03 9302 1023 Message Us Broadmeadows, VIC

Tag: Stretches

Categories
Uncategorised

Has Time Run Out To Fix Your Posture?

PoorPostureTMC.jpg
Can You Fix Your Poor Posture?

Our Chiropractors at The Melbourne Chiropractor have seen first hand that poor posture can cause devastating affects on the bodies musculoskeletal system for both young and older patients. What they have found is areas of dysfunction caused by poor posture have influenced problems such as degeneration, sprains or strains or even put people at risk of overuse type injuries.

How long you have had poor posture is not a reason to think it cannot be changed, the biggest issue, is how it was caused and what other underlying factors such as trauma or medical problems the patient is dealing with. Most times we find that posture can be improved within the first 8-12 weeks if it is a functional cause, although depending on the severity it may take up to 6 months to see changes in areas that are severely degenerated and affected by poor posture. Lifestyle factors and habits will also come in to play as forward posture at the desk from long hours can limit the amount of change from therapy.

What Is Considered Poor Posture?

  • Forward head carriage
  • Rolling of the shoulders (forward)
  • Increased curve in the low back
  • Increased curve in the upper/mid back
  • In toeing of the feet
  • Scoliosis / Kyphosis Curve
  • Unbalanced hips and shoulders
GoodVsBadPostureTMC.jpg
Good Vs Bad Postures

Associated Problems Caused by Poor Posture?

Most Common Causes of Poor Posture

Ways To Improve Posture

PostureSeatingTMC.jpg
Changing Seating Position at Work

How Can The Melbourne Chiropractor Help Your Posture?

Note* If you are currently suffering from postural issues the early you start the better off you will be. If you are wondering what we do on your first chiropractic session or would like to make a booking, you can always contact us to find out more! Online bookings also available 7 days a week @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

TMClogo.jpg
https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/

Visit our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows or Fawkner Health Clinic Today!

Categories
Uncategorised

Can Chiropractors Help With Back Pain?

TreatLowBackTMC.jpg
Chiropractic Treatment Low Back Pain

Back pain is known as the most common cause of bodily pain in Australia. It affects up to 90% of the population at least once throughout their life. There are many different forms of back pain ranging from acute to chronic with various symptoms associated with it. They may include radiating pain down the legs or pins and needles in lower body regions.

The Most Common Causes of Back Pain Include:

LowBackPainTMC.jpg
Low Back Pain Causing Dysfunction

How to help manage back pain

There are several things you can do that may help prevent and manage back pain:

  • Ice or Heat can provide relief in the acute stages (<48 hours).
  • Stretches and exercises specific for low back pain can help improve or even decrease pain.
  • Keep heavy lifting minimal and when doing so using correct technique to do so (knees bent).
  • Keeping active such as a simple walk and decreasing seated activity helps increase mobility and flexibility throughout the area.
  • Visit your allied health professional and see how they can implement certain techniques to alleviate your back pain.
CorrectLiftingTMC.jpg
Using Correct Lifting Techniques

5 ways Chiropractors may be able to help with back pain

Chiropractic care can help alleviate low back pain using just a few ways below:

Spinal Adjustments

Our Chiropractor will assess the areas that are restricted within the spine in both the upper and lower sections to ensure they correct the dysfunctions identified. This will help improve function in the area by reducing tension and alleviating the pain causing the issue. Surrounding areas will also be assessed to ensure that they are not pulling or twisting the area in an unnatural position causing what we think to be the “main” cause of back pain.

Low Back Stretches and Exercises

Low Back exercises and Low Back Stretches may be implemented to help assist with building strength and maintaining flexibility throughout the area of concern. The exercises will be tailored towards what areas of the body need exercise and stretches although general exercises will be given aswell to ensure that the patient has a variety to choose from to suit their needs.

Remedial Massage Therapy, Dry Needling or Cupping

If needed our chiropractors may refer you to our remedial massage therapists or even implement other modalities such as Dry Needling or Cupping to help decrease muscle tightness, especially for people suffering with low back pain.

Posture Checks

Our Chiropractors at The Melbourne Chiropractor understand that different modalities should be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort. there is not one recipe that works for every patient hence why our clinic has various practitioners performing different types of chiropractic care. Posture for low back pain can be a big problem and this is why our chiropractors will check for instability within the hips, changes to toe in and toe out of the foot and changes to upper back and lower back curvature. It is common to find underlying postural related issues that can have an impact long term on recovering from back pain hence why our team take a holistic approach to chiropractic care to ensure everything gets done the right way from the beginning.

Doctor Referrals or Specialists

Our Broadmeadows Chiropractor especially has worked with patients of surgeons who have had spinal fusions or surgeries related to previous low back pain. What we find is patients who have had surgery before have a limitation in low back movement hence why we try to alleviate the tension associated with the area that has been fused. At times we also may refer patients out to surgeons to get a second set of eyes to look at the situation although most of the time we will refer to a doctor to get the right information to proceed. Most times our team of chiropractors will refer for an X-ray and create a report before sending a patient of to a GP for further testing.

If you are someone who is suffering from low back pain and doesn’t know where to start, or wondering what to expect on your first chiropractor visit, our team of chiropractors or remedial massage therapists are more than happy to help you get back on track. You can always contact us or book online @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

TMClogo.jpg
themelbournechiropractor.com.au
Categories
Uncategorised

What To Expect On Your First Chiropractic Visit!

ChiroVisitTMC.jpg
What To Expect On Your First Visit!

What to expect from The Melbourne Chiropractor

At The Melbourne Chiropractor in Broadmeadows our team of Chiropractors have created a process that allows them to get to the root of the problem and to help alleviate the pain.

BroadmeadowsChiroClinic.jpg
Broadmeadows Chiropractic Clinic

First (Initial) Appointment

On your first visit your chiropractor will do an examination and conduct an assessment which includes:

  • A collection of prior health history
    Our Chiropractors collect information that helps to find imbalances throughout your general health and wellbeing. Sometimes the cause of pain may be from certain movements at work, health or medical conditions or something as simple as bending over and hurting your back. By collating the information we need it allows us to understand what you are experiencing and also use this information to help create a personalised treatment plan.
  • Mobility and Flexibility Tests
    During this part of the examination we aim to move your joints though their range of motion to look out for any restrictions or pain throughout the joint. This can be done in 2 ways, either actively which is done on your own or passively where the chiropractor moves the joint for you.
  • Orthopaedic and neurological tests
    During orthopaedic and neurological examinations, your Chiropractor will go through the following tests:
    – Muscle strength tests and functional tests
    – Pain levels of the region of complaint
    – Nerve function
    – Joint stability and function
  • Posture Assessment
    Your Chiropractor will look out for discrepancies in posture such as scoliosis, kyphosis, rounding of shoulders (poor posture) and other variances throughout the body such as hip or shoulder drop. This enables our Chiropractors to find reasons indicating an issue with poor posture and alignment in regions such as the hips, lower limbs, ankles or feet.
ChiroRoomBroadmeadows.jpg
Chiropractic Room in Broadmeadows

Spinal x-rays

  • When there is a reason for it, your Broadmeadows Chiropractor will refer you for Spinal X-rays to get an understanding of the underlying causes to your issue. Your Broadmeadows Chiropractor may also check spinal alignment and any other anomalies present that you were not aware of at the time.

Report of findings

Regular adjustments

  • Chiropractic Adjustments are used to help bring the body back to its natural balance. All adjustments are used to target areas of restriction and to decrease overall tension and alleviate pain within the area.

Progress examinations

  • Progress examinations are a visit created to evaluate your condition and progress throughout the time you have been visiting the clinic. At times if we see only minimal improvements have been made, other modalities such as dry needling or cupping may be implemented to help relieve the pain. Alternatively we may refer you to other health professionals to examine your complaint so that we can get you back on track as quick as we possibly can.
ChiroExamTMC.jpg
Chiropractic Progress Examination
TMClogo.jpg
https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/
Categories
Uncategorised

The Truth About Desk Work and Back Pain!

BackPainTMC.jpg
Back and Neck Pain

What Is The Issue?

Long periods of sitting in an office chair is most likely going to cause issues with your back and neck. Slouching, hanging your head over and sliding down the chair can strain muscles and cause a muscle imbalance within the area. By doing this spinal structures can be damaged and back pain or neck pain may arise from the issue and at times headaches and migraines may become more prominent.

What Is Back Pain In Desk Workers?

It is common for desk workers to have back pain as muscles are working continuously to keep us upright in a chair. Especially now that people are working from home and not using an ergonomic setup we have found that our locals from our Westmeadows, Broadmedows and Fawkner clinics who are now working from home are suffering from this. From neck pain to back pain sedentary activities such as desk work put you at risk of restricting physical activity that could be doing you good.

Risk Factors of Desk Work

  • Sitting with an incorrect posture
  • Repetitive or heavy lifting
  • Sitting for long periods
  • Bending down
  • Straining the neck
  • Sedentary activity

Causes of Back Pain Can Include:

  • Stressful job
  • Pregnancy
  • Strenuous activity/exercise
  • Degeneration
  • Ageing
TMCDeskWorkPain.jpg
Desk Work and Low Back Pain

Diagnosis of Back Pain

Although office life can be time restricting, getting your back pain diagnosed and treated is important for your health. The Melbourne Chiropractor offers treatment for issues relating to back pain aswell as long term instruction to ensure reoccurrences of back pain from desk work never occur again! Our clinic has remedial massage therapists and chiropractors to choose from and offer cupping, dry needling, pregnancy care and paediatric care if needed!

Tips When Working at a Desk

At The Melbourne Chiropractor we use different treatment modalities for back pain depending on the issue. Not everyone’s back pain is the same hence why we try to offer as many things possible to the patient. The biggest thing you can be doing in the office is looking after your posture! Standing desks are a good step in the right direction but also ergonomic seating with head support is ideal. Taking breaks every 30 minutes for a quick stretch and moving your screen to eye level are some easy ways to help support your body.

StandingDeskTMC.jpg
Standing Desk

Desk Workers, Back Pain & How We Can Help!

If you are finding it hard to manage your back pain and it is to far gone, you can always contact us to see how we can help you today. If we feel that during our examination what we provide for you is not suitable, we can always refer you out to the best professional for your problem. We may like to implement things such as Manual Adjustments, Remedial Massage, Dry Needling and Cupping to help alleviate symptoms or even prescribe exercises and stretches for back pain to help the problem.

Book Online Today!

It is common for people to complain about back pain as it has a significant effect on someone’s family life, daily activities, work life and recreational activities. Our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor are able to help you with issues such as back pain.

If you want to know more about what we do or would like us to help with your back pain contact us today and visit one of our locations at Broadmeadows, Westmeadows or Fawkner.

TMClogo.jpg
https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/
Categories
Uncategorised

Improve Your Health with Chiropractic Care!

ChiroTMC.jpg
Chiropractic Wellness Care

You have just visited an allied health professional and your feeling allot better now! But, question is…. Will you be doing anything different to what you were doing before? If your answer is No then it may be ideal to keep an appointment for later on in the month to combat these pain episodes that have been bringing you down!

Pain is a signal coming from the body that alerts us that we are doing something wrong. Hence why we should aim to make changes to combat pain by altering our lifestyle (especially those bad habits!)

Chiropractic Care and How It Can Improve Your Wellbeing?

At The Melbourne Chiropractor we acknowledge that continuous episodes of pain are to be managed over a period of time. This can be done with Chiropractic adjustments, Remedial Massage, Cupping or Dry Needling just to name a few although with allot of these issues exercises and stretches are implemented to help maintain the best of postures and pain free activities overtime. Most commonly patients seek chiropractic care for neck pain, back pain, headaches and repetitive strain injuries/overuse.

Our team of practitioners offer wellness care for those who are willing to take their wellbeing to the next level. This incorporates a plan that helps to reduce reoccurrences of episodes from pain and increase overall mobility and function of the body. Advice on daily living activities such as work posture, lifting biomechanics and sleeping are all things our team look into to improve your wellbeing for many years to come.

ChiropracticCareTMC.jpg
Chiropractic Care

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic Care involves the movement of joints back to a normal position where the body is then able to move effectively. Tension is also decreased from the area as tight muscles are relieved and an increase in mobility and flexibility can be seen almost instantly. There are many different techniques that a chiropractor may use including manual adjustments, low force techniques, trigger point therapy, dry needling, prescribe exercises, prescribe stretching or mobilisations in the area of complaint.

Our team of practitioners at The Melbourne Chiropractor strive to get functioning to the best of your abilities. By getting to the bottom of the problem early on it will be easier to tackle the complaint in a shorter period of time.

Our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics are Open Weekends and Bookings are available online!

TMCOutsideBroady.jpg
Broadmeadows Health Clinic
TMClogo.jpg

themelbournechiropractor.com.au

Categories
Uncategorised

Common Posture Issues and How You Can Improve Them!

PosturediagramTMC.jpg
Posture Diagram

Common posture problems:

Rounding shoulders

This is when you are sitting with your head forward, away from its ‘neutral’ position. When our head is sitting in a forward position, it increases the load and compression on the neck. As a general rule, every 2.5cm that the head is in a forward posture, an additional 4-5kg of weight is felt on the neck!

Forward head posture

Rounding shoulders is exactly what it sounds like. You may often hear people refer to this as being in a slouched position. We can begin to develop rounding or rolled forward shoulders after being in this sustained, hunched position and adapting it as a postural habit.

Slouching in upper back

When the spine of the upper back curves at an increased angle. This can also be known as an increased kyphosis. This position is often adapted after continuously maintaining a slouched position, rounding shoulders and forward head carriage.

Increased curve in lower back

This is also known as increased lordosis or hyper lordosis. In this position, your pelvis tilts forward and creates an exaggerated curve in your mid to lower back region.

GoodvsBadPostureTMC.jpg
Good vs Poor Posture

What’s the cause of posture problems?

  • Desk Work
  • Long periods of driving
  • Incorrect sleeping positions or pillow
  • Weak stabilising muscles
  • Hypertonic muscles
  • Structural or functional changes such as scoliosis
  • Sedentary activity
  • Progression of the ageing process (degeneration)

What can be done to help prevent posture issues from occurring?

  1. Awareness of your posture
  2. Stretching and using things such as a posture pole
  3. Keeping active!
  4. Ergonomic working environments
  5. Using the correct pillow
SeatingPostureTMC.jpg
Correct Seating Posture vs Incorrect

Benefits of Having a Good Posture:

  • Reduction of muscle tension
  • Decreased stress on joints and ligaments
  • Increase in energy and mood
  • Decreases the risk of injury
  • Helps decrease episodes of pain and tension throughout the body

How Can Our Team Help?

Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint. Treatments that may be provided but are not limited to include:

  • Spinal manipulation, Activator Methods, Drop Piece, SOT and other adjustive techniques can help alleviate joints that have restriction such as spinal segments and joints (LeFebvre, Peterson & Haas, 2012)
  • PNF/PIR/prescribed stretching – Stretching has shown to reduce pain, improve functionality of the wrist and hand also maintains strength and improves patients in both long and short-term outcomes.
  • Remedial Massage, Trigger point therapy or use of handheld massager – Have shown to decrease pain/tenderness, enhance both range of motion and quality of life and influence flexibility (Shah et al., 2015) (Imtiyaz, Veqar & Shareef, 2014)
  • Advice on daily living activities/diet – This enables advice on how to change to make healthy        actions into habits and may offer a valuable alternative with potential for long-term   impact. (Gardner, Lally & Wardle, 2012)
  • Prescribed exercises – produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function and reduced pain scores. (Fernandes, Pedrinelli & Hernandez, 2015)
  • Dry Needling or Cupping to the surrounding musculature to help decrease tension and inflammation around the area of the hand and forearm.
ChiroTMC.jpg
Chiropractic Treatment

*Note: If you are suffering from severe Neck pain, Low back pain, shooting pains down the legs, troubles lifting limbs due to soreness, sciatica or joint pain and need more than ways to help improve your posture don’t hesitate to contact our team of practitioners who are always happy to help! Bookings are available online 7 days a week! https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

Categories
Uncategorised

Why Does My Pain Keep Coming Back?

NeckPainTMC.jpg
Neck Pain

Are you experiencing continuous neck or back pain that seems to come and go? If so, this is a chronic issue that can be very common as the body likes to adapt to certain stressors put upon it that forces the body to change in a way to avoid pain or further damage.

The body developing changes occurs over a period of time in small instances. Patterns begin to develop and this can be from injuries in the past, poor posture, daily activities, work related issues or lack of mobility in an area. 

Your musculoskeletal system creates new patterns to help decrease pain although in doing so it tightens up and creates stiffness around the spine in turn altering function. This then creates a problem that can cause postural changes and possible acute episodes of pain. As mentioned before many of these issues may be caused by work posture, lifting incorrectly, a poor pillow or poor sleeping conditions. This can usually cause issues such as neck pain, low back soreness and a decrease in both flexibility and mobility of certain regions of the body.

This can become an issue and should be addressed as soon as possible so that the source of pain can be addressed and a health professional can help correct the issue and influence the body in making the right changes to get back on track!

LowBackPainTMC.jpg
Low Back Pain Causing a Shift In Posture

What can you do?

  • Seek advice early as it may help decrease the severity of your chronic episode and also prevent it from getting worse.
  • Relapses can be minimised by getting regular check ups to ensure mobility through the joints and tension throughout the muscle is decreased.
  • Being aware of acute episodes or tightness that continues to reoccur and finding a health professional early on before things progress.
  • Find the underlying cause of pain as at times you may find the source of the pain may not be in the area you are feeling it!

When should you seek help?

  • When Numbness or tingling occurs
  • Sharp or shooting pains down either arms or legs 
  • Occurrence of Migraines and Headaches
  • Continuous pain that’s on and off
  • Pain that’s getting worse over time
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Changes to posture or scoliosis
  • Pain becoming more frequent and more severe 
  • Pain that is not eased by rest 
  • Pain that’s waking you up at night 
  • Changes in urination
HeadachesTMC.jpg
Migraines and Headaches Caused by Tension

*Note – The longer you take to recognise your pain and do something about it the worse it may get. Getting to the root of the problem early on is ideal as it will help eliminate not only the pain but also enhance overall wellbeing. Get in contact with our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor today and lets get you back on track today!

TMClogo.jpg
https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/
Categories
Uncategorised

What Is the Best Pillow For Neck Pain?

PillowSleepingTMC.jpg
Good Pillow or Bad?

About Neck Pain –

There are three main types of neck pain which may include:

  1. Acute Neck pain = Neck pain that is usually severe and has been going on for the last 72 hours is considered acute
  2. Sub acute Neck pain = Neck pain that has continued for the last 2 weeks either on or off or consistently painful with movement.
  3. Chronic neck pain = Neck pain that has continuous episodes of pain over a monthly period.

Common causes of neck pain

  • Muscular dysfunction or tightness
  • Poor posture
  • Structural changes
  • Strains or sprains
  • Poor sleeping posture
  • Car accidents or sporting injuries that result in whiplash

Common symptoms of neck pain

  • Stiffness and pain in the neck
  • Difficulty moving your neck
  • Unexplained headaches
  • Tight Muscles within the area
  • Poor posture

If you are someone who is suffering with neck pain and are reading this blog then our recommendation would be to see a Chiropractor or another health care professional to see how you can be helped! The earlier you choose to make a change to your neck pain the better off you will be as being proactive to the causes of neck pain can limit the amount of degeneration and damage you could be causing!

Do pillows help you sleep better?

There are two important factors that determine a good night’s sleep!

1. The position you sleep in

It is recommended to either side sleep or sleep on your back. Sleeping on your stomach is not ideal as it puts allot of strain in the neck area and can cause issues.

2. The pillow you use

The pillow you need is one that allows you to lay your head on to it without bending your neck or tilting it either side. There are allot of pillows around that can support your neck although finding the right one can be hard to do. If you are struggling and need assistance our team are more than happy to help you in the clinic to fit you out with the correct pillow for your posture.

What is the correct height for a pillow?

SleepingPostureTMC.jpg
Diagram of Correct Pillow Height

All pillows are different and the correct pillow for you will not be the correct pillow for someone else as people sleep differently and may have broader shoulders than someone else.

What Makes A Good Pillow?

The most important factors when looking for a pillow include:

  • Head and neck support in a neutral position
  • No space between the neck, shoulder and pillow
  • Dense materials are great like memory foam although to hard can be problematic
  • A contoured pillow that is comfortable is ideal for sleeping on
ContouredPillowTMC.jpg
Contoured Pillow For Side Sleeping

What Makes A Bad Pillow?

  • Pillow offers no support for your head and neck
  • Pillow moves you out of neutral spine posture when sleeping
  • Pillow is not breathable or dense.

Pillows usually last up to 2 years as they begin to sag and begin not to hold as well as before. Washing your pillow regularly also helps maintain its freshness and allows it to reman hygienic for many more sleeps.

Do Bad Pillows Cause Neck Pain?

A “Bad Pillow” is a primary cause of neck pain as sleeping in a position that strains the muscles in your neck for hours at a time can do more damage to you then sleeping on a couch! The reasoning behind this is that poor sleeping posture for prolonged periods will aggravate just about anything in your body let alone the neck. Changing your pillow is just an extra step to help correct your poor posture as this is a habit that becomes continuous and may be bringing at risk for episodes of neck pain.

Should You Get A New Pillow?

A new pillow may be a drastic change although if you are someone who is experiencing neck pain this may be the change you need to kick start your journey to better health. It is important that you look around for the best quality pillow and don’t cheap out on something that is there to support your neck for years to come! If you are having trouble finding something that best suits you our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor have various pillows in stock that can be fitted before buying.

TMClogo.jpg
https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/
Categories
Uncategorised

Chiropractic Care and How Does It Help?

ChiropracticCareTMC.jpg
Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is recognized as being a way to help decrease pain and increase overall functional well-being. Chiropractor’s may help you achieve a healthier lifestyle by giving you strategies to overcome stress, injuries, pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions. This can all be done with various methods and not one person is treated the same to the other hence why many modalities are used to make the changes needed to make a difference!

MobilisationChiroTMC.jpg
Chiropractic Mobilisation

What Are The Benefits?

Chiropractic care may help improve

  • Flexibility
  • Overall Energy
  • Coordination
  • Mobility
  • Decreased stress
  • Increased productivity and concentration
  • Better emotional wellbeing
  • Increased athletic performance
  • Better sleep (relaxation)

Chiropractic care may help with

Our Chiropractic Approach

At The Melbourne Chiropractor we bring out the best from our patients by striving to achieving health and wellbeing. Our aim is to reach patient goals and from there do our best to continue to exceed our patients expectations. We always try to offer various treatment modalities and our clinic offers that. Some of the things we bring to the table include both Manual adjustive techniques and low force techniques such as drop piece and activator methods. We also offer dry needling and cupping therapy including remedial massage, soft tissue and trigger point therapies. Our clinic not only offers passive care but we also involve the patient into their own care by creating thorough plans to get them back on their feet long term. We do this by supplying the patient with exercises and stretches and we give various options depending on the situation. Usually to get to such a stage we do a thorough examination which enables us to make an accurate judgment of how to guide you through your healthcare journey.

TreatmentroomTMCBroady.jpg
The Melbourne Chiropractor Treatment Room (Broadmeadows Clinic)

How does chiropractic treatment help?

The Chiropractic team at the The Melbourne Chiropractor understand that pain is best managed by creating long term changes! Firstly, the pain needs to be alleviated with adjustive techniques or low force techniques to the spine, soft tissue massage to the surrounding musculature and then be accompanied with an exercise regime to help make the changes needed to influence bad habits and behaviours! Many of our patients seek.

By creating a change to your musculoskeletal system, it will help decrease muscle tension and restrictions through the spinal segments which in turn allow you to use your spine to further strengthen it! If you are seeking treatment which will help restore your structural and functional health our chiropractors at the The Melbourne Chiropractor are here to help get you back on track! BOOK NOW

TMC.jpg
https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/
Categories
Uncategorised

Should I Use ICE or HEAT?

IceVsHeat.jpg
Ice Vs Heat

Ice and heat have been seen to be of comfort and substitute as a form of analgesia by altering body temperature in the area. Both Ice and Heat are great but what are the differences?

How does Ice and Heat help?

Ice helps to eliminate inflammation by reducing blood flow to the area of application. Usually heat works best when using it within a 48 hour window after an injury has occurred.

Heat treatment Increases blood flow and works almost as a relaxant to help reduce stiffness in muscles that are suffering within the area. Heat is great for ongoing issues which are chronic and stiffness.

IceVsHeat.jpg
Ice Or Heat?

What Does Ice Help With?

Ice helps in cases of:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Recent Injuries
  • Gout
  • Strains and Sprains
  • Tendinitis, or irritation/inflammation of joints after strenuous activity

When Not To Use Ice?

  • When cramping (cold exacerbates this)
  • Already feeling cold or area is numb
  • Open wound or blistered skin
  • Vascular diseases
  • Sympathetic dysfunction (Where blood flow is affected)
  • Hypersensitivity to cold
IcePackTMC.jpg

What Does Heat Help With?

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Strains and Sprains
  • Tendonitis, or chronic irritation and stiffness in joints
  • Increasing blood flow to stiff muscles or soft tissue before activity
  • Decreasing pain or spasms relating to neck or back pain

When Not To Use Heat?

  • Skin is hot, red or inflamed
  • Dermatitis or an open wound is present
  • Area is numb
  • Peripheral neuropathy or a similar condition that dulls the feeling of heat
HeatPackTMC.jpg

Can You Use Ice and Heat Together?

Yes! Heat and ice can be used together to create a change in blood flow by first restricting circulation to reduce swelling by using Ice and then increasing circulation by using Heat on the affected area.

How to use Ice or Heat

The most common method is to apply Ice or Heat for 5 minutes, then off for 5 minutes, repeated 3 times in total should be 30 minutes including the breaks!

*Note: If you are suffering from severe aches and pains, shooting pains down the arms, difficulty deep breathing, troubles lifting limbs due to soreness, headaches, migraines sciatica, low back pain or joint pain and need more than just a good Ice or Heat protocol our team of practitioners are always happy to help and bookings are available online 7 days a week!

TMClogo.jpg
https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/