How Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Back Pain

 Massage therapy is often used in combination with chiropractic care because both offer techniques that aim to improve one’s mobility,  flexibility, and the relief of pain. Dr. Jay McClanahan and his staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, notes both techniques often work in harmony, allowing for a faster recovery because when the body can relax, it’s easier to realign the spine and help optimize your nervous system functioning.

How Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Back Pain

Massage therapy consists of manipulating the body’s soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue), - which may include stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, and vibration. Massage therapy is particularly helpful in relieving back pain as follows –

• A massage helps to relax tense muscles in the back, which usually helps alleviate muscle spasms, back pain, and tightness. Note that massage aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety, which are proven contributors to muscle tension that can only aggravate an already painful back condition.
• Massage therapy loosens tight muscles, which improves flexibility and increases your back’s range of motion, making it easier to move due to less stiffness.
• Massage promotes improved blood circulation - especially to the muscles. These nutrients and oxygen are what the tissues need to reduce inflammation and help in the repair process.
• Massage therapy, through its relaxing effects, begins to reduce stress levels (and associated cortisol levels), which can help alleviate the emotional/physical components that contribute to back pain.
• Massages can assist in the correction of muscle imbalances – promoting better alignment and reducing back strain.  
• Massage stimulates the release of the body's natural painkillers - endorphins. These natural hormones help reduce pain perception and even offer a sense of well-being.
• For individuals with injuries that have led to chronic back pain, a massage can help break down scar tissue in the muscles and connective tissues, which helps reduce related back pain.

In addition, research continues to reveal how important it is to encourage your mind/body awareness as this can help identify tension areas early and allow you to take steps to avoid these potential issues from worsening through the use of self-care techniques.

Types of Massage Therapy Offered at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center

• Deep Tissue Massage
• Relaxation Massage
• Swedish Massage
• Sports Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Youth Massage

Contact a Leading in Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Near Year

If you experience persistent or severe back pain, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our professional staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online. We look forward to tailoring guidance and therapeutic exercises to help relieve back pain and prevent its reoccurrence.

How Massage Therapy Works With Chiropractic

 

If ever there was a match made in heaven, massage therapy and chiropractic care are that match. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV offers health and wellness services to residents of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley WV. 

How chiropractic works

Chiropractic is a way of treating illness and injuries without having to use pain medication or surgery. It is a holistic approach that treats the entire person. When messages from the brain are traveling unencumbered throughout the body, it will operate more efficiently, and be able to heal itself. When the vertebrae are out of alignment, the messages can't get through and problems develop. 

Chiropractic adjustment is the procedure that the chiropractor uses to get the vertebrae back into alignment. There are many different types of adjustments, some are done with the hands and some are done with instruments. Some are very gentle and others can be quite vigorous. All of them have the same goal, to restore alignment. 

Massage therapy

Massage therapy also comes in several varieties and can be gentle and relaxing, or it can be applied with force as it goes after the trigger points that are causing your pain. In its more relaxing form, it is a warm up for a chiropractic adjustment. It stands alone when it is dealing with the trigger points that are the source of pain. 

Massage therapy is also part of an overall chiropractic health maintenance program. Along with nutritional counseling, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy helps the body to perform at its optimal level. 

If you have been in an auto accident or had a sports injury, massage therapy goes hand in hand with other chiropractic therapies to resolve the pain that can result from these types of injuries. Getting a massage before or after your adjustment can help the results to be even more positive. While the chiropractic manipulation deals with the bones, the massage takes care of the soft tissues. They both assist the body in restoring its natural balance. 

Contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV when you are in need of chiropractic care together with massage therapy. Call us at 304-776-1520 for an appointment or use the form on our website.

Are Pregnancy Massages Safe?

 

If you’d like to experience a pregnancy massage in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center has the gentle, caring hands you need.

Are Pregnancy Massages Safe?

As a general rule, a pregnancy massage in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV with Dr. McClanahan is safe. However, it’s not usually a good idea if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, have congenital heart disease, or other issues that indicate a high-risk pregnancy. It’s also best to avoid a massage if you’ve had surgery or an organ transplant recently.

Most experts recommend waiting until after your first trimester. And it’s always important to get approval from your OB/GYN first. They’ll let you know if there’s any reason to avoid a massage. Unless they have any objections, a prenatal massage from Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center should not only be safe but can provide a variety of benefits.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Among other things, a prenatal massage can offer three amazing benefits for pregnant women.

Relief of Pain, Tension, and Swelling

A woman’s body goes through a great deal during pregnancy. Everything shifts to accommodate a growing life and to bring that life into the world. While a beautiful process, it can cause several issues in the body.

One common issue in pregnancy is swelling, which is often caused by reduced circulation. It can also occur when the uterus puts pressure on blood vessels. The uterus also sometimes puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain, weakness, and more.

Pregnancy can also put pressure on the joints, muscles, and more, leading to pain, tension, and discomfort throughout the body. A prenatal massage can help improve circulation, relieve tension, increase oxygen to the muscles, and help relieve pressure on the nerves.

Regulation of Hormones

Massages are also proven to regulate hormones related to depression and anxiety, such as norepinephrine, cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin. Regulation of these hormones helps improve the mood and can even lead to fewer complications during delivery and a healthier baby.

Better Sleep Quality

As you carry around and care for the life inside of you, getting good quality sleep is essential. Unfortunately, this can be difficult during pregnancy, but pregnancy massages can help. The regulation of hormones, relaxation, and pain relief they provide can help you sleep as you should.

Experience the benefits of pregnancy massage in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center by calling (304) 776-1520 for an appointment.

Benefits of Chiropractic Massage Therapy

 If traditional forms of pain treatment have failed to provide you relief, you might want to consider massage therapy in Nitro, WV with Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

How Patients Can Benefit From Massage Therapy

Many people who suffer from pain are often limited in their treatment options. Some people rely heavily on prescription medications and surgery. However, both of these options can lead to bad outcomes. Fortunately, massage therapy in Nitro, WV provides relief that often leads to life-changing results.

 

Lower Back Pain Relief

Many people struggle with lower back pain. In many cases, patients rely on medication and pain management to get relief. However, alternative treatments like a chiropractic massage help relieve sharp pain and tightness that many people experience with their lower backs.

 

Ease Tense Muscles

A chiropractic massage can help ease muscle tension and reduce stress. By combining massages with chiropractic adjustments, the body's nervous system is restored to its normal function, while at the same time muscles start to relax, stretch, and loosen. The combination of massages and adjustments decreases pain and increases mobility and movement.

 

Increases Circulation

Chiropractors who perform massage therapy help increase a person's blood circulation. When the circulatory system is healthy and active, people will see an improvement in their energy, heart health, posture, and more. A strong circulatory system helps alleviate many types of pain and also improves a person's breathing.

 

Treat Joint and Muscle Pain

A chiropractic massage is an effective tool to relieve muscle and joint pain. Tight or strained muscles affect more than just the muscles. Any surrounding tissue that's injured can cause joints to tighten, which often results in more pain in and around the affected area. Massage therapy and chiropractic care loosens muscles and realigns joints. A chiropractic massage also releases any excess fluids that build up around joints.

 

To learn more about chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy in Nitro, WV, contact Dr. McClanahan and his team at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center by calling (304) 776-1520 today.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also known as Stenosing tenosynovitis is one of the most common workplace injuries. This repetitive strain injury happens when a finger is stuck in a bent position and pops or snaps when straightens. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, located in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan is highly experienced in treating these injuries. You should never wait to seek treatment after an injury, so book your appointment now with Dr. McClanahan.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Any repetitive strain on your fingers can cause an injury like a trigger finger. Whether it’s typing, texting, or gripping tools in the same hand motion, trigger finger happens when you’re doing activities that put extreme strain on your hands. When your fingers are faced with this repeated pressure, the tendon is inflamed, narrowing the surrounding space in the sheath of the affected finger. 

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

One of the main symptoms of trigger finger is the popping or snapping of the finger when it’s straightened back from a bent position. Like a trigger being pulled back and released, your finger will feel these repeated clicks and popping sensations. Your finger may also feel tender and stiff while moving. 

Chiropractic Care for Trigger Finger

While many traditional treatment plans for workplace injuries include surgery and medications, chiropractic care is a great alternative if you’re looking for an all-natural and no side effects solution to trigger finger. Your Nitro, WV chiropractor will use a variety of techniques including massage, ice or heat therapy, and stretching exercises to reduce your finger’s inflammation and promote further healing. 

Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center located in Nitro, WV. Dr. Jay McClanahan is available by appointment. To schedule a time that works for everyone, call 304-776-1520 or visit his website. 

Massage Therapy

Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, is proud to offer massage therapy to patients! Regular massage treatments significantly improve your body and overall health, from stretching your muscles for optimal body function to faster healing times. Massage therapy also helps treat or relieve symptoms associated with a variety of problems, including chronic diseases, injuries, muscle tension, and neurological disorders. It’s important to work towards a healthier body now so that you can lower your risk for future aches and injuries.

The benefits of massage therapy include:

-Decreased lower-back pain
-Increased range of motion
-Shorter and easier labor for expecting mothers
-Easing medication dependency
-Enhanced immunity
-Alleviates migraine pain
-Stretches and exercises weak muscles

At your appointment with Dr. McClanahan, he will listen to your symptoms and work with you to create a treatment plan unique to your needs. Massage therapy works best when combined with our other chiropractic treatments. The massages themselves will allow your body to be more open to healing and treatment, increasing the success of all other treatments.

Today’s modern lifestyle can take a toll on your body. Massage therapy not only improves your health but will keep you healthy. Let us help you overcome the obstacles of your daily life. Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 642 Cross Lanes Drive in Nitro, WV 25143. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drjbackdocwv.com or call the office at 304-776-1520.

Massage Therapy For Burns

Your burn scars shouldn’t be a constant reminder of a traumatic event. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is a great addition to your medical team. His recommended treatment is Burn Scar Massage Therapy. This slows the development of scar tissue while increasing healing. Massage therapy improves the appearance along with your range of motion. To learn more, contact our office in Nitro, WV.

The first line of treatment is massage therapy and stretching. These activities loosen the scar tissue for healing. This is one of the main reasons chiropractic treatment is used for burns. When a wound starts to heal, the skin tightens and puckers into a scar. This makes it hard to move the selected body part. There are other benefits to massage therapy as well,

Other common benefits:
-Reduces itching, muscle spasms, swelling, skin sensitivity, and pain in the injured area
-Prevents structural dysfunction
-Prepares the burned area for stretching and strengthening

Your Nitro, WV, chiropractic treatment helps with the appearance of the burn too. When a burn is assisted through the healing process, it scars much less than without treatment. The scar isn’t as apparent or noticeable then.

If you or a loved one have suffered from a burn, and are interested in treatment, contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Dr. Jay McClanahan is available for an appointment by visiting his website or calling 304-776-1520.

Massage Therapy

Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy offers many benefits, from relaxation to reduction of pain from muscle injuries. However, if you have never had a massage before, you may not be sure what type will work best for your needs. There are many different types of massages available, so it is important to understand what each type does and which to choose for the therapy you need.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common type of massage therapy and what comes to mind when most people think of massages. In a Swedish massage, the therapist uses long, sweeping strokes at the start and end of the massage. During the massage, they will knead and roll the muscles, similar to movements used when kneading dough. Friction, or deep pressure is also applied to tense muscles using knuckles, thumbs or fingertips. Although they are not used as often as they have in the past as they can reduce the relaxation of the massage, percussion techniques like rhythmic tapping, chopping and pounding may be used. Swedish massages are recommended as relaxation therapy.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage therapy applies deep pressure on areas of the body that are causing pain, such as knotted muscles. The therapist uses their knuckles and elbows to loosen muscles and is very common among athletes as well as those who are undergoing physical therapy. The massage can leave your muscles feeling sore immediately after therapy. You should never have a deep tissue massage if an injury has not properly healed.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage therapy is designed to give you energy and is an ancient Japanese technique. The therapist uses gentle stretches with finger presses to work on specific pressure points. It is believed the pressure points fix energy flow imbalances. Some scientists believe that the therapy calms overactive sympathetic nervous systems, relieving stiff muscles, reducing stress and improving circulation.

There are many more types of massage therapy that address stress, injuries and relaxation. It is important to discuss your situation with the massage therapist before undergoing any treatment and to inform your doctor that you are planning to enter massage therapy. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Dr. Jay McClanahan can help you determine a massage therapy plan that will work best for you. Arrange for a consultation by calling 304-776-1520 or contacting us through our website today www.drjbackdocwv.com