Chiropractic Health & Wellness Blog

The Graston Technique: What It Is and Why We Use It

Here at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, our goal is to help all of our Minneapolis patients achieve maximum health and wellness. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering a variety of different techniques designed to both prevent and treat musculoskeletal issues. And one that we use regularly is the Graston Technique.

What Is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is a method which involves using stainless steel instruments to help effectively reach scar tissue or other soft tissue adhesions and get them to release, providing you with greater movement and less pain. The goal of the Graston Technique is to resolve both the symptoms and the cause of the issue, which means short and long-term relief.

Chiropractors aren’t the only ones that use the Graston Technique either. It is also commonly used by physical therapists, Quick read more or view full article athletic trainers, and other types of therapists and medical professionals in a number of different fields. What makes this technique so desirable to health care workers around the world?

Why Do We Use It?

Well, the reason we use the Graston Technique at Lyn Lake Chiropractic is simple: It works. There have been numerous research studies on this particular method of treatment and many have found extremely positive results.

For instance, one study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics involved 10 subjects with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis, foot pain is diagnosed when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed, resulting in heel pain—especially first thing in the morning. However, after just a few treatment sessions using the Graston Technique and doing some in-home stretches, the participants experienced less pain and greater functionality. 

Additionally, this technique is good for sports-related injuries. For example, a University of Wisconsin study published in the Journal of Undergraduate Kinesiology Research involved 14 athletes and assessed the range of motion in their shoulders before, during, and after engaging in care with the Graston Technique. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that this particular technique helped improve shoulder motion, which makes it a great addition to the standard stretching and strengthening training programs.

To find out if the Graston Technique can help you ease your pain or discomfort, call our Minneapolis chiropractic office today and schedule an appointment 612-879-8000. We’ll do what we can to get you the relief you deserve!

Chiropractic Great for Expectant Mothers

Pregnancy is definitely a memorable time in a woman’s life. When you’re getting ready to welcome your precious little one into the world, feeling his or her tiny body growing inside of you, it can bring about excitement about the new life that is about to come. One way to make it even better is to come into our Minneapolis chiropractic office for regular spinal manipulations.

Research Confirms Chiropractic Benefits During Labor and Delivery

Various research studies have found that chiropractic care offers a lot of benefits for expectant mothers. Perhaps the most common one is relief from back pain often caused by the structural shifts in your body during pregnancy. In fact, approximately three-quarters of the expectant mothers who engage in chiropractic care during their pregnancy report experiencing relief after just a few treatment sessions.

Not only is this important for Quick read more or view full article a more pleasurable pregnancy, but relieving back pain is critical when you’re in labor as well. How? Women who have back pain during their pregnancy are three times more likely to have back labor, which refers to the intense back pain that some feel when giving birth. Thus, avoiding the pain while you’re carrying your child increases the likelihood that you will avoid it when delivering too.

Chiropractic Deemed Safe During Pregnancy

Of course, one of the top questions that a lot of pregnant women have when it comes to receiving chiropractic care, or any type of care for that matter, while expecting is whether or not it is safe. After all, it needs to be harmless for mother and baby alike. The good news is that it is.

Even the American Pregnancy Association endorses chiropractic for expectant mothers to help deal with common pregnancy issues such as increased back curvature, changes to the structure of the pelvis and posture, and sometimes nausea. Plus, since spinal manipulations open up the nerves to let the brain communicate effectively with the rest of the body, it allows all of your systems to function maximally, which means a healthier pregnancy and birth.

If you’re currently pregnant and want to make this time in your life as healthful and pain-free as possible, call Lyn Lake Chiropractic in Minneapolis and schedule a visit. Both you and your baby are our priorities!

4 Lesser Known Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Although most people consider massage a luxury, something they can enjoy only when they have a spare bit of cash or when they’ve endured a week so stressful that they can’t even think straight, the reality is that massage therapy offers a lot of health benefits. Most aren’t very well-known though, so here are four of them to consider in case you are looking for a good reason to come into our Minneapolis chiropractic office and enjoy a massage (or two):

1. Reduced anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that anxiety is one of the top mental issues in the U.S., afflicting roughly 40 million adults and costing over $42 billion annually due largely to repeat doctor visits. However, many studies have found that massage helps lessen feelings of anxiousness, which means that you’ll not only feel Quick read more or view full article better, but you’ll also potentially spend less time in the doctor’s office.

2. Improved digestion. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that therapeutic massage is helpful in easing chronic constipation. Therefore, if you find your bathroom time difficult and lengthy, a visit with one of our Minneapolis massage therapists may be just what you need to kind of “get things moving along.”

3. Fewer headaches. If you suffer from regular, chronic headaches or migraines, research has proven that massage will likely help. In fact, in one study published in the American Journal of Public Health, the participants reported that they experienced fewer headaches after just one week of massage therapy. Furthermore, the headaches that they did have were shorter in duration, so the positive effects were twofold.

4. Better sleep. When you are stressed and anxious or dealing with some type of physical pain due to an injury, your sleep will likely suffer. Fortunately, because massage helps resolve both anxiety and pain, you’ll probably notice that you have an easier time getting and staying asleep when engaging in regular massage therapy. Sleep has even been found to improve in cancer patients who engage in massage therapy which shows just how powerful this type of therapy is.

If you’re ready to experience these benefits (and more), contact Lyn Lake Chiropractic in Minneapolis at (612) 879-8000 and schedule your appointment today. Your health will thank you!