Massage Therapy & Pain Management

The purpose of massage therapy is to target the source of the body’s pain via eliminating tense muscles, increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles as well as the body as a whole. Massage also promotes circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which increases nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. In turn, this increased activity to the affected sites reduces stiffness and edema (swelling) in the muscles and joints, as well as increases flexibility to help reduce pain. 

Moreover, this form of therapy also releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways–physically as well as emotionally. Case in point, they promote healing, pain management, and feelings of euphoria, as well as help to calm the nerves.

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online.

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Most of us will suffer from stiff, achy muscles, and numerous musculoskeletal pain conditions that are caused by ‘knots’. These ‘knots’ besides causing pain, weaken and limit the full functioning of a muscle. If left untreated, ‘knots’ can also compromise surrounding muscles, which are forced into compensatory patterns. This imbalance can create new trigger points, which can further set the stage for injury, additional pain, asymmetrical bodily appearance, as well as loss of muscle flexibility and strength.

Trigger point Therapy uses a variety of techniques to ‘deactivate’ these painful knots, using cycles of isolated pressure and release. Trigger point is generally simple to perform, by yourself, with a partner, or by working with a trained therapist. For most musculoskeletal conditions, a combination of trigger point therapy together with some simple lifestyle changes will produce quick and lasting results.

Guy Lacoursiere practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment, or visit us online at 403-347-3261!

Craniosacral Therapy and Mouth Work

I have been practicing CranioSacral therapy since 2002 and it has helped me and many of my clients.  When most people talk about this therapy they talk about headaches, birth trauma, or chronic pain.  CranioSacral therapy helps all these things.  But I would like to share my experience with CranioSacral therapy and mouth work.  It has changed me.

I should start with a little history.  Now, I did not have any serious mouth or jaw problems growing up that I can remember.  My biggest problem with my jaw was probably stress clenching.  I know that is not a scientific word but I am sure many people know what I am talking about.  As my stress would increase so would my jaw tension.  When I started taking CranioSacral therapy and receiving treatments is when I noticed a significant difference.  After my first mouth work treatment that I received I could not believe the difference.  My mouth felt bigger and much more relaxed.  I started raving about this to my clients and trying the techniques out on them.  From chronic headache sufferers to clients with braces, the results have been amazing.

Another benefit of mouth work, for me at least, has been the ability to speak more freely.  When we have increased tension in and around our mouths it may unknowingly inhibit our ability to speak.  When even some of our tension is released that allows us to speak.

Mouth work in CranioSacral Therapy is something I practice on most of my clients, especially the infants.  I often see children with birth trauma, tongue ties, etc. and I find that mouth work is essential for them to get the results that they need.  While treating infants I am constantly reassuring, explaining and sometimes even showing the parents how much pressure I am using on their children. 

When practicing CranioSacral therapy in the mouth it just as gentle as when you work outside the mouth.  Sometimes even more gentle.  The practitioner uses gloves and can better access some of the bones of the mouth, the teeth, and even some of the muscles.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Gardening Tips for a Healthy Spine

        Summer time in Alberta is a great time to get out and plant flowers, vegetables and fruits in your yard and garden. It is a great experience to get out of the house and enjoy new life, the sunshine and God’s creation. It improves your mood as well as giving you exercise while enjoying the birds chirping and kids playing outside with each other.Before bending down and kneeling to remove debris and till the soil, here are a few tips to help keep your day enjoyable:

Warm up your body- Go for a short walk, do some lunges, arm circles and squats to warm up you muscles

Stretch – Some simple stretching of your legs, back, arms, shoulders and wrists will help to avoid injury or severe muscle stiffness later. Some muscle soreness is normal as you probably have not used all the same muscle groups for other activities during the winter. This will generally subside in a couple of days as your body gets used to this new activity.

Take your time – Going too fast too soon increases the risk of injury so enjoy your time outdoors and pace yourself. Take a few days if you have a large garden or yard. Alternate your tasks between kneeling, standing, digging and planting.

Use the Right Equipment – Use a wheelbarrow to transport smaller loads of dirt or planters. Use a kneeling pad to protect your knees. Use ergonomic tools while working the soil.

Include your children and family and HAVE FUN- Work doesn’t have to be a chore, you can incorporate fun as you weed, pick flowers and water the garden- an old fashioned water fight will be remembered by your kids for a long time!

Visit your Chiropractor and Massage Therapist – Regular chiropractic adjustments and muscle therapy will help to keep your spine aligned and reduce back and joint pain while maintaining flexibility.

Enjoy the fruits of your gardening! There is nothing like healthy fresh fruits and vegetables straight from your own garden.

Happy Gardening!!

Call Dr. Joelle Johnson at Family First Chiropractic & Wellness at 403-347-3261 to book your appointment www.family1stchiro.ca, look for us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram for more great information on your health. 

Do you have Restless Leg Syndrome?

 Restless Leg Syndrome- RLS affects over 12 million people causing a strong urge to move ones legs especially at night. RLS is a neurological complaint causing a decrease of nerve impulse to the affected limb- most often the legs. This uncomfortable syndrome causes many people a lot of discomfort. A large portion of pregnant population suffers from this uncomfortable issue. RLS prevents you from getting adequate rest and good nights sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause weakening of the weakening of the immune system, mood swings, psychological effects and depression.

Symptoms of RLS 

·        Strange itching, tingling, or "crawling" sensations occurring deep within the legs; these sensations may also occur in the arms.

·        A compelling urge to move the limbs to relieve these sensations

·        Restlessness -- floor pacing, tossing and turning in bed, rubbing the legs

Many patients, pregnant and non-pregnant find relief from specific experienced chiropractic adjustments, especially when adjusting the pregnant spine. These adjustments remove any pressure, impingement or irritation to the affected nerves in the legs/limbs. A complete history, examination and assessment will rule out any other underlying issues that may cause RLS.

Home help: Stretching, Epsom salt baths, heat application, limb massage

Supplements: Folic acid, Magnesium, B12, B complex, homeopathies

Dr. Joelle Johnson has practiced in Central Alberta for over 17years in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer T4R 2C3 www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261