or trigger point map. This will help you identify the specific points that may be causing your pain, whether it’s headaches, tennis elbow, or lower back.

Use the chart to find those trigger points on your own body. You’ll know when you’ve found them because they’re likely to be tender. They may even refer pain to other parts of your body.

Apply consistent pressure to each point, pressing as firmly as you can without making the muscle tense. Hold each spot for 3-5 minutes and repeat up to 5 times a day.

Our Clinic

While we do not offer massage therapy, our office specializes in chiropractic and decompression therapy. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for these services, please click the link below. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!

What’s a Myofascial Release Massage & How It Can Treat Chronic Pain

Chronic pain…20% of the US population lives with pain on most days or every single day. That means 1 out of every 5 people around you is suffering with chronic pain. Instead of popping pain pills, which can lead to side effects on the stomach and liver; what are some options for dealing with pain? If you’re a person who likes to get to the root of the problem rather than putting a bandaid on it, alternative methods are right up your alley. A myofascial release massage is becoming a great source of pain relief for many people. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of myofascial release massage.

Got Pain?

If you’re living with chronic pain, what’s the best way to get relief? Let’s look at this hands-on technique known as myofascial release massage.

What is Myofascial Release Massage Therapy?

This technique used in massage that focuses on pain caused by sensitivity and tightness in the myofascial tissue.

During the therapy, the massage therapist locates and focuses on the areas in the myofascial tissue that feel stiff and tense instead of elastic and loose.

These areas, known as trigger points, are not always easy to locate but they are believed to be the cause of the widespread pain.

The hands-on pressure the therapist uses loosens up the muscles and in turn, relieves the pain.

Benefits of Myofascial Release Massage

This type of therapy has many benefits and can be a source of pain relief for many different ailments. Let’s look at some of the benefits.

• Range of motion and overall flexibility improves
• Correction of muscle imbalance
• Headache and migraine relief
• Reduces blood pooling and the pain from venous insufficiency
• Hydrates your tissues and increases blood flow
• Relieves muscle soreness and joint stress

Myofascial Techniques

Massage therapists using myofascial massage gently rub the trigger points in your muscles to release the tension and relieve pain.  Myofascial release tools like the fascia massager allow you at home to gently apply pressure to the muscle with the same intended consequence of loosening up the muscle and releasing the pain.  Other techniques use rollers or balls to apply gentle, sustained pressure to the knots and tight spots in the myofascial tissue.

Our Clinic

While we do not offer massage therapy, our office specializes in chiropractic and decompression therapy. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for these services, please click the link below. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!

Are Medical Massages Necessary?

34% of people believe that massages are only a form of pampering. But did you know it can greatly improve your health? More people are turning to medical massage to improve certain conditions. This form of therapy can relieve muscle tension, decrease pain, and improve circulation. It also improves your mental health by managing stress and anxiety. When used alongside medical treatment, massage can decrease pain and stress.

What Is Medical Massage?

This form of therapy is prescribed by a doctor to complement a patient’s existing medical treatment. Most patients receive a prescription after enduring a chronic injury, an accident, or are in severe pain.

Massage therapists focus on the problematic areas of the body and use different techniques to heal those areas.

Does Health Insurance Cover Massage?

Every health insurance plan has different medical massage coverage options. Whether or not your insurance covers massage depends on your insurance provider’s definition of massage and the reason for receiving a massage prescription.

Your medical massage treatments may be covered if:

• It is considered a “habilitative treatment”
• It is medically necessary

Fortunately, more health insurance providers are starting to cover massage. In addition, you may be able to use your health savings account (HSA) to cover your massage costs.

What Is the Difference Between Medical Massage and a Swedish Massage?

Medical massage differs from many types of massages, such as a Swedish massage. Medical massage requires a doctor’s prescription and only focuses on a problematic area of the body. There are also other differences that first-time clients should know.

Swedish massage is a type of therapeutic massage. It uses long strokes to stimulate blood flow to the heart. It’s the most popular and widely-performed therapeutic massage technique.

While Swedish massage offers many physical benefits, relaxation is the ultimate goal. Swedish massage also focuses on the whole body instead of a specific area. This helps clients feel revitalized and rejuvenated.

Massage therapists also make the experience more enjoyable and serene. Playing peaceful music is the most famous example.

While massage can be relaxing, the goal is to relieve pain and tension to a specific part of the body. Massage therapists may use specific techniques to achieve this. For example, they may use long, relaxing strokes to loosen the muscles before applying more pressure to engage treatment.

Medical massage focuses on an injured or painful area of the body to heal and decrease pain. This type of massage therapy complements a patient’s existing medical treatment to heal a certain area of the body.

Our Clinic

While we do not offer massage therapy, our office specializes in chiropractic and decompression therapy. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for these services, please click the link below. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!

Lymphatic Massage

Are you part of the approximately one in 1,000 Americans who struggle with secondary lymphedema? Do you deal with chronic pain from a condition like fibromyalgia? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you would benefit from regular lymphatic massages. Never heard of this type of massage before? Read on to learn more about lymph massage and the benefits it has to offer.

What is Lymphatic Massage?

Lymphatic massage is a special type of massage therapy. Before we get into the specifics of it, though, let’s back up and explain the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system contains fluid that helps to remove toxins and waste from the tissues of the body. Some health conditions, such as lymphedema and fibromyalgia, can cause lymph fluid to build up in the body (lymphedema). This, in turn, can lead to pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

The goal of this type massage is to help make the drainage process more efficient. It boosts the body’s detoxification systems to get rid of fluid buildup, relieve pain, and improve one’s overall quality of life.

Benefits of Lymphatic Massage 

There are lots of reasons to consider a lymphatic massage, even if you don’t struggle with one of the conditions mentioned above. The following are some of the greatest benefits this type of massage has to offer:

Improved Immune System Function

When the lymphatic system is functioning in the proper way, the whole immune system becomes stronger and more resilient. Lymphatic massage specifically targets the lymph nodes, which play an important role in cleansing the blood. It also increases the body’s production of antibodies, which minimize inflammation and fight off infections.

Reduced Stress

If a person is dealing with high levels of stress, they might be more prone to lymphedema. Stress can also make chronic pain worse and dampen the immune system. Regular lymphatic massages can keep everything working properly and promote relaxation as well as better sleep quality.

Faster Healing

Lymphatic massage can help to speed up the healing process after one has experienced an injury or undergone surgery, too. It helps to carry waste products out of the body to reduce inflammation, and it also provides the affected areas with more of the blood and nutrients needed to recover.

Improved Skin Health

Many people with skin conditions (eczema, severe scarring, etc.) notice improvements when they start incorporating lymphatic massage into their routine. This type of massage can promote faster healing externally as well as internally. It may also help to hydrate the skin so it feels softer and is less irritated.

Our Office

While we do not offer massage therapy, our office specializes in chiropractic and decompression therapy. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for these services, please click the link below. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!

Did you know that up to 4 out of 10 US adults experience chronic pain daily? Chronic pain, often in the lower back, neck, or shoulders, causes stress and discomfort. This pain can lead to health complications later. How can you ease chronic pain? A deep tissue massage is one effective method.  Read on to discover what a deep tissue massage is and its benefits.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique applying pressure to specific body parts, like the lower back or shoulders. The therapist targets deeper layers of connective tissue and muscle, which often hold stress and tension. Each session lasts about 60 minutes and suits those with lingering pain.

What Are the Benefits?

Multiple sessions can alleviate chronic pain in your back, neck, shoulders, or other areas. This massage improves blood flow, reduces scar tissue, helps you relax, and may enhance your sleep.

Massage also boosts range of motion and mobility. If you have limited motion, massage can increase flexibility in your muscles, joints, and ligaments. After a few sessions, you’ll move your legs more easily and gain better mobility in your shoulders and hips.

For accident or sports injuries, deep tissue massage speeds up healing. It also helps with osteoarthritis pain, hamstring and glute tension, and muscle spasms. Suitable for all ages, this natural therapy has no side effects.

Does It Hurt?

Deep tissue massage is different from other types of massages such as a Swedish massage. It will not hurt you, but you should know that slight discomfort is to be expected during the massage session. That’s because the therapist applies pressure on your muscles to reach the tension in your connective tissues and release it. Once you get used to it, you’ll love this type of massage. Especially since it alleviates chronic pains from all over your body.

Our Clinic

While we do not offer massage therapy, our office specializes in chiropractic and decompression therapy. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for these services, please click the link below. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!