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What Are the Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger point therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on increasing blood circulation to an area. This method involves applying pressure to specific trigger points on the body. The trigger point therapy Pasadena, CA reduces the oxygen supply to cells and causes cellular death. The body responds by creating an inflammatory response that dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to the area. 

Reduces Pain

Trigger point therapy is a treatment used to target the pain associated with trigger points. Trigger points develop in the muscle belly where the motor endplate enters. Trigger points are palpable nodules that occur in skeletal muscles and can be present in infants, children, and adults. While trigger points are not often associated with pain syndromes, they can restrict daily functioning. During therapy, trigger point pain may temporarily be relieved using a special device called a steroid injection.

Trigger point therapy alleviates chronic pain by pinpointing the pain’s source and restoring the normal range of motion. Trigger-point therapy can relieve back pain, neck pain, and even plantar fasciitis. It is a non-surgical treatment that requires consistent appointments and at-home exercises. Trigger-point therapy is not a substitute for physical therapy but can be an effective alternative for chronic pain patients.

Relieves Muscle Tension

Trigger point therapy is a treatment where a physical therapist applies pressure to a specific muscle knot to release it. It can offer immediate relief or take several sessions to see noticeable results. Trigger point therapy may be combined with other treatments, such as massage and manual adjustments. In addition, some types of trigger point therapy may be used with electrical stimulation to improve muscle relief and reduce the recovery time from injury. While trigger point therapy is not the only treatment for muscle tension, it can reduce muscle pain caused by a sports injury and even help shorten a patient’s recovery time. However, trigger point therapy can lead to side effects, including referred pain, motor dysfunction, and local tenderness.

One form of trigger point therapy is using a thin needle to squeeze the trigger point gently. This treatment is used to release muscle tension and improve circulation. When a physical therapist applies pressure to a trigger point, a chemical called nitric oxide is released into the muscle tissue. This chemical signals the body to increase blood flow through the targeted tissue, which breaks the cycle of pain, muscle spasm, and muscle twitching.

Relieves Headaches

Trigger point pain referral patterns are one of the main causes of headaches. Headaches may originate from the mouth, jaw, or neck muscles. However, sometimes one muscle refers to several other trigger points, creating a complex referral pattern. Trigger point pain therapy is an effective treatment for chronic headaches, allowing patients to return to normal life without medication or surgery. 

A pressure point is a tiny area of muscle contraction that causes pain and discomfort. It’s important to massage these areas to get the most relief possible. The therapist will use alternating pressure and friction to target these points. The resulting relaxation of small areas of contracted tissue will eliminate referred pain and bring about relief from headaches. You’ll likely notice changes in your muscles during a trigger point massage. But the real benefits of trigger point therapy come from scientific research.

Reduces Muscle Knots

Physical therapy is an effective way to reduce the pain associated with muscle knots. Physical therapy focuses not on eliminating the trigger points but on learning the proper techniques to manage them. The physical therapist may also recommend exercises and postural corrections that help reduce muscle knots and prevent them from recurring. Physical therapy can also help patients learn strategies to self-manage the pain and discomfort associated with trigger points.

A typical trigger point is a small area in the muscle that lingers for a long period. When this area is irritated, the muscle cannot perform the activity it was designed for. Eventually, the muscle knot develops a painful trigger point. Physical therapy can help reduce this pain by addressing trigger points, and tiny swollen spots in the muscles.

Reduces Autogenic Inhibition

Autogenic inhibition increases as muscle relaxation progress. In addition, it was observed that the faster a muscle relaxes, the higher its inhibition. Hence, the faster autogenic inhibition reduces, the better the treatment is for chronic pain. Trigger pointing is a method for relieving muscle pain and improving the overall range of movement. Trigging is a safe and effective method for releasing tight muscles by deliberately blocking blood flow to an area. Trigger pointing also releases waste products from muscle tissues and promotes the healing of damaged tissue. In this way, it reduces pain and stiffness caused by aching muscles. But the process is not completely painless.

Reduces Muscle Discomfort

Trigger point therapy is a technique that involves pinching and …

Aloe Vera Gets Thumbs Up on Oral Care

Aloe Vera Gets Thumbs Up on Oral Care

If you have sensitive teeth or gums that bleed easily when you brush, finding the right toothpaste goes beyond just how effective it is at fighting cavities.

People with sensitive teeth or those who suffer from chronic mouth ulcers need more than just the ordinary toothpaste or mouthwash. Aloe Vera toothgel is now in the market to provide a solution to sensitive teeth and gum problems.

The Academy of General Dentistry in its May/June 2009 issue of the General Dentistry Journal, claims that Aloe Vera toothgel is effective as a cavity-preventing measure aside from working well on sensitive teeth and gums.

People in the dental profession have long debated on the capability of aloe vera toothgel to eradicate disease-causing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the mouth. The Academy has reported however, that Aloe Vera toothgel is proven to be effective in fighting germs found in the mouth. A recent study compared the pathogen-fighting properties of 2 commercially available toothpaste preparations alongside Aloe Vera toothgel and found the latter to be equally, and at some point even more effective in controlling and eliminating cavity-causing microflora in the mouth and gums.

The germ-fighting qualities of Aloe Vera toothgel can be attributed to its natural anthraquinone content – chemical compounds which also provide analgesic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activity when used in low doses. It’s also favoured by people who have sensitive teeth since Aloe Vera toothgel contains no harsh abrasive components found in regular toothpastes.

Overall physical health is directly related to oral and dental health. Gingivitis or gum disease has been found to aggravate certain ailments such as diabetes, stroke, heart and lung diseases. Harmful bacteria and microorganisms in the mouth can cause periodontal disease and premature tooth loss. In addition to that, disease-causing bacteria are carried in the bloodstream and can spread infection to the other organs of the body.

Actual data gathering on this was conducted by Emory University along with the Center for Disease Control. Researchers established that people with gingivitis and other forms of periodontal diseases had an almost 50% chance of dying earlier that those without the disease.

Aloe vera toothgel provides preventative and curative measures against gingivitis and periodontis. Its powerful antiseptic properties can reach all areas of the mouth to kill disease-causing bacteria. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties on the other hand, help lessen occasions of soft tissue swelling and bleeding of the gums.

There are many Aloe Vera toothgels available, but not all contain the essential medicinal properties needed to fight dental caries and care for sensitive teeth. In fact only a few varieties out of over 300 aloe species have these oral health attributes.

The International Aloe Science Council was formed to provide and enforce quality control procedures in the manufacture of aloe vera health care products. It provides certifications and seals of quality to manufacturers who match or exceed industry standards and provides consumers with a guarantee that they are purchasing industry compliant products.

Forever Bright is the first toothgel to have been awarded the Council quality seal. It is fluoride-free, therefore it is gentle and non-abrasive to the gums and teeth. It also contains Bee Propolis, a natural healing antibiotic. Forever Bright fortifies, nurtures and guards the teeth and gums against bacteria build-up as it fights plaque and whitens teeth without harmful bleaching components. Forever Bright comes in a minty gel-based formula which both adults and children will love.…

Is Multipurpose Toothpaste Really Better?

Is Multipurpose Toothpaste Really Better?

Dental care at home is not a complicated matter when you know the basics. However, many people want to take this care farther by purchasing multipurpose toothpastes. Everyone has heard the hype surrounding these toothpastes, but are they really worth the extra money? Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide which option is best for their teeth, but reviewing the benefits of the toothpaste may help you decide. You should always ask your dentist for their opinion before you change toothpastes, though. This is very important to remember because your dentist knows what your teeth need to stay healthy.

Multipurpose toothpaste is advertised as being able to improve the sensitivity of teeth to certain substances and temperatures. This can be a major benefit to people who deal with pain anytime they drink something that is the least bit too hot or cold. This sounds like a big claim, but there is evidence that specially formulated toothpastes can help sensitive teeth. Before you get too excited about enjoying the treats you’ve been missing out on, remember what we talked about previously, you should check with your dentist to see what they recommend for toothpaste. They can give you a straightforward and honest answer on the matter. Their opinion is very important because there are numerous toothpastes to choose from.

Some multipurpose toothpaste can prevent gingivitis, but consistent brushing with regular toothpaste can also achieve this. Heavy-duty multipurpose toothpaste may be a good choice for you if you have a family history of gingivitis, especially since it will target the plaque that is associated with this condition. Your dentist can examine your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis, and you can base your decision of whether or not to use multipurpose toothpaste on their findings. Healthy gums can also keep your teeth from hurting, so you can savor your favorite goodies -in moderation, of course!

Finally, multipurpose toothpaste also claims to fight cavities or strengthen your enamel. Both of these are major benefits to your oral health, and they might just be enough to convince you either way as to whether or not this toothpaste is best for you. Once the enamel of your teeth has worn away, it makes your teeth much weaker and susceptible to damage. Cavities can set off irreversible decay if they are not repaired soon enough. Dental care should always be one of your priorities, and your dentist can help you along the way, they can also give you valuable input that can help you make an informed toothpaste decision.…

The Best Ways to Avoid Constipation

Unless you are ill and constipation is a symptom, there are things that you can do to avoid it from happening. This will involve a look into your diet and making a few changes to your lifestyle. Doing this is well worth the benefits as you will not only just benefit from avoiding bowel movement problems but you will also benefit in weight, cardiovascular health and in many other ways.

Look Into Your Diet

The first place to look at is your diet. You will need to make sure that you eat foods that are low in fat but high in fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy colon and will help to soften the stools. However, you will need to avoid eating too much as you could cause the opposite problem of constipation – diarrhea.

You may be wondering what you can eat to have a high fiber diet. There are plenty of options and no need to buy a lot of expensive items. Bran cereals are the most common option and offer enough fiber in one bowel. You can also get the fiber from whole wheat grains, pastas and breads and from fruit and vegetables.

Drink Plenty of Water

Experts recommend that you should drink two liters of water a day. This is the equivalent of between six and eight glasses and you do not just need to drink pure water. That first sentence should really read to drink two liters of fluid a day! You can get fluids from hot drinks, juices and even from fruit and vegetables!

The majority of water is passed through the body and removed through urination but there is some water that goes into the bowels. This helps to soften the stools and prevent constipation from becoming an issue. However, you need to make sure that your body gets enough to avoid dehydration. There is such a thing as too much water and you will need to avoid over hydrating yourself.

Exercise Will Help

Having a healthy lifestyle will also help you on the process of avoiding constipation and exercise is something that you need to do. You should exercise for 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week. However, if you are not used to exercise then you will need to slowly build this up to avoid injury. This sounds like a lot but the good news is that you do not need to do this in one go.

Many people will opt to split their exercise up throughout the day. You could go for a 10 minute walk on a morning, another 10 minutes at lunch and then 10 minutes after work; you could also split it up in two sessions of 15 minutes. Do something that you can comfortably manage so you are more likely to stick with it in the future.

The above are just three ways to avoid constipation and you will notice that they are all natural. There is no need to speak to a doctor and no need to take medications. You also do not need to spend a lot of money.…

Healthy Eating For A Healthy Life

Developing a healthy lifestyle is a life long process. The health of our body starts as embryos with what it receives from the umbilical cord. This nutrition all depends on how the mother is eating. Her knowledge of proper nutrition and the importance of eating well to support the good development of her baby is crucial at this point. There are many know abnormalities that occur as an embryo develops that may occur because of poor nutrition and an unhealthy lifestyle.

As an infant our parents feed us as well as they know how. Again if there is economical restrictions or just the lack of knowledge or understanding of the importance of nutrition our bodies may suffer.

As we grow, we develop our likes and dislikes for certain foods. Our way of eating can be influenced by our peers and what eating habits are accepted in the home we are raised in. If there is no importance placed on healthy eating, that will be carried into our adult life. If a home lifestyle of fast foods and prepackaged meals was normal this is usually the way a young adult will continue on their own.

Fortunately, that can be changed with our own free will as adults. We can take charge by educating ourselves. That is, learning the importance of disease prevention in the present and the importance of good nutrition for prevention of disease over our life time.

What are some of the healthy changes we can make?

Avoid fast foods, usually very high in fats and sodium with very little nutrient values

Avoid prepackaged meals, they are usually high in sodium and fats

Pack your own lunches for work, usually less expensive and you will know what you are eating. Use fresh roasted meats rather than processed meats.

Avoid foods high in sugars and fats, such as soda pop, ice tea, fruit flavored drinks and creamy salad dressings

Eat foods in their most natural state, the less you have to do to the food product the better

Avoid processed food such as luncheon meats, wieners, sausages

Read labels for the nutritional content as well as sodium and sugar content

Eat breakfast, the most important meal of the day

Eat a variety of foods from all food groups making meals and snacks more enjoyable

Follow the food guides for your age group. Different stages of our lives and what is happening in our lives can determine how much we have to eat.

Have an exercise regiment. This will usually change your attitude towards your health and make you want to eat more healthy

Take a good multivitamin to bridge the gaps in your diet. Even when eating accounting to the food guide our bodies are just not getting all the minerals and vitamins it needs. A whole food liquid multivitamin is easily absorbed by the body

Along with educating yourself on how to shop for and prepare healthy meals, it is important to get to know your body and watch for any physical or mental changes. The importance of annual check-ups cannot be over-stressed.…

How to Make Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste

How to Make Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste

All shopping centers have a large section exclusively for toothpastes and other oral hygiene products. Most of us probably have a ‘favorite’ brand that we are loyal to likely only because of the advertisements. It’s a fact though that most if not all toothpastes are made of the same ingredients- some whitener usually H2O2, fluorides as abrasives, surfactants as additional cleaners and sodium bicarbonate(baking soda) to get that foam. All the rest of the ingredients being simply for variety and taste with no special importance.

This being the case, hydrogen peroxide toothpaste can be made at home and save you much while getting the same results. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• Bowl to do the mixing

• 1/2 cup Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

• 1/4 cup H2O2

• Teaspoon

• Peppermint oil for flavor

Once you have those ready, follow these simple steps:

1. Put the baking soda into the bowl. Baking soda is a natural whitener and also helps as an abrasive. It reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide thus giving you the foam when you brush.

2. Add the hydrogen peroxide. This acts as a bleacher and kills germs. Make sure you only get the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

3. Add the peppermint oil. This obviously is to get you that fresh feeling after you brush.

4. Thoroughly mix the solution until it becomes a paste. You can decide to add either of the main ingredients until you get the consistency you need

5. Find a suitable place to store it. A plastic squeeze would be best or anything that closes tightly.

You’ve just made your first H2O2 toothpaste! You should only have spent no more than a couple of dollars since everything you need is probably already in your kitchen. Why spend precious time finding your ‘branded’ toothpaste when you can make it in the comfort of your own home?…

Choose A Great Dentist To Help With Your Dental Hygiene Needs

Choosing a great dentist can make all the difference in the world when you are trying to take the best possible care of your teeth. It is important to take care of your dental health just as you would take care of your regular physical health! Usually, dental health is managed by simple habits of regular brushing, flossing and routine dental appointments. By following good dental habits, includes those mentioned above, you are on the right road to having good check-ups from your dentist and excellent dental health for a lifetime.
Performing preventative dental care by yourself will dramatically affect the need for remedial dental care to fix problems with your teeth and mouth over your lifetime. Taking this proactive step will also keep the costs of your dental care low. The small amount you will expend to provide you and your family with the means of properly caring for your teeth. This will result in routine trips to your dentist and will definitely outweigh the expense of experiencing costly dental procedures necessitated by improper dental hygiene!
Learning how to break bad habits affecting your teeth is also a way of keeping your mouth healthy. You can learn how to avoid habits such as tooth grinding, nail biting, pencil chewing, ice crunching and forgetting to brush. These are all improper uses of your teeth which impact the cost of your dentistry. Persisting in succumbing to these habits will drive up your costs unnecessarily.
People are sometimes scared of the dentist, even for a routine cleaning and check-up. This circumstance is common if you experience qualms when knowing that you must have dental work done and are anticipating what procedures you may encounter. You may be scared of pain, the time in the chair, or worries about how the work will turn out.
Sometimes in our busy lives, dental emergencies occur which require the use of a dental specialist to remedy the situation. There are many excellent dental practitioners who have gone on after their regular training in general dentistry. These people are qualified as specialists with the proven experience and education to handle your dental emergency with competency and kindness.
When facing intensive procedures such as root canals, extractions or bridge work, for example, the patient is wise to hire the services of a specialist to perform the techniques. Those procedures, along with a number of others, require specialized knowledge and access to high tech equipment which is not as readily available in many offices of general dentistry. A good general practitioner will be able to refer patients to specialists known for their competency and professionalism. Consult with your dentist when experiencing dental situations requiring the need for a specialist.
Many people may feel that because nothing hurts, their teeth are fine. This is not true. Just brushing them everyday, two-three times a day does not always work either. Your teeth need the attention of a professional for guarantee they are OK.
Manage your personal dental care just like it is a business! Make wise choices, and be sure to follow proper oral hygiene practices and habits. All this will minimize the cost of your bright smile. Taking care of your oral health is usually simply a matter of practicing good habits and seeing your dentist on a regular basis.…