by Dr Alex Jimenez | Healthcare Providers, Massage, Wellness
Synopsis: Finding the right healthcare provider for you isn�t always easy, especially if they aren�t in the mainstream. This article provides tips and strategies for people looking to find a healthcare provider that will meet their specific needs.
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The term �alternative healthcare,� sometimes lumped into CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) isn�t always associated with good things in the general populace. The phrase all on its own lends itself to sounding very much second class.
Yet alternative healthcare is anything but; many practitioners are utilizing the latest treatments that�for reasons of funding or sometimes more sinister political agendas �simply don�t have enough studies yet done to fully back the care as �mainstream.�
Finding those expert caregivers isn�t always easy. Doctors aren�t like restaurants; it can be difficult to base your decisions on their online reviews because every patient�s circumstances are unique.
Luckily, there are a few tricks to finding good healthcare.
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Determine the Type of Care You Need
Before you seek care, you need to figure out what you actually need care for. Different specialties handle treatments that may be specific to your particular needs. For instance, a Chiropractor deals with the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.
Functional medicine doctors handle many traditional complaints with minimal use of drugs and surgery and are more open to alternative treatments. Chinese medicine has also proven effective for numerous problems, from allergy elimination to pain relief. Physical therapists can help with recovery from injuries.
If you aren�t sure what the best type of doctor is, consider visiting major websites. For instance, the IAOMT.org� website is a good place to visit if you need dental care that goes beyond what your regular dentist may offer. FunctionalMedicine.org�helps you locate a variety of practitioners based on their field of expertise.
Worst case scenario, you may be in for one �wasted� trip to one of these doctors to determine who is best to visit.
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Be Prepared to Travel
The type of doctor you need to see may not live nearby; some patients travel hundreds of miles to see a specialist that can deal with their condition. My own doctor drives nearly two hours to see a chiropractor that can address his specific condition (there are other chiropractors in the area, but none with the technique he needs).
This is especially true if you live in a more rural area, as some smaller towns may only have a small handful of traditional doctors and few if any alternatives. You can get good results by searching online by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to alter your IP address.
You might consider this strategy because local results tend to be more thorough and exact while doing searches about a distant area give broader and less helpful results. A VPN is just an app that lets you connect to remote servers found in other locations; for instance, you could access a server in Los Angeles even if you live in Nevada and get results local to LA.
Obviously, local docs are preferable, but that�s not always good enough.
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Seek Referrals
Another great way to find doctors that can help is by seeking referrals. This can be done directly through your current doctor or by seeking out patients that have similar problems. Those that experience good results tend to want to spread their success by recommending good doctors.
One place to find concentrated reviews for specific doctors and practices is on Facebook. In many cases, there are support groups that have formed to discuss dealing with varying diagnoses and diseases.
These Facebook groups usually have members that are seeing physicians or have already been to physicians and want to share their knowledge. In some cases, Facebook groups are even run by practitioners that hope to spread awareness of the treatments they have available.
Healthgrades.com�is nice for reviews as well, but you should always be cautious of reviews that you can�t discuss with the reviewer.
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Check Magazine Directories
Nationwide, you can access health directories to look for doctors available in your area. One of the more well-known sources is a magazine called Natural Awakenings. They publish listings of doctors practicing alternative medicine; you�ll find them available for free at grocery stores and some newsstands.
These types of magazines are also a great place to read about the latest advances in treatment and about different types of care being offered. While the publishing standards aren�t quite as high as a scientific journal such as The Lancet, they serve as a good starting point, particularly for treatments that don�t lend well to randomized controlled studies.
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Go to Expos
Serving as both an advertising opportunity for businesses and as an educational tool for patients, natural health expos held across the country are a great place to meet with doctors and staff face to face without having to actually pay for an office visit.
These conventions are perfect for viewing a variety of different professions and seeing what each has to offer. You�ll be given dozens of pamphlets; some will offer free samples of products, while others will actually demonstrate what it is they do.
You can use these opportunities to ask specific health questions to �interview� each doctor to see if they�re the right fit for your needs. It�s also a good place to shop around for different prices because many alternative treatments aren�t covered by insurance (or the offices themselves are cash practices and don�t take insurance at all).
6. Taking Control of Your Health
When visits to your doctor let you down or you�re just looking for better alternatives, you�re in for a bit of work. The process for finding a truly appropriate doctor for your condition(s) may be tedious and sometimes even expensive.
Yet the results are certainly worth the time and money. When you�ve put the time in to find that doctor that fits just right, the results will speak for themselves. Having a good healthcare practitioner to serve as a pillar of support in your life can truly turn around an otherwise dark situation.
And for those that already feel healthy, remember that prevention is the best medicine. Seeking a doctor that believes in maintaining maximum healthy function is a great way to avoid chronic diseases later in life.
Will you be at the helm of your health? Tell us what great healthcare means to you and how you intend to get it.
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By: Cassie at ehealthinformer.com
About the Author: Cassie is a health enthusiast and technology writer. From her own experiences, she has learned a multitude of ways to efficiently locate doctors to treat conditions in ways that might otherwise be foreign to her primary care doctor.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia, Massage, Massage, Treatments
One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is extreme sensitivity to touch, so it�s understandable that some people with fibromyalgia avoid getting massages. However, they are missing out on something great.
Massage treatment might seem like the very opposite approach to take for fibromyalgia pain, but the right amount of pressure and manipulation can actually do a lot for your congested muscles and tissues. In reality, massage is a perfect natural remedy for fibromyalgia. Therapeutic kneading will stimulate blood flow, eliminate metabolic waste, and lengthen muscle fibers. The right fibromyalgia massage treatment will work within the limits of your condition to release pockets of tension, and improve your physical wellbeing and quality of life.
Recommended Fibromyalgia Massage Treatment
There are many types of therapeutic massage treatments, and the right style for your fibromyalgia pain will respect your muscle sensitivity and particular pain issues. Stick with these massage techniques for the most healing benefits:
- Swedish massage techniques. This classic relaxation technique ��using the hands, arms or mechanical means ��will gently manipulate tense muscles to relieve long-standing tension.
- Myofascial release. Focusing on the connective tissue called fascia, this technique aims to release pressure where the tissues connect to the bones. Muscles will relax and lengthen, leaving more space for the organs to expand.
- Reflexology. A safe and gentle approach that stimulates points on the hands and feet that are believed to be connected to various organs and tissues. This may help to relax certain areas that would be difficult to stimulate directly.
- Cranial-sacral therapy (CST). Using very mild pressure on strategic points at the base of the skull and along the length of the spine, the CST therapist can detect interruptions in the flow of spinal fluid, and improve the balance and function of every muscle area.
Massages to Avoid
The types of massage that are out of the question if you don�t like touch because of sensitivity include:
Thai massage treatment. It puts you through different poses for an entire hour.
Reflexology foot massage treatment. Presses on reflexology points that often hurt.
Barefoot massage treatment. The massage therapist walks on your back while holding onto a supportive rack suspended from the ceiling.
Rolfing/structural integration. You�ll feel beat up with this one.
Before proceeding with any fibromyalgia massage, be sure to consult a healthcare professional who has properly diagnosed your condition and who has recommended you to follow up with any of the above mentioned therapies. Preventing further aggravation of any type of symptoms is best to promote a healthier lifestyle and improve overall symptoms.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez
While fibromyalgia has been known to cause symptoms of chronic pain, many individuals with the condition avoid massage or other forms of similar treatment to avoid aggravating their symptoms. However, massage therapy performed by a qualified healthcare professional can not only be beneficial, it can help reduce and manage the pain caused by fibromyalgia.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Massage, Wellness
We all want to relax. In our hectic lives, it’s hard to find time for R&R. If you deal with this in your life, a massage is in order. The article below has what you must know about the fine art of massage.
The Basics of Massage
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First of all, make sure to drink plenty of water following a massage. With massaging procedures, the tissues of your body will be stimulated, resulting in the release of toxins. Drinking at least 10 glasses of water throughout the day will flush out the toxins. Aim to drink 2-3 glasses within the first hour or so and then at least 8 more within the next 24 hours.�In the hour following the massage, drink several glasses and then continue with eight more in the next 23 hours.
As for those giving the massages, when performing the procedure, it is important to use your thumbs. They are strong, and can be great for muscle stimulation. Don’t overdo it, though, as you could hurt the recipient.
Also, don’t eat just before a massage. Eating before a massage can leave you feeling bloated and can make you uncomfortable when lying down. Let food fully digest first. You’ll feel much better and more relaxed during the massage.
Massages once or twice per week are a great idea. When people take the time to have regular massages, they experience overall mood improvement and health. This is more than likely attributed to the simple fact that massages are natural stress reducers which help both relax your mind and body. Try to go to the massage parlor twice a week, or more.
Experiment with different types of oils on the person before you massage them. Each person is different and will have a different reaction to oil; you must find what works for them. The massage will be better if you have lubrication, which is what the oils provide you with.
If you do not like the stretch marks you received from pregnancy or weight fluctuations, you will likely have given most removal options a try. You should massage your stretch marks with some cocoa butter on a daily basis. Massaging the area stimulates tissue regeneration, lessening the appearance of stretch marks.
If you’re the person getting a massage, be sure you watch what you eat before it. Eating a lot may make you feel uncomfortable during your massage and that can make the experience go badly. To make sure you feel good, eat something light and healthy beforehand.
Analyze how your partner is reacting to the massage as you do it. Check out how they are reacting to different motions and levels of pressure. This reading ability will provide a great deal of benefits for you as a masseuse. Let their reactions guide how you massage them.
Do not hesitate to pose questions as you receive a massage. Your massage therapist will welcome questions. What you must do is attempt such comfort, so ask the masseuse and find out what you need to do.
If the lights are not dimmed when you go for your massage, request this. A dark room will enhance the relaxing environment you want to experience during a massage. Try to keep the room dim to resemble the night and a quiet atmosphere.
Massages are not only relaxing, but also healing. Kids that have asthma can find massages to help them, they can reduce stress and headaches as well. They can also help with easing tense muscles in all areas of the body. To get the most of a massage, you must concentrate on relaxing fully.
If you’re receiving a massage, you shouldn’t hesitate to talk to your massage therapist. Let your therapist know if there’s a part of your body you want her to focus on more. If no enough pressure is being applied on you, those deep knots will not budge and you will not get relief.
Don’t underestimate the power of massage. Massages tend to alleviate pain and stress and increase energy levels. No matter what your personal situation is, a massage could be the answer to many of your problems.
Remember the hands and feet when you are massaging someone. These are two of the most sensitive areas on the entire body and can produce some of the best feelings throughout the whole massage. You should be firm when massaging to loosen the muscles.
Bear hugs can help with shoulder tension. Just wrap yourself with your own arms. Put one hand on each shoulder and rub. This simple action can relieve tension and provide a quick massage whenever needed.
Massaging your own stomach can help with digestion and any stomach pains. After a big meal, try rubbing your abdomen clockwise with both hands. This simple technique can aid your stomach in the digestion of your food. It is important, however, that you don’t apply a lot of pressure in the abdomen area until digesting has finished.
When getting a massage, one should shave in advance. This creates a smooth surface which will make your job a lot easier, particularly if oil is being used. Your hands will be able to glide much more easily over their skin, maximizing the pleasure and sensation of the massage.
Be open with your therapist about all of your medical conditions before you start. Let your masseuse know about important things such as pregnancy. The more your therapist knows about your body, the more he or she will be able to make a plan for the most effective treatment. If you don’t let your massage therapist know of your situation, you could worsen your aches.
Any athlete that has hard works outs knows about sports massages. Those who enjoy exercise, even if they are not a pro, can take advantage of good sport massages. These types of massages are meant to help build you up to prevent injury.
Speak up during a deep tissue or sports massage. If you feel discomfort or pain at all you should tell your massage therapist, because the only way they will know is if you speak up. Your therapist has a right to know if you are experiencing anything uncomfortable.
The pain of a migraine headache can shut down your world. If you’ve ever had a migraine, then you know how terrible they feel. Fortunately, massages can be beneficial to migraines.
Make sure that your hands are following the body’s curves, when you are massaging someone. Work out the palm and fingers of your hand. Use your palm to apply gentle pressure on bony areas. For deeper curves of the body, you can press further in to get out any kinks.
What area should you concentrate on with a massage? Anyplace you have pain! Begin with areas that have aches and pains and head outwards from there. If you locate new pain, work that out as well. When the good feeling stops, you can end the massage.
If you apply oil to someone’s body during the massaging process, make sure you allow them to clean up in some way. The shower will wash the oil away and provide a soothing effect. It can also help their skin, keeping pores from becoming clogged and forming blemishes.
Eliminate stomach pain and improve your digestion by massaging your stomach. After you have eaten, put your hands on your stomach and rub it in a clockwise motion. This simple technique can aid your stomach in the digestion of your food. Be gentle and keep pressure off the abdomen until digestion has finished.
Always warm the oil with your hands before applying it on the patient’s skin. Cool oil feels unpleasant on the skin and it is not going to start off the procedure correctly. Pour a few drops of oil in the palm of your hands so you can warm the oil by rubbing. Friction is enough to warm the oil to the right temperature.
Massage Therapist
Prior to exercise, give your muscles a massage to increase blood flow and make recovery faster. Before you start exercising, use fists to do a pommeling motion on the muscles to encourage blood flow in your arms and legs. After you finish exercising, rub your muscles with palm or fist towards the direction of the heart.
If you like giving massages, think about obtaining a massage therapist license. Getting your licence should only take a few months and you will be able to earn a good living as a massage therapist. You could either go work for a clinic or invest in a massage table so you can receive clients at home.
Be sure to immerse yourself within a relaxing environment while giving massages. The focus is on stress relief and relaxation. Noise just leads to more stress. You should be in a place that is good for sleeping in. You can achieve a calming effect by dimming the lights and providing soft music.
Don’t be afraid to use pressure and even thumps on tense muscles as throughout massages. Start softly and communicate while you do it. If you are careful, the pressure that you use can rid the person of pain and stress. Don’t use these techniques near an articulation or very close to their spine.
If you sustained an injury while practicing a sport, you should get deep tissue massages besides using efficient recovery therapies. Seeing a chiropractor or getting acupuncture are good therapy examples. These are good activities to combine for a complete experience that involves the nervous system, the skeletal system and musculature. They may shorten healing times and help you return to the activity that you love.
You are deserving of a massage, and you now know how to receive one. You can use the information that has been provided to you to help you find the right specialist. Enjoy the pleasure of massage for life by applying the knowledge shared here.
Don’t be afraid to tell your masseur what it is you want. Some massage therapists will press your body too hard while others too less that is why you should not hesitate to let them know. You’re paying for the service, so you should get what you’re looking for.
