The Importance of an Integrated Approach to Wellness
Integrative medicine is a term used to describe the combination of modern and alternative medicine in order to treat the whole person, not just the injury or the disease. By combining modern medicine and other healing practices from around the world, practitioners are able to more effectively relieve pain, reduce stress, and maintain the overall well-being of the patient.
Though the concept may seem daunting, here’s another way to look at it: A mechanic wouldn’t limit himself to only one tool when repairing the engine; he would use every tool necessary and available. Such is the case with an integrative approach to care.
Integrative medicine goes beyond standard care, where only an isolated part of the body is treated when in reality, the body is a series of connected moving parts. Damage to one part creates a chain reaction throughout the corresponding parts, and integrative medicine considers that with customized treatment plans for individual needs.
Choosing the Right Care Combinations
Many treatments complement each other in a way that truly benefits patients. Here are some prime examples:
Massage Therapy and Acupuncture
Massage therapy and acupuncture work similarly and therefore work well together, especially when relieving pain. In fact, acupuncture stems from ancient massage therapy. As healers discovered the benefits of placing pressure on certain parts of the body—known as meridian points—using tools such as stones, they began to sharpen the tools until they eventually punctured the body.
These techniques target specific nerves, using palms, fingers, thumbs, and needles to trigger pleasure points in the brain. This prompts the body to release endorphins, a hormone that acts as a natural pain reliever.
Chiropractic Manipulation and Massage Therapy
Both massage and chiropractic manipulation work in ways that promote a faster recovery time. Massage therapy is good for the nervous system and helps patients relax. It is typically done prior to chiropractic manipulation, making it easier to perform adjustments for proper realignment as the patient is less tense. This combination benefits patients who have suffered trauma following a motor vehicle accident or sports-related injury.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation
Chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy are a unique combination of treatments to aid in fast and effective recovery, especially from a condition such as a back injury. Initially, the manipulation may be performed to correct dysfunction in the spine and its associated parts (i.e., muscles, tendons, and ligaments) while reducing pain. Then, the function may be restored and future injury avoided using various physical therapy techniques, resulting in an improved quality of life.
These and other combinations of traditional and modern medicine all provide positive results to patients looking to alleviate pain and discomfort from conditions such as:
Disc herniation
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Neck aches
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Stress
An Integrated Approach Under One Roof
At Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, we offer a fully integrated approach to care all under one roof. Our specialists, with years of combined experience, collaborate with you to provide high-quality, customizable care using techniques from acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic manipulation.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center today.