Massage Therapy
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY AND WHAT DOES IT TREAT?
Massage Therapy is performed by a licensed massage therapist and can be used to focus on a soft tissue injury, muscle pain, or stiffness, and even to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Additionally, Massage Therapy can be used for relaxation, enjoyment, and to help manage stress and anxiety.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?
Physical benefits of massage therapy can include less muscle pain and tension, improved circulation and flexibility, and even lowered heart rate. Mental benefits include decreased anxiety, improved stress response, overall lowered tension, and increased feelings of calm.
WHAT TYPES OF MASSAGE THERAPY ARE AVAILABLE?
Each Massage Therapy session lasts between 30 – 120 minutes. Our massage therapists are trained in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, myofascial release, and can also utilize hot stone and aromatherapy.
The licensed massage therapists at Ashworth Chiropractic in West Des Moines are experienced and trained in multiple Massage Therapy techniques to customize each Massage Therapy session into the best and most effective experience for the client.
Manual Therapy
WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY AND WHAT DOES IT TREAT?
Manual therapy is a number of different treatment techniques used to treat soft tissue injuries. At Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic we use a number of manual therapies including Active Myofascial Release, Graston or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation, and Trigger Point Therapy.
WHAT IS A SOFT TISSUE INJURY?
A soft tissue injury involves damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and myofascia. Sprains and strains are the most common soft tissue injuries and are a result of either trauma or repetitive use. Trauma can occur with injuries such as twisting an ankle or falling. Repetitive use soft tissue injuries occur when pain develops during movement such as office tasks or sports performed multiple times a week. Examples include carpal tunnel from computer use or shoulder pain from competitive lifting.
“There’s almost always a soft-tissue component associated with any injury or condition,” says Travis McCathie, DC, ATC, director of the Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Center for Sports and Rehabilitation.
HOW ARE SOFT INJURIES TREATED WITH MANUAL THERAPY?
Dr. Wilson is certified in Graston Technique M1 and trained in Active Myofascial Release. Graston(IASTM) and Active Myofascial Release are used to break up scar tissue and adhesions in the damaged tissue and to kick start the first stage of healing in the body. This response sends blood, white blood cells, and the healing chemicals found in the body to re-heal the injury, laying down new tissue and collagen that is stronger and better formed than the old scar tissue.
These techniques restart the healing process over again under very controlled conditions, breaking down the scar tissue in the old injury site that is causing your pain and discomfort. This scar tissue is a ‘patch’ at the site of injury, helping it to initially heal, and is much less flexible than normal tissue. Oftentimes, a small amount of scar tissue remains in the injured tissue, or cannot fully heal due to repetitive use. Over the long run, this leads to a restricted range of motion or entrapment of other tissues. Further use then creates pain, discomfort, and decreased performance. Manual Therapy breaks this cycle and promotes the creation of new tissue and collagen.
Manual Therapy is focused on the specific injury site. Treatment occurs over a short course of sessions that are each typically 10 to 20 minutes in length.
Dr. Wilson and Dr, Alec (PT) are both top-notch, and I’ve trusted my whole family with Dr. Matt Wilson for the last couple of years. My father was a chiropractor for over 40 years, so I knew what I was looking for, and he’s the best we’ve found in the area. Their approach is to get you feeling better, and not to string things out, costing you more time and money than necessary. While they have all the equipment necessary (x-ray, etc) they don’t push unneeded services or snake oils. Both are caring, competent, and compassionate. The staff is good about finding appointments when you need them, and scheduling you with multiple people in a visit whenever possible. The new building is clean, well-appointed, and comfortable. Wait times are short, too. My husband has also had a therapy-based deep tissue massage from one of the two new massage therapists, and said it really helped!
Dr. Matthew squeezed me in on short notice and took very good care of me. He was very thorough and didn’t just adjust me and let me walk out. Amazing experience here and the receptionist is a sweetheart.
Dr. Matt has done wonders for me and I recommend him highly – I can’t say enough good things about him. Dr. Matt and staff are good people and will take great care of you.
Dr. Matt and the entire staff have been GREAT! I went in for some issues I was having with my neck and back and Dr. Matt also helped me with some other issues I was having with my calf and shoulders that have made a HUGE improvement in my overall health and comfort.
I highly recommend using Dr. Matt!
I really love it here! They are very friendly and I feel Dr. Wilson is giving me great treatment! I also don’t feel pressured into coming back too frequently. The adjustments are great! Great office!
Very professional and in depth consultation. These people seem to genuinely care about people’s health and progress.