Displaying items by tag: Stress Relief
The Key To Blissful Holidays In Denver: Massage Therapy
The holiday season has finally arrived once again! It’s that magical time of the year that’s packed with seasonal activities, family fun, and holiday cheer. Though, as any parent knows, this brief season comes with its downsides. The holiday stress, the hectic shopping, and the limited timeframe to do it all in. It’s a tough balancing act that can actually dampen your holiday experience. Denver massage therapy can help you get a lot more out of the holidays. Let’s explain the various ways that massage therapy can help you out.
The Best Remedy For Holiday Stress in Denver: Massage Therapy
We’re all familiar with the stressful nature of the holidays. You have to shop for the best presents, squeeze in holiday activities, and put up with your in-laws. On top of it all, you still have to meet your work deliverables and manage your personal life! Holiday stress can really build up in a short amount of time. Amidst the chaos of this stressful season, it’s more than worthwhile to treat yourself too.
Massage therapy is the best way to reduce your stress during the holiday season. Time and again, studies have proven that massage therapy is an effective way to lower stress. After a single session, you’ll walk away feeling happier, more confident, and less stressed out. Give yourself an early holiday present with some Denver massage therapy.
The Perfect Holiday Gift in Denver: Massage Therapy
Finding the perfect present for each family member is not always easy. You have to grapple with their personal preferences and your budget, all while you second guess yourself at every turn. “What should I buy? Will they enjoy it? Is there a better present that I haven’t found yet?” You can save yourself some trouble by giving the gift of self-care to your family members.
Massage therapy is one of the best gifts that just about anyone can receive! At our Denver massage therapy studio, we practice a wide variety of therapeutic massage techniques. That just means there’s a massage technique for everyone in the family! From chronic pain sufferers to those who just want a relaxing afternoon massage. It’s the perfect gift for any family member.
At Wayfare Wellness, we offer gift certificates for our Denver massage therapy sessions. These certificates are very thoughtful gifts for any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. Does your dad suffer from recurring neck pains? Nothing alleviates chronic pain quite like massage therapy. Do you want to show your mom how much you appreciate her? The self-care gift of a massage therapy session could be the perfect gift for her.
An Excellent Reason To Visit Downtown Denver
The holidays wouldn’t be special without holiday festivities. What better place to participate in those festivities than in downtown Denver. Massage therapy gives you the perfect excuse to brave the cold weather and spend an afternoon in downtown Denver.
Downtown Denver has no shortage of fun festivities and holiday cheer! From the annual Parade of Lights and the Mile High Tree to the festive ice rinks and seasonal markets, there’s plenty to see and to do. Bring the family for a fun-filled afternoon! While your significant other takes the kids to sit on Santa’s lap, you can sneak off for a quick session of massage therapy.
Let’s not forget that the streets of downtown Denver are packed with incredible shops and stores. If you need to get some holiday shopping done, you can easily take care of it right after your massage! Our office is conveniently located right off of 16th Street Mall. So, you’ll be within walking distance of all the stores that you need to wrap up your holiday shopping.
Make The Most Of The Holidays In Denver With Massage Therapy
Wayfare Wellness would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. We hope your celebrations are festive and jolly all the way through. Just remember, we’re here to help make your holidays a little more special. Whether you need gift certificates or de-stressing massage sessions, a little self-care can go a long way during the holidays. Take advantage of it and make the most out of the festive season!
Book your first session of Denver massage therapy today!
What Is The Difference Between A Swedish Massage And A Deep Tissue Massage?
We often get clients who are looking for pain relief, an escape from the stress and tension of everyday life, or just a relaxing hour in a tranquil environment. No matter what brings a client into our office, we hear one inquiry more than any other – what kind of massage is right for me?
The answer? It truly depends.
Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage: What's the Difference?
There are many different types of modalities that can be used individually or combined to create the massage therapy experience that will provide the most benefits depending on your lifestyle. Some are more well known than others. All have unique benefits that can play a role in pain relief or simple relaxation. Let's go over a few.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is by far the most widely recognized technique in massage therapy. This modality offers more flexibility in pressure, speed, and cadence than others and uses the fingers, knuckles, and palms to create pressure that works into the superficial layers of connective tissue. Many massage therapists will start off a massage therapy session with the Swedish technique to warm the tissues up, making them more responsive to other techniques that may be used in a session.
Who Should Get A Swedish Massage?
First and foremost, Swedish massage is great for beginners. If you are not sure what kind of pressure feels good to you or provides you the most relief, getting a Swedish massage will expose you to a variety of different touches to help you determine your preferences. Additionally, this technique will help your massage therapist explore the needs of your body to better craft a treatment plan that offers the most benefits.
Swedish massage is also great for those who are getting a massage strictly to promote relaxation. Because the technique works primarily in the superficial layers of tissue, those who are seeking massage therapy for pain relief may see better results with a more targeted modality.
Deep Tissue Massage
There are a lot of misconceptions around what exactly a deep tissue massage is. It is not just a massage with added pressure. In fact, deep tissue massage is a unique approach that allows the massage therapist to break up scar tissue and adhesions that have formed in the connective tissue through a process called stripping.
Stripping is a specialized type of stroke that uses slow, deep pressure to release and elongate deep layers of muscle. The goal is to increase blood flow to the specific area to reduce pain. It is through this deep, targeted manipulation of tissue that you start to see recovery and healing.
Who Should Get A Deep Tissue Massage?
Those who suffer from chronic muscle pain are ideal candidates for deep tissue massage. In order to get the most out of your deep tissue massage, though, you will want to consider a long-term treatment plan. It can be a slow process to work into and manipulate the deepest layers of connective tissue so you will want to commit to this type of massage therapy for an extended period of time to truly reap the benefits.
Cranio-Sacral Massage
We talk about cranio-sacral massage therapy a lot at Wayfare Wellness. It is an extremely gentle treatment that often gets overlooked by patients. Cranio-sacral massage focuses on the central nervous system at the head, spine, and sacrum and uses a slight amount of pressure to promote pain relief.
This technique is focused on the the manipulation of the cerebrospinal fluid, as opposed to connective tissue. This fluid is what cushions your central nervous system so limited mobility of the cerebrospinal fluid can lead to excessive tension in the nervous system.
Who Should Get A Cranio-Sacral Massage?
This technique is much more gentle than other types of massage therapy modalities, so it ideal for patients who have experienced a trauma that lead to a shift in their equilibrium. Patients who suffer from spinal cord injuries, PTSD, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain disorders may benefit from cranio-sacral massage.
Getting A Massage In Downtown Denver
Whether you want to relax or you need on-going pain relief, massage therapy can play a pivotal role in your regular self-care routine. Our massage therapist at Wayfare Wellness can help you determine the difference between Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and other modalities to create a treatment plan that is best for you.
Contact Wayfare Wellness to schedule an appointment today.
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage
If you are an expecting mother, you know all too well that your body is going through some major changes. Whether you are early in your first trimester or rounding the corner of month nine, taking care of your body is of the utmost priority for both you and your baby. Prenatal massage can be a widely beneficial part of your self care routine as you prepare to welcome a new life into your home.
Considering Prenatal Massage
First thing is first, you will want to talk to both your doctor and your massage therapist to understand the necessary precautions you may need to take. No two pregnancies are alike, so having an open line of communication with your OB and your massage therapist will help you get the most out of your prenatal massages and ensure that you are safe throughout your pregnancy.
Body Position
One of the most common questions we hear from women who are considering prenatal massage is “how am I going to lay?” An understandable concern as your belly expands, prenatal massage accommodates this by having the patient lay on their side. Your massage therapist will also have pillows in a variety of shapes and sizes to help you find a comfortable position for your massage.
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage
First Trimester
Prenatal massage during the first trimester faces a lot of scrutiny. With the OK from your doctor, an experienced massage therapist can help you have a safe and relaxing experience during your prenatal massage.
During the first trimester, your body is going through fewer physical changes than it is hormonal. Prenatal massage can help alleviate the headaches, constipation, and even morning sickness that is common during the first twelve weeks of your pregnancy. Pregnancy is not only taxing physically, but also mentally. Massage can be a beneficial part of your self-care routine to help you relax and improve your overall well-being. Incorporating this early in your pregnancy helps set the standard for your body.
Second Trimester
For many women, during this stage of the pregnancy, the hormonal changes that cause morning sickness and other symptoms begin to subside. This is the point when the physical changes your body is going through begin to shift your center of gravity. You may begin to experience back pain and other tense muscles, which prenatal massage can be very beneficial in treating. Massage increases blood flow to the tissues in your body, helping them remain healthy throughout the stages of pregnancy.
Third Trimester
The final stage of your pregnancy brings both physical and mental stress and you prepare your home and body for the baby. During this stage, the physical tax on your body increases as the baby gets heavier so prenatal massage provides the necessary care needed to relax your muscles. Additionally, prenatal massage can help your abdominal and pelvic muscles prepare for the upcoming birthing process.
Overall, prenatal massage can play a strategic role throughout your pregnancy in keeping your mind and body healthy. Not only does and experienced prenatal massage therapist have the capability to relieve some of the muscular discomfort that accompanies your changing body, but they can also aide in the regulation of your system to alleviate symptoms like headaches, heartburn, and anxiety.
If you are expecting and interested in learning more about prenatal massage and the benefits it can offer throughout your pregnancy, contact Wayfare Wellness today.
Downtown Denver Massage for the Over-Scheduled, Over Stressed Denver Professional
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.
3. Massage Therapy Relieves Low Back Pain
One-third of work-related disability claims are attributed to low back pain. Further, low back pain causes more disability than 300 other conditions around the world. With that much back pain going around, it’s a wonder there isn’t a line around the block for our downtown Denver massage therapy office. Massage therapy is one of the best treatments for low back pain. And if a spinal adjustment is what you need, there is a chiropractic office next door.
4. Massage Relieves Tension Headaches
If you are one of the go-go-getters of Denver, you may be noticing an increased frequency of headaches. Staring at screens for hours, bad posture, muscle tension and work stress can all contribute to the presentation of tension headaches. Lucky for you, massage is one of the best therapies for tension headaches.
5. A Downtown Denver Massage Therapist is Nearby
Probably the best reason to visit a downtown Denver massage therapist is Wayfare Wellness is located on California Street between 16th and 17th streets in downtown Denver. It’s quick and convenient to get to our office from almost anywhere downtown. Book an appointment today.
Denver Sports Massage: The Secret to Better Athletic Performance
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.
Sports Massage: Physiological Effects
One major benefit that often time goes unnoticed is massage therapy's effect on the cardiovascular system. The rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints in the body enhance blood flow. The constant motion dilates blood vessels stimulating more effective circulation. This increased blood flow allows the body to recover more quickly helping relieve tension in the process and reducing soreness. Sports massage not only feels good for the muscle, it actually is good for them too.
Should I Schedule a Sports Massage?
Every athlete’s goal is to be the best they can be. Allowing sports massage to be a part of not only your life, but your routine will give you a leg up on the competition. It is important to note that much like exercise itself, the more regularly you receive a massage the more cumulative the benefits are. Massage and sports massage as a whole can be seen as a preventative maintenance of sorts. It is preferable to any athlete to prevent injury rather than to treat or recover from one. With Denver's best sports massage therapy, anyone seeking to recover faster, prevent injuries, improve conditioning, enhance performance, and maintain peak fitness will accomplish their goals. Call or book an appointment for a sports massage session with Wayfare Wellness today.
5 Ways to Reduce Stress Today
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.
4. Squeeze in a workout.
It may feel like the last thing you want to do when you’re stressed, but studies show that exercising reduces fatigue and increases alertness and overall brain function. This is incredibly important when stress has zapped your ability to focus.
5. Hug someone.
Hugs are great stress relievers because they cause your body to release oxytocin, which leads to relaxation. They’re also incredibly important in building trust and maintaining relationships. Dr. Paul Zak recommends at least 8 hugs a day in order to keep your relationships strong.
Dealing with stress is inevitable, but by using these five simple anti-stress tips, you’ll be able to manage your stress more effectively. Contact us today to book your next massage appointment.
How Can Massage Therapy Help You?
Does pain or restricted movement keep you from living the life you want? Sports injuries, household accidents, repetitive actions on the job, and tension from everyday stresses can cause problems that, too often, take up permanent residence in our bodies. Massage therapy can help relieve pain and, in combination with medical attention, help heal certain conditions and prevent their return.
What Can Massage Therapy Offer Me?
Stress Relief
Relaxation is one of the best-known antidotes for stress. Reducing stress gives you more energy, improves your outlook on life, and reduces your likelihood of injury and illness. Physical therapy can also relieve symptoms of conditions aggravated by anxiety such as asthma or insomnia. Because it relieves stress, relaxation massage is an excellent supportive therapy for people in psychological counseling or treatment for addiction.
Painful or Tight Muscle Relief
Deep tissue therapy can relieve many types of muscle tightness, from short-term muscle cramp to habitually clenched jaw or tight shoulders. Massage therapy acts directly on your muscles with stretching and kneading motions. It also stimulates the nervous system to instruct muscles to relax even more. Treatment also flushes muscles of built-up waste products that can make you sore after vigorous exercise.
Heal Injuries
Massage therapy can help heal injuries such as tendonitis that develop over time, as well as ligament sprains or muscle strains caused by accidents. Deep tissue work reduces inflammation by increasing circulation, which removes waste products and brings nutrition to injured cells.
Prevent Injuries
Staying "loose" can help prevent injuries that might be caused by stressing unbalanced muscle groups, or by favoring one group of muscles over another. After you complete the more invasive deep tissue work, consider regular Swedish massage to help stay limber.
Reduce Pain or Restriction On Joints
Besides releasing tight muscles that restrict joint movement, Deep tissue muscular re-education works directly on your joints to improve circulation, stimulate the production of natural lubrication and relieve pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Combat Forced Inactivity
There are many reasons you may be forced to limit physical activity. Massage therapy can relieve your aches and pains and improve circulation to your skin and muscles.
Fluid retention
All levels of massage care increase your circulation that in turn drains tissues of excess fluid caused by recent injury, surgery, or pregnancy.
There are numerous ways massage therapy can help you. Contact us to discuss your wellness needs.