HIDDEN HEALTH

By Renee Watkins

Spring has finally arrived in the Midwest, and with it comes a renewed focus on health and wellness. As the weather warms up and everything starts to bloom, many Waukee residents seek ways to rejuvenate their bodies and minds after a long, cold winter.

Fortunately, there are many ways to achieve wellness, and there is plenty of room for creativity and existing hobbies. Waukee is brimming with opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and try something different, or focus on an area of health that many people neglect.

Outside of the typical checkup at a doctor’s office or a reluctant trip to the gym, there are many ways to improve overall well-being. The health benefits of chiropractic care and massage therapy should not be overlooked. These options require minimal effort but a big payoff—self-care at its best! These two practices can work together to help you feel better, look better, destress, and enjoy the spring season to the fullest.

If you’re reading this, you are old enough to know that spinal health is important.

An unaddressed sports injury, bad sleeping habits, and hours spent at a desk can wreak havoc on your spine. Pain in the neck, left unattended, can cause a person to compensate in other areas of the body, leading to more pain. Although chiropractic care is considered an alternative form of medical practice, it is completed by a licensed practitioner trained in the art of physical manipulations that are believed to aid the body in healing itself. This self-healing process is tied to the belief that the nervous system, and the spine in particular, are directly related to overall physical well-being.

Logan Davis grew up in Des Moines and obtained his bachelor's degree in biology from Grand View University. He subsequently attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. Davis spent two years working as an associate chiropractor in Ankeny before opening Dynamic Chiropractic and Wellness.

Davis prides himself on his attention to detail when it comes to his patient’s concerns. He takes the time to get to know them, taking a full history so he can provide treatment plans tailored to their needs and lifestyles.

Utilizing soft tissue techniques and chiropractic adjustments, Davis can offer physical relief to patients suffering from various ailments, from migraines and sports injuries to plantar fascitis and peripheral neuropathy. Regardless of the individual services, Davis offers his clients a holistic approach to well-being.

Davis says that there are still benefits of regular chiropractic care for otherwise healthy individuals without any musculoskeletal issues. He says that one of the biggest benefits of treatment is the “decrease in muscle tension and stress. Many studies show a direct relationship between our nervous system and immune function resulting in an increase in immune function for people who get adjusted regularly. For many people, even if they are considered healthy, they may still have altered spinal biomechanics that can result in altered hormone production, headaches, back pain, postural issues, etc.”

Although the frequency of getting adjusted is highly variable based on the individual, Davis see patients anywhere from once every week to “individuals that just wait until they have an issue or a complaint.”

Patients who come to Davis for relief can expect to receive the full spectrum of attention. Always intending to treat the whole body, Davis offers orthopedic and neurological exams, red light therapy, x-rays, chiropractic care, nutritional advice, and supplementation. His friendly disposition and enthusiasm for helping patients make his office a great choice if you are new to chiropractic therapy, or looking to make a switch.

Massage therapy is another popular way to promote health and wellness. By applying pressure to specific points on the body, massage therapists can help relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve circulation. Massage therapy combines science and art, in that the knowledge of anatomy guides the practice, while the art of understanding people guides the therapist’s ability to make a person feel comfortable in an otherwise vulnerable and compromising position.

Many find that regular massages can help them feel more relaxed and energized, which is especially important during the busy spring season when yardwork and outdoor physical activity become regular parts of the week.

Summer’s Massage Therapy is a local favorite for its wide variety of massage styles, numerous massage therapists to choose from, and easy online scheduling. With over 200 mostly fivestar online reviews, Summer’s Massage Therapy is a tried-and-true choice for Waukee residents.

If you have never received a massage, do yourself a favor and book an appointment with one of the many professionals at Summer’s

Massage Therapy. The therapists here are trained in a myriad of techniques, and each session is fully customizable to your liking. You can opt for Swedish, Tuina Asian, essential oil, sports, four-hands, deep tissue, couples, hot stone, prenatal, or something unique.

Summer’s masseuses are all trained in every technique that the facility offers, however, she says that the barefoot back walking massages are the most popular. Each private massage room features handlebars on the ceilings. That’s right, the therapists will hoist themselves up onto the table and walk on your back!

Although it can be a little intimidating to be unclothed in a room with a stranger, the temporary discomfort subsides when you are confronted by the level of professionalism, respect, and courtesy that Summer’s staff offers. These are true professionals, and they are great at putting clients at ease.

Summer graduated from Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School and has been in this industry since 2011. She opened her first location in Urbandale, but the immense popularity of her services inspired her to open a second location right here in Waukee. She is excited to announce that she will soon be offering facial spa services on the menu as well!

The spring season is a great time to focus on health and wellness. chiropractic care or massage therapy, there are many ways to renew your body and mind—all right here in Waukee.

Optimal health ensures optimal enjoyment of all this beautiful season has to offer. Make this spring your season of personal renewal by improving your health and wellbeing today!

Dynamic Chiropractic & Wellness

108 Ashworth Dr., Waukee, IA 50263 515-514-1303

Summer's Massage Therapy

206 Hickman Rd., Waukee, IA 50263 515-402-7862