Don’t Call It Pampering: Massage Wants to Be Medicine

Just wanted to share a great article in the Wall Street Journal last month by By ANDREA PETERSEN concerning the benefits of massages and everything they can do for you.

 

By ANDREA PETERSEN via the WSJ

While massage may have developed a reputation as a decadent treat for people who love pampering, new studies are showing it has a wide variety of tangible health benefits.

Research over the past couple of years has found that massage therapy boosts immune function in women with breast cancer, improves symptoms in children with asthma, and increases grip strength in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Giving massages to the littlest patients, premature babies, helped in the crucial task of gaining weight.

Is massage just for pampering or does it have true biological effects? A recent study showed muscles rebounded better if massaged after exercising to exhaustion. Andrea Petersen on Lunch Break has details on Lunch Break.

The benefits go beyond feelings of relaxation and wellness that people may recognize after a massage. The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society now include massage as one of their recommendations for treating low back pain, according to guidelines published in 2007.

New research is also starting to reveal just what happens in the body after a massage. While there have long been theories about how massage works—from releasing toxins to improving circulation—those have been fairly nebulous, with little hard evidence. Now, one study, for example, found that a single, 45-minute massage led to a small reduction in the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the blood, a decrease in cytokine proteins related to inflammation and allergic reactions, and a boost in white blood cells that fight infection. READ MORE>>

 

Remember we are always here to help

Doc Supran

www.drsupran.com

www.drsupran.net

A story from a Patient

This is such a great story from one of my patients that I want to share it with everyone! It makes my day when a patient takes the time to write down the way they feel!

When I first went to see Dr. Matthew Supran, I was both skeptical and a little terrified! I had never been to a chiropractor before, and the idea of entrusting (what I imagined to be) the cracking of my neck and back to anyone was less than thrilling. I decided to give him a try, as he came with high recommendations from my boss when my neck completely froze up. I was a bit apprehensive when I spoke to Wendy on the phone, but she convinced me to just come in and give it a try. From day one, Dr. Supran and his staff were incredibly accommodating, even in response to the “I’m pretty sure I’m not gonna like this” look on my face. By the end of my first visit, I set aside my previous anxiety, as Doc clearly knew what he was doing. 

 As fate would have it, almost immediately after this visit, I was involved in an auto accident in which I was struck very hard from behind by a larger vehicle, while at a complete stop. Between the initial shock of the accident, my mangled car, the sirens and visit to the E.R., my only comforting thought was, “good thing I have a chiropractor.” I know…it was quite the 180 from how I used to think. I called Sue at the office and made arrangements to see Doc the following day. I was in an incredible amount of pain as a result of the accident. I couldn’t turn my neck more than an inch in any direction. It hurt to sit, stand, lay down, and I couldn’t even lift a purse (and I LOVED my purses!!). The hospital E.R. doctor had given me a lot of painkillers to take, but they rendered me completely useless, and the pain came flooding back as soon as the meds wore off. I knew that if I were ever going to return to work, I would have to find an alternative option to taking pills. 

 That’s where Doc & team came to the rescue! I began to come in a few times per week, to receive massage therapy & adjustments. Between Katherine, Tamara, Gigi & Doc, I had the BEST care available and became completely spoiled! Throughout the “joy” that is the post-accident process (insurance adjusters, vehicle damage appraisers, endless paperwork & bills, etc.), everyone I worked with was really nice; but the only part of the process that felt easy, was when I would go for my chiropractor appointments. Dr. Supran and his staff are genuinely caring, friendly and professional individuals that make you realize: this is what healthcare is supposed to be like! My only issue with Doc is, now that I know how amazingly awesome a doctor can be, I find myself comparing my other doctors to him (I have a lot of doctors) – and NO ONE comes close! I now consider Doc & team as friends, and thoroughly enjoy visiting them. Most importantly, less than 5 months after the accident, I am doing much better! I am able to move my neck freely once again, my mobility has significantly improved, and yes, I have been reunited with my purses!    

 Dr. Matthew Supran is a talented & professional chiropractor, a caring & friendly individual, and even though I don’t like to share, I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of chiropractic care. I’m very fortunate to be in his care, and plan to keep him around for as long as possible! 

 

Remember we are always here to help

Doc Supran

www.drsupran.com

www.drsupran.net

Get That Feel-Good Feeling

FEEL GOOD

Each day, as a professional caregiver, I get to witness the miracle of healing. Nobody fully understands how healing takes place, but thankfully, under many circumstances, we do.

We can probably agree that most bodies of those who are younger tend to heal more quickly than those of us getting on in age. Regard­less of the age factor, there is another important key to healing.

All healing requires connection.

When you or I reconnect with an estranged friend or family member, healing can take place. When we reconnect with the truth – accepting what is – healing can take place. When we reconnect your body to your brain by removing subluxations along your spine, healing can take place. This healing thing is amazing.

You have an opportunity to experience the profound joy that chiropractors experience of helping others reconnect. Each time you tell someone about chiropractic you will introduce them to the truth that their body, not drugs or doctors, can do the healing — if they’re well connected!

If you know someone needing a reconnection that I can help with, I hope you’ll send him or her our way.

They’ll feel good. You’ll feel good. And we’ll feel good.

 

Remember we are always here to help

Doc Supran
www.DrSupran.com
http://www.facebook.com/DrMatthewCSupran
(561) 278-2200

 

Natural Sleep Techniques

Natural Sleep

While a great deal of emphasis is placed on getting enough exercise, most of us are starved of enough rest. And it’s more than getting enough sleep. The quality of our sleep is a critical part of repairing our bodies and recovering from the stresses of the day.

If getting to sleep and staying asleep are chal­lenges you face, here are some natural ap­proaches that may help.

A dark room. We sleep best when we are in total darkness. Yet, many bedrooms are ablaze with night-lights, clock radio dials, alarm systems or streetlights through window shades. Even a small amount of light can con­fuse your body.

Avoid television. Besides the effect of the light from the screen (see above), why fill your mind with violent images, controversy, mindless gossip or the other usual fare of­fered up at bedtime? Better would be to read or listen to restful music before bedtime.

Consciously relax. If you find yourself waiting to drift off to slumber, parts of your body 

may be tense. As you lie quietly, start at your toes and release any muscle tension. Then your ankles. Then your calves. Slowly work your way up from your toes to your nose.

Breathe slower. Mimic the inhalation and exhalation of your sleeping partner. It’s gen­erally slower and deeper. As you get in sync with their breathing, you’ll find yourself re­laxing and sleep often occurs in minutes.

Sound masking. If traffic, animals, railroads or other environmental sounds are too dis­tracting for sleep, consider an electronic de­vice that creates a gentle whooshing noise or the sound of the restful ocean waves.

And if your nervous system is consistently “wired,” making sleep difficult, consider ask­ing for our last appointment of the day and see if that helps.

Sleep is natural. And so is chiropractic.

Remember we are always here to help

Doc Supran
www.DrSupran.com
http://www.facebook.com/DrMatthewCSupran
(561) 278-2200

 

What you need to know about Vitamin D

VITAMIN "D"

Vitamin D helps regulate neuromuscular function and reduce inflammation. It’s an essential vitamin for promoting calcium absorption and bone strength. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle or misshapen.

It also plays a crucial role in cell differentiation. Too little vitamin D and the ability to heal is compromised. Too much,and uncontrolled cell proliferation may lead to cancers.         

Your immune system depends heavily on vitamin D. As does your body’s ability to produce the proper amounts of insulin, averting the onset of diabetes. And don’t overlook the role of vitamin D in regulating blood pressure.

Clearly, vitamin D is important. Are you getting the necessary amount?

Natural sources include fish and fish oils, plus good old-fashioned sunshine. Another source is supplements and fortified foods.

The jury is still out as to whether these sources of vitamin D are ab­sorbed by the body as well as naturally occurring sources. Questions about vitamin D? Ask them on your next visit.


Remember we are always here to help

Doc Supran
www.DrSupran.com
http://www.facebook.com/DrMatthewCSupran
(561) 278-2200