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.

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.

Sports massage is a type of therapy that many athletes don’t know to take advantage of. It is unique not necessarily in its technique, but rather in its intention. Sports massage in Denver combines a variety of modalities to target the specific physical and biomechanical needs of athletes. Should you be taking advantage of sports massage therapy?

What to Expect from Sports Massage in Denver

What Makes Sports Massage Different?

The techniques used to perform a sports massage are not technically different than those used to perform myofascial massage, deep tissue massage, or another type of massage that you may be more familiar with. Where the intent of, say, a deep tissue massage is to reduce muscle tension and relieve related pain, the intent of using the deep tissue technique in a sports massage is to relieve tension while increasing range of motion and improving soft tissue function.

Sports Massage In Denver Can Be Separated Into Four Categories

Sports massage in Denver can be divided based on the specific goal an athlete wishes to achieve through the massage. We can look at these goals through one of four lenses: pre-event massage, post-event massage, restorative therapy, or rehabilitative therapy. Let’s talk about each of these types of sports massage.

Pre-Event

An athlete experienced in massage therapy can benefit from sports massage in a seven to two day window prior to a major event. Sports massage can be utilized in preparation for an event because the targeted techniques can improve soft tissue function, restore range of motion, reduce soreness or tightness related to training, and lessen fatigue and tension. All of these factors can decrease your performance, so a sports massage can help you reach your peak abilities prior to a big event.

Post-Event

For athletes that have just a few major events that they train long durations for, post-event sports massage can be exponentially beneficial in reducing the recovery time. Experienced athletes can take advantage of a post-event sports massage anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours after an event, while less experienced athletes may find them too sore immediately after an event to benefit from a massage. If that describes your post-event experience, you may want to wait up to three or four days after an event so that your body doesn’t resist the therapeutic treatment.

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.

Going to your first massage therapy appointment can be a nerve-wracking experience when you don't know what to expect. There are many questions that might be running through your mind:

“What do I wear?”

“What if I fall asleep?”

“What if I don't like it?”

Massage therapy is a great addition to any wellness routine, so we're here to tell you: there's nothing to fear! We're answering some of the most commonly asked questions about what happens at a massage therapy appointment. And, if this doesn't answer all of your questions, you can also check out our recent post about what to expect during your first massage at Wayfare Wellness.

There is no question too silly or awkward to keep you from enjoying the benefits of therapeutic massage.

Massage Therapy Appointment FAQ

When Is The Best Time To Schedule A Massage?

There is no perfect time to schedule a massage therapy appointment. If you have a really stressful week ahead of you, scheduling an hour of solitude and relaxation at the end of the chaos can help you recover more quickly. If you prefer the opposite, a massage to help you prepare for a busy week, that works, too! It's all about what makes the most sense for you and your schedule. While there is no magic answer to when to schedule your massage therapy appointment to maximize the effects, there are somethings you can do before and after to maintain the relaxed state.

• DO get your workout in before your scheduled massage.

• DON'T eat a big meal right before a massage.

• DO drink your last cup of coffee or caffeinated drink at least an hour before your massage therapy appointment.

Should I Shower Before Or After My Massage?

Showering before your massage is always appreciated – especially if you squeezed in your daily workout before your appointment. Not only are you fresh and clean for your massage therapist, but the warm water from the shower helps loosen your muscles for the maximum effect.

Therapeutic massage often utilizes a lotion or oil that can leave a mild residue on the skin, so you may want to rinse off following your massage, as well.

Don't forget that the massage therapist will be working in close proximity to your body, so hold back on the perfume or cologne until after your massage therapy appointment is over.

What Do I Wear?

During a therapeutic massage, you will lay on a massage table that has clean sheets that will be draped over your body, excluding the area that's being treated at that specific moment. Massage therapists learn specific draping techniques that are designed to help clients feel comfortable and protected. That being said, you can wear as much or as little clothing as you are comfortable with. Most therapists will treat clothed areas as no-treatment zones. If you prefer to remain fully clothed, that's perfectly okay. Some massage techniques, such as shiatsu, are done without any kind of disrobing.

My ____________ Isn't Normal.

As a massage therapist, it is our job to treat your body, not judge it. We see all shapes and sizes and there is no such thing as normal! You don't have to worry about those 10 pounds you can't seem to lose or that you didn't get a chance to shave your legs when you come into your massage therapy appointment.