Monday, February 25, 2013

Yoga...and YOU!

For your body, and your mind...


While yoga has been practiced for a very long time (5000+ years), it's enjoyed a huge increase in popularity in the United States in just the last 10-15 years. Improved strength, flexibility and even mental health have been touted as some of its benefits. Yoga fans will agree, but now there are also many studies that back up these claims.

Researchers at Duke University recently reviewed over 100 clinical trials dealing with yoga and mental health, focusing on 16 of the strongest, and concluded that a regular yoga practice showed measurable benefits for people with depression, ADHD, sleep issues, and schizophrenia. They found that yoga can affect the body in some of the same ways that anti-depressants and psychotherapy do.

Sounds great for the mind, but what about the body? A 2011 study specifically addressed yoga and chronic lower back pain. Adults with chronic or recurrent back pain who were placed in a 12 week yoga program, in addition to the usual course of care, reported a greater improvement in back function three months, six months, and even 12 months later over those who did not do the yoga program.

While it might be assumed that the strengthening and stretching involved in yoga are what's benefiting the back, the improvement in one's mental state might also be a factor. Stress is an established contributor to back pain. Yoga practice also helps one to become more mindful of posture and body positioning throughout the day.

With all its proven mental and physical benefits, starting a mindful yoga practice, preferably with a skilled instructor who can teach you to modify the poses to your specific needs, may be a great addition to your fitness routine!

For more information, please contact our office or visit our website.
 
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Chiropractic Care Millennium Park - 30 N. Michigan Avenue - Suite 605
Chicago, IL 60602 - Phone: 312-269-5556
Chiropractic Care, Ltd. - 2417 W. 183rd Street - Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: 708-798-5556
 

Monday, February 11, 2013

What is Chiropractic???

What is Chiropractic?


Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, pinched nerves, and headaches.

Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.” The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement (hypo mobile). The licensed doctors at Chiropractic Care also utilize COX Flexion Distraction to gently mobilize all the joints of the spine without the typical thrust (HVLA) associated with spinal adjustments.

Treatment may also be provided for tissue injury which can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal. Massage therapy may also be prescribed to reduce muscle tightness and promote healing.

Doctors of chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.

Please visit our website or call our offices for more information - 312.269.5556 or 708.798.5556

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

Feels Great...and Great for You!




Experience the Benefits of Massage

Massage is more than relaxing, feel good “me-time.” Studies continue to prove the physical and emotional benefits of even a single massage. As the number of proven health benefits grows, so do the number of Americans who turn to massage for a more balanced lifestyle.

o Relieves Stress
o Encourages Relaxation
o Improves Posture
o Improves Circulation
o Lower Blood Pressure
o Relaxes Muscles
o Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion
o Promotes Deeper and Easier Breathing
o Relieves Headaches
o Strengthens the Immune System
o Enhances Post-Operative Rehabilitation
o Improves Rehabilitation After Injury

Give the gift of health and relaxation. Consider a gift certificate for yourself too – you deserve it! Let our Licensed Massage Therapist help you and those you care about experience the many benefits of massage.

Please visit our website or call our offices for more information - 312.269.5556 or 708.798.5556
 
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