Our Top 10 Reasons to Enjoy a Massage Regularly

It has long been known that Registered Massage Therapy is an excellent treatment for both relaxation and relief of pain and discomfort. Here are our top 10 reasons why Massage Therapy is a great addition to your wellness routine.

1. Relief from Muscle Tension and Pain

One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of a therapeutic massage is the relief it provides from muscle tension and pain. The technique targets specific muscle groups to:

• Reduce Muscle Tightness: Techniques such as deep tissue massage work on the deeper layers of muscle tissue to alleviate tightness and discomfort. This is particularly beneficial for those who experience chronic muscle pain due to stress, overuse, or poor posture.
• Release Trigger Points: Trigger points are tight knots in muscles that can refer pain to other areas. Massage techniques like neuromuscular therapy can help release these points, providing significant relief.

2. Improved Circulation

Massage promotes better blood flow, which is essential for overall health. Improved circulation offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Oxygen and Nutrient Delivery: By stimulating blood flow, massage helps deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to tissues and organs more efficiently. This can aid in the healing process and support overall bodily function.
• Removal of Metabolic Waste: Improved circulation helps remove metabolic waste products from muscle tissue, reducing the likelihood of soreness and improving recovery times after exercise or injury.

3. Reduction of Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common issues in modern life, and massage therapy offers a natural and effective way to manage these conditions:

• Relaxation: Massage promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower cortisol levels and induce a state of calm.
• Release of Endorphins: Therapeutic massage stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters that can help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety.

4. Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion

Maintaining flexibility and range of motion is crucial for overall physical health and performance. Therapeutic massage contributes to:

• Improved Joint Mobility: Techniques such as stretching and joint mobilization during massage can help maintain and improve the flexibility of joints, which is particularly beneficial for those with stiffness or reduced mobility.
• Increased Muscle Elasticity: By reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, massage can enhance muscle elasticity, allowing for greater range of motion and improved physical performance.

5. Support for Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery

Therapeutic massage plays a significant role in the rehabilitation process for various injuries and conditions:

• Accelerated Healing: Massage techniques can help speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow and promoting the repair of damaged tissues.
• Reduction of Scar Tissue: Massage can help break down scar tissue and adhesions that form after an injury, improving tissue mobility and reducing pain.

6. Boosted Immune System Function

A strong immune system is essential for overall health and resilience against illness. Therapeutic massage supports immune function by:

• Enhancing Lymphatic Flow: Massage helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function by removing toxins and waste products from the body.
• Reducing Stress Impact: Since chronic stress can negatively affect immune function, the stress-relieving benefits of massage indirectly support a healthier immune system.

7. Improved Sleep Quality

Sleep is vital for overall health, and therapeutic massage can significantly improve sleep quality:

• Promotion of Relaxation: By reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, massage can help individuals fall asleep more easily and enjoy a more restful sleep.
• Regulation of Sleep Patterns: Regular massage sessions can help regulate sleep patterns, particularly for those experiencing insomnia or other sleep disturbances.

8. Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus

Massage therapy can also have positive effects on cognitive function, contributing to improved mental clarity and focus:

• Reduction of Mental Fatigue: By alleviating physical tension and promoting relaxation, massage can help reduce mental fatigue and improve overall cognitive function.
• Increased Concentration: The relaxation induced by massage can help clear the mind, making it easier to concentrate and focus on tasks.

9. Promotion of Overall Well-Being

Therapeutic massage contributes to a holistic sense of well-being by addressing both physical and emotional aspects of health:

• Balanced Energy Levels: Regular massage can help balance energy levels by reducing physical stress and promoting relaxation.
• Improved Quality of Life: The overall benefits of massage, including pain relief, stress reduction, and enhanced physical function, contribute to a higher quality of life and greater overall satisfaction.

10. Support for Chronic Conditions

For individuals living with chronic conditions, therapeutic massage can provide significant support and relief:

• Management of Chronic Pain: Conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic back pain can benefit from the pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing effects of massage.
• Improvement in Mobility: Chronic conditions that impact mobility, such as joint issues or muscle stiffness, can be managed more effectively with regular therapeutic massage, which helps maintain flexibility and reduce discomfort.

Incorporating regular massage treatments into your routine can lead to enhanced physical health, reduced stress, and an overall improvement in quality of life. Why not contact the clinic and book your visit today? 

Physiotherapy is up and running at Norfolk Chiropractic Wellness Centre! Our physiotherapist, Riti Treasurer PT is now accepting new patients. Book your Initial Assessment today :)

519-827-0040

www.norfolkwellness.com

#mobility #physiotherapy #physio #rehab #strengthening #painrelief #wellness #norfolkwellness #GuelphOntario #downtownGuelph

What is the Rotator Cuff?
The upper arm bone (the humerus) is connected to the shoulder by muscles and tendons. Four of these muscle-tendon groups form the rotator cuff, which controls rotation of the arm out away from the body and stabilizes the shoulder. The cuff part comes from the four tendons merging together to form a “cap” or “hood” around the head of the humerus. The head of this bone can be thought of as the ball in the ball-and-socket joint, which is your shoulder. This joint allows motion in a full circle, but this may be limited by tendinitis in the cuff.

What is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?
Rotator cuff tendinitis is also called impingement, bursitis or biceps tendinitis. These are all different names for the same problem. They mean that there is pain and swelling of the cuff tendons and the surrounding bursa.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis include:
- pain and swelling in the front of your shoulder and side of your arm
- pain triggered by raising or lowering your arm
- a clicking sound when raising your arm
- stiffness
- pain that causes you to wake from sleep
- pain when reaching behind your back
- a loss of mobility and strength in the affected arm

How can rotator cuff tendinitis be treated?
- avoid activities that cause pain
- apply cold packs to your shoulder 3 to 4 times per day
- Shockwave Therapy
- Cold Laser Therapy
- Physical Therapy

Contact the office today to see how we can help you with Rotator Cuff Issues!

**Don't forget until November 15th 2023, Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Lodder are offering a FREE 15-minute consultation to see if Shockwave therapy is right for your injury! Mention this post when you call to book to take advantage of this offer.**

519-827-0040
www.norfolkwellness.com

#shockwavetherapy #lasertherapy #chiropractic #norfolkwellness #rotatorcufftendonitis

Our clinic now has a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner! We welcome Yonghao (Luke) Yu, R.Ac/R.TCMP, to our clinic. Luke also offers Acupuncture, Acu-pressure Massage, and Air Cupping.

Meet Yonghao (Luke):

Born in China, Yonghao (Luke) moved to Canada at 15 years old. Following his passion for traditional Chinese philosophies, Luke studied at the Ontario College of TCM and finally became an Acupuncturist in 2019. He later pursued further studies in herbology in TCM from 2021-22.

In Luke’s first four years of his career, he was recognized for excellent acupuncture techniques, clear therapeutic results in a variety of diseases (pain, gynecological, digestive, etc.), lifestyle recommendations, and dietary consultations based on TCM theory.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was originated in ancient China and has a history of over two thousand years.
Influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy, culture, and sci

ence and technology, Chinese medicine uses the theory of Yin and Yang and the theory of Wu Xing to explain the mechanism of balancing the function of the body.

Theory of Yin and Yang

The direct meanings of yin & yang in Chinese are positive & brightness vs negative & darkness.
Chinese philosophy uses yin and yang to represent a wider range of opposite forces that are complementary & contradictory that cannot exist without each other. Together, the yin & yang make up the life energy, called “Qi”.
Qi is a type of energy that flows through the body through invisible sets of pathways called meridians. The theory of Yin & Yang is fundamental to the practice of TCM, where the most basic level of TCM treatment is to seek the balance of yin & yang in each person.

Theory of Wu Xing

The theory of Wu Xing, the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) interprets the relationship and the constant movements and cycles between the physiology and pathology of the human body and the natural environment.

The chart outlines how the natural changes within the body and the environment affect your health.

by Kelly Verstraete, CHA

What are Core Muscles?

Your core extends from the diaphragm to the pelvis, forming a muscular 360-degree band around the body. These 29 pairs of muscles in the lower back, abdomen, hips and pelvis stabilize the spine, keep us upright, power our arms and legs, and can even help regulate breathing and bladder function.

Signs of Weak Core Muscles

Common signs of weakness or decreased control of your core muscles can lead to dysfunction in your movement and, ultimately, affect your quality of life. Here are a few common symptoms of poor core stability:

- Poor posture

- Low back pain

- Bad Balance

- Difficulty standing for long periods

What can you do to strengthen your Core?

Some regular, simple exercises can help to add strength to your core, and help decrease pain and weakness. Walking, squats, planks, and even consciously working on better posture when you are sitting can all help.

Of course, be sure to discuss your plans with your doctor or health care practitioner before you undertake anything new to be sure you aren't doing anything that could hurt more than help!

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia).

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.

Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, such as icing the painful area, stretching, and modifying or avoiding activities that cause pain.

If the pain doesn't subside with these activities, orthotic inserts or shockwave therapy are treatments we can offer to help resolve the pain in your feet.

Contact the clinic today to see how we can help you get moving again :)

519-827-0040

www.norfolkwellness.com

“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances.” ―Andrew Bernstein

To show up as your best self and not feel stressed out about your boss, kids, traffic, etc. it would be beneficial to incorporate stress management into your daily routine. If your stress level is already high at the start of your day, anything added to your plate is just going to continue to enhance your stress. However, if you incorporate stress management into your day, when the unexpected happens, because it will happen, you will be better equipped to manage it.

Stress Management Techniques

* Practice deep breathing – it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which sends a signal to your brain to tell the anxious part that you’re safe and don’t need to use the fight, flight, or freeze response.
* Move your body – in nature if possible! Exercise is a great stress reliever.
* Guided Meditation – practicing guided meditation is a healthy distraction away from life’s stressors and helps you to be present at the moment.
* No screens before bed – I know, you’ve heard this before! But screens before bed keeps your brain stimulated and delays REM sleep.

Stress is stored within our bodies and can lead to long-term health problems if not dealt with. We can feel stress in the body show up through low back pain, stomach pain, neck/shoulder tension, fatigue, and/or numbness. This is why it is important to incorporate stress management techniques into our daily routines.

How can we help?

The staff at Norfolk Chiropractic Wellness Centre can help you manage stress through our variety of practitioners!

*Our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken, has a Tranquil Minds program that offers stress and anxiety management. As well as acupuncture to help alleviate anxiety.
*Our Chiropractors perform adjustments which can release tension held in the muscles, which relaxes the body and increases the circulation of blood flow.
*Massage Therapy can lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety. If you experience depression, or anxiety, or are just overloaded with extra stress, massage therapy can be an effective part of treatment.
*Osteopathy can help to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems to relieve symptoms of prolonged stress.

If you feel that you’re experiencing chronic stress and it’s showing up in your body, you’re not alone! Our practitioners would love to help you find relief and live a happier, healthier life. Call the clinic today to book your appointment. New patients are always welcomed. 519-827-0040

By Kelly Verstraete, CHA

All about Osteoarthritis!

What is it?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Some people call it degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change.

What are the signs and symptoms of OA?

- Pain or aching

- Stiffness

- Decreased range of motion (or flexibility)

- Swelling

How can we help?

Chiropractic treatment may be able to address the cause of osteoarthritis. A joint may be damaged over time because it's out of alignment, or because of the way you sit, stand, or walk. Chiropractic care can fix those issues, which may keep your arthritis from getting worse.

Contact the office today to see how we can help you!

519-827-0040

www.norfolkwellness.com

Let's talk about Jumper's Knee!

What is it?

Jumper's knee is an overuse injury (when repeated movements injure a part of the body). It happens when frequent jumping, running, and changing direction damages the patellar tendon. It's also called patellar tendonitis.

Common symptoms of jumper's knee include:

- pain below the kneecap, especially during sports, climbing stairs, and bending the knee

- a swollen knee joint

- knee stiffness

Treatment for jumper's knee includes:

- rest and take a break from sports

- ice

- taping or wearing a knee support or strap just under the patella

- sitting with the leg raised

- ibuprofen to help with pain and swelling

- massage therapy

- strengthening and stretching muscles

- shockwave therapy

Contact the clinic today to see how we can help with your sore knees: 

519-827-0040

www.norfolkwellness.com

“Let food be thy medicine” – Hippocrates

The foods we consume have strong healing properties. Some of which our Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken touches on in her book, Create Calm. Certain foods can make anxiety worse rather than help to make it better:

- Sugar can worsen anxiety as it causes blood sugar to go up and then crash leaving you with jitteriness, lightheadedness, and uncomfortable feelings.
- Alcohol is another, it depletes glycogen, which is sugar stored in the liver, that is used to keep blood sugar balanced.
- Caffeine wakes up your adrenal glands and sends out adrenaline. It makes your heart rush, your body jittery, and your bowels move.

Some foods can help to ease anxiety symptoms as well! These foods include:

- Eggs contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps create serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, memory & behaviour.

- Pumpkin seeds are high in potassium which helps reduce symptoms of stress & anxiety.
- Dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium. Getting enough magnesium in your diet may reduce symptoms of stress & anxiety.
- Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Selenium may improve mood by reducing inflammation, which is often heightened when someone has a mood disorder such as anxiety.

Helpful Tip: Focus on what you can add to your diet rather than what to eliminate. Focus on what you can add to a snack/meal to make it more nutritious. Ex. Adding veggie toppings to your burger to get additional nutrients. Or when eating veggies as a snack add in some hummus or cheese for protein.

By Kelly Verstraete, CHA