Posts

Chiropractic Pregnancy Benefits

How Chiropractic Helps Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

/1 Comment/in /by

If you are pregnant and have back pain, you are not alone. An estimated 50 to 70 percent of women who are pregnant experience back pain. While pregnancy and childbirth is one of the most incredible experiences a woman can have, it is also very hard on her body. There are many dramatic changes that take place during that 9 to 10 month of gestation so it is understandable that she is going to feel some aches and pains along the way.

There are a number of reasons why a pregnant woman may experience back pain including:

  • Natural changes to her body such as softening of ligaments and loosening of joints as her body prepares to give birth
  • A shift in her center of gravity as her girth increases.
  • Weight gain.
  • Position of the baby.
  • Her posture.
  • Stress, exhaustion, and worry.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe during Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care has long been held as a viable method for relieving back pain in pregnant women. Historically, midwives and other natural or alternative practitioners were the ones advocating its many benefits. This resulted in minimal data from clinical studies existing on the topic.

However, in the last decade or so, researchers have been looking closer at chiropractic and its many benefits. In one study of pregnant women and chiropractic, 94 percent of the participants experienced dramatic improvement in their pain in just 5 days.

Today many doctors and obstetricians are sending their pregnant patients to chiropractors to help them manage their back and joint pain. It is perfectly safe for both mother and baby – and both can benefit from it.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy

While chiropractic care during pregnancy can be used as a safe, non-invasive, and drug free method of pain relief, women may also enjoy other benefits which include:

  • More mobility.
  • Better flexibility.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Relief of pain in the back, joints, and neck.

By keeping the body in proper alignment, chiropractic care can help a woman have a happier pregnancy. She can enjoy the many benefits and experience less pain so that she can better focus on the joy of pregnancy and the wonder of bringing a new life into the world.

Why you should have Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman’s body. Hormonal changes as well as physiological ones occur at rapid speeds as her body creates and maintains a perfect environment where her baby will develop and grow. These changes can cause the spine or joints to become misaligned. When this occurs, painful conditions can be created, including:

  • Increased curvature of the back.
  • Pelvic changes.
  • Protruding abdomen that puts pressure on the back.
  • Changes in posture.

Keeping the pelvis and lower back well balanced and aligned is integral to preventing lower back pain during pregnancy. What’s more, when the pelvis and spine are not in alignment, it can limit the amount of room the baby has in the womb. This condition is called intrauterine constraint. This can also inhibit the baby’s ability to get in an optimal position for delivery.

Keeping the body, including the spine, in proper alignment is vital to mobility, flexibility, and overall wellness of the body even when it is not pregnant. However, pregnancy puts specific stress on the body, creating certain needs that chiropractic care can meet. It is safe, it is effective, it is fast, and it works.

If you are interested in pre-natal chiropractic care, give our clinic a call @(780)455-2112 or visit www.ocwc.ca for more information.

Difference between the Most Popular Massages

/0 Comments/in /by

So many different massages are now available for us to try.

Although, the main purpose of all of them is to provide the body with deep relaxation, there does exist certain differences among them as well which makes one type of massage more suitable for somebody than the other type.

Traditional massage utilizes different levels of pressures and movements that are applied on the soft tissues. Whereas, now there are different strokes done to provide the body with relaxation. Therefore, it is important for individuals to understand the difference so they can choose a massage that is suitable for them and their needs.

1.     Deep Tissue Massage

This uses slow and deep finger movements applying pressure on the areas where chronic muscle pain is present or where there are contractions. This massage is ideal for those that experience hypertension (sore shoulders and stiff neck). Since it is a deep tissue massage, it uses high levels of pressure.

2.     Swedish Massage

This is the most common and most widely performed massage in the world. It focuses on improving blood circulation and releasing all tensions from the muscles. This massage is best for all those people  who may wish to promote better blood circulation and lower blood pressure levels within their body. It also lessens stress, and improves overall wellbeing.

3.     Sports Massage

This massage is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and athletes as it is more forceful as compared to other massages. This massage is used to warm the muscle tissues, enhance training results, prevent injuries, and promote quick healing in case of any injuries. It can be performed before and after exercising.

Moreover, it is a great treatment for strains, sprains, and tendonitis.

4.     Hot Stone Massage

For this massage therapy, of hot basalt mineral stones or semi precious stones are used so their effect can get to the chakras. The muscle tension is released when the flat, smooth, and hot stones are placed directly on top of the problem area. This massage therapy is also used to align the body energies to achieve a harmony from within.

5.     Aromatherapy Massage

This is a form of Swedish massage with the incorporation of essential oils. They are mostly derived from plant parts or flowers, and they have good scents that have the power to heal.

The two most popular oils used are lavender and rose, as they are known for their relaxation properties. Therapists say that incorporating these oils allow the individuals to feel more uplifted, relaxed, and energized. In addition, it has the ability to fix issues related to insomnia, digestive issues, body pains, and insomnia.

6.     Pregnancy Massage

This massage was designed for pregnant women to reduce their swelling and calm their hyperactive muscles before their scheduled deliveries. In addition, this massage increases their blood circulation, which is very necessary during delivery. The best part about pregnancy massages is that it aids women in both situations; pre as well as post delivery.

Now that you are aware of the basic differences between the popular massage types, make sure you opt for the one that is most suitable for you and your body conditions. Check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca to book your appointment today.