Displaying items by tag: massage techniques
3 Reasons To Add Therapeutic Massage To Your Self-Care
There’s a good reason why the idea of incorporating health and wellness into our daily routines is trending. In any given year, 1 in 5 employed adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, and even insomnia. To make matters worse, approximately 20% of adults suffer from chronic pain every day. So, why would we not prioritize our health and wellness? We all have our own self-care routines, but therapeutic massage could add many benefits to your overall welfare. Let’s examine why massage therapy should be a part of everyone’s wellness routine.
Ease Your Stress
There’s truly nothing more relaxing than a massage with a qualified massage therapist. Studies have shown that massage is an effective treatment for reducing stress, anxiety, and even headaches. Therapeutic massage takes it one step further by giving your body a chance to relax, unwind, and repair itself.
The great thing about massage therapy is that it is completely customizable for anyone and everyone. For those who need another way to relax, therapies like a Swedish massage will accomplish just that. Custom upgrades like aromatherapy or pain-relief lotions can add onto the relaxation of your massage session. Even 30 minutes of Swedish massage therapy can make a world of difference on your stress levels. With all of the compounding stress of your work and personal life, it is essential that you make the time to ease your tension. You can effectively reduce your stress by incorporating therapeutic massage into your wellness routine.
Alleviate Your Muscle Pain
Therapeutic massage comes in all shapes in sizes. From deep tissue to neuromuscular massage therapy, there will always be a therapy that is right for your personal needs. The different forms of massage therapy vary in degrees of pressure. Firmer approaches are usually more valuable for those who experience frequent muscle pain. Under the care of an experienced massage therapist, these deeper massage techniques can be very effective at alleviating muscle pain. With repeated massage sessions, you can start to treat your chronic body pain!
Just remember that massage therapy should never be painful. High quality massage therapists will always take the necessary steps to address your needs. They can only alleviate your muscular pains if there is clear communication between you two, so be sure to ask questions and to discuss your wellness goals beforehand.
Improve Your Circulation
The benefits of massage are never ending! Did you know that massage therapy can improve your circulation? There are two main types of circulation in the body: lymph flow circulation and blood flow circulation. As your massage therapist kneads your muscles, blood is circulated through those congested areas of your body. This helps improve your overall circulation. Though most massage therapies have the added benefit of regulating your circulation, certain types of massage can target specific lymphatic issues. This type of therapy works by manipulating the lymph fluid build up, which then reduces swelling and puffiness in the body.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the massage therapies that we offer. Each treatment offers its own unique benefits, but every therapy works to improve your circulation. By committing to regular massage therapy, you will set yourself up for the greatest success for combating your circulation issues.
Book Your Therapeutic Massage Today
There are countless benefits to adding massage therapy to your weekly wellness routine. It’s an essential self-care element that helps keep your body fully functional and your mind fully clear. The time is now to finally invest in your health and wellness.
Schedule your first appointment with Wayfare Wellness today to get the best therapeutic massage in Denver!
Neuromuscular Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage: What’s The Difference?
Upon first glance it may seem like neuromuscular massage and deep tissue massage are the same thing. That assumption could not be further from the truth. When you square up neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue massage, the minute differences start to stand out. While there are some shared similarities, these two therapeutic techniques are unique in their own ways. The stark contrasts that separate the treatments are not always obvious to most people. Our massage therapist wanted to clear the air and address the differences between these innovative massage therapies.
Neuromuscular Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage
Before we dive into the differences, we should make it perfectly clear that these two therapies are similar. Neuromuscular massage and deep tissue massage both work to alleviate chronic pains. Both of these techniques are also far more intense than other relaxing massage therapy techniques, like Swedish massage. These two treatments can often feel so similar that some massage therapists will use the terms interchangeably.
Even with their similarities, the comparison of neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue can reveal some clear differences. Let’s dive into the defining differences between these massage therapies.
Certifications
When you compare neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue, one of the bigger differences derives from the education of your massage therapist. In order to practice neuromuscular massage, your massage therapist needs a specialized certification. Without this education, a massage therapist cannot practice neuromuscular massage therapy at all!
This special degree can require a few extra years of school. A fair number of massage therapists will deice to not pursue that additional certification. This means that neuromuscular massage therapy (NMT) can only be performed by a handful of massage therapists. At Wayfare Wellness, our talented massage therapist, Sarah, earned her degree in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy from the Colorado School of Healing Arts. Thanks to this specialization, Wayfare Wellness is fully licensed and able to provide NMT to our Denver-based clients!
Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, does not require a specialized massage therapy certification. Of course, your massage therapist still needs a formal education. This just means that deep tissue massage is more widely available that NMT.
Treatment Goals And Therapy Approaches
Deep tissue massage and NMT are also distinctly different in their approaches and overall functions. Of course, they serve the same ultimate goal of improving the well-being of the individual client. When we compare neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue, it’s clear that these methods achieve that end-goal in different ways.
Deep tissue massage is an intense form of massage therapy that treats musculoskeletal issues. The technique aims to treat muscle pains and aches through slow deep strokes and sustained pressure. Most sessions of deep tissue massage will start out with some lighter Swedish massage to warm up the muscles before increasing the intensity. Deep tissue massage has been proven to be an effective form of chronic pain relief. It’s worth noting that:
Deep tissue massage is usually sought out on an “as needed” basis.
In a single session, deep tissue massage can help treat a handful of problems across your whole body.
Neuromuscular massage therapy can basically be equated to a form of medical massage therapy. It’s a highly-specialized and extremely focused treatment method. NMT focuses on areas of muscle spasm to relieve chronic stiffness and pain. Some cases of muscle spasm might require the usage of a massage therapy tool called the T-bar. This innovative tool helps isolate trigger points and give your massage therapist the appropriate leverage to treat those tight and painful areas. As we compare neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue, we should mention that:
NMT is utilized to treat just one painful area of the body.
NMT is sought out when a specific condition needs immediate professional treatment.
It will take at least a few sessions to properly treat a given condition.
What These Therapies Treat
Which is the better option for me: neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue massage? Both of these treatment techniques are technically designed to alleviate muscular pains. However, one method might provide better results for certain aches, pains, and conditions.
Deep tissue massage is best for treating aches and pains that are rooted in your connective tissues. Deep tissue massage is best used as a treatment for:
Limited mobility issues
Injury recovery
Repetitive strains
Muscle tension
Fibromyalgia
Sciatica
Chronic pain
On the other hand, NMT is best used for those suffering from chronic pain that is caused by more serious dysfunctions. These could include:
Nerve damage
Nerve compression
Neural entrapment
Ischemia
Myofascial trigger points
Dysfunctional gait patterns
And more
Hopefully we’ve cleared up your questions with our comparison on neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue massage. Even with our explanation, we understand that these two techniques can still cause some mild confusion. If you have any further questions on which would be best for you, then please feel free to contact us today. Our experienced massage therapist is happy to answer any of your pressing questions.
Experience Better Pain Relief With Wayfare Wellness
Too many people suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis. It can interfere with every aspect of your life. Whether you’re in need of neuromuscular massage or deep tissue, one of these treatments can deliver the pain relief that you need. At Wayfare Wellness, we can help you achieve that pain relief through our effective massage therapy techniques.
Book your first appointment with Wayfare Wellness and start improving your health and well-being today!
What You Can Expect From A Deep Tissue Massage In Denver
Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems in the US. It can be very difficult to get through the day and live your life to the fullest when you experience recurring pain. Painkillers and alternative therapies can help you circumvent your chronic pain. Those approaches fail to treat the source of your pain. Deep tissue massage is one of the best ways you can effectively treat and alleviate your chronic pain. As a leading provider of deep tissue massage in Denver, let’s discuss what you can expect from this effective treatment method.
What To Expect From A Deep Tissue Massage In Denver
A deep tissue massage is no walk in the park. Other massage therapy techniques, like Swedish massage, may use a light approach to encourage relaxation and reduce muscle tension. Deep tissue massage, however, uses deeper and more intense pressure to treat chronic muscular pain. Let’s examine the unique approach, process, and benefits of a deep tissue massage in Denver.
The Deep Tissue Massage Process
A deep tissue massage will usually start out with some light massage techniques. These lighter strokes prepare your superficial muscles for a deeper intensity. It’s basically a short warm-up period to get your muscles loose, your blood flowing, and to relax your mind.
Your massage therapist will slowly begin to increase the pressure of their strokes. As the pressure builds, your massage therapist will begin to go slower and deeper. At this point, your massage therapist is beginning to target those deeper layers of muscle with more pressure in a targeted approach.
These deeper strokes aim to manipulate your connective tissues, which are the deepest tissue layers of your muscles. The slow and deep strokes slowly wear down adhesions on your connective tissue and start to break down any scar tissue. This process aims to “strip down” your muscles to ultimately treat your chronic pain and help realign your muscles, as well. As the massage continues, the problem areas of your connective tissue will start to break down and your healing process will be spurred.
Throughout your deep tissue massage in Denver, your massage therapist will mainly use their hands to apply pressure. To appropriately treat your chronic pain, your massage therapist may use their elbows and forearms to achieve the right intensity. In more intense cases, a t-bar massage tool may be used to leverage the right amount of pressure in a more targeted manner.
What Does A Deep Tissue Massage In Denver Feel Like
Fair warning: your deep tissue massage won’t feel like any massage you’ve experienced before. Afterwards, you’ll ultimately feel far better and have less pain than before. You should prepare to feel some slight discomfort during your deep tissue massage in Denver.
The highly focused pressure of a deep tissue massage can make you experience a little bit of pain. Many patients have described this sensation as a "good pain” - basically, a pain that feels good simultaneously. You may experience that sort of pain throughout the massage, but it won’t last the entire time. That pain should be gone by the end of your session.
It’s worth noting that clear communication is very important for deep tissue massage. Throughout your session, you need to talk consistently with your massage therapist. You definitely don’t want your massage to be uncomfortable or too painful. When the massage passes your pain threshold, tell your massage therapist! They’ll adjust their technique immediately so that you still get the most out of your massage without having too much pain.
Once your deep tissue massage is over, you should expect some slight muscle stiffness or soreness. These sensations are entirely natural and should be gone within a day or two. Try to drink a lot of fluids following your massage. Those fluids can help flush out the metabolic toxins that were released during your massage. When you’re properly hydrated and free of toxins, you greatly expedite your recovery.
The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
There are tons of different massage therapy techniques, all of which have their own purpose and health benefits. A deep tissue massage in Denver can greatly improve your health in a number of key ways. Of course, deep tissue massage has been proven to significantly reduce chronic pain. The health benefits don’t end there. Deep tissue massage can also:
Improve muscle stiffness.
Lower high blood pressure and improve heart health.
Reduce stress levels.
Streamline recovery from sports-related injuries.
And more!
The healing process can take a long time. Your recurring pain may not be fully treated or alleviated within just one session of deep tissue massage in Denver. As time goes on, those pains will start to fade into memory. With occasional deep tissue massages and daily proper stretches, you’ll be on track to leading a happier and healthier life.
Book Your First Deep Tissue Massage In Denver
Do you suffer from chronic pain? Does that pain get in the way of living your life to the fullest? Are you ready to be pain-free? At Wayfare Wellness, our experienced massage therapist will use deep tissue massage to successfully alleviate your chronic pain. We are focused on improving your health and wellness to the best of our abilities.
Book your first appointment with Wayfare Wellness today and experience the best deep tissue massage in Denver.
5 Reasons To Try Massage Therapy In Denver
Many people seek out massage therapy in Denver to alleviate and treat their chronic pains. This is the main purpose of massage therapy, but it’s certainly not the only health benefit. Even if they don't experience any chronic pain, many people still take advantage of massage therapy to improve other aspects of their life. From personal wellness to bodily efficiencies, there are plenty of health benefits you might be missing out on.
Why You Need To Try Massage Therapy In Denver
There are hundreds of reasons to try massage therapy, but let’s just examine 5 of the most impactful health benefits.
1. Improve Your Sleep
There’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. The next morning you’re more alert, attentive, and productive at work. But, sleep doesn’t come easily for everyone. It’s estimated that roughly 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by sleep-related problems. Insufficient sleep can actually lead to some serious health problems, such as weight gain, cognitive issues, and more.
Fortunately, you can ease your slumber with some massage therapy in Denver. Numerous studies have confirmed that massage therapy can actually improve your sleep. Why does this happen? It’s mainly because massage therapy promotes relaxation. A more relaxed body has an easier time falling asleep. Massage also reduces muscle pains that may have interfered with or prevented sleep before. Regardless of the technique that’s used, it’s clear that massage therapy can positively impact your sleep patterns.
2. Get More Out Of Your Weekend
The end of summer is right around the corner! The fast approaching fall season means it’s time to get in those last minute camping trips and weekend hikes. If you’re biking through Morrison one day and summiting a 14er the next, it’s tough to give each activity your all. It’s even tougher to find the time to give your body a break to rest and recover. That’s where massage therapy in Denver comes in handy.
Regardless of your activity, sports massage therapy can actually improve your athletic performance. This massage technique focuses on relieving tension while also increasing range of motion and improving soft tissue function. It’s been shown to not only improve athleticism, but to also reduce the risk of injury. So, if you’re looking to summit quicker or bike faster, get an afternoon massage on Friday. By caring for your body before the strenuous physical activity, you’ll be able to lap your friends throughout the whole weekend.
3. Give Your Immune System A Boost
The end of summer means it’s time to go back to school. Any parent knows exactly what that means: a greater risk of getting sick. Schools are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, which your kids will bring back home. With flu season on the horizon, it can only get worse. Massage therapy in Denver can prepare you for the impending germ epidemic.
Believe it or not, massage therapy has actually been shown to improve the immune system. Specifically, it can increase the number of white blood cells within your body. These cells are the first line of defense against diseases and infections that enter the body. So, if you’re want to avoid getting sick this fall, get some massage therapy in Denver.
4. Destress And Detoxify Your Body
It’s a stressful world out there. From the never-ending news cycle to the chaos of work, stress builds up in the body. As it builds, your stress can even manifest in muscular pains and knots throughout your body. Fortunately, the best antidote for stress is relaxation. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a session of massage therapy in Denver. Massage has actually been proven to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety hormones.
We also encounter a great number of toxins everyday. Similar to stress, these toxins can build and build within the body. While massage therapy may not directly detoxify your body, it supports detoxification in a number of ways. It’s been proven that massage therapy improves your blood circulation and organ function. This only amplifies the detoxifying effects of your liver, thus contributing to a healthier toxin-free body.
5. Boost Your Mood
No one is in a good mood every single day. Some days are just better than others and, occasionally, we’ll all feel down in the dumps. You cannot ignore the importance of your emotional health and it can easily be improved with a little massage therapy in Denver.
This mood boost can be accomplished thanks to the resulting shift in hormones. Even just 15 minutes of massage therapy can dramatically increase the serotonin levels in our brain. When you also consider how massage reduces stress and relieves pain, it’s no wonder why massage therapy improves your mood!
Realize These Benefits With The Best Massage Therapy In Denver
Even if you don’t suffer from chronic pain, you still have a lot to gain from massage therapy. The practice offers tons of other health benefits that we didn’t even touch on here! Take advantage of massage therapy and start improving your health today.
Book your first appointment with Wayfare Wellness, a leading provider of massage therapy in Denver, today!
What’s A Swedish Massage? Is It Right For Me?
It’s always one of the first questions we get from new clients: “what’s a Swedish massage?” Many people come to massage therapy for pain relief, but aren’t certain which approach will work best for them. From deep tissue to neuromuscular, it can be tough for newcomers to understand the differences. Let’s clear the air and examine the ins-and-outs of Swedish massage and how it can benefit you.
So, What’s A Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is a light pressure massage technique that alleviates superficial muscle tension and problem areas. This technique is rooted in physiological and anatomical science. Swedish massage is arguably the most well known and widely used massage therapy technique.
The common strokes of the technique involves the use of fingers, knuckles, and palms to create circular pressure. Swedish massage is often used to warm-up and prepare the body for more intense massage therapy, like deep tissue or sports massage.
What’s A Swedish Massage Feel Like?
Usually after we define what’s a Swedish massage, most patients want to learn more about this unique technique. Many describe it as a soothing and relaxing sensation. You may experience sensations of stretching, kneading, and/or tapping on your body. These feelings can be amplified by any essential oils that your massage therapist may use.
Afterwards, you’ll leave the session with reduced muscle pain, a clear mind, and a relaxed body. You’ll also have a very clear sense of what’s a swedish massage like. If you are new to massage therapy, you may experience some muscle soreness in the days following your massage.
How Can It Benefit Me?
It’s easy enough to define what’s a Swedish massage. But, most people are more interested in how it benefits them. Aside from the obvious benefit of relaxation, there are many other health benefits to Swedish massage therapy. Here are a few of the most common benefits that patients experience:
Reduced Pain - This flexible approach effectively alleviates and treats pain points throughout the body.
Lower Blood Pressure - Studies have shown that regular Swedish massage therapy can improve circulatory issues and reduce their severity.
Improve Immune System Function - Research has also shown that just one session can positively impact your hormone levels and your immune system.
Additional research is currently being conducted on the health benefits of Swedish massage. Which means we’ve only begun to uncover the hidden benefits of this form of massage. So, instead of asking “what’s a Swedish massage,” people should be asking, “what can’t a Swedish massage do for me?”
Is Swedish Massage Right For Me?
Swedish massage is the perfect introductory technique for anyone new to massage therapy. There’s a reason why it’s so widely practiced. It’s the most adaptable form of massage therapy out there. Depending on your needs, this technique can be easily integrated into any other form of massage therapy. So, even if you benefit the most from deep tissue massage therapy, you can still reap the benefits of Swedish massage.
If you suffer from recurring pain issues, Swedish massage could be the missing piece to your self-care strategy.
Where Can I Book My First Appointment?
Now that we’ve answered the frequently asked question, “what’s a Swedish massage,” the most common follow-up question is: “where do I sign up?” With our online booking system, you can find the best time slot in your day to meet with our experienced massage therapist. Book your first Swedish massage appointment with Wayfare Wellness today!
What’s the Difference Between Massage Techniques?
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.
Craniosacral Massage Therapy
Craniosacral massage is a gentle massage technique that applies a light touch to the bones in the head, sacrum, and spinal column in order to address asymmetry in the fluid and membranes which protect the spinal cord and brain. Craniosacral massage is especially beneficial for those suffering from migraines and injuries resulting from sporting and automobile accidents.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage in the US, and uses long strokes and kneading to warm up muscle tissue, relieve tension, and dissolve knots in tissues. Swedish massage is a great massage to try if you’ve never had a massage before, as it is generally slow and relaxing.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but uses more intense pressure in order to relieve chronic muscle tension. This massage technique focuses on penetrating into the deepest parts of muscle tissue and tendons by using slow, deep strokes across the muscle grain. Deep tissue massage is best suited for those suffering from chronic injury or muscle pain.
Ready to get a massage? Book an appointment at Wayfare Wellness and experience how massage therapy can boost your overall wellbeing.