September is a busy month for a lot of people. For parents, it’s the start of the new school year, packed lunches, homework and running around for all the after-school activities that the kids are pursuing. Even without kids in school, it’s a longer commute with all the school buses and extra vehicles on the road at certain times and also the start of fall, a season in which the body can feel drained of energy from all the summer activities.
When schedules get busy, it is important to take a moment to recharge ourselves and find some peace amid the chaos. Amidst the hustle, finding moments of peace and self-care is crucial.
Revival Airdrie specializes in techniques to combat stress and promote nervous system regulation. Our therapists specialize in manual techniques that help your nervous system better manage stress and optimize healing. Some techniques include craniosacral therapy, neuromeningeal therapy, and therapeutic massage. Our team also utilizes PEMF and Bioflex Cold laser therapy which puts Revival at the forefront of stress management, healing optimization and cellular energetics.
Manual Techniques for Healthier Living
Our therapists are trained in a multitude of techniques that calm the body and nervous system including but not limited to the following:
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral therapy involves the gentle manipulation of the skull and spine to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which nourishes the brain and spinal cord. This therapy can help reduce headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms associated with stress. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle approach to releasing soft tissue while mobilizing restricted bones all in conjunction with the craniosacral system that can become impinged during a concussion.
By definition, the craniosacral system comprises the membranes and the cerebrospinal fluid that protect the brain and spinal cord. It has been noted that changes in the cerebrospinal fluid cause rhythmic motions of the skull. The Concussion Alliance has suggested that craniosacral therapy can be effective at treating headaches as well as neck and back pain from concussions. From a therapy standpoint, the gentle manipulation of CST can restore plate, suture and membrane mobility in the skull and restore balance to the cerebrospinal fluid.
Neuromeningeal Therapy
Neuromeningeal therapy helps facilitate nerve movement in relation to the fascia, organs and bones. It examines the mechanical relationships between the cranium/spine hard frame to the dura and neural elements. Neuromeningeal therapy is a gentle hands-on technique that releases any nerve impingements while also seeing how these impingements affect the rest of the body and nervous system. It is designed to help improve overall nervous connections throughout the body by creating extra neural mobility. In terms of concussions, because of the acceleration and deceleration of the brain inside the skull during the trauma, nerves can become impinged in various places and neuromeningeal therapy becomes a treatment modality to alleviate that.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy in Airdrie
Massage Therapy is an important component of injury rehabilitation, helping to relieve pain, reduce swelling, improve flexibility and improve your overall health. At Revival Airdrie, our massage therapist is highly trained in a variety of techniques, including Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Therapeutic Massage, cupping, Fascia Release and Sports Massage. These techniques can help to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation, allowing you to achieve faster and more complete recovery, ultimately contributing to overall well-being.
Technology for Optimized Healing
Technology can augment manual therapy and together, they can both work synergistically to produce healing from the inside out. One of these technologies is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy.
PEMF
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment modality that utilizes electromagnetic fields to support the body’s natural healing processes at the cellular level. This innovative technology has been extensively researched and proven to be highly effective in reducing pain, promoting tissue regeneration, and enhancing overall well-being.
Imagine your cells are like a battery. Loss of cellular electrical charge is the beginning of pain, fatigue, inflammation and loss of performance – followed by the onset of illness and injury. PEMF energy helps mitigate, slow and reverse this decline. PEMF technology works by sending low-level frequency throughout the body to recharge cells, expedite recovery, and calm the central nervous system. PEMF helps cells heal themselves and helps mediate stress by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system.
Supplements for Stress
Lastly, the addition of supplements can help manage stress and can help calm the nervous system.
Cortisol Calm
Cortisol Calm by Pure Encapsulation is an all-encompassing formula that helps relieve mental fatigue and get restful sleep during intense periods of stress by providing a synergistic combination of ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, L-theanine and magnolia bark extract. Ashwagandha helps with memory enhancement and acts as a sleep aid (3) while L-Theanine is an amino acid found in Green Tea that promotes relaxation and decreases cortisol levels in the body (2). Rhodiola Rosea serves as an adaptogen that relieves moderate fatigue under stressful conditions and supports short-term memory and concentration. Rhodiola has been shown to increase the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine (1).
L-Theanine
L-Theanine by Pure Encapsulation contains Suntheanine, a bioavailable form of the amino acid, L-Theanine which works by regulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain. In a clinical trial (2), L-Theanine has been found to enhance alpha brain wave patterns, which indicate relaxation in the subjects tested. Furthermore, it did so rapidly without causing drowsiness. Also, L-Theanine has been reported to moderate the effects of caffeine on the central nervous system, allowing you to enjoy the morning cup of coffee, guilt-free.
Kids Immune Health
One of the biggest stressors that parents face when kids go back to school is the inevitable sickness that will most likely follow, making it hard for parents to juggle busy work and life schedules. There is research that shows that incorporating a quality probiotic in a child’s life can help decrease upper respiratory tract infections and research shows that there is a strong link between gut bacteria and the immune system and the healthier our gut flora is, the more efficient the immune system will respond when viruses and bacteria come attacking our bodies (4).
HMF Fit for School
HMF Fit for School is part of the same excellent HMF probiotic family of products that Genestra offers. It is a probiotic containing the same four beneficial human strain-derived bacteria that are part of the other HMF probiotics but dosed for kids over 6 years old with an extra immune boost addition of Vitamin C and D.
In general, Lactobacillus Acidophilus helps with diarrhea from antibiotics, IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and can boost immunity. Bifidobacterium bifidum works to prevent recurring IBS symptoms as well as helping to prevent infections in the airways and reduce common colds. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis has been shown to help with infant colic and constipation issues.
Research shows that the gut is greatly responsible for our overall health and well being so maintaining a healthy gut should be a priority for everyone and the younger we start incorporating this, the better we will as adults.
Vita Kids Immune
Vita Kids Immune is tailored for kids older than 6 and comes in a great-tasting natural grape-flavored liquid. It contains Elderberry and Blueberry extracts which are both great antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative and free radical cellular damage.
Beta carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A, which is involved in the production of immune cells whereas Zinc is an essential trace element that is also involved in immune cell development so any supplements incorporating Zinc help maintain a robust immune response.
At Revival, Airdrie’s Injury and Pain Clinic, we recognize the complexity of everyday life and how much stress can feel like you are carrying the whole world on your shoulders. Our multidisciplinary approach, combining Athletic Therapy, Massage Therapy, PEMF therapy and the use of evidence-based supplements, can provide comprehensive relief and improve your quality of life even during these busy times.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding your specific condition or medical needs.
The content of this blog post, including references to scientific studies, is based on current research available at the time of writing. However, research in the field of headache and migraine treatment is constantly evolving, and new evidence may emerge that could affect the information provided here. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in this blog post.
Any reliance you place on the information in this blog post is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim any liability for any damages or injuries, whether direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental, arising from the use of the information in this blog post or any linked resources.
Furthermore, it is important to note that individual experiences and responses to treatment may vary. What works for one person may not work for another, and results may differ based on individual circumstances, medical history, and other factors. Therefore, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results from the use of supplements or treatments discussed in this blog post.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your physician before starting any new supplements, treatments, or making changes to your healthcare regimen. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific needs and medical history.
The inclusion of any specific products, supplements, or treatment techniques in this blog post does not imply endorsement or recommendation by our clinic. We encourage you to conduct your own research and make informed decisions based on your individual needs and in consultation with your healthcare provider.
The views expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our clinic or its staff.
Please consult our clinic directly for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
References
- Anghelescu IG, Edwards D, Seifritz E, Kasper S. Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2018 Nov;22(4):242-252.
- Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, Ishida I, Yasukawa Z, Ozeki M, Kunugi H. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 3;11(10):2362. doi: 10.3390/nu11102362. PMID: 31623400; PMCID: PMC683611
- Speers AB, Cabey KA, Soumyanath A, Wright KM. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021;19(9):1468-1495.
- Wastyk HC, Fragiadakis GK, Perelman D, Dahan D, Merrill BD, Yu FB, Topf M, Gonzalez CG, Van Treuren W, Han S, Robinson JL, Elias JE, Sonnenburg ED, Gardner CD, Sonnenburg JL. Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Cell. 2021 Aug 5;184(16):4137-4153.e14. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019. Epub 2021 Jul 12. PMID: 34256014; PMCID: PMC9020749.