BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Nov. 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Doctors and health specialists at the Birmingham Wellness Center (BWC) in Birmingham, MI, are providing pain relief for patients with natural remedies. "Chiropractic care, massage therapy and applied kinesiology are three pain-management techniques that are safe, effective alternatives to prescription painkillers," says Dr. Jennifer Turnbull Bonde, founder and owner of the BWC, which provides natural pain management for patients throughout Oakland County and beyond. "If you're living with chronic pain, Bonde says, "you don't have to depend on prescription painkillers; there are natural alternatives that are just as effective, and, obviously, are so much better for you."

Bonde, who has treated patients at her center for nearly 15 years, adds, "Whether a patient is struggling with chronic pain due to a sports or whiplash injury, or a pain condition like sciatica, natural alternatives to pain medication do exist. Unfortunately, some individuals are unfamiliar with chiropractic care and unsure whether it's right for them. As a chiropractor, my job is to educate patients about their different options."

As part of this commitment to wellness care education, Bonde is currently working to raise awareness about how chiropractic care, massage therapy and other natural techniques can help relieve chronic pain.

"Natural pain relief techniques are effective because the treatments address the underlying cause of pain, such as a mechanical misalignment in the spine," says Bonde. "In contrast, medication can only cover up pain, offering temporary relief. Furthermore, more medication is necessary to continue the benefits. Consequently, patients can become dependent on prescription painkillers to manage daily activities. Or they may eventually need invasive surgery."

Bonde begins treatment with an initial posture analysis and diagnostic testing. These tests help identify the underlying spinal misalignment that is triggering chronic pain. Adjustments can help correct this misalignment, relieving pressure on the nerves. Therapeutic massage is also beneficial. Massaging sore muscle tissue increases circulation and supports healing.

Depending on the type of injury, Bonde may recommend applied kinesiology (AK), which uses a variety of therapies, including nutritional counseling, joint manipulation, reflexology and myofascial release to naturally relieve pain.

"AK therapy is extremely effective for relieving pain associated with joint injuries, damaged ligaments and injured soft tissue," says Bonde.

The practice also offers WellWave therapy, an advanced trigger-point treatment that helps relieve chronic pain.

"WellWave therapy is a cutting-edge treatment used by professional athletic trainers," says Bonde. "The therapy sends a pulse of electricity that breaks down the area where pain is present. The wave breaks down scar tissue and calcification while stimulating the body's cells to heal. The treatment itself is painless and provides significant pain relief for our injured patients."

Patients can learn more about natural pain relief at http://birminghamwellness.com. They also can keep informed on a variety of wellness topics by reading Bonde's blog at http://birminghamwellness.com/blog/doctors_blog.html.