Massage FAQ

This week the most frequent question that came up was "when should I use heat and when should I use ice?" This is commonly asked because chiropractors and massage practitioners alike often recommend use of one or both. So when is which appropriate?

Ice works as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes your vessels smaller. This decreases inflammation and prevents excessive blood flow to an area. Ice is wonderful for areas that are red, raised and warm to the touch. These specifics let you know that an area is inflammed, whether from bumping into something or from an internal inflammatory agent, like a food you ate.

Heat works as a vasodilator, meaning it enlarges your vessles. While it might seem counterintuitive to increase blood flow based on the above reasoning, there are times when that is exactly what is needed. When you increase blood flow, you also bring healing nutrients to the area being heated. This speeds up healing for a torn muscle or an area of high tension and adhesions.

Whether using heat or ice, it's optimal to use for 15 minutes followed by a 15 minute period off the skin. Feel free to repeat the process throughout the day. Remember to use a protective layer between the heat or ice and your skin.

More questions about hydrotherapy? Email dskidmore@soundchiropractic.com

Exciting events at SCC!

Sound Chiropractic Center is centered around helping our patients and our community. One of the ways we help our local community is by offering special events providing free chair massage, free spinal checks and free chirporactic exams. I'm excited about an upcoming event where we will help our local community and in turn, our patients can help a broader community.

On Feb 12th we will be hosting our first annual Dr. with a Heart event. All day on Friday the 12th, we will provide 20 new patient visits and 60 adjustments. Your copays will be donated to a relief fund for victims of the recent Haiti earthquake. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive beneficial chiropractic and massage therapy while helping those in need.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, February 12th!