Massage for Student-Athletes

Massage for Student-Athletes

School is starting back up for K-12 and college and universities. I am already seeing proud parents post about their student-athletes with pictures and accomplishments in games and tournaments.

For high school and beyond, student-athletes typically have access to school-appointed trainers and medical staff. But what can they do beyond the school to help with their athletic performance? What more can we do to give them a competitive edge without resorting to drugs are harmful practices?

Two things come quickly to mind. Massage therapy for student-athletes and manual manipulation therapy.

Here at All Body Kneads massage studio we offer many types of massage from relaxation to trigger point therapy, to supporting sore muscles, and promoting healthy sleep.

Why Massage for Student-Athletes?

As parents, we want the best for our children at any age. When they become teenagers and college students, the competition becomes more intense. The commitment to their sport becomes more important. For high school, this could mean scholarships and opportunities they can’t get any other way. And yet, we want them to be safe, happy, and healthy while doing something they love.

Our infrared sauna is also extremely beneficial to athletes. Check out this article to read about all the Healing Benefits of Infrared Suana Treatments.

Making massage therapy a part of their training routine can benefit student-athletes in so many ways:

  • Speed up recovery time
  • Heal overworked muscles
  • Improve circulation
  • Improve sleep for better performance
  • Promote a healthy appreciation for self-care
  • Counter balance overtraining
  • Improve trouble spots
  • Improve coordination
  • Reduce stress

Related: Add Sports Massage to Your Workout Schedule

Making the Most of Your Massage for Student-Athletes

In order to maximize the benefit of sports massage, here are some tips:

  • Schedule your sports massage (30 minutes to 90 minute massage) for after your workout or on rest day.
  • Cool down completely after your workout before getting a massage.
  • Take a shower, sauna, steam bath, or Jacuzzi before your sports massage. This will give you a jump start on relaxation.
  • Communicate with your massage therapist about your recent activity, injuries, or upcoming events so she or he can customize the massage.
  • Be sure to inform the massage therapist about painful areas.
  • Be as diligent with your massage schedule as you are with your training. Regular sports massage means once a week to once a month.

Call All Body Kneads today to schedule your sports massage.

(517) 898-2899

Make an appointment today for your student-athlete

Contact us today!

 You can book online.

All Body Kneads massage therapy has many massage therapy options and an infrared sauna to help with self-care. We are here to help.

Schedule a treatment today and help up their game!

What is a Therapeutic Massage?

What is a Therapeutic Massage?

There are differences between a therapeutic massage and a spa massage. Sometimes a therapeutic massage is also called a clinical or medical massage . The main goal of a spa massage is typically relaxation, stress relief, and promoting good sleep.

However, a therapeutic massage treatment is planned out with a specicial goal in mind. Typically, to relieve pain or tension on a specific part of the body. Often patients are referred by a doctor and insurance may even cover all or some of the treatments. With therapeutic treatment, the intention is to improve a specific ailment or condition.  A common reason for therapeutic massage is often injury resulting from a car accident.

These types of massage are often covered by insurance and All Body Kneads also accepts Health Savings Accounts and Health Flex spending accounts.

Types of Therapeutic Massage

There are many different types of massage and therapeutic massage uses techniques that target specific areas or issues. The two most common types are:

Myofascial Release

Myofascial tissue is a type of thin, strong, fibrous connective tissue that extends throughout your body to provide support and protection to your muscles and bones. When this tissue gets damaged, tightened, or “bunched up” it can cause pain. In severe cases a patient can develop Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

During a myofascial release massage the therapist gently massages the myofascia and feels for stiff or tightened areas. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. This allows the tissue to release pressure and tightness. The process is repeated multiple times on the same area (and any other ares) until the the tension is fully released.

Conditions that are treated by myofascial release include:

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point massage is designed to relieve pain in particular areas of the body by applying pressure or vibration into trigger points. Trigger points are points in the muscles where knots may form, and the pinpointed pressure is designed to relax those knots and ease pain.  

It can be a safe self-treatment with the potential to help with many common pain problems that don’t respond well (or at all) to anything else.

Treatment is very similar to myofascial release. Muscle pain is big deal and aches and pains are an extremely common medical complaint. Trigger points seem to be a factor in many of them.

Common conditions treated by trigger point therapy include:

  • sciatica
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Chronic jaw pain
  • toothaches
  • earaches
  • sinusitis
  • ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • dizziness
  • A sore throat or a lump in the throat 
  • fibromyalgia 
  • unexplained pain

Therapeutic Message Results

While a spa massage may successfully relax you or temporarily relieve some stress, therapeutic massage will produce tangible results. It is based around your health needs and goals. All Body Kneads provides therapeutic massage and Bilky is experienced in both Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy.

Please call 517-898-2899 or visit our website to book an appointment online.

How Does a Couples Massage Work?

How Does a Couples Massage Work?

Curious about exactly what happens during a couples massage? There are many benefits to a couples massage and we are here to explain it so you can tell your sweetie and book one today!

Note: Couples massages are not just booked by intimate partners.They can also be enjoyed by mothers and daughters, friends. etc.

What to expect during a couples massage

During a couples massage, two people are massaged in the same room at the same time. However, you are each laying on your own massage table positioned side by side. There are two massage therapists; one working on you, and one working on your partner.

The massage therapists will lead you to the massage room, show you where to put clothes and then will leave for a few minutes while you get undressed (to your comfort level) and you slide under the sheet on the table. During a couple’s massage, you can undress together in the room or take turns if that feels more comfortable.

Either way, the massage therapists re-enter the room when both of you are situated comfortably under the sheets. The two therapists coordinate their work so they begin and end at the same time.

During the massage, the therapist will pull back the sheet to expose the part of your body being worked on. At no time with you be lying fully exposed on the table.

When the massages are over the therapists leave the room and you and your partner have time to get dressed.

Couples massage is a great way to share something together. It saves time and eliminates the argument of “who gets to get massaged first?”

couples massage

Benefits of a Couples Massage

There are many benefits to massage in general which can be found in our article The Benefits of Massage.

In addition to being relaxing, improving sleep, and reducing stress, couples massage can provide a space for you and your partner to bond and relax together. It can be a unique experience to share and you will both feel connected and closer.

During a massage your body releases oxytocin which creates a sense of well-being. Oxytocin is often called the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially. During a couples massage, love is literally in the air.

A Great Introduction to Massage

Couples massage is also a great way for one person to introduce the benefits of massage to another. If your partner or spouse has never had a massage and is reluctant to try one, he or she may feel much more comfortable experiencing it with you. This way you can guide him or her and let them know what to expect.

A Healthy Celebration

Often people will book a couples massage as a way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or other significant milestone. This is a fantastic and healthy alternative to a big meal, dessert, or alcohol. You can enjoy and celebrate your special day without railroading your health goals or by getting hung over. A couples massage is a perfect evening for two. 

Couples Massage Etiquette

Talking. It is perfectly appropriate to talk to one another during a couples massage. You can even talk to the massage therapists if you prefer. Some people prefer no talking during a massage so they can concentrate on connecting with their body and focus on the work being done. Others prefer light conversation. We suggest talking as a couple before the massage to determine what you prefer so you both know what to expect.

Sleeping. It is not uncommon to fall asleep during a massage. Do not be alarmed or annoyed if your partner falls asleep. The massage is working and providing relaxation.

Massage Pressure. Let your massage therapist know if you would like more or less pressure. Also, if you have any areas you would like them to concentrate on or be aware of.

Intimacy. While couples massage can provide the precursor for an intimate evening, it is not appropriate to engage in intimacy in the massage room during or after the massage. Please be conscientious of the massage therapists’ time and schedule. Many couples will book a couples massage at home so they can be fully relaxed and enjoy their time together in privacy after the massage.

Are you ready for a couples massage?

All Body Kneads has a beautiful and relaxing couples massage room. You can choose a 60 Minute Couples Massage ($75.00 per person) or a 90 Minute Couples Massage ($90.00 per person).

There are 3 ways you can book:

  1. Book a couples massage on our website. BOOK NOW!
  2. Call our massage studio at 517-898-2899. CALL NOW!
  3. Email bilky@allbodykneads.com and we will get back to you soon.

We hope to hear from you soon for your couples massage!

Massage Can Help with Anxiety

Massage Can Help with Anxiety

Are you experiencing an abnormal amount of anxiety? Are you having trouble keeping your anxious thoughts and fears at bay? Maybe your anxiety is manifesting in your body and causing tension headaches, stressed and sore muscles, and exhaustion.

Anxiety is a real physical and emotional event that normally occurs in all of our lives from time to time. We experience anxiety when life throws us curve balls and becomes a lot more stressful. However, for some people, anxiety manifests into a debilitating sense of panic that is hard to overcome on your own. A foreboding sense of worry and fear can make it hard to navigate life in relatively normal situations.

There are different types of anxiety disorders including:

  • generalized anxiety disorder
  • social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
  • specific phobias
  • separation anxiety disorder

Regardless of the type of anxiety you experience, it is hard and can leave you feeling exhausted and down.

If you have been feeling overly anxious lately due to events you can identify or are looking for ways to manage your anxiety disorder in a gentle, relaxing way, the good news is that massage therapy can really help.

Maybe you know someone who is going through a particular tough time and is experiencing anxiety and fear. You could gently suggest that a massage could provide rest, relaxation, and relief from their troubles so they can recharge and be in a better place physically and mentally to face them.

Maybe you or someone you know has been struggling to keep their anxiety in check and is having a hard time remaining calm and free from fear. It truly can be exhausting.

How Massage Can Help with Anxiety

The Mayo Clinic reports a 60-minute massage can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, by up to 30 percent after just one session. Stress is a huge part of anxiety and lowering stress is the key to managing anxiety.

Several different types of massage are effective in relieving stress and anxiety. However, we recommend the following:

massage for cancer patients

Relaxation Massage

A relaxation massage is exactly what is sounds like. The goal is to create an atmosphere of serene relaxation using gentle massage techniques. It can also include low lighting, soft music, and aromatherapy such as lavender to promote calm. Relaxation massage does not include deep tissue muscle work that could be uncomfortable and is used more for rehabilitation on sore or injured areas.

A relaxation massage will leave the client feeling rested, calm, and at peace. It promotes good sleep and can have lasting effects for hours or days.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the practice of using reflex points on the hands, feet, and the head that are linked to every portion of the body. Reflexology relieves tension, treats illnesses, and enhances general well-being. For some patients experiencing anxiety, a full-body massage may not be exactly what they want because they may be unable to fully relax into the treatment. In these cases, reflexology can be just as soothing. The massage therapist concentrates on massing just the hands and feet and sometimes the head. The patient can remain clothed and in a reclined seating position.

Because reflexology concentrates on many points on the hands and feet that correlate to other parts of the body, the patient often feels as though they have had a full body massage and enjoys the same relaxation benefits.

How to Get Started with Massage for Anxiety

It is important to find a massage therapist who is knowledgeable in relaxation techniques and is aware and sensitive to acute anxiety and anxiety disorders. It is also important that the massage studio atmosphere is welcoming, calm, and comfortable. Nothing about the experience should trigger more anxiety.

You can help the massage therapist by explaining your goals for the massage and informing him or her of your anxiety. In addition to the massage, the therapist may offer additional advice on stretches, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and other helpful tips on ways to reduce anxiety.

Bilky, the owner of All Body Kneads, is a skilled massage therapist with experience in working with many patients with anxiety and the symptoms that it produces. Her quiet, calm demeanor and peaceful studio will help you to relax and will provide relief from your worried mind and tense body.

If you would like to talk more about massage and anxiety or would like to book an appointment for yourself or someone you know please call Bilky at 517-898-2899  or you can email at bilky@allbodykneads.com .

Massage for Road Construction Workers

Massage for Road Construction Workers

Road construction season is finally here in Michigan. Wait? What? If we are honest, road construction seems like it happens all year round, but the cones, the orange vests, and the lane closures are always a huge part of Michigan summers. It can be so annoying to sit in our cars in a traffic jam on 496 or I-75 going up north because of road construction.

However, every time I am sitting in my nice air conditioned car I watch the workers. These men and women have a really hard job. They must know that all the drivers going by are annoyed by the delay. These are the same drivers that complain about the condition of Michigan roads. We can’t help it. It really is a no-win situation isn’t it?

Not only do road construction workers have to execute back breaking labor and deal with hot weather, but they have to worry about their safety while out on the highways as well. Sounds stressful, doesn’t it? I just want to reach out and rub their shoulders sometimes.

Do you Know and Love a Road Construction Worker?

Chances are, if you live in Michigan you know, and maybe even love, a road construction worker. I can’t think of a more prevalent job this time of year where massage therapy could really help with the physical and stressful aspects of their jobs than road workers. Here are just a few of the benefits of massage specifically for this line of work:

  • Greater energy and reduce fatigue
  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion
  • Increase joint flexibility
  • Reduce spasms and cramping
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
  • Reduces the effects of stress and promotes relaxation
  • Improves sleep

Do you know a road worker who could benefit from massage therapy?

If you know a road construction worker please share this article with them. If you are a road worker, thank you for all your hard work. Please share this article with your co-workers and encourage them to take care of their bodies just as well as they are taking care of our roads.

Schedule an appointment today online or call 517-898-2899.

We have many different services like 30, 60 or 90 minute massage, Infrared spa treatments, and Reflexology

Bring your sore, achy muscles in today and walk out feeling so much better!

Massage for Landscaping and Grounds Keeping Workers

Massage for Landscaping and Grounds Keeping Workers

Do you work in Landscaping or Grounds Keeping? Spring has finally sprung in Michigan and the sounds of buzzing lawn equipment can be heard all day long. The brigades of landscaping trucks are out roaming around and men and women are working hard to get our lawns and yards in shape. We have such a small window of seasonal opportunity here in the Midwest and landscapers and lawn maintenance workers work extra hard.

So do their backs, arms, and legs. If you’ve even done even one hour of yard work you can relate. Oh, the next day we pay for it don’t we? In fact, there are a lot of common injuries related to grounds keeping.

Most Common Landscaping Injuries

Muscle Soreness and Overexertion

The majority of minor (non-fatal) injuries among landscape workers are caused by overexertion. Excess stress on the body like lifting, digging, twisting, turning and carrying are all actions that landscape workers do frequently. These actions, if done incorrectly or just too repetitively, can cause injuries. Unfortunately, these types of injuries can cause a lot of pain. Ouch!

Regular massage therapy can help quite a bit with this type of pain. You are also more likely to have an accident, trip, or fall when you are tired or fatigued. Massage can help you avoid that as well. This goes for weekend warriors and home owners who try to tackle too much yard work at once.

For the people who work day in and day out in the landscaping business, regular massage can go a long way to counter-balancing the work you are putting your body through.

Massage for Business Executives 2

Equipment Related Injuries

Grounds Keepers work with a lot of different types of equipment and tools. They have to know how to safely operate all of them. Even with proper training, accidents can happen. Tractors or mowers can roll over onto workers. Car accidents happen. Mowers, hedgers, trimmers, chainsaws–they all have the potential for causing great harm.

Injury By Nature

It sounds weird, but it is a thing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that about 60 percent of contact-related landscape worker deaths result from workers being hit by falling objects such as logs, trees or branches. Yell TIMBER and get out of the way!

Exposure to the Elements or Harmful Substances

Landscapers can come in contact with harmful chemicals and fertilizers. Also, being electrocuted is common when workers are digging or working with machinery and tools or when workers come into contact with overhead power lines. You also run the risk of overexposure to the sun and suffering from heatstroke.

Massage can’t prevent serious work-related injuries. However, if you or a co-worker undergo surgery for a landscaping accident (or any kind of surgery), often times massage can help with the post-operative recovery. Massage can reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling. It also releases endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.

Say Thank You to the People Who Keep Your Yard Looking Great!

Landscapers work hard so we don’t have to. Sure, you pay them for their work, but a really nice gesture would be to get him or her a gift certificate for a massage. You can be sure they will greatly appreciate it. Especially if they don’t think to do this for themselves. If they feel good they will be able to keep your yard looking good too!

Are you going to be working in your yard this weekend? Why not book a massage appointment for Monday? Trust us, you will be so glad you did!

Call today: 517-898-2899 

Are you self-employed or an employee? Your employment status will become very important as soon as you get inured on the job.

Massage for Business Executives & Managers

Massage for Business Executives & Managers

Do you know why massage for business executives is so important?

Well, for one thing…your employees will thank you. Massage for business executives and managers benefits everyone.

Massage therapy is still often thought of as a luxury activity or something you splurge on while taking a cruise. However, a therapeutic massage (versus a relaxation massage) is one of the best ways to combat stress and fatigue.

Most executives and managers deal with a certain amount of stress because managing people can be hard. There are also some very positive and compelling reasons for massage for business executives. Read this short list of reasons for why executives and managers should incorporate massage therapy into their regular self-care regime–and then a book a massage today!

Related: Why Office Workers Need Massage Therapy

1. Massage for executives helps with creativity.

There is no better way to come up with new ideas and problems solving techniques than to recharge one’s batteries. Sometimes you need to take a step back from a situation, relax, and get your mind off of it, in order to find the solution. This is why some of our best ideas happen in the shower or when we are least expecting it. A massage is proactive way to clear your mind and make space available for all the creative thinking that is just waiting to happen.

Massage for Business Executives 2

2. Massage relieves pain.

Working in an office, sitting at a desk for long periods of time, and ignoring the signs of stress can lead to back and shoulder pain.

The Mayo clinic also reports that massage helps with:

Massage has also been known to help with high blood pressure, which is often an issue in high stress jobs and tends to creep up as we get older.

massage for business executives back pain

3. Massage helps you sleep better.

Let’s face it–we could all use better sleep. Although we all know that we need 8 hours of sleep every night, many people still try to get by with 6-7 hours, and often even less. At the same time, we’ve seen an increase in health problems like obesity, heart issues due to stress, and chronic fatigue. We trudge through our days, and drink quantities of caffeine in an effort to just function at minimum levels.

Better quality sleep leads to:

  • Physical energy
  • Mental alertness
  • Appetite control
  • Healthy immune system
  • Ability to combat stress

Even if you aren’t experiencing high levels of stress or pain, increased quality of sleep can do wonders for your outlook.

Massage Therapy and Healthy Sleep

4. Massage can boost your immune system.

Hopefully you generally like your coworkers and employees, but that doesn’t mean you want to share their illnesses with them. Office environments with closed windows and circulating air make sharing germs a lot easier. You can use all the defenses you can get to combat contracting even a common cold–which will drag you down and decrease productivity. Another great reason for massage for business executives is to boost your immune system.

Massage for Business Executives

5. Massage can help increase your productivity.

If you feel good you are able to perform better. If you add regular massage to your schedule you are guaranteeing you are doing something for yourself that will also benefit your career and those around you. Why would you pass that up? For an added bonus you can offer a corporate wellness benefit to your employees with chair massage.

Benefits of Chair Massage

  • Reduces the physical and mental effects of stress, helping reduce burnout and stress-related disease
  • Reduces the adverse effects of sitting for long periods of time in the same position, such as at a desk or other workstation.
  • Relives physical problems associated with repetitive tasks, for example, computer work, sorting, filing, and assembly line tasks.
  • Improves alertness and the ability to focus, an antidote for work slumps
  • Helps relieve common problem conditions such as tension headaches and stiff and sore muscles.
  • Increases employee morale
  • Leaves employees feeling revitalized and ready to return to work.

This type of massage is very popular with employers and employees for several reasons:

  • You feel better right away with immediate positive effects
  • It requires no effort on the part of the receiver
  • It is an easy health practice to take advantage of
  • It complements other wellness programs
  • It works for everybody, from the corporate office to the warehouse to the mail room

Book a chair massage today!

chair massage

Need more convincing?

Can’t you just feel your muscles relaxing, your breath deepening, and a calm setting over your mind?

At All Body Kneads, we specialize in helping you feel your best so you can do your best. Give us a call today at 517-898-2899 or schedule an appointment online.

You can also email for an appointment or with any questions at bilky@allbodykneads.com.

Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

Massage for Seniors: Feeling Good at Any Age

Massage for seniors is incredibly helpful in maintain flexibility and movement. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Therapeutic massage can help you feel good at any age, including seniors. It is especially beneficial as you grow older.

Massage can:

  • improve general health
  • address problem conditions
  • improve sleep
  • enhance quality of life

Challenges of Aging

Even though aging is a normal life process, there are things we can do to lessen the effects and slow the process.

Some physical effect of aging include:

  • decrease in general mobility
  • decrease in muscular strength
  • slower nerve conduction
  • less tissue elasticity
  • thinner and drier skin
  • loss of bone mass
  • decreased function of the senses
  • less efficient immune system

Chronic stress and inactivity can accelerate the aging process. Luckily, therapeutic massage combats both of these issues.

Related: Arthritis and Massage Therapy

Benefits of Massage for Seniors and the Elderly

Enhances General Health

Massage can be introduced to any health maintenance plan at any age. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.

Massage Reduces the Negative Effects of Stress

As mentioned above, stress and anxiety can accelerate the aging process. Massage can help reduce the physical and mental effects of these debilitating conditions.

The elderly are particularly at risk because of:

  • accumulated losses
  • frustrations
  • possible isolation
  • lack of human touch
  • loss of independence

Massage for Seniors helps to:

  • enhance general relaxation
  • reduce muscular tension and associated discomfort
  • reduce anxiety
  • improve sleep
  • increase feeling of well-being

Mobility and Independence

Massage for seniors can help you keep the flexibility and strength needed to accomplish the activities of every day life. For example:

  • getting up out of a chair
  • walking
  • climbing stairs
  • driving a car
  • getting in an out of the bathtub or shower

Massage for Seniors Supports Fitness Programs

Regular exercise and movement is vital to lifelong fitness and slowing the aging process. Therapeutic Massage can be an important addition to an exercise routine. Benefits include:

  • Reducing injury and soreness
  • Relaxes tight muscles
  • Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
  • Speeds recovery from exercise

A Caring Touch

For seniors who are home bound, have lost independence and loved ones, massage can provide a caring touch. It also provides personal interaction and communication.

Related: Types of Massage and What to Expect During a Massage

Massage therapist can visit you in your home or residence or you can visit their office to receive a massage. Which ever is easiest for you.

Please check with your medical health provider first before getting a massage.

Also, please read our article on Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients and Dementia Care, as massage can be very helpful with this disease.

Schedule  A Massage Today

I have experience with massage for seniors and elderly care. I am also a cancer survivor and have extensive experience and a passion for helping cancer patients and survivors. Discounts are available for cancer patients, survivors and veterans. Call today to find out more information. 517-898-2899

massage for seniors


References:

Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging. Creagan, E., MD., editor. Rosetta Books, 2014

Ayarti, M. and Azarani, A. Paths to Healthy Aging. Amazon Digital Services. 2014

Rose, M.K. Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and Ill. Baltimore: LWW, 2009

Therapeutic Massage for Healthy Aging by Patricia J. Benjamin, Ph.D. and Victoria Carmona.

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

MassageOne of the most common questions about massage therapy is how often one should get a massage. The right answer differs from client to client.

How often you get a massage depends on many factors. These include:

  • your general health
  • the reason for getting a massage
  • how you felt after your last session
  • your time
  • your budget

Today I’ll focus on the purpose of your massage as a factor in deciding how often to schedule your appointments.

Why Are You Getting a Massage?

Before you and your massage therapist decide on a schedule, you need to talk about why you’re coming in for treatment and the specific modalities that will be used.

General Relaxation

Some people get massages for health maintenance and general relaxation. The purpose of these sessions is to support proper body functions, including blood circulation and joint flexibility. Regular sessions like these prevent pain, stress points, and muscle tension from building up. Massage therapy for relaxation may be scheduled every three or four months.

Stress Relief

In spite of regular massages for relaxation, there may be times when you will experience periods of higher stress and greater muscle tension. If you are in a high-stress job or work in an environment that requires you to be in one position for a prolonged period of time, you may develop tightly-knotted muscles in your back, arms and shoulders. These may result in reduced movement and significant pain. In addition, constant stress increases your risk of heart disease. To help you cope with high-stress situations, get a massage once or twice a month.

Sports Performance and Recovery

Athletes and other individuals who engage in intense physical activity require specialized massage therapy to enhance performance, prevent injury, and speed up their muscles” recovery. Competitive sports, for example, puts a lot of stress on the body. Massage therapy helps to strengthen muscles before the activity, and to heal afterward. The frequency of sessions may range from one to three times a week to three times a month.

Treatment of Chronic Issues

If massage therapy is performed as part of treatment for specific issues, the frequency varies according to the type of illness or injury, as well as overall health. Relief from chronic pain may only be achieved after a program of therapy that includes up to three sessions a week, and additional sessions at diminishing frequency over a few months. Chronic issues that may benefit from massage therapy include back pain, joint pain and localized inflammation.

Pregnancy Massage

Expectant moms experience a range of aches and pains as their pregnancies progress. These include back pain and swelling of the ankles. Regular massage sessions, performed by a certified pregnancy massage therapist, may help ease these discomforts particularly toward the end of the pregnancy. A once- or twice-a-month massage will go a long way towards helping you feel great. As always though, check with your doctor to make sure a massage is appropriate for you during pregnancy. ** There are many other reasons people come in for massage therapy.

Additional Considerations

Likewise, there are additional considerations to take when you think about how often to get a massage.

These include the following:

  • Your General Health. If you are a fairly healthy person, with no injuries or chronic conditions, you can pretty much get a massage as often as you want. If you”re suffering from an injury or chronic illness that could benefit from massage, you might come in for regular treatment with a focus on your specific condition.
  • How You Felt After Your Last Session.  Every time you get a massage, you should evaluate whether you are getting the maximum benefits that you want. If your chronic pain is getting better through massage, you and your therapist might change your schedule accordingly.
  • Your Resources. Your time and finances are important factors to consider when scheduling your appointments. Make the most out of your resources by going to an excellent therapist and by using coupons and special offers.

If you want to know more about how often to get massage therapy that would work for your situation and resources, contact me today.

A Short Primer on Five Different Types of Massages

A Short Primer on Five Different Types of Massages

How Many Different Types of Massages are There?

As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. Some of these services may be familiar to you, but some may be new. So, here’s short primer on some of the different types of massages I offer, with descriptions and how each can help you live a more relaxed and energized lifestyle:

Swedish Massage

This is one of the most well-known types of massage. When people talk about massage therapy, they most likely mean a Swedish massage. It is sometimes called a “classic massage.” A Swedish massage is characterized by long gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body. Massage lotion or oil is applied to reduce friction on the skin during a session. This type of massage helps ease joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness. It also improves circulation, and facilitate healing after an injury. It is highly adaptable, and could be very gentle and relaxing. As such, it’s a great massage for new clients, or people who have never received a massage before.

Sports Massage

Sports massages are intended for athletes as a way to enhance their performance, prevent injury, and recover after an event or competition. Before an athletic event, a sports massage can be employed to warm up the muscles and increase blood flow. Afterward, the goal is to help the body deal with toxins released during physical exertion. A sports massage is also helpful for athletes who are healing from an injury. The therapist can focus on a specific problem area instead of the whole body.

Chair Massage

Chair massages are also known as seated or on-site massages. The fully-clothed client sits on a specially-designed chair, which facilitates the session. The massage is concentrated mainly on the back, arms and hands of the client. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. An advantage of this type of massage is its versatility and portability. You can get a chair massage at public settings such as airports and malls. You can even host one at your place of business.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal (or pregnancy) massages are given to expectant mothers to help reduce stress and anxiety, and alleviate aches associated with a changing body. It”s a great therapy for back pain and swelling in the legs and arms. Proper positioning is needed to support the client”s body during a session. There are also techniques and areas of the body that must be avoided during a prenatal massage. Thus, it is very important than an expectant mother receive services only from a therapist who is certified in pregnancy massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massages, as the name implies, go deeper into the muscles than a regular or Swedish massage. A massage therapist who is certified in this technique has received advanced training and understands the structure and workings of the human body. A Deep Tissue Massage can help with rehabilitation after an injury, chronic muscle pain, and conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It is often combined with other types of massage. These are only five of the various types of massages that I offer. As you can see, there is a massage technique for practically every need. You can contact me to learn more about these or any other services. You can also ask me questions before we begin your session.