At Zemella Chiropractic, we fully embrace the complete treatment protocol for our patients, and we are happy to provide access to one of our deluxe massage chairs that patients can use for 15 minutes prior to being treated by Dr. Zemella.
Our wonderful massage chair prepares the patient's spine for a much more thorough and effective spinal adjusting experience, and it aids in a faster and complete recovery.
Massage helps to soothe aching muscles, relax the body, and relieve tension. Some forms of massage are also believed to have health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting the immune system, relieving headaches, stimulating circulation, and controlling minor depression.
Here are five immediate health benefits of using a massage chair.
A reclining, massage chair reduces pressure on the spine by supporting the back in a horizontal position. Major nerves run through the vertebrae to peripheral areas of the body, including the hands, feet, fingers, and toes. Tension in the spine or misaligned vertebrae can compress nerves. As muscles that support the vertebrae relax, the spine lengthens and vertebrae resume their natural alignment. When impinged nerves are free of pressure, nerve impulses travel through the spinal column to easily reach the extremities.
Massage chairs target specific muscles and use several kinds of strokes to help relieve pain. Imbalances are corrected as muscles relax. Relaxed muscles allow the body to move with increased mobility. The body has a tendency to naturally alleviate pain by compensating through the use of other muscles. However, this compensation places added pressure on those muscles and ligaments.
For example, a sore hip may make someone sit unevenly to reduce pressure on the painful side. This causes the muscles along the lower spine to bear weight unevenly. Neck and shoulder muscles may also become strained from misalignment or from bearing weight that is usually held by the lower spine. After a 15-minute session on a massage chair, many people feel their posture and balance improve.
Stress can be produced through emotional situations or through heavy physical activity from repetitive motions. Stress affects mental well-being and it has a physiological impact on health as well. Stress may cause sleeplessness, poor appetite, or high blood pressure, which can all have an effect on the recovery of the muscles and injuries. Alleviating stress reduces levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, which helps to control blood pressure.
Increased circulation promotes healing. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs to help remove toxins. Constricted muscles can constrict blood flow. By relaxing muscles, blood can flow to the tissues and organs freely. Several studies have suggested that a good massage can strengthen the immune system. Proper circulation in the body is key to improving injury symptoms.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that help reduce the perception of pain and lessen the effects of stress. Endorphins create a feeling of well-being and enhance immune response. Studies have shown that massage triggers secretion of endorphins.
Massage chairs have the potential to ease aches and pains, and they can help patients relax and lower stress. Using a massage chair can have a positive effect on both your physical and mental health. Call our office to learn more about our massage chairs before your chiropractic adjustment.
This is a great therapy if there is a spasm in a back or neck muscle. It works well in relaxing the muscle and allowing it to return to its normal state rather quickly. Short therapy sessions are excellent at facilitating healing from acute and chronic pain.