My Blog

Category: Massage Therapy

  • How does Massage Therapy Help With Chronic Pain Management?

    Getting a massage is one of the best ways to relax after a long week; however, what many people may not realize is that massage therapy is also an effective non-medicinal treatment for pain.

    Regular visits to massage therapy salons are a great choice for anyone dealing with chronic pain.

    The science behind pain, and how the body reacts to it, backs that claim up with proof.

    Understanding the Cycle of Pain

    The cycle of pain in the body is a complicated one, especially in cases of chronic pain due to illness, injury, medical treatments, and others.

    Pain causes elevated levels of stress in the body, which results in elevated cortisol levels, tighter muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and other symptoms as the body remains in a constant state of fighting off whatever the pain-causing problem is.

    Over time, this can result in a lack of mobility and flexibility as well as overall fatigue, side effects of the body trying to protect itself that ironically results in – more pain.

    How to Break the Cycle of Pain

    Breaking the cycle to give everything a rest is the goal of pain relief.

    Pain medication that dulls certain reactions in the body is one way to do it; however, for those who wish to avoid pain meds as much as possible, massage therapy is another great option.

    Proven to be effective, massage works by stopping or slowing the pain cycle, giving the body a chance to rest and heal and catch up with itself.

    How Does It Happen?

    Massage therapy works by loosening tight muscles, promoting blood and oxygen flow, and restoring flexibility and mobility again.

    Additionally, massage is proven to reduce the release of cortisol, the hormone that holds the body in its “fight or flight” condition, while promoting the release of serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good hormones that create soothing calmness in the body.

    This positive effect on the body’s hormones, combined with the loosening of tight muscles, reduces stress overall and interferes with the pain cycle, allowing the body to recover, rather than continue hurting.

    Let Massage Help Deal With Your Pain

    Chronic pain can be awful to deal with, especially for those who do not like to rely on medication to relieve it.

    Massage therapy salons with well-trained therapists offer a natural and equally effective alternative to pain medication.

    Using different techniques like Swedish, trigger point, hot stone massage, and others, comfort may be right around the corner.

    A regular schedule of massage can give chronic sufferers a new outlook on healing and on living life to the fullest again.

  • Getting A Massage for the First Time? Here’s What To Do!

    If you are new to massage therapy but have one scheduled soon, congratulations on taking this beneficial self-care step toward better health and wellbeing.

    You may be wondering if there is anything you should do to prepare for a massage and what will happen while you are there.

    Follow these simple tips for before, during, and after a visit with a massage therapist and you are sure to gain the full benefits that therapeutic or relaxation massage offers!

    Before Your Massage

    Hydration is a key factor for getting the most from any type of massage.

    Since massage therapy involves the kneading and manipulation of the muscle tissues, this can happen more easily and with less soreness afterward when the tissue is hydrated.

    Drink lots of water in the 24-hour period before a massage, especially if it’s your first one, to ensure your body is well hydrated and your muscle tissue will be less stressed during the massage.

    Show up at least 15 or 20 minutes early to your massage appointment as you may have to fill out first-time client paperwork or spend some time talking to the massage therapist before the massage actually starts.

    Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, non-binding clothing like workout gear or sweatpants and a tank top so you are completely comfortable during the massage or can get in and out of your clothing easily if you’ll be removing most of it.

    Also, visit the bathroom just before your session starts.

    During Your Massage

    After discussing the massage and what type you will be receiving, the massage therapist will give you specific instructions if there are any.

    Otherwise, just lay back, keep your breathing normal, close your eyes, and enjoy!

    If something hurts or you have a problem or question, tell the therapist so the massage technique can be adjusted as necessary.

    And don’t worry if you fall asleep – many therapists view this as a compliment!

    After Your Massage

    When the massage has ended, relax on the table or in a chair for a few minutes before jumping right up again.

    Give your body and muscles a chance to cool down and relax from the massage.

    Get dressed slowly and then spend the next few hours resting if you can.

    Continue hydrating your body to ease the flushing of the toxins released during massage therapy so that any resulting soreness is minimal and dissipates quickly.

    Looking Back

    Following these simple suggestions, you should have a great first massage and enjoy the most benefits.

    As always, if you experience problems during or after a session with a massage therapist, talk to them about it.

    In most cases you will come away eagerly anticipating another session!

  • What to Do Inbetween Massage Therapy Treatments

    If you’ve discovered the amazing benefits of massage therapy, congratulations!

    Even so, whether you get one massage a week or can only fit in one a month, there are things you can do in between treatments to extend the positive benefits and keep your body in tune.

    Developing a between-massage self-care regimen at home will help you maintain those feelings of well-being and relaxation, and keep your body healing.

    Add Tension-Release Methods

    Since much of massage therapy focuses on releasing muscle tension, think about ways to add other tension-release methods into your day.

    Exercises that provide gentle stretching, muscle rolling, and back and shoulder aligning and releasing can help you stay flexible between treatments, especially if you spend a lot of time seated during the day.

    Use self-massage on tense areas, and reduce body strain by using ergonomic equipment and tools to prevent that tension and strain from building up.

    Even things like buying the right shoes and desk chair will protect the body, prevent knots and strains, and allow the benefits of massage therapy to go further, until the next session.

    Stick To A Good Routine of Self-Care

    For many people with the best intentions, actually sticking to a routine of self-care between massages is the hardest part.

    So, how can you do it?

    Besides taking advantage of ergonomics, find points in your day when it is most convenient to add moments of self-care to remove the idea that you have to interrupt your day to do it.

    Keep aids like massage oil, and tennis balls for foot massages, close to where you are most likely to use them so they act as a reminder.

    Purchase microwavable heating compresses and quick-chill ice packs so they are readily available when you need hot or cold.

    Add little stretches into your morning wake up routine or little work breaks at your desk.

    Buy bath soothing bath salts and a shower massage head to treat tired muscles after a long day.

    Use These Techniques To Feel Better!

    Even when you can only have an occasional session with a massage therapist, these and other techniques will help you take the massage home so you get the greatest advantage from it.

    Ask your therapist for additional ideas you can use at home to maintain the level of muscle relaxation and flexibility you leave the spa with, too.

    In making the effort to do some self-care between massages, you will experience a more significant response when you do go. The end result will be a stress-free, pain-free you!