massage therapy

August 20, 2014

Dr. R. Kevin O’Brien Answers

LOGO WITH PHONE #S 180pixelBy Aria Dunham

One of our Twitter followers asked @DrRKevinOBrien:

What is better to use on a sore neck? Hot or cold packs?

Good question! But just like any good question, it raises more questions.

Is this a recent injury?

Or is this a situation where the area was aggravated by exercise, poor sleep?

Is the feeling “pain” or “general stiffness?”

If the neck is sore due to a recent injury, the first measure to take is application of a cold pack. By doing this the inflammation in the area will be reduced by slowing down the flow of circulation, the body’s natural response to injury.

However, if this is a general stiffness issue, it is best to apply a hot pack to the area. The rule of thumb for applying heat is to limit heat exposure to no more than 15-20 minute increments at a time. Some individuals need more time to obtain relief from pain associated with stiffness. In these types of cases, a patient can alternate between hot and cold packs from 15-20 minutes beginning with heat.

The problem with keeping a heating pad on a sore area for longer than 20 minutes at a time is that it actually creates circulation and then increasing pain. Often times a patient will say that they felt heat didn’t relieve their stiffness but actually resulted in pain. The first question I ask at that point is, “How long did you use the heating pad.” Almost always the answer is that they used it for longer than suggested.

Again, if this injury is a recent one caused by a fall, or an auto injury, etc, do what you can to help relieve the pain. However, an assessment of the condition by a professional, is key to ensuring the safety and efficacy of the solution.

Email your question to Dr. R. Kevin O’Brien at drobrien@shpwellness.com or call 561-684-9200

To help pass the wait time of using your cold or hot pack, I’d like to share this recent video The Pug Head Tilt by American’s Funniest Home Videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uuqXXT7VYo

August 18, 2014

Do you wake up with a headache?

LOGO WITH PHONE #S 180pixelBy Aria Dunham

Do you suffer from throbbing headaches and wonder if it’s your poor sleeping habits?

Is that pillow you’re snuggling up to at night really providing the support that your sleepy head needs?

Did you know that if you suffer from frequent headaches you are not alone?  In fact the Huffington Post’s states, “…Migraines alone affect 9 percent of the U.S. population and costs $1 billion a year in direct medical expenses.”

Varying factors can trigger that pounding pain. It’s a knock not meant to ignore, but rather to get your attention. It’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong and send some TLC. Next time your body hints at you with a pounding head pain, do a systems check. Ask yourself,

Am I dehydrated? Did I get sufficient sleep? Am I stressed? Is this genetics? Do I slouch?

So, you drank more water, and made a habit of turning off the t.v. and got more shut-eye. Maybe you’ve taken some yoga and feel a lot better generally, but still get headaches. You may need more than core strengthening.  Consider more seriously whether or not the next best step is seeing your chiropractor. How does chiropractic medicine help? Here’s how.

Chiropractic medicine specializes in the maintenance of the spine which, when not cared for can trigger painful headaches. Good news is a happy spine often means a thankful body.

In fact, SHP Rehab & Wellness Center, Inc. takes a full-body approach to helping our patients get the most out of their health care experience. Using specific physical therapy modalities to treat what ails you.

Along with massage therapy, our clients experience a retraining of all muscle to release stress that manifests in the form of inflammation. A comprehensive approach will make the most positive impact on posture and may rid you of those headaches once and for all. In fact, “In a small study, people with migraines who had six weekly massage sessions had less frequent migraines and better sleep during the massage weeks and the three following weeks than a control group.”

Next time you reach for the headache relief medicine, why not try a healthier approach that addresses the causes and not only the symptoms. We accept all major medical insurances plans. Call us @ 561-684-9200 to see how we can help you.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/30/headache-treatments_n_1064690.html

August 16, 2014

I love you, but, babe…my back needs space…

LOGO WITH PHONE #S 180pixelBy Aria Dunham
A recent Men’s Health on line article, “Sleep Better Tonight” (http://www.menshealth.com/health/sleep-position-master) suggests that a person’s sleep style reveals personality.

So, you took a look and it’s confirmed. You’re a lovey and you like to snuggle. But you wake up with a warm heart and a numb arm holding the one you love.  You can’t let go, this feels great… but ohh…baby…ouch, my back hurts.

You lean over and say, “The love is strong, but the feeling’s wrong. Honey…It’s time to break the vicious cycle without splitting the lovebird’s nest apart. I need to be happy.”

Can a happy medium be in your future for you, your back and your sweetheart? Yes, but it takes more than finding the right pillow to remedy the problem.  A poor night’s sleep can put a damper on the morning after. And, if you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, or have been diagnosed with scoliosis, there are more complications to sleeping well and sharing a bed, than you realize. Just ask any pregnant woman. She knows. Anything extra in the bed makes for discomfort on the lower back. In fact, every sleep position provides a challenge to a back that has had a compromised past.

What works for a single sleeper needs modification for the hurting one to become a part of a happily rested two. Why not consult the experts on how to help your back thrive and keep the love alive?  We work at resolving sleep posture issues for individuals. Why not consult with Dr. R. Kevin O’Brien, D.C. a spinal health expert.

If you haven’t had a good night’s sleep and it’s time you did, call SHP Rehab & Wellness Center, Inc. @ 561-684-9200.

August 15, 2014

Cure for Tennis Elbow in less than 2 weeks

Two Methods to Cure Your Tennis Elbow in 7-10 Days

Tennis Elbow sucks! I’ve had it twice. I’ve also had many patients with it. Tennis players aren’t the only ones affected. Construction workers, athletes of all types, and even people who only work at computers are commonly afflicted.

Tennis elbow is inflammation of the lateral epicondyle (the most prominent bone you feel on the outer side of your elbow) and is a repetitive motion injury. It can be quite painful and you’ll know it if you have it. I’ve outlined 2 methods to help you cure your Tennis Elbow quickly. I’ve used various combinations of the below methods to get rid of mine and many other patients.

Method One

1) Stop the offending activity for at least a couple weeks. If you can’t stop it completely because you’re Serena Williams or a carpet layer or whatever, realize it’s going to take longer to heal (and be okay with that). READ MORE

August 15, 2014

Good Looks, Bad Back

SHPlogo_allWEBBy Aria Dunham

“Oh gosh, my feet hurt.” She said as she removed her 4 inch high stiletto heels. “Not to mention this knot on my shoulder is giving me a headache.”

“I keep telling you to not wear those things,” her husband gently reminded her. “It’s bad for your back too. Just looking at you hurts my back.”

“You don’t seem to mind how I look when we go out,” she playfully reminded him.

“This is true, but there has to be balance, right?”

Have you ever felt the tug-of-war of being a fashionista when really it’s the tennis shoes and t-shirt that keep calling your name?

Here’s a fashion zone quiz to see where your fashion attitude lies. Each yes equals a point.

  • Have you ever worn shoes that made your feet sore but you did it because you looked thinner?
  • Does your body cry out “Yes! Relief!” when you put your purse down?
  • At the end of the day is your body telling you that you really could use a massage?
  • At the end of the day, do you sit and feel as though you would rather do anything but get back up because your body is “just too tired to move”?
  • Do your toes feel freer than a dog off a leash simply because you took your shoes off?
  • Have you ever experienced feelings of soreness in your lower back after dancing the night away?
  • Do you have difficulty sleeping due to the fact that your neck feels sore and your purse is probably the probable cause.
  • Do you carry a purse and a backpack because you are a student, and you have long distances to walk to and from class?

If you scored:

0-1 Pink zone. You have some control over your fashion desires. We should be taking tips from you.You have balance and your body is tickled pink.

2-3  Yellow zone. You are begining to fall into the fashion trap where health and fashion begin to clash. It’s still not too late to make some changes.

3-5  Orange zone. The warning signs have been starting to show. Your feet hurt and your back is a little sore. You know that it’s got to be the shoes and the purse, but you aren’t ready to give your sexy away. Besides what is a little fashion between body and clothes. No pain, no gain, right?

6-8  Red zone. Your fashion has become more important that comfort. It’s now become a habit and you need relief fast!

Pay attention to your body’s warning signals and take a small step towards balance. Make an appointment to have your back evaluated by a licensed chiropractor, and put together an easy and manageable plan that will help make fashion not only fun, but fit.

August 14, 2014

Timing is Everything for Neck Pain Treatment

Timing Is Key to Massage’s Benefits for Neck Pain: Study

FRIDAY, March 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Massage can relieve neck pain if it’s done often by a professional therapist and for the correct length of time, according to new research.

One-hour sessions two or three times a week appear to be best, said study researcher Karen Sherman, senior scientific investigator at Group Health Research Institute in Seattle. READ MORE

August 14, 2014

We offer Lymphatic draining Massage Therapy

 

 

By: Aria Dunham, M.S., M.H.L.

According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, someone you know will be affected by some form of cancer one day.

Either through a loved one, a coworker, or even, a personal experience which is why we have decided to become a corporate partner and reach out to those affected by cancer.

Thankfully, some survive, and even after the cancer is gone, there are still side-effects. Painful side effects, that need special treatment. Gentle care and consideration is important when dealing with these types of ailments.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a treatment specifically designed to assist patients in increase circulation, particularly after a mastectomy. Painful swelling prevents patients from being able to enjoy day-to-day life the way that they had before. And, even after surgery is done, the pain remains a reminder of the past.

In a few simple sessions, patients can feel a sense of lasting relief and reduction in swelling. Tissue gains a sense of circulatory restoration, and many patients have stated a feeling of relief even after one session.

It is important to go to a therapist who you can trust and has a long-standing reputation for providing caring treatment.

Our massage therapists are those types of people. We have over 55 years of combined massage therapy experience.

If you or a loved one has suffered from any form of lymphatic system problem that would benefit from massage, call us to find out how we can help at 561-684-9200.

August 13, 2014

Massage Therapy for Health Purposes

FEBRUARY 2014
seated massage

Massage therapy dates back thousands of years, with roots in many different cultures. The term “massage therapy” includes many different styles and techniques in which the therapist uses varying degrees of pressure and manipulation to muscle and other soft tissue. READ MORE

August 12, 2014

Here’s Why You Should Book Your Next Massage ASAP

massage photo
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Posted: 04/19/2014 9:37 am EDT Updated: 04/21/2014 10:59 pm EDT

There’s no denying a massage is calming — until you start feeling guilty for indulging in a little special treatment.

A small new study excuses us all from the guilt: Massage therapy isn’t just a way to relax, it’s also a way to alleviate muscle soreness after exercise and improve blood flow, according to the recent research. READ MORE…

August 5, 2014

 

 

 

 

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