Benefits Of Massage

Did you know that getting regular massages have many benefits? Here are a few of those benefits...

Increase circulation.
Release of endorphins, (The body's natural painkiller).
Improve range of motion.
Increase joint flexibility.
Help recover from strenuous workouts.
Reducing stress and anxiety.
Reducing pain, muscle soreness and tension.
Improving immune function.
Relieve tension headaches.
Manage low-back pain.
Ease symptoms of depression.
Improve cardiovascular health.
Lower blood pressure.
Decrease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Help chronic neck pain.
Decrease migraine frequency.
Sleep better.

How to prevent some of the next-day soreness

Water

Drink water before and after your appointment. Hydrated muscles are more flexible. Drinking water after a massage can help to flush away the toxins released by massage. Staying hydrated is never a bad idea.

Stretching

Do some gentle stretching that evening.

Relax

Take a warm bath or shower. Ideally take a warm bath with Epsom salt. Epsom salts are an inexpensive and effective way to further help your body rid itself of toxins and reduce muscle inflammation. You also get the added bonus of absorbing the beneficial magnesium found in Epsom salts through your skin.

*** As your body becomes accustomed to regular massages, you'll experience the next-day soreness less frequently. ***

Muscle knots

What are muscle knots?

Muscle knots is an area of overexcited muscle tissue that gets tight, and it gets tight for lots of different reasonses: repetitive stress, overuse, poor posture, or working too hard as an athlete. It's basically a specific localized area where muscle is not relaxing like it should be. The tension in the muscle can put pressure on nerves and cause pain and discomfort.

How do you get rid of muscle knots?

one way to get rid of muscle knots is massage. Massage brings new blood supply, and with-it oxygen and nutrients, so muscles can function properly. Some muscles become "rock hard" when the supply of blood is less available.

Massage will not always get rid of a muscle knot in one session though. Often, knots need frequent sessions to be completely terminated. Even once the pain from a knot is reduced, the muscle memory remains and the knot can resurface, especially when preventative measures have not been taken.

What happens when a knot releases?

When a muscle knot is released, it allows the muscle to relax, allowing blood to flow more freely, and relieve pain.

What toxins are released from knots?

Lactic acid, metabolic byproducts, and waste that build up over time can be removed through the use of massage therapy treatments. When treating injured muscles or tight muscles, massage helps decrease tension and release toxins through the use of stretching and manual techniques.

How often should you get a massage?

The frequency of massage therapy appointments depends on individual needs and goals.

For general wellness:

Once a month
Help maintain relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce stress.

Incorporating a regular massage into yourself care routine can enhance your overall well-being, ease tension in your body and help you relax.

For athletes and active individuals:

Weekly or Bi-weekly
Can aid in muscle recovery, prevent injuries, and enhance performance.

If you lead an active lifestyle or do intense athletic training, a weekly or bi-weekly massage may be right for you. Massage stimulates blood flow, which can help your muscles and joints recover faster. It can also help you with future athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury by removing lactic acid buildup and encouraging muscle flexibility.

For stress relief:

Bi-weekly or once a month
Ease muscle tension drains your lymphatic system and encourages relaxation

Stress management is incredibly important to a healthy lifestyle. Chronic stress can negatively affect every part of our body, including our muscles, respiratory system and immune system. Most importantly, it helps lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone that can lead to a whole range of health issues when elevated.

For chronic pain or medical conditions:

As recommended by a healthcare professional
Increases blood flow, lower inflammation, eases stress, boosts mood and promotes sleep.

More frequent sessions might be required, such as twice a week or once a week.

How to maintain the benefits of massage between session?

Stretching: It's important when it comes to preventing muscle knots, maintain flexibility, improve mobility, and just feeling good all over.
Self-Massage: Use a foam roller or tennis ball to help release tension in those hard-to-reach places like between your shoulders and the bottoms of your feet.
Heat: Applying heat with a heating pad or warm bath can soothe sore muscles.
Epsom salt baths: The magnesium content is a natural muscle relaxer and is often used by athletes to reduce muscle fatigue, speed up recovery time, and to ease painful injuries.
Hydration: Staying hydrated has so many benefits, including lubricating the joints and keeping our muscles nourished, which help with mobility, flexibility, and getting the most out of your massages.
Posture awareness: Poor posture can cause a lot of the pain and tension that we experience day by day. We sit hunched over, stand with our shoulders rolled forward and we look down at our phones for hours each day which cause problems with back, neck and shoulders. Pay attention to your posture through the day to minimize strain on your muscles.
Sleep: Good sleep promotes all sorts of health and wellness goals. You heal faster in your sleep. Your muscles flush lactic acid, and you can relax fully in the right sleeping position.

Is it okay to see another massage therapist in between appointments with you? Or is it okay to see someone else while you are away or booked?

If your massage therapist is away or unavailable, it is okay to see another massage therapist in the meantime. We wouldn't want you to go without your massage session and have to start over with your progress when we return or when we are able to get you back into the schedule. Most massage therapist will have someone who they would recommend for you to see while they are away.

Different therapists may have different specialties like deep tissue, sports massage, or relaxation techniques, allowing you to target different areas of concern depending on your needs and goals.

Staying with one or two massage therapist(s) is recommended. It allows them to develop a deep understanding of your body's specific needs, tension points, and preferences, leading to a more personalized and effective massage experience over time.