The journey of pregnancy can often be an arduous one. Everything you do is impacted by your baby for 9 months, including how you do your work, what you eat, and how your take care of yourself. You’re doing all that you can to ensure the health of your future child, but you’re most likely missing out on the huge health benefits of prenatal massage. Pregnancy massage in Denver can improve the well-being of your fetus and, within a few sessions, you can experience great impacts on your health as well.

If you experience discomfort, recurring pains, excessive anxiety, or have an over-active baby throughout your pregnancy, prenatal massage may be exactly what you need to improve the overall experience of being pregnant.

Improving Your Life with Pregnancy Massage In Denver

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Therapeutic massage techniques have been shown, time and time again, to improve health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Pregnancy massage is no exception. The benefits of prenatal massage have been well documented for many years, thanks to thorough research studies. And these benefits are not just limited to the mother or the baby; pregnancy massage in Denver can benefit the health of both parties.

Here are just a few benefits of prenatal massage:

• Decreased anxiety - Studies have shown massage therapy lowers cortisol levels in mothers, which, in turn, decreases excessive fetal activity and lowers the rate of premature births.

• Improved mood and reduced depression - A research study of 84 depressed women in their second trimester reported that the women experienced higher levels of dopamine and serotonin from a few 20-minute massage therapy sessions per week, along with better neonatal outcomes (i.e., premature births, low birth-weights, etc.).

• Reduced pain - Aside from those studies already mentioned above, others have documented how pregnant women have experienced less back pains and leg pains from prenatal massage therapy sessions.

To put it more clearly: prenatal massage improves your physical and psychological well-being, and reduces birthing complications, which makes for an easier pregnancy. And who doesn’t want an easier pregnancy?

Learn more about the benefits of prenatal massage from our previous blog post.

Are you an avid athlete constantly challenging yourself physically? Do you enjoy exercising regularly, but find yourself experiencing recurring injuries? Or are you preparing for a major test of your physical abilities and need some support? A sports massage in Denver could greatly benefit your athleticism, improve your abilities for your competition, and reduce your risk of injury.

Sports massage — one of the specialty massage therapies that we offer in our downtown Denver office — is an effective therapeutic tool for athletes that suffer from sports-related injuries or are interested in improving their athletic performance, recovery speed, and maintaining their peak performance. Whether you’re a relentless runner, a spry swimmer, or a courageous climber, athletes can discover outstanding health benefits from sports massage in Denver.

Here are just a few reasons why a sports massage with Wayfare Wellness may be perfect for you.

Benefits of Sports Massage in Denver

Evidence-based research has proven repeatedly that sports massage can have numerous health benefits for athletes, and non-athletes when needed. These could be psychological or physiological benefits. Through research, observation, and client testimonials, we have found that sports massage can result in:

• Improved range of motion in joints and muscles

• Increased flexibility and soft tissue function

• Improved sleep and sense of well-being

• Reduced tension in muscles and joints

• Reduced swelling and onset muscle soreness

• Prevention of further injuries

If you feel any of these benefits are what you need to improve your athleticism, a sports massage in Denver may be exactly what you need.

Denver Sports Massage Meets Your Athletic Needs

No athlete will be the same as the next. Each one will be working towards different goals in different sports and, of course, will have different injuries.

Wayfare Wellness looks at your sports massage therapy through one of four different lenses:

• Pre-Event - Aimed at improving your muscle function and range 7-2 days before your athletic event.

• Post-Event - Reduce your recovery time after a large athletic event.

• Restorative - For those who train on a daily basis to support the process of building regular muscle.

• Rehabilitative - Specifically for those who have suffered injuries and are seeking pain alleviation.

Our massage therapist, Sarah Monreal, will build a specific sports massage plan, based on your therapy goals and specific sport regimen, relying on one, or a combination, of these methods. We dive more into these different sports massage approaches in another blog post.

5 Reasons to Get a Downtown Denver Massage

You’re a busy professional. A full-time-and-then-some employee. Maybe you’re just an on-the-go Denverite. Whatever the case, a busy lifestyle is demanding on your mind and body. You probably don’t realize the toll it takes on you because, well, you’re too busy. Here are five reasons to slow down long enough to enjoy a downtown Denver massage.

1. You’re Sitting All Day at the Office

Have you heard that sitting is the new smoking? If you’re sitting all day, your cardiovascular health is at risk. Sedentary people have higher rates of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cancer-related deaths. Yuck. (If you sit all day but you’re an athlete this doesn’t apply, but you should read our (sports massage secrets to better athletic performance.)

Massage therapy can improve cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. That beats walking up steps for heart health.

2. Stress Might Be Killing You

According to the American Psychological Association, 75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. The American Institute of Stress calls it America’s #1 health problem.

Massage therapy has been proven to reduce stress, and bonus, a massage is much less expensive than a heart attack.

For years, coaches, trainers and athletes alike have sworn by massage therapy. Now, as more and more supporting evidence has become available, their conclusions are proving to be valid. The most trusted and respected name in massage therapy, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), asserts that athletes, or those participating in exercise programs, can benefit from massage therapy. Alongside exercise, massage has been shown to enhance athletic performance, reduce muscle tension, increase the range of motion, reduce swelling, and improve exercise performance. These are some of the more apparent physical benefits. However, there are psychological and physiological benefits to massage and sports massage as well.

Denver Sports Massage Therapy: Improving Athletic Performance

Sports Massage: Psychological Effects

Any athlete knows that attitude, mindset, and focus are just as important as being physically prepared. Sports massage can provide an added boost to an athlete's psyche. During a massage, many athletes experience a relaxed state in which their heart rate lowers. Massage reduces anxiety, stress, and tension and encourages relaxation. During this process, the body releases increased levels of dopamine and serotonin and the levels of the stress hormone cortisol are reduced. This relaxed, hyper-focused state of mind is optimal for athletic performance as it trains the mind which is an asset on the field or during practice.

Life can get hectic, but that doesn’t mean that stress should get the best of you. There are plenty of small, simple changes you can make to your daily routine that will help put your mind at ease. We’ve created a list of five of our favorite suggestions for getting rid of daily stresses so you can go about your day stress-free.

5 Ways to Reduce Stress Aside From Massage Therapy

1. Pet an animal.

An increasing amount of schools and offices are realizing the stress-relief benefits that petting animals can have. Studies show that playing with or petting an animal increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, and decreases production of the stress hormone cortisol.

2. Start and end your day with calm.

Whether it’s practicing yoga, a hot cup of tea, or reading a book, whatever brings your peace of mind should be the first thing you do when you wake up and last thing you do before you go to bed. Make sure to set some time aside in the morning and evening for the little things that make you happy.

3. Don’t skip your lunch break.

Breaks are incredibly important in helping us keep our composure and reminding us to relax. While it’s easy to skip over your daily lunch break, try to resist the temptation. Your mind and body will thank you. Even five minutes of a time-out is enough to do the trick.

Between a hectic work schedule and busy personal life, it can be hard to find time for yourself. Taking some time to rest and relax is important for both mental and physical well-being, and can make a huge difference in the way you feel in your everyday life. Numerous studies have shown that taking some time to rest reduces high blood pressure and your risk of heart attacks, as well as lowering your chance of stroke. Here are five easy ways to help take better care of yourself every day.

5 Selfcare Tips to Reduce Stress

1. Do yoga or hit the gym in the morning.

If you’re always on the go or constantly thinking about all the things on your to-do list, yoga is a great way to force yourself to focus on the present moment and leave all other worries behind. Even thirty minutes of yoga in the morning can give your body and mind some much-needed care. Additionally, exercising in the morning has been directly linked to increased focus and mental capabilities.

2. Get more sleep.

Getting enough sleep is one of best ways to take better care of your body and can make a huge difference in your health and well-being. In fact, it’s been proven that getting enough sleep at night prevents migraines and headaches, reduces your risk of heart disease, and promotes healthy and rejuvenated skin. Most adults need around eight hours of sleep a night, so make it your goal to get at least seven a night.

3. Keep a journal.

Keeping track of your thoughts is extremely helpful for increasing levels of mental health and well-being. Taking a few minutes to write down concerns, worries, and excitements help clear these thoughts from your mind, allowing for time to focus and reflect. Try keeping a journal by your bed so you can jot down a few thoughts each night before you go to sleep.

Chiropractic care, defined by the American Chiropractic Association as “a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.” Chiropractic care is often sought out because of discomfort and relies on addressing underlying issues which are the cause of such pain. When coupled with massage therapy, chiropractic care can enhance the ways in which massage helps heal the body. Deep tissue massage therapy, commonly referred to as chiropractic massage, can provide maximum relief to a patient’s discomfort when used alongside a chiropractic adjustment. These two therapies are commonly combined because of the increased benefits offered by using both services concurrently.

Combining Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Adjustments

Should I Have A Massage Before or After My Chiropractic Adjustment?

When performed immediately after a chiropractic adjustment, the benefits of a massage are greatly enhanced. Receiving a chiropractic massage after an adjustment helps the body recover quicker, allowing nerves and muscles to align correctly more quickly than they would with an adjustment alone. It also helps to decrease soreness that some people experience after a chiropractic adjustment. When a massage is performed before an adjustment, muscles become more loose and relaxed, allowing for an easier adjustment. Range of motion is improved when deep tissue massage is used alongside chiropractic adjustments, as it allows for tightened muscles to stretch and relax.

When you're looking for a massage therapist in Denver, you may also be wondering what type of massage should you be looking for. There are many different massage techniques, so which one is the most beneficial for you?

The Differences Between Types of Massage Therapy

Denver Massage Therapist

Massages offer a variety of benefits for the body and mind, including pain and stress reduction and the elimination of muscle tension. Many studies have found massage to be beneficial in treating a variety of disorders and ailments, including anxiety, headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders, temporomandibular joint pain, and sports injuries. Additionally, massage provides an overall feeling of comfort and relaxation. There are many different types of massage therapies out there, so we’ve comprised a quick overview to help you determine which style is best for you.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a massage therapy which uses essential oils to focus on underlying issues. Most aromatherapy masseuses use a variety of oils to create relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing or other sensations throughout the body. Aromatherapy massage is especially beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or stress disorders.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage relaxes sore muscles and balances energy flow by placing warm, smooth stones on specific points of the body. The massage therapist will typically apply a light pressure on the stone to provide deeper tissue penetration and overall warmth. Hot stone massage is a great option for people who suffer from muscle tension but prefer gentler massages.

The benefits of Craniosacral massage have been observed for over 30 years, and provide positive health outcomes for many different types of patients. By targeting the central nervous system, Craniosacral massage therapy can improve your overall health and prevent disease as well as alleviate serious ailments and conditions.

What are the Benefits of Craniosacral Massage Therapy?

Craniosacral massage focuses on aligning the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spine, thereby bolstering the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection. (You can read more about how Craniosacral massage works here). Many persons who have looked to traditional massage and chiropractic techniques to solve their chronic pain have found that Craniosacral therapy has been successful in reducing their associated symptoms where traditional medicine has failed.

Specifically, Craniosacral therapy provides a range of benefits for those who have severe head, neck, or back injuries, from car accidents, workplace mishaps, and falls. Because Craniosacral massage utilizes light-touch techniques, it is safe for children and infants, even those experiencing trauma and complications stemming from birth.

Craniosacral Massage Denver

Craniosacral massage is an alternative form of massage which utilizes gentle touch in order to manipulate bones in the head, spinal column, and sacrum. It primarily addresses asymmetry in the fluid and membranes which protect the spinal cord and brain.

Originally developed by osteopathic physician and professor of biomechanics, John E. Upledger, Craniosacral therapy regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is present in the brain and spine and works to reduce obstructions in the body that lead to infection. Since the 1970’s when Upledger first introduced the technique, Craniosacral therapy has been found to be effective in addressing numerous physiological issues associated with blockages in the craniosacral system, primarily in the flow of CSF. Migraines and anxiety disorders are a few conditions related to an imbalance in CSF.

What Is the Craniosacral System?

Similar to the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a natural rhythm that can be sensed throughout the body, which includes the flow of CSF. CSF is important for regulating your body’s immune system for many different reasons, including preventing bacteria and viruses from entering the brain, creating a pathway between the blood and the brain, and sending glucose (a form of sugar that provides nourishment to the brain) to the cortex brain. If CSF flow is restricted, numerous problems can arise, including decreased health and mental lucidity.