I decided to start massage therapy with a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) about 4 weeks ago. I was feeling very tight and sore through the back, shoulders and neck. Only one back molar on each side was touching when I closed my jaw and I my front teeth did not touch and the top jaw was further forward than my bottom jaw. After 6 sessions, I am very pleased to report that all my back molars touch when I close my jaw now. My front teeth almost touch and are better aligned. Also, I don't get as many headaches and migraines and I have less pain in my shoulders and neck. If you haven't tried massage therapy, it's worth a try. It won't eliminate your pain, but it will most likely lessen it and help with your jaw alignment.
Last week, I decided to restart my Chiropractic treatment. I was seeing a Chiropractor last year, but I stopped because he passed away. I didn't bother looking for anyone new at the time because I didn't think anyone was as good as him. He was very hands on and could treat you with even a sweatshirt on. My hip had been bothering me lately so I decided to try the Chiropractor near my house. She is an older lady and very hands on. She said that I have 50% rotation in my neck. When I bend over, my ribs on one side pop up and my hips are not level. I start off on a traction bench that stretches my spine for 10 minutes and have a "magic bag" (heat) around my neck. Afterwards, she does manual soft tissue work on my upper back and neck and then does adjustments. I feel much better after just 2 treatments. I will definitely have to continue with both the massage and chiropractic treatments on a regular basis.
I have to ask myself "Why didn't I do this earlier?". I don't really have a good answer for that question. My first thought is that I get into a cycle of pain and despair and think that nothing is going to help me. I sometimes lose hope and start thinking that I've tried everything and bring my self to believe that I'll just have to live with the status quo the way things are. I had done physiotherapy in the past and some massage therapy. It was okay but didn't really do much for me. I just assumed that I had already tried that.
What I didn't realize is that the person doing the physio or massage makes a big difference. Are they experienced? How long have they been doing massage? I have my long time friend Mark to thank for referring me to Jennifer, my RMT. She came highly recommended after she helped Mark through a tough leg injury. Based on Mark's recommendation, I decided to give her a try. Like the saying goes "Don't knock it until you've tried it!". Don't ever be afraid to try someone new if you don't think your treatments are working. Often its not what you are doing, but who is doing it to you. The person giving the treatment can make all the difference.
Last week, I decided to restart my Chiropractic treatment. I was seeing a Chiropractor last year, but I stopped because he passed away. I didn't bother looking for anyone new at the time because I didn't think anyone was as good as him. He was very hands on and could treat you with even a sweatshirt on. My hip had been bothering me lately so I decided to try the Chiropractor near my house. She is an older lady and very hands on. She said that I have 50% rotation in my neck. When I bend over, my ribs on one side pop up and my hips are not level. I start off on a traction bench that stretches my spine for 10 minutes and have a "magic bag" (heat) around my neck. Afterwards, she does manual soft tissue work on my upper back and neck and then does adjustments. I feel much better after just 2 treatments. I will definitely have to continue with both the massage and chiropractic treatments on a regular basis.
I have to ask myself "Why didn't I do this earlier?". I don't really have a good answer for that question. My first thought is that I get into a cycle of pain and despair and think that nothing is going to help me. I sometimes lose hope and start thinking that I've tried everything and bring my self to believe that I'll just have to live with the status quo the way things are. I had done physiotherapy in the past and some massage therapy. It was okay but didn't really do much for me. I just assumed that I had already tried that.
What I didn't realize is that the person doing the physio or massage makes a big difference. Are they experienced? How long have they been doing massage? I have my long time friend Mark to thank for referring me to Jennifer, my RMT. She came highly recommended after she helped Mark through a tough leg injury. Based on Mark's recommendation, I decided to give her a try. Like the saying goes "Don't knock it until you've tried it!". Don't ever be afraid to try someone new if you don't think your treatments are working. Often its not what you are doing, but who is doing it to you. The person giving the treatment can make all the difference.