Tag: alternative medicine

Instrument Assisted Therapy IASTM Driven SWS South Tampa

How Soft Tissue Therapy Treats Scar Tissue

Written by Luis Echeverry on February 27, 2020. Posted in Chiropractic, Lifestyle, Rejuvenation.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (IASTM) is an innovative treatment. It can be used after injury or surgery to reduce the formation and appearance of scars and to break down scar tissue. Soft tissue therapy also addresses fascia restrictions and adhesions. Keep reading for a closer look at this treatment technique and how it can help with the rehabilitation process.

Understanding Scar Tissue and Soft Tissue Therapy

After an injury or surgical procedure, scar tissue can form in or around the site of the wound – a natural part of the healing process. Scar tissue is a tough, less malleable material that occurs when collagen fibers form over an injury site to help protect and strengthen the wound. When left unaddressed, you may notice it visual scars or feel internal stiffness around or in muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments or internal organs.

When active or an athlete, soft tissues can be compromised and exposed to intense stress, thus resulting in tightness or misalignments caused by tension, postural imbalances, surgery or injury. Common soft tissue injuries include:

sprains
strains
contusions
tendonitis
bursitis
stress injuries

Problems can occur when adhesions form where the scar tissue becomes stuck to the surrounding tissue, causing a restriction to the normal range of movement. To better understand how Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy can help heal your specific scars, call or text Team Driven!

Soft Tissue Therapy & the Healing Process

IASTM is an effective method that treats scar tissue at different phases of the healing process. It helps to reduce pain, improve appearance and overcome the restriction of movement and increase function. Playing sports can take its toll on your body, this therapy can improve athletic performance over time too.

Phases of Healing

Inflammatory Phase:

During the initial or inflammatory stage (three to six days after surgery or injury), soft tissue treatment focuses on assisting the body to reduce swelling by using gentle strokes away from the wound site.

Regeneration Phase:

The second phase of the healing process is regeneration (up to four weeks after surgery or injury). During this phase, new collagen fibers and blood vessels are formed. In addition, the wound gradually starts to contract, and new skin begins to form.

At this phase, soft tissue therapy focuses on the mobilization of the injured site to encourage blood flow and reduce the formation of adhesions.

Maturation Phase:

The final stage of healing is maturation (up to 24 months). This is when new collagen forms to increase the strength of the tissue.

In this phase, soft tissue therapy is more intense and focuses on restoring movement restrictions caused by fibrous adhesions, scar tissue or shortened structures. Once the wound is closed and there is not risk of infection, therapy on the scar itself can begin.

Scar Tissue Causing Issues?

Soft tissue treatment can help make significant improvements to scar-tissue related issues. Start increasing mobility and range of motion! To learn more about Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (IASTM) at Driven Fit + SWS, call or text (813) 440-3016. You can also schedule a free consultation at our South Tampa studio gym below.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Written by Luis Echeverry on July 30, 2019. Posted in Transformation.

Let’s hop in our way back machine to the 2016 Olympics: Michael Phelps was crushing it while he had mysterious, large red marks all over his back? Remember thinking – what are those? Nearly everyone did. Well, those red marks are a result of cupping – an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine.

Cupping is used primarily to facilitate healing with blood flow, but it also helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promotes health, relaxation, and well being. In cupping therapy, a therapist puts special cups on your skin to create suction.

Michael Phelps does it, so it’s got to be safe, right? Let’s take a closer look.

The Science Behind Cupping

The science of cupping is very similar to acupuncture in that both therapies are believed to balance yin and yang, within the body and facilitate the flow of “qi” – the vital energy or life force believed to regulate your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.

Restoring the balance between these two extremes is thought to help with the body’s resistance to pathogens as well as its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain.

Driven Fit+ SWS offers cupping therapy in Tampa with Dr. Sarah Sponaugle. Come by the studio to experience the healing of cupping!

Is Cupping Safe?

Yes, this alternative therapy is safe. But, there are certain exceptions. These may include:

Your cupping therapist isn’t certified – Most therapists who practice cupping are not certified in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Before any cupping treatment, research your therapist to protect your safety. Don’t worry: the team at Driven+SWS is fully certified.
Children who are under the age of four – Cupping should never be performed on a child who is under the age of four years old. Older children should only be treated for very short periods.
Adults over the age of 65 – As we age, our skin becomes more fragile, and therefore cupping at this age isn’t recommended.
Women who are pregnant – Cupping should be avoided at the abdomen and lower back for all pregnant women.
Those who use blood-thinning medication, have a sunburn, a wound, a skin ulcer, experienced recent trauma, or have an internal organ disorder.
If the therapist doesn’t practice sanitary methods – He or she should use clean equipment and have regular vaccines to ensure protection against disease.

As with any change to your diet, exercise, or therapy regimen we recommend you speak with your doctor before receiving treatment.

Are There Side Effects to Cupping?

While overall very safe, there are a few side effects associated with cupping. These typically only occur during or immediately following treatment. Possible side effects of cupping therapy may include:

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy during or after treatment
Sweating or slight nausea during treatment
Pain or irritation at the cupping sites
Risk of infection *this is extremely rare. At Driven+SWS, our therapists always follow the appropriate methods for cleaning your skin before or after your cupping session
Scarring of the skin
Hematoma (bruising)

Cupping Therapy in Tampa

This ancient form of therapy is known for its healing capabilities. Cupping is used to increase blood flow, alleviate pains and inflammation. Cupping therapy can help you relax and improve your overall health & wellbeing.

If you are interested in cupping treatments at our South Tampa wellness center, schedule a consultation today! Our trained and experienced Tampa, FL cupping therapists, please call or text Driven + SWS today at (813) 440-3016.

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Benefits of Acupuncture Driven Fit Tampa FL

Surprising Benefits of Acupuncture

Written by Luis Echeverry on February 19, 2019. Posted in Rejuvenation.

Age-old Chinese wisdom views the physical body as a collection of energetic fields. If the body is in a state of good health, it allows for optimal energy flow. On the other hand, if the body is in a disease-ridden state, it creates energetic blockages. Acupuncture has been proven by numerous scientific studies to be one of the most viable and effective alternative methods for overall wellbeing and healing. Take a closer look at the many acupuncture benefits…they may just surprise you.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Mood Enhancement

There are many causes for fluctuating moods and even depression. Whether chronic stress, everyday worries, or imbalanced hormones are the culprit for stress, acupuncture can offer significant relief. With the application of acupuncture needles, your central nervous system becomes stimulated and releases endorphins and other chemicals that will lift your mood. This will lead to a more positive mindset and less anxiety.

Headache Relief

To treat headaches, acupuncture needles are carefully placed near specific nerves that offer a pain-reductive effect. Endorphins are released that relieve pressure and help with discomfort of recurring headaches and migraines.

Sleep Quality

Acupuncture increases your body’s natural ability to produce melatonin – a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycles. Thanks to our busy lifestyles and poor sleep habits, melatonin is often underproduced which contributes to insomnia and sleep deprivation. Acupuncture will help restore your natural ability to fall asleep (and remain asleep!).

Immune System Support

The immune system is the body’s first line of defense, and acupuncture not only strengthens the immune system to fight infection and other harmful threats, it speeds up healing as well. Acupuncture is also known to balance an overactive immune system that can lead to various autoimmune diseases.

Energy Boost

We all could use an energy boost, right? Acupuncture offers tremendous benefits in this department by fighting off exhaustion or “brain fog”. It aids in balancing the body’s energetic field, so organs function correctly. As a result, it leads to a state of ease, reduced pain, increased physical stamina, and mental clarity.

Age-old Chinese wisdom views the physical body as a collection of energetic fields. If the body is in a state of good health, it allows for optimal energy flow.

Blood Pressure Control

Acupuncture has been known to outperform pharmaceutical drugs when it comes to improving heart function and blood flow. With regular treatment, the cardiovascular system can work at an optimal level, which leads to lowered blood pressure, a stronger heart muscle, and improved overall cardio fitness.

Allergy Reduction

By boosting the body’s natural immunity and self-healing ability, allergens are less likely to wreak havoc. Regular acupuncture sessions treat the symptoms of allergies such as a runny nose, puffy eyes, scratchy throat, and constant sneezing.

Digestive Support

Acupuncture treats virtually all digestive system conditions (think acute gastrointestinal problems, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or gallstones) by supporting the healthy functioning of the digestive system and its organs, as well as rebalancing faulty energetic fields.

Fertility Enhancement

Acupuncture supports the reproductive organs and the optimal production of male and female hormones to increase fertility. It also helps with the healthy progression of pregnancy and has the capacity to optimize the child’s position in the uterus for a natural, less problematic delivery.

Interested in Acupuncture? Call Driven + Sponaugle Wellness Studio

After reading acupuncture benefits, who wouldn’t be ready for their first appointment? Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing tradition, promotes the body’s healthy energy flow and, when needed, will open the blockages that can lead to physical and emotional disorders. If you are suffering from any of the ailments listed above, then please contact Driven + Sponaugle Wellness Studio for a consultation with our expert Tampa acupuncturist, Dr. Sarah Sponaugle, D.C.