MASSASGE THERAPY VS. CHIROPRACTICTIC THERAPY

If you are anything like me, you probably prefer staying away from providers of conventional Western medicine as much as possible and I cannot say that I blame you. Although I have full medical coverage for that “you never know when you might need it” time of my life, I have not seen any of my Blue Cross doctors in well over ten years, and I hope to continue not seeing them for the rest of my life. Please do not miss understand me and think that I am some sort of superhuman creature who never gets ill. I do have my weak moments of pain and sniffles just like everyone else, or at least everyone else who takes good care of him or herself. So, when my body seems to need a boost, I visit one of my two favorite practitioners of alternative medicine; my massage therapist or my chiropractor.

I know that it all sounds very simple and straight forward but it is, in fact, somewhat challenging at times, because I do not always know which one of these wonderful professional to seek out. So, I often first opt to visit my chiropractor for a good therapeutic session of adjusting and aligning my skeletal structure and then, as an extra bonus to me and my one and only body, I also make an appointment with my massage therapist for some hefty digging and rubbing. Between the two of them, I come out feeling like a million bucks although my finances are sadly depleted. I figure that we, my body and I, are worth it.

Now, you might ask and rightfully so, “What is the difference between a massage therapy and chiropractic therapy?” Well, I will be happy to tell you:

* Chiropractic Therapy.
- For the most part, chiropractic therapy focuses on the hard tissues such as the spine and other joints for adjusting and realignment. Chiropractors have some training in massage techniques but that is never their first and foremost priority.
- Chiropractors are authorized to make medical diagnosis, order x-rays or blood works.
- Chiropractors cannot prescribe conventional medications but they can sell supplements or homeopathic remedies.
- Chiropractors do not need medical referrals to perform their work.

* Massage Therapy.
- Massage therapists perform wonderful work on the soft body tissues such as the muscles, tendons and ligaments but they have not been trained nor are they licensed to adjust the spine or any other joints.
- Massage therapists may not legally make medical diagnosis, order x-rays or any blood work.
- Massage therapists are not permitted to dispense medications of Western medicine but they can and do provide or recommend alternative herbal remedies.
- Massage Therapists do not required referrals from anyone to conduct their massage sessions.

A highly acclaimed national non-profit magazine recently conducted a study in which more than 34,000 participants in the United States were asked to rate which alternative treatments worked best for their two biggest health problems for the past two years and the overwhelming majority voted just as I would have; for deep tissue massage therapy and chiropractic therapy in equal measures for such conditions as back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, respiratory problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, insomnia and prostate problems.

Of course, as far as alternative medicine is concerned, one should not discount acupuncture and reflexology for they too are beneficial in their own very special ways.

Chiropractic Care versus Pain Medication

Do you suffer from mild to severe to unbearable pain? Regardless of its cause, you may turn to pain relievers. These are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Did you know they are not your only alternative? In fact, they are one of the worst. A better option is to seek chiropractic care.

As nice as it is to hear that chiropractic care is better than pain pills, you may be wondering why. What proof is there? Continue reading on for a detailed comparison. In the end, you will see why chiropractic care is better.

Fixing the Problem

Pain medication does not fix a problem. Yes, it does provide relief, but only short-term relief. Pain medication only masks the problem. It is still there. As soon as your pain pills wear off, the pain is likely to return. If you suffer from recurring headaches, it may be another day before the next headache returns, but it will.

Chiropractors fix the problem. Yes, they want to treat your pain. They just go about it differently. They don’t want to mask the problem. Instead, they treat it and by going directly to the source. For many, this is the spine and connecting joints. By treating the problem at the source, you will get relief, but that relief should be long-lasting, if not permanent.

Side Effects

Pain relievers are full of side effects. This is particularly true with prescription pain relievers. Takers can experience upset stomachs, drowsiness, nausea, and more. Even the smallest side effects can negatively affect our lives. How can you work if your pain pills make you drowsy? It will be difficult, if not impossible. Pain relief should improve your life, not create a whole new set of problems to deal with.

Chiropractic care is all natural. It involves manual therapy. This is therapy of the hands. Temporary relief is sought with ongoing therapeutic massages. Overtime, they can lead to long-term relief. Another form of long-term relief is chiropractic adjustments or realignments. For example, a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can get less pain and improved movement with finger joint adjustments.

Safety

As previously stated, most pain relievers, even over-the-counter pills, have side effects. If it wasn’t bad enough, there are many other additional risks. Certain medications can result in stomach ulcers and bleeding. This is common with continued and prolonged use. Some medications interact with others. Pain medications are risky for children, the elderly, and pregnant or nursing mothers. Still, people use them and doctors prescribe them. That however, does not mean they are safe.

Chiropractic care, as stated above, is natural. There is no medication given. The hands provide therapy. Since there is no medication and no invasive medical procedures, it is safe. In fact, chiropractic care is safe for individuals of all ages. The old, young, and even pregnant and nursing women can seek relief through this natural form of healthcare. All should, as it is safer.

Costs

With pain reliever, think long-term. They only mask the problem, so it is likely to return. This results in the consumption of more medication. Not only is this risky, but very costly. Even with insurance covering the cost of most prescription pain relievers, their costs add up over a period of time.

Many fear the cost of chiropractors. For starters, insurance does cover the cost of most treatment. Next, continued care is not required in all cases. Your chiropractor may perform a neck adjustment, have you comeback for a follow-up appointment, and return again to show you helpful at-home techniques to reduce pain. After that, you may be done. Three appointments with a chiropractor, even if you pay out-of-pocket, are cheaper than years worth of pain pills.

In short, chiropractic care is not only safer, but cheaper, less invasive, and long-lasting. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for pain relievers to treat you pain and discomfort, please stop. Make an appointment with a local chiropractor. You may be surprised how easy it is to seek long-lasting or permanent relief.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

You may have heard that chiropractic care has many benefits, especially when compared to traditional forms of healthcare. Although chiropractic care is increasing in popularity and is being accepted as a valid form of healthcare, as opposed to just alternative medicine, you may wonder about the claims. Are they true? What are the benefits of seeing a chiropractor?

The pain stops. Most patients experience a significant reduction, if not a complete elimination in pain after seeing a chiropractor. It all depends on the individual in question, the source of their problem, and the treatment offered. Those suffering from osteoarthritis are always susceptible to pain, as there is no cure. With that said, therapeutic massages overtime can help relieve the pain. Headaches caused by spinal distortion can be treated with a onetime neck adjustment.

Mobility improves. Chiropractors specialize in helping those in pain and those with decreased mobility. Often times, a joint just needs to be popped into place. This sounds simple enough, but the technical term is a chiropractic adjustment. When the joints are in proper alignment with the spine, they work better. So, patients typically experience an improvement in mobility and movement.

Can treat a wide range of complications that cause pain and discomfort. When it comes to pain and discomfort, we often think of car accidents and sports injuries. Many medical conditions cause pain or discomfort. Arthritis was used as an example above. Additional problems that chiropractic care can treat include sleep difficulties, allergies, scoliosis, earaches, severe menstrual cramps, and headaches.

The symptoms aren’t masked. When visiting a primary care physician to seek pain relief, most just recommend over-the-counter or prescribed pain pills. These are not a solution. They temporarily mask the problem, not treat it. Chiropractic care is based on the belief that natural care is best. It relies on manual therapy. With the use of the hands, a trained professional cannot only relieve pain, but stop the problem at the source.

Chiropractic care is a form of natural medicine. A chiropractor will not discourage patients from seeking temporary relief from over-the-counter pain products, but the focus is temporary. It should only be used until a chiropractor can see a patient. Also, these professionals do not prescribed medication. Yes, they cannot do so legally, but they do not feel the need to. Treatment and care involves the hands, not unnatural medicines.

Chiropractic care is safe. As previously stated, chiropractic care is a form of natural healthcare. You are not prescribed medications and you will not have your blood drawn. A doctor may use an MRI or an x-ray to diagnose a problem, but that is about it. The hands and the hands alone perform treatment. For that reason, there are no risks of complication, death, or infection. You are not discouraged from seeing your primary care physician for other medical issues, but if it involves pain, discomfort, and difficulty moving, a chiropractor is the safest way to seek treatment.

It is ideal for individuals of all ages. Most primary care physicians suggest medicine, but there are many risk and side effects. This is particularly true for young children and the elderly. Many prescribed medications provide only temporarily relief and they have many side effects. These medications may interact with others, causing additional complications. Since chiropractic care is 100% natural, there are no risks. This means that care is ideal for individuals of all ages, including the young, the elderly and pregnant women.

Chiropractors are well educated and trained professionals. One mistake that people make is thinking they can perform chiropractic care at home. After all, it involves the use of hands and we have them. Yes, this is true, but there are many dangers to performing this care at home, especially with chiropractic adjustments. One wrong move and a lot of damage could result. Chiropractors operating in the United States are trained individuals who have received the proper schooling and undergone the proper tests. Always opt for a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), as you get the best and safest level of care.

5 Reasons to Visit a Chiropractor After a Car Accident

Were you in a car accident? You feel fine, but are you? You may not know. That is why you should see a chiropractor. Do you need more reasons?

1 – You May Have an Injury and Not Know It

Most individuals mistakenly believe that they will be in pain if they have an injury. This is not always true. Damage to the body, muscles, joints, and spine typically hurts, but there are no guarantees. Some damage is just minor enough that there is no pain. However, a smaller injury or just time can lead to aggravation and then pain. Why not prevent this from happening? You can with chiropractic care.

After a car accident, a chiropractor will meet with you. They will gather your medical history, perform a quick physical exam, and ask questions about your car accident. They will diagnose any problems and decide on a course of treatment. This treatment can include joint adjustments or therapeutic massages to relieve pain that will go away on its own overtime.

2 – It Is Less Invasive

With chiropractic care, surgery is a last resort. Even then, you are referred to a specialty surgeon. No surgical tools or invasive medical procedures are needed for treatment. Chiropractors rely on manual therapy, which is therapy of the hands. As previously stated, a joint adjustment may be necessarily to properly realign a joint. This is done with precision force of the hands. There is no cutting of the skin or drawing of blood.

After a car accident, many accident victims fear seeking medical treatment. They worry about surgery or being loaded up on prescription medications that have many side effects. Although you may fear the hospital or your primary care physician, you have no reason to fear a chiropractor. Although you are seeking medical care, a trip to the chiropractor may actually feel more like a trip the spa than a doctor’s visit.

3 – No Medications

As previously stated, chiropractic care involves the use of manual therapy. This is 100% all natural. If a chiropractor cannot see a patient right away, they may suggest the use of over-the-counter pain medications. After treatment, they are no longer needed. Pain relievers do provide relief, but that relief is short-lived and it only masks the problem. Chiropractors want to eliminate your pain, but they do so by going directly to the source.

Whiplash victims may receive ongoing massages to treat the pain and discomfort. Whiplash corrects itself overtime, but not all corrections are proper. A patient who does not wear a neck brace or does not limit their activities can experience complications. In these instances, neck adjustments or vertebrae realignment are preformed. Once again, this is done with the hands and not with medications or surgical tools.

4 – It Is Safe

Although chiropractic care is 100% natural, is there is some concern about the force used in adjustments. What if a chiropractor slips? Will more damage occur? These are legitimate questions, but you do not need to worry. Chiropractors are medical professionals. They are educated and trained as such. Not anyone can be a chiropractor. It requires training, education, the passing of many tests, and a state license. If your chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), you can rest assure knowing you are safe in their hands.

Not only is chiropractor a safe form of healthcare, but it is ideal for individuals of all ages. In fact, some parents bring their newborns in for examination following birth! Yes, they really do and it is perfectly safe. If your child is in the car with you during an accident, their primary care physician may prescribe pain medication. It is very dangerous, especially for small children. The 100% natural relief of chiropractic care is safe for individuals of all ages and even pregnant women.

5 – It Is Sometimes Covered by Insurance

Following a car accident, your focus may be on costs. After all, your car is damaged. You may have to pay for a new method of transportation, but now healthcare too. As previously stated, some injuries are hard to spot immediately following an automobile accident. Don’t wait to get diagnosed until after the incident and after all insurance claims have been filed. Know now.

Luckily, many insurance providers extend coverage for chiropractic care. Many realize that it can lower their operating costs. The onetime cost of neck realignment is much cheaper than 10 years of prescribed pain medications or surgery.

How to Seek Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident

Were you in a car accident? Did you visit your primary care physician or the hospital? Were you sent home with a prescribed pain reliever? If so, you may have a mild form of whiplash or just a sore body. Yes, pain may subside overtime, but don’t you want immediate relief? Also, don’t you want to know if there is a more serious problem instead of waiting for it to explode at a later date? After a car accident, victims should never take risks. They should schedule an appointment with a licensed chiropractor.

Why should you seek chiropractic care after a car accident? For starters, chiropractors do not just try to hide the problem of pain with medication. They do not use it. Instead, they rely on manual therapy. For pain that will subside overtime, therapeutic massages are best. For spinal or joint injuries, adjustments are best. Whatever the treatment, manual therapy is used. It involves the hands. To make a proper diagnosis after a serious car accident, an MRI, sonogram, or x-ray may be used.

Another reason why you should seek chiropractic care after a car accident is to prevent later complications. Not all injuries result in pain. Some are just minor enough that there is no pain. That does not mean something didn’t happen to the body, your muscles, joints, or spine. Chiropractors will examine the body and they can determine if anything is even slightly wrong or out of place. Treatment will ensure. Primary care physicians tend to wait until pain is a symptom before taking action.

You now know the benefits of seeking chiropractic care after a car accident, so what should you do? Schedule an appointment. You may first want to speak with your car insurance provider or the at-fault driver. Most car insurance claims cover medical treatment sought because of an accident. You do not need to wait. Most insurance providers extend coverage to chiropractic care. They are legally classified as contact physicians by the federal government. All insurance companies should accept the treatment and diagnosis of a chiropractor, if not keep on pushing.

Since you should not wait for approval to see a chiropractor, familiarize yourself with your local options. You can do so by using your local phone book or the internet. When using the internet, perform a standard internet search with the phrase “chiropractor,” and your city and state. You will be linked to the websites of local providers in your area. You can use these to examine rates, get a feel for the professional, and see pictures of their office. Once you find a chiropractor you like, schedule an appointment.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to get an immediate appointment. This is because chiropractic care is increasing in popularity; there is a high demand. Some have a waiting list. When making your appointment, state you were in a serious car accident. Some schedulers may be willing to squeeze you in or contact you in the event of a late cancellation.

If seeking care immediately following a car accident, you may need to wait to file a claim. If the chiropractor requires immediate payment, pay or give your health insurance information. The rest can be worked out later. For now, it is important to seek treatment for any pain or discomfort you are feeling. Care should always come first.

Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga

Raja means kingly or royal. This form of meditation is
based on bringing the mind and emotions into balance
or harmony so that your attention may be easily
directed on the object of your meditation or on the
Lord directly.
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