Back In Motion​​

​Family Chiropractic

​​​~Keeping You In Motion from Head to Toe~​​​​

​Ice Massage and Ice Bath

​Yoga

Dry brushing has been around for centuries. It’s believed to have many health benefits which may include:

• stimulating the lymphatic system
• exfoliating the skin
• helping the body rid itself of toxins
• increasing circulation and energy

The idea is that the motion and direction of the brush along with its coarse fibers will help to remove dead skin and improve the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins by stimulating your lymphatic system, our body's  garbage disposal.

The lymphatic system helps your body fight off infections. Fluids flow through the system and are filtered through the lymph nodes. If your body is fighting an illness or you're exposed to a lot of toxins, the system may become backed up or clogged. That is why your lymph nodes often become swollen and maybe even tender when you don't feel well.

Dry brushing assists your body to release toxins while also exfoliating  dry, dead cells from the skin. This can leave your skin softer and smoother.

*Warning*  Some people should avoid dry brushing or proceed with caution. People with open or inflamed skin, including people with eczema and psoriasis, should avoid dry brushing over the inflamed area. You should also avoid dry brushing over an open wound. You could introduce bacteria to the wound, which could lead to infection.

Heat
After 72 hours or if you suffer from chronic pain, use heat to soothe and relax achy muscles and joints. 

Moist heat is preferred over dry, as to not cause dehydration to tissues, so a moist towel wrapped around a heating pad will do, as will a hot water bottle or soaking in a hot bath (add Epsom salt to decrease inflammation, muscle soreness and pain and replenish or regulate your electrolytes to increase nerve and tissue function).

Apply for 20 minutes every couple of hours.

Heat should also be used before activities, not after, to loosen the tissues and warm them up before use.

​Castor Oil Therapy

Recommendations

Ice
Ice should be used on acute injuries (if your injury happened within the past 72 hours). The goal is to limit the body's response to the injury by reducing further bleeding into the injured tissues, preventing and reducing swelling, muscle spasm and pain.

Ice can be used on chronic conditions such as: arthritis, tendonitis and overuse injuries, but after the activity. This will help control the inflammatory response and any following pain.

Start by placing a cloth over the injured area to avoid frostbite then apply an ice pack, ice or even a bag of frozen peas for 20 minutes time periods every 2-3 hours to bring down the swelling and inflammation.
*It is normal to go through the phases of cold: burning then numbness.

Yoga can make you feel better, physically, mentally and spiritually. 

Your health does not affect just you, it affects everyone around you.

Yoga, by some definitions, is a system of exercises or poses done to bring the body and mind in harmony, by improving breathing and focusing on alignment of your body. 

Yoga is an exercise that both stretches and strengthens. The mind and the body.

It fuses mental work with physical postures and breath awareness to help achieve both strength and relaxation by creating mindfulness while enhancing your health and over all well-being.  Most students notice their mood and attitude improve along with their body.

Yoga can also accelerate recovery from injury or surgery, prevent re-injury and enhance activities of daily living, work and recreation.

​Ice ​or ​Heat​?
Both heat and ice improve healing by manipulating blood flow, reducing inflammation and pain.

Please know that these are general recommendations and do not replace the instructions of your physician.  If your injury does not respond to your home care please consult your physician.

 

​Dry Brushing