Active Release Technique by Geoffrey Klaffka, DC

Active Release Techniques treatment is a hands-on touch and case-management system that allows a certified ART practitioner to diagnose and treat soft-tissue injuries. Soft tissue often refers primarily to muscle, tendon, fascia, and nerves. Specific injuries that apply are repetitive strains, adhesions, tissue hypoxia, and joint dysfunction. Most common injuries ART practitioners treat are: muscular headaches, TMJ conditions, tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, clicking in the shoulder/hip/knee/ankle, sciatica, knee pain, shin splints, strained ankle, plantar fasciitis, and bunions just to mention a few. When soft tissue structures are injured the sequel to the injury is one of altered biomechanics. It is impossible for a muscle, for example, to undergo a significant tear, develop an adhesion and then perform normally. Both function and movement on a macroscopic scale are altered. The length of treatment ranges depending on the severity of the injury and the length of time the injury has been present.   Symptoms are often duplicated during treatment and are usually relieved during the first or second treatment.  When paresthesias are duplicated during treatment they usually subside within a minute after treatment. If symptoms are duplicated and last until the next treatment then the treatment must be modified. Strength, speed, and endurance are expected to improve within the first few treatments. When the soft-tissue injury is truly resolved the symptoms will not return unless the injury occurs again. The certified ART practitioner will instruct the patient in exercise, stretch, posture, and thorough instruction in the mechanism of injury so that it may be avoided in the future.  

                Dr. Geoff Klaffka is one of eight chiropractors in Western New York certified in Active Release Technique. Call today to see if Active Release is for you.      (716-626-4466)                                                         

To Steam or Not To Steam by Amanda Yensan, Lic. Esthetician & Makeup Artist

To steam or not to steam?
Steam is a great way of opening the pores and softening the skin for extractions! Although steam is great for the skin steam machines can be to harsh for the skin. The skin on the face is so sensitive and using such harsh heat can cause redness and irritation to the skin. A better way of using steam during a facial or at home is hot towels. Hot towels between steps of the facial or at home still produces steam and heat without being overly harsh. It also removes more dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin then cleansing alone. Hot towels can also act as an exfoliator in the sense that it can remove dead skin cells as your whipping away makeup, dirt, and oil. So instead of using a harsh steam machine or putting your face over the steam of boiling water use hot towels instead!

Benefits of Massage

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments?

Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
* Alleviate lower back pain and increase range of motion.
* Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stay
* Ease medication dependence.
* Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
* Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
* Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
* Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
* Increase joint flexibility.
* Lessen depression and anxiety.
* Promote tissue regeneration, reducing yscar tissue and stretch marks.
* Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
* Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
* Reduce spasms and cramping.
* Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
* Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
* Relieve migraine pain.

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