Trigger Point Massage Therapy Can Treat Many Chronic Pain Conditions

Trigger point massage therapy is used to release the tension caused by “trigger points,” the sensitive, painful knots that develop due to microcramps in muscle tissue. These trigger points can be very painful on their own, but they can also exacerbate or mimic other pain problems. For example, a trigger point that forms in a jaw muscle could mimic the symptoms of a toothache. Because of the interconnected relationship between trigger points and chronic pain conditions, trigger point therapy can be used to treat many types of pain. This includes neck and back pain, headaches, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and osteoarthritis.

Trigger Point Massage Therapy Is Safe

Trigger point massage therapy is a safe, effective way to alleviate muscle-related pain. During a treatment session, therapists put pressure on the trigger points to relieve the tension that has built up in the muscle tissue. There are several techniques used by therapists to release trigger point spasms; some use digital pressure, while others use dry needling. These methods can provide fast, noninvasive relief for patients suffering from chronic pain problems.

Trigger Point Massage Therapy Can Enhance Mobility

When trigger points form, the resulting muscle tightness can reduce mobility. Trigger point massage therapy helps to relax the knots, which helps to restore range of motion and flexibility to the affected areas.

Trigger Point Massage Specialists

At Pure Health & Wellness Center, we provide effective trigger point massage therapy to Phoenix residents with chronic pain problems. Our massage therapists offer individualized treatments that could help to reduce pain after a single session. Call us today to learn more about our massage, chiropractor, and acupuncture services.

This translates to a lot of births but, unfortunately, not all birth experiences are positive ones. Some mothers are pressured into induction if they go beyond their due date, increasing their risk of an unscheduled c-section. Others may hear so many stories about the pain of labor that they’re too tense to allow their body to do what it’s designed to. Certain birth interventions can deprive parents of crucial bonding time with their newborns and increase the physical and emotional recovery time after childbirth.

What is HypnoBirthing?

The HypnoBirthing philosophy of birth aims to change this dynamic. Through guided imagery, visualization, and special breathing methods, soon-to-be mothers are provided with deep relaxation and meditation techniques that will help stop the fear-tension-pain cycle in its tracks.

The breathing techniques used in HypnoBirthing can often prompt the body to release its own natural relaxant, providing pain relief without the use of drugs. You’ll still be aware of your surroundings and in control of your actions, but in a serene and relaxing environment. Some mothers have sought out HypnoBirthing after an especially painful or traumatic first birth experience.

How Can I Learn More?

Pure Health and Wellness Center in north Phoenix provides education and support on all aspects of hypnobirthing to ensure both mother and child have the safest, easiest, and most comfortable birth experience possible. Whether your birth companion is a spouse or partner, a doula, a parent, or a friend, we’ll work with you to make sure all your questions are answered and concerns are addressed. Visit our website for more information or to set up your appointment.

Ask About Training/Certification

When you’re shopping around for a good massage therapist, potential candidates should be willing to answer questions about their training and certification — if they aren’t, it may be a good idea to cross them off the list. Look for those who’ve attended a reputable massage therapy school and can provide the applicable certifications.

Ask About Specializations

Like those in other professionals, massage therapists often specialize in different areas. If you’re seeking someone to help you with a sports injury, for instance, you’re going to want to ask about experience with that particular aspect of massage. Keep in mind that it’s common for qualified massage therapists to specialize in several different types of massage.

Ask for an Initial Consultation

A good massage therapist should be willing and able to provide you with an initial consultation in which you should be able to ask any applicable questions and receive honest answers. It’s best to be prepared with a list of questions before you meet with the person — this shows that you respect the therapist’s time. It’s also important to pay attention to your instincts during this time. Even if you can’t quite put your finger on the reason, it’s best not to go with a therapist you don’t feel completely comfortable with.

Health and Wellness Clinic in Anthem

For more information on finding the massage therapist who’s right for you, please feel free to contact Pure Health & Wellness Center at your earliest convenience. We know how to provide exceptional care to our patients. We have a wide range of services all geared towards your comfort and affordability.

1. Referrals Are Key: One of the best ways to find out about any service provider including a chiropractor is asking a family member, friend or colleague you trust who knows or has received treatment from a chiropractor. Their personal stories, whether they had a good or bad experience will help you narrow your list.

2. Ask a Health Care Professional: A health care professional who works in your city can also be very helpful. They work directly in the medical field and are excellent resources for finding new doctors, chiropractors, and other specialists. They may even have an official referral list they can share with you.

3. Interview To Get A Personal Touch: When your list is narrowed down, schedule a telephone interview or in office consultation to meet the chiropractor and discuss how he or she would proceed with treatment. Take note of the entire team, from the receptionist and the entire staff. Make a list of questions and concerns and present them during the conversation. For most patients, feeling comfortable with the personality, environment, and the location is a big factor in moving forward with treatment.

4. Educational Background Is Helpful: Asking for referrals is the first step in selecting a chiropractor that is right for you, but going the next step in researching their history can be very helpful. Each state has a Chiropractic Regulation and Licensing Board usually found on each state’s website. Patients can also research whether or not the provider graduated from a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Credentials can make the difference between a good chiropractor and a not so good one.

5. Ask About Payment Policy: Chiropractors are different than medical doctors and knowing their office payment and insurance policies are important. Find out if they take credit cards if they have payment plans if they carry your insurance and other payment matters.

The Best Health and Wellness Clinic in Anthem

If you are looking for a chiropractor that is part of a full-service clinic in the Phoenix and Anthem, Arizona area, contact Pure Health & Wellness Health Center today! Our highly skilled chiropractors and pain specialists know how to ease the pain.

What is Graston Technique?

Graston Technique is a type of manual therapy known by practitioners as soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization. It uses handheld instruments combined with a specialized form of massaging and scraping the skin gently. This therapy is designed to help practitioners identify areas of restriction and break up scar tissue.

Graston Technique is commonly practiced by:

• Chiropractors
• Physical therapists
• Osteopathic physicians
• Occupational therapists
• Licensed massage therapists
• And athletic trainers

Why Graston? This treatment option offers several advantages to patients:

• Decreases overall treatment time.
• Fosters faster rehabilitation and recovery.
• Reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medication.
• Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent.

What Can Graston Technique in Phoenix Treat?

If you are suffering from a soft tissue-related injury, Graston Technique can help! Here are just 10 Issues that Graston Technique in Phoenix can tackle.

1. Plantar fasciitis. If you experience heel or arch pain due to plantar fasciitis, Graston Technique is a great option to help break up the scar tissue that is building up around the strain in the foot.
2. Lumbar Sprain Strain. Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions, affecting more than 80% of adults at some point in their lives. It is also the second most common cause of disability. Some of the most common causes of lower back pain include lifting heavy weights and poor posture.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience burning, tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers, which is caused by the nerves getting pinched. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can become a chronic condition.
4. Medial Epicondylitis. Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow. The muscles that attach to this particular area are responsible for wrist flexion and grasping items like a golf club.
5. Lateral Epicondylitis. Tennis elbow results from isolated trauma or excessive exertion of forearm muscles. This is common among weightlifters, tennis players or anyone who does continuous arm and hand work.
6. Patellofemoral Disorder. High stress exercises such as lunges, jumping or brisk walking can put pressure on the kneecap, which can cause knee pain or runner’s knee.
7. Achilles Tendinitis. Running, jumping, or walking activities places increased demand and stress on the tendon, often resulting in an injury. It is very common in sprinting and jumping sports such as soccer, basketball, football, and tennis.
8. Shin Splints. This is one of the most common causes of leg pain that affects young athletes and runners. Shin splints generally occur from running or jumping sports, which overwhelm the muscle and tendon.
9. Cervical Sprain Strain. Whiplash injuries are one of the more common causes of neck sprains and strains. The pain is caused by muscle or tendon damage. Graston Technique for neck strain is a highly effective method of relieving the strain.
10. Post-Surgical Scarring. After surgical healing, scar tissue is typically left behind. In certain parts of the body, this scar tissue can negatively impact range of motion and may also cause stiffness, pain, swelling and inflammation. A perfect candidate for Graston Technique!

At Pure Health and Wellness, we specialize in Graston Technique in Phoenix. Chiropractors must be certified to perform this technique, and Pure Health’s Dr. Ross was one of the first certified in Arizona.

If you are looking for not just pain relief, but a treatment that can get to the source of the pain, call us today at 623-243-4097 or schedule your appointment for Graston Technique in Phoenix.

The common culprit? We set goals that are oftentimes unrealistic, and when we realize these goals are tougher than we thought, we get discouraged and fall back into old habits.

Tricks to Making SMART New Year’s Resolutions

When choosing a New Year’s resolution, remember the acronym SMART, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

• Specific. Your resolution should be crystal clear. Concrete goals are more important than just vaguely saying “I want to lose weight.” You need to have a set goal: How much weight do you want to lose? By when?
• Measurable. Keep track of your progress in a journal, make notes in your phone or in an app designed to help you keep track of your behaviors. Taking notes not only keeps you accountable for your goals, but it also helps you track progress, no matter what your resolution may be.
• Achievable. Trying to take too big a step too fast can leave you frustrated or affect other areas of your life, to the point where the resolution takes over. Set yourself up for success and make your resolutions achievable. For example, if you want to save X amount of money in five years, choose an amount of money that’s realistic for you to set aside to reach this goal.
• Relevant. Ask yourself: Is this a goal that really matters to you? If you choose a New Year’s resolution out of remorse or in the spur of the moment, it’s not likely to last. But if you think about what’s good for you, and good in the long term, you are changing the structure of your life. Which will reinforce that resolution.
• Time-bound. The timeline toward reaching your goal should also be realistic. Give yourself enough time to complete it (but not enough time to slack off). 

Achieve Your Health Resolutions with Pure Health and Wellness

If your New Year’s resolution is health related, Pure Health and Wellness can help! We offer a variety of services – contact us for details and to schedule an appointment. And when your resolutions are stressing you out, a relaxing massage or rehabilitating acupuncture could be quite complementary. Our professional staff is excited to be a part of your journey!

Ready to rock your New Year’s resolution? You got this! And just give Pure Health and Wellness a call if you need a little support: 623-243-4097. 

Holiday Stress? Here’s 3 Ways To Avoid It

1. Acupuncture for stress relief. Acupuncture isn’t just for pain management. This natural remedy can be used to relieve stress, anxiety and even post-holiday blues. Quick and pain free, acupuncture works through neurohormonal pathways by placing a needle through specific points in the body, which stimulates the nerve. Other benefits include:

• Enhanced relaxation and improved sleep quality.
• Reduction in seasonal allergies.
• Lower stress levels and blood pressure.
• And many more!

2. 2. Herbs for digestion. As the old saying goes: you are what you eat. The holidays are a time for good company and good food (you may allow a few more cheat days than usual). Herbs are a great way to get your digestive system back on track. Ginger, for example, is great for an upset stomach, while peppermint is great to use for indigestion and diarrhea.  

2. Treat yourself to a massage. Perhaps a massage is the ultimate symbol of stress relief – and of course not just during the holidays. But did you know stress is considered a risk factor for many chronic diseases, which can cause you to feel physical symptoms of holiday stress? There are many benefits to having a massage to relieve holiday stress.

• Massage helps you shift your thoughts away from everyday worries, and it allows your body and mind to relax.
• Massages help relieve muscle tension.
• Massage may help restore normal circulation, improve immune system activity and play a role in restoring normal digestive system function.

Stress Relief in Phoenix

At Pure Health and Wellness, we have a variety of treatment options to help you relieve holiday stress this season. From massage therapy to acupuncture, our talented staff is here to help! To learn more about holiday stress relief in Phoenix, give Pure Health and Wellness a call at 623-243-4097 or book an appointment. Don’t forget to check our monthly specials for stress relief options, and save shopping stress by purchasing a Pure Health gift card!