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9837 5161

Pregnancy Massage – Chiropractor near me

Questions About Pregnancy Massage

A new life coming into the world is the most exciting moment. Women have to experience 40 weeks of pregnancy before babies fully develop. Pregnant women will have great changes physiologically and psychologically during the period of gestation.
These changes may cause body discomfort such as pains and aches, and leg swelling. Depression and anxiety also commonly occur during pregnancy.
Future mothers need support to go through the changes. Pregnancy massage (also called prenatal massage) could effectively improve the discomfort of pregnancy, mood and the quality of sleep. However, the safety of prenatal massage is always a frequent ask question. Then, could both pregnant women and babies be beneficial from pregnancy massage?

Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

Pregnancy massage is generally safe for both mothers and babies. Professional massage therapists are well-trained to provide relaxation massage. Leg pain, low back pain, fluid retention and anxiety are the common accompanied symptoms and signs during pregnancy.
Pregnancy massage is recommended after 1st trimester. There are three reasons for it. The first reason is the chance of miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation is higher. Secondly, the size of the abdomen does not cause obvious physical changes. Aches and pains normally do not occur at this stage. Finally, pregnant clients cannot lie on the massage table for a prolonged period due to morning sickness.

The position is determined by the size of the abdomen and the pregnant clients’ comfort. A side-lying position on the massage table is normally adopted for prenatal massage. Also, pregnancy pillows can be used for the supine position. It reduces the pressure to compress on the abdomen in supine.
A pillow put between the knees can keep the legs parallel to each other. The sitting position can be used if any other positions do not feel comfortable. For the sitting position, the upper and mid back can be focused more. Prenatal massage that is gentle, relaxed and firm should not cause any discomfort.

A series of questions may ask pregnant women before the start of pregnancy massage. If any contraindications against massage therapy during pregnancy are present, qualified massage therapists will advise what to do instead of massage. Referrals to allied health professionals may be required for a second opinion and alternative modalities such as Chiropractic care.
Massaging some trigger points or acupuncture points on hands, lower legs and feet is a contraindication. Massage therapists will avoid dry needling or putting pressure on these specific spots. These acupuncture points only use to encourage uterus contraction when pregnancy is close to due or overdue.

Changes During Pregnancy

a pregnant women with back ache

A majority of pregnant women has substantially changed at different stages of gestation. An increase in body weight due to the development of babies put more pressure on the lower back and spine. The growth of the baby increases the low back curve that results in low back pain. Also, the uterus compresses on the pelvic arteries and veins to slow down the blood circulation.
Lymphatic drainage from the low extremity partly blocked could cause leg pain and swell on the feet. The change in hormone levels will make pregnant women emotional and depressive. Anxiety might occur due to the worry of the baby’s health.
Relaxin is a hormone that plays a key role to make joints and ligaments loose for the preparation of baby delivery. This hormone will further worsen low back pain due to pelvic and hip joint laxity.

Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage For Both Expecting Mums and Babies

1.Reduces leg pain and low back pain
2.Improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to reduce fluid retention (swelling in legs)
3.Reduces anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum
4.Lowers labour complications
5.Reduces prematurity and low birthweight of newborn babies
6.Improves the quality of sleep

Pregnancy massage therapy can reduce stress and muscle tension that cause from the changes of pregnancy. Different types of massage can be applied into pregnancy massage.
For example, firm strokes from deep tissue massage work into deep tissues. Long strokes from Swedish massage encourage joint mobility. Applying pressure on lower limb muscle groups helps lymphatic drainage to reduce fluid retention.
Prenatal massage increases blood flow that provides oxygen and nutrients goes into muscles. At the same time, it removes waste materials and carbon dioxide from muscles. Tense back, hip and leg muscles will be relaxed. The occurrence of muscle cramps and spasm is less frequent.

The research reveals that regular pregnancy massage (20 mins, 2 times per week for 16 weeks) could increase the level of dopamine and serotonin. The secretion of cortisol and norepinephrine were suppressed. Dopamine and serotonin are chemicals related to the feeling of happiness and wellbeing.
In contrast, cortisol and norepinephrine are stress hormones. Full body massage could reduce anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The increase in the secretion of serotonin helps deeper sleep and improves the quality of sleep.
The study found receiving pregnancy massage therapy regularly could lower postnatal complications and complications during labor. The rate of premature babies and low birthweight dropped.

Further information about “What type of massage is suitable for you?”

How To Choose Remedial Massage Near Me

What type of massage is suitable for you?

Causes of pain – Remedial Massage Near Me

Oxygen and nutrients are essential for Muscles to generate energy. Waste materials and carbon dioxide are made and accumulated in the muscles. The transmission of these materials relies on blood vessels to exchange. Bad blood circulation, muscle overuse, muscle injuries and stress can result in forming myofascial trigger points.
Myofascial trigger points are palpable nodules(or “knots”) found in hypertonic muscles. These myofascial trigger points can cause persistent local and referral pain.

How does massage work? – Remedial Massage Near Me

Massage treatment in general has physical effects on soft tissues such as muscles. tendons, ligaments and myofascial by qualified massage therapists. Applying pressure on these soft tissues enhance blood and lymphatic circulation. The improvement of circulation can remove waste materials, excessive fluid and bring in oxygen and nutrients to tight muscles.
Also, relaxing muscles helps release muscle spasm and inactivate myofascial trigger points. The mobilisation and relaxation of superficial connective tissues also indirectly relax deep tissues. Pain and stress are therefore released.

Types – Remedial Massage Near Me

There are so many types of massage, which apply on different aspects. Remedial massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage, trigger point massage, deep tissue massage and reflexology massage are a few examples of massage. Base on different needs, a certain type of massage should be chosen.

Remedial massage therapy is a therapeutic approach to encourage injured tissues to heal. The depth and applied force of massage can vary. Professional remedial massage therapists determine the pressure of massage from shallow to deep and gentle to strong depending on the issue.

The aim of sports massage is more unique than other types of massage. Its fundamental goal is to enhance sports performance in terms of strength, speed or movement and to prevent sports injuries.

The hot stone massage is a relaxing massage. Heated stones made of basalt are put on specific areas of the body. Muscle tension, pain, anxiety and stress will be released.

Trigger point massage(or trigger point therapy) is a release technique. By pressing on myofascial trigger points(Trps), a twitch response is elicited in order to deactivate Trps and get a myofascial release.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy to stimulate reflex points on ears, hands or feet. Applying pressure on reflex points can improve life force or Qi flow. Stress, aches and pain in correspond areas of the body are alleviated.

Looking for Remedial Massage Near Me in Sydney CBD?

Booking an appointment for a remedial massage in Sydney online by one click here. However, if any flu-like symptoms (such as fever, dry cough, sore throat and shortness of breath) are present, please go for the coronavirus test and quarantine yourself.

Private health funds cover all kinds of massage services. We can do health fund rebates on the spot for you by using Hicaps machine.

studying chiropractic

All you need to know about Chiropractors

Many passionate people want to be healthcare professionals to help others. Studying Chiropractic is one of the popular options. A majority of Chiropractors are manual adjusters that use non-invasive and bloodless approach to reduce pain from muscle, bone, joint and nerve-related conditions.

How to become a Chiropractor in Australia?

To be Australian Chiropractors, it is required to study a three-year bachelor of Chiropractic degree followed by a two-year Master of Chiropractic degree. There are four accredited universities offering Chiropractic courses. They are RMIT University, Macquarie University, Murdoch University and Central Queensland University located in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. The course can be studied full-time or part-time. Neurology, orthopaedic, clinical skills, Chiropractic practical ethics, diagnosis and manual adjusting skills are taught throughout the whole course. The Chiropractic students are encouraged to work as Chiropractic assistants to get Chiropractic clinical experience and enhance communication skills. In the final year of the master degree, Chiropractic students are assigned to Student Chiropractic Clinics to provide Chiropractic care to patients. To ensure patients’ safety and the learning progress, all the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment methods such as soft tissue work and manual adjustments are under supervision. Students also work at the front desk to arrange and confirm patients’ appointments. In order to meet the requirements of graduate, Chiropractic students need to take particular numbers of cases and sharpen clinical skills as manual adjusters.

Job opportunities

Healthcare professionals such as Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists can work at hospitals while Australian Chiropractors work at private practices or some nursing homes. Private practices always welcome and provide Job opportunities for Chiropractic fresh graduates. Chiropractic job positions are posted on the websites and social media of the Australian Chiropractic Association and Chiropractic Classifieds. Available Chiropractic jobs are listed for those ideal candidates. Part-time job positions are suitable for those who are looking for flexible working hours. Chiropractic locum jobs allow qualified Chiropractors temporarily work in the clinics to cover other absent full-time Chiropractors.

Funds from varied sources

There are five main types of fund sources that people to pay for or cover some of Chiropractic service fees.
Patients can get a rebate from their private health insurance to cover parts of the treatment cost. Private insurance heath funds include hospital and extras health insurance. Extras benefits from health insurance companies normally cover the cost of seeing allied health professionals. Different health professionals are categorised in different benefit categories. The covered items and a certain amount of funds for each category of health professionals depend on the level of premium. Extras benefits will reset on the first day of the calendar year(1st January)or financial year(1st July). Unused extra health benefits will not accumulate to the following year.

National Disability Insurance Scheme(NDIS) is a fund that the Australian government uses to support permanent disabled Australians. Chiropractors can register as NDIS providers to support the disabled. Chiropractic care and exercise advice are given to support the daily activities of people with significant disabilities. Payments can be made by self-management or NDIS plans.

Injured persons in motor vehicle accidents or people with work-relevant injuries can get Chiropractic care in order to recover and perform the pre-injured level of activities. The costs of treatment will be compensated with CTP or employers with workers compensation. The injuries are assessed and graded by your treating doctors to determine whether it is minor or serious injuries. The number of treatment sessions varies according to the grade of injuries. The first eight sessions are normally available for injured patients no matter what grade of the injuries is.

Veterans’ gold or white cardholders can receive chiropractic care when conditions relevant to the spine or musculoskeletal system. General Practitioners’ approval of these conditions and referrals are needed. Referrals are valid for 1 year and/or up-to 12 sessions of Chiropractic services. The reassessment of the conditions is required for treating General Practitioners to approve if further Chiropractic care is needed.

A chronic disease management plan also is known as an Enhanced Primary Care(EPC) plan is given by General Practitioners. Funding is from the Medicare system to cover the cost of allied health professionals’ consultations and treatments. People who have chronic diseases more than half a year are eligible to apply the EPC plan. Up to five sessions of Chiropractic care per calendar year are available. The gap of treatment fees is not charged at the bulk billing chiropractic clinic.

Further information

If you want to find the Best Chiropractor near you, you can find more information on “How do you find the Best Chiropractor – Chiropractic or Chiropractor Near Me”.

How do you find the Best Chiropractor

Looking for a Chiropractor near me? How to choose the Best Chiropractor? There are five factors you should consider. 1. Locations 2. Reviews 3. Techniques 4. Co-management 5. Coverage

How do you find the Best Chiropractor(Doctor of Chiropractic) who is suitable for you?

A majority of people with pain are always struggling to find the Best Chiropractor in Sydney CBD. Searching “Chiropractor near me” on Google or other search engines is the most common method to find a Sydney Chiropractor. However, apart from “Chiropractor near me” this searching keyword, there are five factors you should consider when choosing a practitioner.

Looking for a Chiropractor near me?

Locations – Chiropractor near me

Locations are prime. No matter whether you have acute or chronic conditions such as cardiogenic headaches, knee pain, sports injury, or neck and back pain, you would like to find a Chiropractic clinic located right next to you. Prolonged driving could probably worsen the pain and become a hindrance to regular Chiropractic treatments for chronic conditions. Customer parking outside Chiropractic Clinics is convenient for patients with back pain, hip pain and lower limb pain to access. Also, facilities like ramps and lifts are wheelchair-friendly.

Reviews – Chiropractor near me

Another determining factor in choosing the best Chiropractor after typing Chiropractor near me is the reviews of Chiropractic clinics. Reviews show on different search engines and online booking systems grades Chiropractic services according to patients’ personal experience. The star rating on Google reviews tells the quality of Chiropractic services but the contents of reviews are also fundamental. To make a correct judgement read Google reviews when you choose the best Chiropractor.

Techniques – Chiropractor near me

“Chiropractor near me” only shows the closest Chiropractic clinic near you. Techniques that chiropractors use are the next critical factor. There are hundreds of different Chiropractic techniques bedsides spinal manipulations(also called Chiropractic adjustments). You should make an enquiry about what techniques the treating Chiropractor is using before you book an appointment.

Common Chiropractic Techniques:                                 Common Conditions:
Thompson Technique                                                         Neck Pain
Flexion-Distraction                                                              Headache
Activator Technique                                                            Migraine
Gonstead Technique                                                            Shoulder Pain
Diversified Technique                                                         Elbow Pain
Dry Needling                                                                         Back Pain
Active Release Technique(ART)                                       Knee Pain
Advanced Bio-Structural                                                     Ankle Pain
Advanced Bio-Structural Correction(ABC)                     Bulging Disc (Slipped Disc)
Sacro Occipital Technique(SOT)                                      Sciatica

Based on the conditions and personal preferences, some Chiropractic techniques are more suitable than others. Some people with neck pain due to poor posture would prefer a gentler Chiropractic technique rather than the “crack” sounds from neck adjustments. Some techniques above that stimulate the nervous system instead of realigning the spine are definitely gentler than others. If you prefer manual Chiropractic adjustments, Diversified or Gonstead Techniques can restore joint motions and remove subluxations.

Allied Health Teams – Chiropractor near me

A chiropractor can treat conditions related to bones, joints and muscles, and work on the nervous system to relieve pain, but certain conditions are required to refer to another profession. Allied health clinics are mainstream nowadays and include different allied health professions such as chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Remedial Massage Therapists, Podiatrists and Psychologists. People with all sorts of different conditions may require cross-professional work to achieve pain-free physical and mental health. Internal referrals between different professions in allied health clinics can avoid duplicating the process of history taking and examination by sharing the treatment notes

Coverage – Chiropractor near me

Most of the Chiropractic clinics shown on search engines accept all private insurance health funds by searching Chiropractic near me. Enhanced Primary Care(EPC) plan is a care plan you can get from your General Practitioners(GPs). It has a maximum of five services for each calendar year. The chronic management plan is eligible for those who have had chronic conditions for more than six months. Some chiropractors can do bulk billing from the EPC plan while others may need you to pay parts of the treatment cost. The treatment expense due to car accidents and work-related injuries would be covered by CTP claims and workers compensations. Veterans with white or gold cards can get Chiropractic services by billing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for compensation claims.

How much do you know about neck pain?

Neck pain is the second most common musculoskeletal condition in the world affecting people’s wellbeing. The popularity of mobile devices makes even more individuals suffering from severe neck pain.

The anatomy of the cervical region is very complex. There are seven vertebrae to support the skull which protects the important organ – the brain, and weighs around 5 kilograms. Intervertebral discs are between vertebrae with ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the joints. The spinal cord and vertebral arteries are protected inside and through vertebrae. The mobility of the neck contributes to the high occurrence of neck pain.

The common causes of neck pain are due to postural problems, disc injuries, and degenerative disc disease.

Causes

  • Postural problems
  • Disc herniation
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Trigger point referral
  • Muscle strain
  • Cervical spondylosis
  • Cervical spinal canal stenosis
  • Neck injuries – whiplash

Apart from neck pain, there are other symptoms and signs that may associate with it – such as headaches, stiff neck, reduced range of motion, muscle spasms and nerve pain (pins and needles or numbness in the relative arm and hand areas).

A study reported that chiropractic care, specifically chiropractic manipulations or adjustments is recommended to improve the outcomes for treating both acute and chronic neck pain. The combination of other modalities such as stretching, exercise, and manual therapy could even maximise the efficacy of the chiropractic treatment. It is also found that Chiropractic care could improve the intensity, frequency and duration of cervicogenic headaches.

If neck pain is annoying you, Kings Park Chiropractic Clinic can help you diagnose the source of your neck and tailor the treatment for you.

Patient Story – Disc Herniation

This patient had been suffering from lower back pain for more than 10 years. The back pain was due to a previous sports injury. Someone fell on his back when he was landing at a basketball court, which resulted in disc herniation. The pain was shooting down to the left heel when he bent forward. Every year, it has an acute onset of the chronic lower back pain. At acute phase, back pain and leg pain interfered with patient’s daily activities and work.

He was limping with an antalgic gait and posture. The pelvic was shift to the left and the upper body deviated to the right (tried not to compress on the pain side). Pain occurred when bending, coughing and sneezing.

After one session of chiropractic care by using dry needling and manipulation, the pain intensity and gait completely changed significantly. He could walk properly without limping and the lower back pain reduced from 8/10 to 3/10.

Patient Story – Knee Pain from the back

Carlos, 68 year-old, came to see me for left knee pain. He had knee pain for at least 3 months. The nature of the pain was constant, pain was worsen by walking. In the physical examination, his knee movement(ROM) was no restriction on both sides and no pain was elicited during knee movement and muscle palpation. He had a history of lower back pain and operation for lumbar decompression and fusion. It was suspected that the pain was referred by the lumbar region.

Carlos was sent to take X ray for both lumbar and knee regions. The result showed that left knee only had mild to moderate degeneration changes. However, the fracture of the left screw at L4 was noted. The pain came from his lower back due to the broken screw at L4, which innervated the left knee area and result in the L4 segment slipped forward. The fragment of the broken screw was removed and replaced a new screw to stabilise the L4 vertebra. After the operation, his knee pain disappeared. As a chiropractor, making a correct diagnosis is crucial and co-managing with other professions is so important in this case.

6 Benefits of hot stone massage

Helps relieve muscle tension and pain

Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.

Reduces stress and anxiety

It’s the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that “massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports their opinion. A 2001 study showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume. A 1997 study found that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage.

A 2015 study found that people who underwent abdominal colorectal surgery had less pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving post-operative massage.

Promotes sleep

A 2006 literature review found massage may be an alternative to sleeping pills in adults with insomnia. The research showed that back massage helped promote relaxation and sleep. A 2001 study showed that infants with sleep problems who were given a 15-minute massage by their parents went to sleep faster. They were also more alert, active, and positive upon awakening. Massage is thought to help you enjoy more restorative sleep, although it’s not completely understood why.

May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain. According to a 2002 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P (a substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than people with the condition who received relaxation therapy. More research is needed, however, before massage becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment.

A 2013 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a moderate-pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. Participants in the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.

May help decrease cancer symptoms

A large, three-year study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. The study showed massage, especially Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms. Researchers believe the comforting use of human touch played a role.

May boost immunity

Massage may give your immune system a boost. According to a 2010 study, a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage showed a decrease in arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.