Archive for February, 2010

More Than Skin Deep

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Massage provides a form of therapy and relaxation that is not paralleled by any other form of treatment.  Massage is much more than just a way to relax the muscles.  While muscle relaxation is a key to proper functioning of our bodies, massage also contributes to our overall wellness in a variety of ways.

Massage helps to improve blood flow to the body.  Improving circulation can help to lower blood pressure.  Poor circulation often times makes a person’s hands or feet cold because not enough warm, oxygenated blood is reaching them.  When blood is circulating properly, it can also help to aid in the removal of toxins from the body.  Massage does this by clearing away waste products made by the lymphatic system.

Massage can also help the body to look and feel better by increasing muscle tone.  Massage accomplishes this by stimulating the muscles to have a type of reflex that stimulates the muscles to contract and relax as they would during light toning exercises.

This is especially beneficial to those people who for whatever reasons cannot participate in a regular exercise program or have an occupation that requires them to be sedentary much of the time.  Massage chairs are a great tool to help maintain a regular massage schedule both at work and at home.

Link:  http://www.massagetherapyez.com/

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Benefits of Massage Chair Therapy

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Massage therapy is very popular these days.  Daily, we push our bodies to the limits both at home, at work, and in our recreational activities.  Outdoor activities have regained popularity, and many more people participate regularly in things like aerobics, hiking, running and cycling.  All of these activities do help to build muscles and make us more healthy, but can also cause injury if you are not careful to prevent it.  Receiving regular massages will keep the body relaxed, and this will make it less prone to muscle strain which can lead to pain in the back and body.

A massage chair means that you no longer have to make an appointment at a spa or health club, and then try to adjust your schedule to accommodate it.  You no longer have to leave work to get to your appointment, or worry about being late due to traffic.  You will have a massage waiting for you at any time that you choose.  Because the massage can be done in the privacy of your own home, this may help you to relax even further because you will not deal with some of the apprehension that can be experienced while having a professional massage done.

Link:  http://mapping-news.com/advantages-of-massage-chair-therapy.html

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Other Treatments for Neck Pain

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Neck pain is common in those who have experienced any sort of spinal injury. Medications such as opioid activating muscle-relaxers are a common treatment to relieve the discomfort associated with neck pain but can be habit-forming in that the body gets used to the medication and learns to expect its effects.

People who do not want long-term medication treatments as to avoid addiction can turn to a variety of methods that do not involve medication. Physical therapy is a common and effective method to alleviate neck pain by encouraging blood flow through massage and proper stretching and strengthening exercises. A physical therapist can teach these exercises to someone desiring home care. Neck massage or the use of a massage chair can loosen spasms in neck muscles and should be used with heat unless swelling is present. If swelling is present, an ice massage is advised to reduce swelling and numb the area.

Other treatments include the use of a cervical collar to properly align muscles, which reduces pain by restricting neck movement. Yoga is also a popular way to improve flexibility in that area. Acupuncture can also be used but is only advised by a professional, and if a licensed professional is doing it.

Link:  http://health.yahoo.com/pain-treatment/neck-pain-other-treatment/healthwise–tr1166.html

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

A Review of Popular Massage Chairs

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Massage chairs are available from a vast number of manufacturers.  There are several different kinds of chairs available from each manufacturer, and they can vary greatly in the options they offer as well as the types of massage that they can accomplish.

One way to compare massage chairs is to do online comparisons.  There is so much information available on the internet, that it is very easy to get a basic knowledge of different chairs.  Reading product descriptions as well as reviews submitted by consumers will help you decide if a chair may be what you’re looking for.

Some massage chairs offer options that can make the massage more custom tailored to the user’s needs.  These features can include things like stiffness sensors that help to target the areas of the body that need to be focused on.  So called ‘human touch’ massage chairs are available from a company called iJoy.  Human touch massage chairs can offer a massage that most closely resembles a massage that would be performed by a massage professional.  They can command a higher price than a more basic type of massage chair, but is still less expensive over the long-term than going to a masseuse for regular treatment.

Link:  http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Review-of-Popular-Massage-Chairs&id=66840

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Benefits of Bodywork

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

Benefits of Bodywork

It seems that in a time when people are becoming more aware of the their environment and going ‘green,’ people are also becoming more aware of their bodies and health, and are more focused on maintaining a better lifestyle.  Many times, people are looking for things like new forms of exercise and weight loss and treatment for pain that don’t involve the use of pharmaceuticals or other types of chemicals.  As a result, things such as outdoor sports, yoga, and massage have become popular elements of and exercise and body maintenance regimen.  People are also under more stress and pressure these days than ever before.  With this being the case, it has become even more important to be healthy, and to maintain strength of the mind and body.

A massage chair can perform regular body work in your home to provide therapeutic and relaxing results for the mind and body.  Massage is also able to help heal and rejuvenate the body by increasing the amount of blood circulation to the entire body, which also increases the amount of oxygen flow to the body and brain.  Stress causes muscles to become stiff and sore.  Massage loosens these tense areas of the muscle increasing the range of motion.  The massage experience relaxes the mind also, allowing for clearer and more productive thought and action after a massage.  It can also help to relax the mind before bedtime to aid in a better and longer night’s sleep.

Link: http://www.vegetarianvitaminsguide.com/?s=bodywork

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Treatment of Leg Pain

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Minor leg pain or discomfort is a common occurrence that is treatable at home with simple traditional remedies if the problem isn’t attributed to a serious disorder such as bursitis, tendonitis, shin splints or other ailments attributed to serious injury. Muscle cramps, fatigue, overuse or wear and tear attributed to exercise, work-related tasks have potential to cause numbness, swelling or a weak feeling in your extremities, and properly cared for, require little attention to correct.

The first step in treating leg pain is to identify the problem by assessing your symptoms. The best way to be sure of the problem is to consult a health care professional and schedule an appointment if necessary.

If minor and treatable at home, the steps are quite easy. The acronym R.I.C.E is the key to remembering the proper order. Rest is first. Rest and protect the area of interest. Ice reduces the pain and swelling of the affected area. Compression or wrapping the area with bandages used with elevation above the heart will also treat swelling. Gentle massage to the area promotes blood flow and when used with hydration, can relieve the cramps. If the area is not reachable, the use of a massage chair is recommended.

Link:  http://health.yahoo.com/musculoskeletal-overview/leg-problems-noninjury/healthwise–legpb.html

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Where Back Pain Happens

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Back pain can happen anywhere.  Because of this, it is important to prevent back pain, so you can protect yourself from unneeded time off work or unable to participate in enjoyable activities.

Sometimes a major culprit of back pain is not something that you do.  It can be caused by where you sleep!  That’s right!  The place where we think we do the most relaxing can actually cause the symptoms of both upper and lower back pain.  It is important to have the proper type of mattress to suit your needs.  Mattresses that are too hard or too soft can cause back pain while you sleep, and cause you to have disturbed sleep and wake up stiff and sore.

Many people also have long commutes to and from work and could benefit from the use of a portable massage pad for their car seat.  The seats of our cars aren’t always the most supportive or comfortable.  Coupled with uneven roads, and sudden stops, our backs take a lot of strain that we don’t even notice.  A massage pad that attaches to the car seat will both provide support for the back, and a relaxing, gentle massage while you drive.

It is also important to be careful while at work to prevent back pain.  Improper lifting or reaching can cause muscles to spasm.  This can be extremely painful and that pain can last for several days if left untreated.  It is good to have a well-built and comfortable chair at work.  You could also take the massage pad from your car and attach it to your office chair to provide results like a massage chair could.  In fact, so many people spend long hours that the office, that some companies have begun to offer the use of a massage chair to their employees during breaks.  When employees have the opportunity to relax and realign themselves, they are more positive and more productive.  When this is the case, both employer and employee win.

Link:  http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/living-with-back-pain/back-pain-advice/guidelines-to-protect-your-back-from-backaches.htm

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Back Pain Causes

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Back Pain Causes

There are many causes for low back pain.  According to the Back Association of Canada, there are basically five main causes.  One is injuries to the muscles, ligaments and tendons such as sprains or strains.  Problems with the disks and joints of the back are two other sources of low back pain.  Osteoarthritis, which is normally associated with age, is also known as degenerative arthritis can cause increasing low back pain.  A condition caused spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal is another cause.

Lower back pain can come as a sudden onset and last only a short time.  This is often referred to as acute pain.  Lower back pain can also be ongoing.  Chronic back pain is not normally the result of an injury, but rather is caused by conditions that develop over time such as arthritis.  It can also be caused by the muscles of the back being weak and lacking the ability to support the back and body properly.

Most types of lower back pain respond well to a variety of treatments.  One of the many options is medication, both over the counter or prescribed by your physician.  Another option is massage, which can be performed by a massage professional, or by a massage chair in your home.

Link: http://www.lowerbackpainrelief.biz/back-pain-treatment-tips-for-acute-and-chronic-back-pain

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Back Pain

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Back Pain

The back is comprised of many different structural elements such as muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, and disks.  Injury to any of these structures can cause back pain.  People suffer from back pain for many different reasons, and while all the causes of back pain couldn’t possibly be known, there are many which are known, and can be prevented.

Improper lifting and sudden movements can trigger back pain.  This may cause spasms of the muscle, resulting in pain.  The disks of your back are meant to act as a type of cushion between the bones of your spine.  A type of pain called sciatica can be caused by a bulging disk in the back.  Sciatica feels like a shooting pain that goes from the back, down the buttocks, and down the leg.  Arthritis can also cause the joints of the back to degenerate and this leads to a chronic pain over time.

Many things can contribute to the risk of experiencing back pain.  Some of the things such being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, stressful work, old age and gender can be risk factors for back pain.  There are many ways that you can reduce your risks.  Using a massage chair several times a week to maintain loose muscles will help to prevent pain from occurring as well as provide regular relaxation for the body and mind.  Exercise can decrease your chances for experiencing back pain in many different ways.  It gets the blood flowing to all areas of the body, including the brain which can improve your mood.  It also strengthens the muscles, especially the core which can help to improve posture as well as muscle flexibility.

Link:   http://www.lowerbackpainrelief.biz/back-pain-reasons-and-solutions

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Treatment of Leg Pain

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Treatment of Leg Pain

Minor leg pain or discomfort is a common occurrence that is treatable at home with simple traditional remedies if the problem isn’t attributed to a serious disorder such as bursitis, tendonitis, shin splints or other ailments attributed to serious injury. Muscle cramps, fatigue, overuse or wear and tear attributed to exercise, work-related tasks have potential to cause numbness, swelling or a weak feeling in your extremities, and properly cared for, require little attention to correct.

The first step in treating leg pain is to identify the problem by assessing your symptoms. The best way to be sure of the problem is to consult a health care professional and schedule an appointment if necessary.

If minor and treatable at home, the steps are quite easy. The acronym R.I.C.E is the key to remembering the proper order. Rest is first. Rest and protect the area of interest. Ice reduces the pain and swelling of the affected area. Compression or wrapping the area with bandages used with elevation above the heart will also treat swelling. Gentle massage to the area promotes blood flow and when used with hydration, can relieve the cramps. If the area is not reachable, the use of a massage chair is recommended.

Link: http://health.yahoo.com/musculoskeletal-overview/leg-problems-noninjury/healthwise–legpb.html

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com