Improve Bone Health and Treat Osteoporosis with Chiropractic Massage
Bone health is a little something that many Filipinos take for granted. This should not be the case because it is vital, regardless of age. In line with this, it should be noted that our skeletal system is more than just a framework. It supports body movements, protects internal organs, and so on. Simply put, it is an integral part of overall health. Also, improving bone health can significantly lower the risks of fractures, mobility limitations, chronic pain, and the like.
If you want to achieve optimum bone health, you should include regular chiropractic massage sessions in your health and fitness regimen. Performed by a chiropractor, the said form of massage is a holistic treatment that focuses on spine health and its connection to general well-being.
What is a chiropractor? You ask. Well, in simple terms, the said healthcare practitioner focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. He or she treats the body’s neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Without further ado. Let us explore the connection between bone health and chiropractic massage therapy in the succeeding paragraphs. Read on.
Osteoporosis: A cause of concern in the Philippines
In the Philippines, osteoporosis remains a serious concern among Filipino adults, especially among the elderly population. The 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), reported that one of the primary contributors of poor bone health that may eventually lead to the development of osteoporosis is low calcium intake. According to the ENNS study, about 97.2% of adults and 95.5% of elderly suffer from calcium deficiency.
From the said numbers, it has been projected that the total number of Filipinos that may be at high risk for osteoporosis–a disease that may weaken the bones–may shoot up to 10.2 million by 2050; this is according to a separate study that was released by the National Library of Medicine.
Also, in a press conference that was held at Davao, Dr. Matthew Rex Madayag, senior consultant at the SPMC Department of Rehabilitation, noted a significant increase in bone problems among young people. He added that beyond children, women in the menopausal stage face a higher risk of osteoporosis due to decreased calcium production.
Osteoporosis and chiropractic massage
The good news is that all is not lost if you or your loved one has developed osteoporosis. This is because of the fact that chiropractic massage treatment can be used to address the said condition. It should be noted, though, that it does not directly treat or reverse osteoporosis. It is performed to manage the consequences as well as prevent or minimize the worsening of the symptoms.
Below are some of the benefits of the said holistic treatment:
Relieve pain
A chiropractor may utilize a wide range of techniques to manage pain, discomfort, and anything in between. The treatments that may be involved include spinal manipulation that is coupled by soft tissue therapy as well as therapeutic exercises.
Spinal manipulation, which also goes by the term chiropractic adjustment, usually includes using controlled or restrained force in an effort to boost joint mobility and, at the same time, reduce pain. In the process, it can alleviate osteoporosis-related symptoms that include back pain, neck pain, headaches, and so on.
In addition to the said forms of treatment, soft tissue therapy that includes, but are not limited to trigger point therapy and massage therapy, may also be performed to alleviate tension and boost relaxation.
Enhance mobility
A chiropractic doctor can enhance the mobility of osteoporosis patients by helping them perform daily activities. How is this possible? Well, with the use of chiropractic massage sessions that include gentle manipulation techniques and soft tissue therapies that can help relax tight muscles on the surrounding joints. If properly performed, they can boost movement patterns and, in the process, alleviate tension and boot relaxation.
In addition, some may even provide exercises that are specifically designed to rehabilitate muscular and bone strength, which can also boost coordination and balance. They can also help patients become more independent and engage in certain activities that they stopped doing due to mobility limitations.
Simply put, with improved mobility and posture, patients may also become more confident. Consequently, they may go on with their regular routines without worrying about a thing.
Possible stimulation of osteoblasts
Bone cells called osteoblasts are special cells that help bones develop and grow. Some research indicates that chiropractic care can stimulate osteoblast production. They work together with other special cells called osteoclasts to ensure appropriate bone production. However, osteoclasts break down old bone tissues to encourage the production of healthier tissue replacements. With this in mind, it is best to have the right amount of osteoblasts in the body.
It is important to note that while promising this possible benefit needs more extensive studies to confirm veracity.
Prevent fractures
According to the National Library of Medicine, about 50% of women and 20% of men aged 50 years and beyond will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. The good news is that the prevalence of the said incident may be reduced with chiropractic treatment.
In addition to spinal manipulation and chiropractic massage, chiropractors are trained in optimum body mechanics. This means they fully understand how to best move the body from point A to point B without increasing the risk of injury or from making existing conditions like osteoporosis worsen. They can guide patients in performing everyday movements. This way, they do not have to worry about putting themselves at risk of fractures or overexertion.
Furthermore, they can work hand in hand with patients and extensively monitor progress. This can prevent fracture-related issues from arising, and immediately address symptoms before they worsen.
Summing up
Chiropractic massage and other forms of treatment offer a holistic as well as non-invasive option for enhancing bone health and addressing conditions like osteoporosis. Through spinal manipulation, rehabilitative exercises, and mobility improvements, among others, a chiropractor can optimize the body’s functionality and boost overall health along the way.
If you are concerned about bone health or you know someone who has developed osteoporosis, our chiropractic care methods at Posture Perfect can be exceptional complementary treatments. Our packages come in a competitive chiropractic session price range. Plus, there are discounts if you sign up for a certain number of sessions.
Book an appointment now. Our experts can develop a personalized program for your osteoporosis or other bone condition.