Benefits of Therapeutic Massage During Winter Months

When winter settles in, the cold weather and shorter days can really take a toll on the body and mind. Muscles tend to get tighter and stiffer. Stress levels often rise during the winters. General aches and pains seem to increase too. However, a simple self-care practice can help combat many of the downsides of winter – getting regular therapeutic massages.

A therapeutic massage is a wonderful way to relax, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and give your mental health a boost during the dark, chilly winter season. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the top benefits of massage therapy when the temperatures drop.

Relieve Muscle Tension and Pain

As the cold winter air sets in, our bodies tend to tighten up muscles as a natural defense mechanism against the elements. This increased muscle tension can then lead to aches, pains, and stiffness, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders and back.

A therapeutic massage directly targets these tight muscles with techniques like deep tissue work and myofascial release. This focused pressure helps relax the muscles and flush out built-up toxins and lactic acid, reducing pain and restoring mobility.

Improve Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation is a common issue in winter when we tend to spend more time bundled up inside. Massages increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues while helping the body clear out metabolic wastes more efficiently.

Better circulation means muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients, aiding in recovery after winter activities like shoveling snow. It also helps decrease inflammation, muscle spasms and that pins-and-needles feeling many experience in cold conditions.

Boost Immunity and Well-being

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of massage for reducing stress hormones like cortisol while boosting mood-boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. With the lack of sunlight in winter, these chemical boosts help counter issues like seasonal affective disorder.

Massage also increases the circulation of white blood cells and lymphocytes, components of the immune system, helping the body better fight off winter colds and flu. This improved immunity and mood elevation lead to an overall sense of greater wellbeing.

Enhancing Recovery After an Injury in Winter

Massage is one of the best ways to speed recovery after an injury in the winter. The increased circulation flushes out lactic acid buildup and brings more oxygen and nutrients to overtaxed muscles and soft tissues. It also helps release muscle tension and spasms that can develop after a tough winter workout.

Better Sleep and Reduced Stress

Many people suffer from disrupted sleep and higher stress levels during the winter months. Massage therapy provides a natural, drug-free solution to both issues. The soothing pressure and stretching release muscle tension, reduce aches and pains, and help the whole body fully relax.

Studies show message recipients sleep better due to increased delta brain wave activity. The reduction in stress hormones and feel-good boosts also leads to a calmer, more positive state of mind.

So if you’re feeling the effects of winter weighing you down, consider adding regular therapeutic massage sessions to your self-care routine. The skilled therapeutic techniques will help keep muscles loose, improve circulation, boost your immunity and mood, and simply help you feel better overall during the winter months.

Advantages of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy

Back pain or discomfort is a common occurrence for everyone, regardless of the cause—overstretching, tension, injury, or other problems. All told, severe back pain causes Americans to miss over 264 million workdays annually.

Neuromuscular massage therapy is a great way to relieve the chronic back pain associated with such problems. It provides more thorough tissue repair and uses scientific pain management for challenging instances.

How is Neuromuscular Massage Different?

Unlike traditional feel-good massages, certified neuromuscular therapy (NMT) specialists assess pain triggers via:

  • Postural evaluation
  • Range of motion testing
  • Detecting muscle tension through palpation

Custom therapy applies isolated pressure and friction movements across specific myofascial trigger points on the affected soft tissues, nerves and joints. This structural balancing corrects postural abnormalities, optimizing flexibility.

Advantages of Professional Neuromuscular Therapy

Fixes Chronic Pain Issues

The clinical method of NMT relieves tension in muscle fibers and connective tissues by combining precise tissue manipulation with an understanding of anatomy. Restoring postural alignment this way reduces referred and spinal pain from myofascial strain, commonly misdiagnosed as mere soreness. Deep-rooted issues get fixed.

Prevents Soft Tissue Injuries

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts choose neuromuscular therapy to ensure complete muscle groups are balanced around vulnerable joints. This prevents strains or tears at points that are prone to them by providing kinetic chain support, particularly following exercise. It maintains the flexibility necessary for injury-free mobility as we age.

Non-Invasive Treatment

The external manipulation and force tension release techniques used in NMT provide curative benefits effectively without invasive medication side effects. The all-natural pain relief works hand-in-hand with activity modification for lasting injury healing, minus dependencies.

Faster Injury Recovery

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) expedites post-injury muscular recovery by speeding circulation in damaged soft tissue areas and conveying essential nutrients. Enhanced blood flow combined with precise myofascial trigger points release curtails stiffness, accelerating normal activity resumption.

Fewer Sessions Are Needed

Unlike fluffy spa massages requiring perpetual visits, NMT’s issue-focused strategy typically resolves common athletic pains, or sciatica, in 6 to 12 progressive sessions as structural balance gets reinstated.

How Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Treats Trigger Point

By applying strong pressure directly over the tense tissue for a duration of 30 to 2 minutes, neuromuscular massage seeks to relieve stress and release tension at the trigger point. The purpose of manually “softening” and “loosening” the fibers is the aim of persistent pressure.

The area that was previously devoid of blood and oxygen is stimulated after the fibers are released, which helps to speed up healing and eventually lessen pain. By analyzing the patient’s pain patterns, massage therapists with training in neuromuscular massage can identify trigger sites.

In summary, neuromuscular therapy can help you with chronic back pain. A trigger point massage specialist can assess the muscle and determine how many treatment sessions might be required to enhance muscle strength, tone, and balance.

How Massage Helps Address the Effects of Prolonged Sitting

In today’s modern world, many of us spend the majority of our waking hours sitting – whether at a desk job, during our commute, or relaxing at home. While rest is important, too much sitting can negatively impact our health in numerous ways, which you can address through massage therapy.

Prolonged sitting forces our bodies into static positions that go against our natural tendency to move and be active. Over time, this can restrict blood flow, limit nutrient and oxygen delivery, decrease mobility, contribute to poor posture, and more. Essentially, the human body is designed to move – not sit for extended periods of time.

Research shows the health risks of prolonged sitting. It can contribute to issues like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, and even cancer risks.

Get Massage Therapy to Counteract the Effects of Prolonged Sitting

The good news is that getting regular massage therapy, along with moderate exercise and stretching, can help address and relieve many issues caused by too much sitting. Therapeutic massage offers numerous benefits:

Improved Circulation and Mobility

When we sit for a long time, blood flow can decrease in certain areas of the body. Massage helps boost circulation by increasing blood and lymph flow. The massage therapist uses techniques like effleurage, petrissage, and friction to physically move blood through congested areas and stagnant tissues. Enhanced circulation delivers fresh oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while flushing away metabolic waste. This helps address fatigue, numbness, and swelling.

Massage also releases muscle tension caused by prolonged positions. Shortened muscles and connective tissue can restrict joint mobility and range of motion over time. By kneading and manipulating the muscles, massage lengthens tissues and enhances flexibility. This allows easier, freer movement throughout the body.

Better Posture

Sitting improperly for extended periods often leads to poor posture. We tend to hunch our shoulders, crane our necks forward, and collapse our lower backs. Massage therapy helps address postural imbalances by targeting tense areas and freeing restrictions. It loosens tight muscles in the hips, chest, and spine which pull parts of the body out of alignment. This makes it easier to maintain good posture and spinal health.

Relief from Back and Sciatic Pain

Deteriorating posture along with the gravitational pull on the spine often causes lower back pain. And sciatic nerve pain can flare up when nearby muscles become tense. Massage therapy alleviates this discomfort and prevents future problems. The massage therapist will focus on releasing tight tissues around the lower back and hips. This takes pressure off pinched nerves while stabilizing the area through increased mobility.

Hormonal Balance and Mood Boost

Prolonged sitting increases the risk for anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. This may stem largely from imbalanced hormone levels. Sitting for long hours has been shown to increase stress hormones like cortisol while decreasing “happy hormones” such as endorphins. Massage therapy helps stabilize hormones and neurochemicals. Kneading tense muscles sparks the release of endorphins which boost mood naturally. Meanwhile, lowering cortisol reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.

The Next Step

In today’s technology-driven world, avoiding excessive sitting can be challenging. But integrating regular massage sessions goes a long way. If you’re dealing with any issues related to prolonged sitting, consider book a massage session with Justin Shelley – a licensed and board-certified massage therapist with a strong educational background.

Justin Shelley holds a Master of Science in Biology and Physiology degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He specializes in bodywork and advanced massage techniques, such as neuromuscular, Myokinesthetic, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point therapy, athletic sports massage, and medical massages.

Massage therapy by Justin Shelley can help mitigate prolonged sitting’s effects by realigning posture, enhancing mobility, decreasing pain, and more. Your body will thank you!

Massage Therapy to Reduce Occupational Stress in Caregivers

One of the main reasons people feel more stressed nowadays is due to their job. Occupational stress has grown in people’s lives, especially in the lives of caregivers. To deal with occupational stress, massage therapy has become essential for caregivers to reduce daily stress and work pressure.

In Philadelphia, massage therapy is a great option for relieving occupational stress.

Massage therapy benefits our immune system, digestion, respiration, circulation, neurological system, muscular health, and other systems of the body.

Before we begin with how massage therapy can be effective for caregivers and help them reduce occupational stress, let us know why massage therapy is becoming so important for caregivers.

Why Is Massage Therapy Important for Caregivers?

It is true that when caring for others, one completely overlooks caring for themselves. We have also seen it happen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when medical professionals worked nonstop all day and night, neglecting their health.

Caregivers have a lot of obligations, whether they are taking care of aging family members or working in medical institutions. Their health may suffer from physical exertion, mental stress, and long hours.

How Can Massage Therapy Benefit Caregivers?

Physical Relief

Muscle Tension: Caregivers often engage in physically demanding tasks, leading to muscle tension. Massage therapy targets these tense areas, releasing built-up stress.

Improved Circulation: The rhythmic motions of massage stimulate blood flow, promoting better oxygen and nutrient supply to muscles and tissues.

Emotional Well-being

Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that massage therapy triggers the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. This helps alleviate stress and improve mood.

Reduced Anxiety: Caregivers may experience high levels of anxiety due to their responsibilities. Massage has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and improved mental well-being.

Better Sleep: Sleep is crucial for caregivers to recharge. Massage therapy has been found to improve sleep quality, helping caregivers get the rest they need.

Is Massage Therapy Really Effective for Caregivers: What Study Says

Massage therapy can be considered one of the best methods to relieve occupational stress. Through different massages, like therapeutic massage and Swedish massage, massage therapists in Philadelphia help caregivers reduce their stress.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of massage therapy on healthcare professions. This study was a clinical trial on 66 nurses, both male and female, who were working in the intensive care unit of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

General Swedish massage was performed in the experiment, and according to the results, it was said that massage is a beneficial noninvasive technique for nurses in critical care units to lessen stress, support mental health, and avoid a decline in the standard of nursing work life.

A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage therapy significantly reduced stress levels in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Another study conducted on emergency nurses shows that the aromatherapy massage used with music significantly reduces anxiety and stress among caregivers.

The Bottom Line

Massage therapy is an effective option to reduce stress, improve well-being, and increase relaxation, which is hard to find in professions like caregiving. If you feel stressed out lately due to occupational stress, sit back and book an appointment for massage therapy. Take a break from your stressful job and relax for a while.

What Your Massage Therapist Can Tell About You After Your First Session

When we think about massage therapy, the feelings of healing touch, scented candles, and complete mind relaxation often start wandering in our mind. But while you are lying on the massage table with your closed eyes waiting for the magic of massage to happen, did you know your massage therapist is taking mental notes of your overall health? Yes, it’s true. Massage therapists don’t wait for you to open up about your mental health problems and your body’s functionality; rather, they start observing you as soon as you enter the room.

Sometimes it may seem strange when massage therapists ask questions like, how much time do you spend on screens? What kind of job do you have? You came for massage therapy, after all, not for therapy for your mental health. But there are reasons behind such questions; today we will see how a massage therapist can observe and tell about you after your first session.

A Massage Therapist Notices Your Every Moment.

As soon as you enter their room, they start to notice your movements, right from your walks, postures to your hand movements. They pay attention and make mental notes. When you are asked to have a seat, the way you sit will tell about your sitting postures.

Some massage therapists walk behind their clients to the treatment room just to observe them from behind. While doing this, they observe if their client’s posture is leaning to one side or if their hips and shoulders are uneven and look for other dysfunctions that may exist.

A Massage Therapist Identifies the Area of Weakness.

Before your massage therapy begins, your massage therapist may ask you to relax or stretch your muscles and suggest you perform a few stretching exercises. It may stretch your muscles, no doubt about it, but the intention of a massage therapist is to see the flexibility of your body and muscles and observe any weak points that could be targeted during the massage therapy.

Suppose you are performing hand stretching smoothly but having difficulty touching your toes by bending down. This will give an indication to your massage therapist that you may have lower back problems or less flexibility in your upper body.

Moreover, during the massage, they observe your facial expression and can tell which area of your body is more sensitive and cannot be pressurized. For example, if you are getting a massage on your shoulders and you frequently ask them to stop and make expressions that it is hurting, your therapists will identify that there might be some underlying problem, such as a slightly dislocated shoulder or torn shoulder muscle.

A Massage Therapist Can Tell If You Are Depressed.

It may sound strange, but a massage therapist can tell if their client is stressed or depressed. When you are stressed, it is difficult to relax your muscles. Massage therapists can indicate that you are stressed by feeling stiffness in your arms and upper body. Therefore, sometimes they ask about your daily routine.

A Massage Therapist Can Tell About the Work You Do.

Moreover, a professional massage therapist can tell what kind of job you do by observing your body. For example, a massage therapist can tell that you have a desk job by looking at your humped back and neck postures.

The above-mentioned are just a handful of secrets that your massage therapist can tell about you after your first session. Meeting with a massage therapist is beneficial because they can even help you identify any underlying bodily issues you may have so you can address them on time. In other words, a massage therapy session is not all about just feeling relaxed and calm but also about knowing your body more deeply.

Have you booked your massage therapy appointment yet? If not, get in touch with a trusted licensed massage therapist near you to get a massage that not only heals you but also informs you about any underlying health issues you may not know.

Fibromyalgia and Massage: The Correct Touch

Every year, more than 3 million Americans suffer with fibromyalgia (FM). Among other symptoms, this chronic disorder produces widespread muscle soreness and heightened sensitivity to stimuli, which frequently result in pain and make it difficult to fall asleep. There are many different forms of treatment, but some recent study suggests that massage therapy may be able to ease some of the discomfort.

Yet, because FM is a complicated disorder, working with FM clients is similar to dealing with clients who have other chronic or pre-existing health issues in that you need to have a deeper understanding of how the condition affects the client and when massage therapy can be beneficial. In the sections that follow, you’ll learn more about FM, what the most recent research has to say about it, and how massage therapy can help patients cope with some of its symptoms.

What is Fibromyalgia?

A illness called fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread and painful muscles. Fatigue, tension headaches, issues with cognition, and irritable bowel syndrome are a few more symptoms that are frequently linked to FM.

Curiously, despite the fact that one of the disorder’s main symptoms is muscle pain, more research on FM is beginning to point towards the fact that it is essentially a central nervous system disorder. More specifically, contrary to what was previously assumed, evidence now supports the notion that FM is a disease of the pathways in the central nervous system that process pain. 1 Stephen Perle, professor of clinical sciences at Bridgeport University, said research have demonstrated a link between stressors and FM. For instance, fMRI research has revealed that individuals with FM have brain activity in regions that are typically exclusively affected by painful stimuli.

As a result, central nervous system involvement may account for why FM patients are frequently hypersensitive to stimuli other than only mechanical pressure or touch. Further details are offered by Dr. Michael Schneider, an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the creator of numerous studies on FM: The typical fibromyalgia sufferer, according to him, “simply isn’t sensitive to touch and can’t succumb to mechanical pressure.” “They don’t take heat and cold very well, are sensitive to light and sound, [may have] various chemical sensitivities, and multiple food allergies.”

Who Develops Fibromyalgia?

It is more convoluted than that, but the short answer is that women are significantly more likely than males to acquire fibromyalgia. The risk that someone may get FM is unknown, however genetics and personal trauma appear to be associated factors. The study of genetics is rather simple. Typically, FM runs in families.

But trauma is a little more complicated. Although one does not necessarily lead to the other, there appears to be a connection between FM and post-traumatic stress disorder. An exceptionally high prevalence of prior mental, physical, and/or sexual trauma was linked to the beginning of FM symptoms, according to a 2001 study including 600 FM patients. 2 The connection between personal trauma and FM may be that trauma frequently leads a person’s limbic system to go into overdrive, leading to the central nervous system hypersensitivity, according to Schneider’s evaluation of the FM study literature. 1 While working with individuals who have FM, keep in mind that not everyone has suffered trauma, but you should be prepared for it. “There’s a high association with trauma, and people need to be aware of that when they’re treating these patients,” says Schneider.

Treatment for Fibromyalgia

As there is no single medication or therapy that may completely cure fibromyalgia or even alleviate all of its symptoms, many FM sufferers choose a variety of strategies to manage their condition. You should conduct a comprehensive intake and understand how any medications they are taking may effect the massage therapy session because the majority of people will probably be taking medication that has been given by their primary care physician. Keep in mind that these clients’ ability to better manage the main FM symptoms depends on them practising self-care. Focus instead on how massage therapy can benefit them, such how it can help them sleep better or reduce stress.

Some patients might also practise acupuncture, yoga, or other complementary therapies in addition to massage treatment. Schneider observes significant advantages from combining conventional and unconventional therapies. “A collaborative approach is better for treating these folks,” he claims.

Massage Therapy and Fibromyalgia

More and more studies are demonstrating that massage therapy—out of all the alternative therapies available—really helps people with a variety of medical issues, including fibromyalgia. A 2011 study found that massage therapy decreased FM patients’ sensitivity to pain at tender spots while also reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. 3 Another 2014 study that systematically examined nine prior studies on massage treatment and FM revealed that it immediately helped patients with the symptoms of pain, anxiety, and despair. 4

The same study found that massage therapy works best when applied to soft and connective tissues because doing so increases muscular flexibility and modifies local blood and lymph circulation. 4

Myofascial release has been demonstrated to be moderately useful, but there isn’t an one approach that is more effective with FM than others. 5 According to Rhode Island-based massage therapist Joseph Swinski, who frequently works with clients who have chronic disorders like FM, “to new massage therapists who would like to work with FM clients, I would urge them to load their proverbial tool box with as many modalities as they can. “There is no one solution that works for all when working with the FM population.”

It will be crucial for many customers to apply the proper amount of pressure, thus it’s crucial to communicate with the client effectively before and during the session and make adjustments as needed. Keep in mind that these clients probably won’t be able to handle deep pressure. “If they’re hypersensitive, the idea is that you’re going to have to go really light with them and kind of coddle that client,” says Schneider. This concept applies to every element of the massage treatment. He continues, “Talk to them in a quieter voice; that person’s going to adore the dark room with some great calming music.”

Flexibility is also a key ingredient to success when working with people with FM. “The most important thing I could hope to impress on a new massage therapist working with a client with FM is to be patient, not in a hurry and as observant as possible during the actual session,” says Erika Crisafulli, a massage therapist with the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. “Be compassionate. We all know what it is like to deal with physical ailments that we cannot get a hold of on our own.” Crisafulli knows this better than most, as she herself has had to deal with symptoms of FM. “Trying to control the symptoms so you can still live a full life is challenging, but not impossible if you are willing to help yourself,” she says. “It is so important to practice what you preach. If I don’t take care of myself, how in the world can I take care of my clients, something I love to do so much?”

After a massage treatment appointment, it’s a good idea to follow up with a client; this may require waiting a few days. After your first massage, you might need to adjust your strategy, advises Swinski. “I get in touch with my clients as a result following the massage. I reassure them that we can try different strategies if the outcomes are not what we had hoped for on their next appointment. You should remember that clients with FM will have various needs. Listen carefully and be prepared to modify the massage therapy session as necessary because what works for one person may not work for another.

Despite the complexity of FM, research indicates there are numerous ways massage therapy might make patients feel better. Massage treatment is demonstrating genuine potential in assisting people in better managing FM symptoms, from improved sleep to decreased stress.

Related: An Evidence-Based Guide to Fibromyalgia for Massage Therapists | 2 Credit Hours

Does Your Client Really Have Fibromyalgia?  

The process of receiving a fibromyalgia diagnosis can be drawn out and challenging for many people. Yet, overdiagnosis is a growing issue because FM is a complicated, poorly understood disorder.

Dr. Michael Schneider, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the author of numerous studies on FM, observed that the condition was frequently used as a blanket diagnosis in a paper titled Differential Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Syndrome published in 2006. The study finds that there is an issue with the existing conceptual paradigm of FM, which views all individuals with unexplained broad pain as belonging to one grandiose illness.

You can run against customers who were possibly misdiagnosed due to the complexity of FM diagnosis. What does that entail for massage therapists who treat FM patients? The fact is that massage therapy can be successful even when a client has received a wrong diagnosis, but massage therapists must allow the client take the initiative.

The question then becomes: Is the massage beneficial or not? If that client comments, “Oh, I feel terrific after that first massage,” when they return the following week for another treatment. Wonderful, let’s do that again,” Schneider adds. What’s the difference if the patient expects to receive temporary relief, and they do? They continue to receive aid.

References

1. Michael J. Schneider, DC, PhD, David M. Brady, ND, DC, and Stephen M. Perle, DC, MS (2006) Differential diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome: Proposal of a model and algorithm for patients presenting with the primary symptom of chronic widespread pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2006 Jul–Aug;29(6):493-501.

2. Walen HR, Oliver K, Groessl E, Cronan TA, Rodriguez VM. Traumatic events, health outcomes, and health care use in patients with fibromyalgia. J Musculoskelet Pain 2001;9: 19–38

3. Castro-Sánchez, A.M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G.A., Granero-Molina, J., Aguilera-Manrique, G., Quesada-Rubio, J.M., Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2011). Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011:561753.

4. Li Y.H., Wang F.Y., Feng C.Q., Yang X.F., Sun Y.H. (2014) Massage therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 2014 Feb 20;9(2):e89304. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089304. eCollection 2014.

5. Castro-Sánchez, A.M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G.A., Granero-Molina, J., Aguilera-Manrique, G., Quesada-Rubio, J.M., Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2011). Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011:561753.

Should I Choose a Traveling Massage Therapist?

Undoubtedly, massage therapy relaxes the body, no matter how tired you are. Also, it helps in several medical treatments, such as back pain and joint pain. Most importantly, massage therapy is recommended for all, irrespective of age and gender. Sometimes, doctors especially prescribe massage sessions to their patients.

Massage is an old concept. The difference is that it was not popular as it’s today. Also, massage therapy was only offered by a few therapists, that too, in their massage centers. But, today, every other person loves going for a massage. And the best part is that people don’t have to visit the center every time for the same because there are traveling massage therapists.

Who is a traveling massage therapist?

A traveling massage therapist is someone who travels to his customer rather than having the clients come to his place for business. But, this doesn’t mean there is no massage center for the therapist. Sometimes, a therapist works in both modes.

A traveling massage therapist has all of the essential equipment in the mobile form including a massage therapy table that can be moved and folded up easily. Other than this, the therapist carries a kit that has all the products needed during the session such as towels, sheets, massage oils and creams, and others. Sometimes, the therapist brings a massage chair if the client demands it for personal reasons or physical comfort.

The chair carried by a traveling massage therapist is such that it enables the customer to slightly lean forward and place the face in a doughnut-like the one fitted on the end of the massage, allowing the therapist to work the shoulder and back muscles.

Why should you call a traveling massage therapist?

One of the main reasons to call a traveling massage therapist is home comfort. You don’t have to drive for hours while going to and returning from the massage center. Also, you don’t have to lie on the massage table for the therapy. You can lie or sit anywhere in your home for the therapy but only if approved by the massage therapist. You will get dual benefits: home environment and massage benefits in the comfort of your home.

A traveling massage therapist becomes more important if you have mobility issues, meaning you are having difficulty going to the massage parlor. You can even have a relaxing and entertaining session with your friends on holidays by choosing a traveling massage therapist.

If you are a company owner, traveling massage therapy would be a reward for your employees. You can hire a traveling massage therapist for your workplace to relieve the stress of your employees. Just by giving 15-20 minutes, your employees will feel relaxed.

Hire Justin Shelley for traveling massage therapy 

If you are looking for a traveling massage therapist in Philadelphia, call Justin Shelly. He is a licensed and certified massage therapist, offering all types of massage. You will get the best massage experience with him because he has years of experience in the industry.

 

How Massage Therapy Can Help You Deal with Desk Job Blues?

Desk job blues are not a myth! Sitting in front of the computer screen 8 hours every day definitely affects people’s health, especially if they don’t move around much during their work day.

The lack of physical activity means that they are prone to develop musculoskeletal disorders, neck pain and shoulder pain among other health problems.

Regular massage therapy sessions can help get rid of these desk job blues and improve the overall well-being at the same time! Here are top ways how massage therapy could be the cure!

Reduce Muscle Tension

Muscle tension is a common cause of stress and anxiety. It can be exacerbated by lack of movement and poor posture.

If you’re feeling stiff from sitting at your desk all day, try stretching or going for a walk to get some fresh air. A massage can also help you feel less tense.

The pressure exerted during a massage helps increase blood flow and decreases muscle tension. Your therapist will focus on areas that are particularly tight or sore, such as your back, neck and shoulders.

Provide Stress Relief

Stress of work can wreak havoc on your body, causing everything from headaches to weight gain to heart disease. And though we often try to avoid stress whenever possible, it’s not always realistic.

Massage therapy is a great way to deal with stress because it promotes deep relaxation and reduces tension in the muscles.

If you’re looking for a more natural way of dealing with stress, massage therapy might be just what you need.

Correct your posture

The way you sit at your desk can have a significant impact on your back health.

If you slouch, round or hunch over in your chair, chances are you’re putting pressure on your spine and neck which can lead to pain and stiffness.

Try to keep a neutral spine and consider taking massage therapy to relax muscles and correct your posture.

Improve your productivity

Sometimes when we are stuck in a rut, we need something to jumpstart our creativity.

A massage might be just what you need to get back into the groove of things and make your desk job feel less like a chore.

There is evidence that some types of massage can help improve cognition, energy levels, and even physical performance. It’s not just about feeling better; it’s about feeling better so that you can do your best work!

Prevent pain

The first way that massage therapy can help with desk job blues is by preventing pain. When you sit all day, your muscles tighten up, which can lead to headaches, back pain, and neck pain.

A massage therapist can help release those tight muscles and relax them so they don’t get sore or painful later on.

Conclusion

As we’ve shown, massage therapy can be highly beneficial for anyone that doesn’t get out of a chair enough. If you’re feeling restless and in dire need of some relief, it might be time to make an appointment. After all, your health is worth a little time away from the office!

 

Massage Therapy: A Useful Treatment for Lupus Pain

You’ve probably heard of massage therapy as an alternative or complementary treatment for pain and arthritis, but you may not know that it can also be helpful in managing symptoms of lupus.

Because this autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, it causes inflammation throughout the body, including painful joint inflammation, headaches and more.

In fact, massage therapy has been shown to be effective at reducing pain from several common symptoms of lupus, as well as improving quality of life overall. Read below to know how it is beneficial for patients with lupus and who needs to avoid it and when.

man rubs sore knee. Cry because of pain

Manages Anxiety and Depression

One common symptom that people with lupus deal with is depression and anxiety. It’s important to have a healthy mind and body, but it can be hard to do when one or the other feels so out of control.

Massage therapy works on both aspects. When someone has a massage, they get the constant touch which helps to relieve the depressive symptoms like irritability, anxiety, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and more.

Reduce Frequent Headaches

Migraines and other headaches are a common symptom of lupus. Studies have shown that massage therapy is an effective treatment for migraine headaches. The gentle pressure from the therapist’s hands stimulates the release of endorphins in your body, which can help relax tense muscles in your neck, shoulders and back.

Reduces Inflammation

A lupus flare-up is often accompanied by an increase in inflammation, which can result in pain and stiffness. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation through the release of serotonin, which in turn diminishes pain signals that are sent to the brain.

systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle-causes-diagnosis-symptoms-be-underestimated

When To Avoid Massage Therapy in Lupus

While massage can be an enjoyable, relaxing way to relieve this kind of pain, it’s not necessarily the best choice in every situation. Here is when you should avoid getting a massage if you have lupus.

During a flare– This is because during a flare your muscles are tight and the massage may cause more inflammation. Plus, if you already have problems with circulation, then the massage may make it worse by increasing blood flow to an area where blood flow is already restricted.

When you have open skin lesions– When you have open skin lesions, your body’s immune system may react to the massage therapist’s touch and cause more inflammation that can worsen the condition. It’s best to avoid massages when you have an open wound or skin rash, which could lead to an infection.

Within two days of infusion therapy– One of the most important times is within two days after infusion therapy. Your body’s ability to heal is affected by the medications delivered by infusion. Thus, after considering infusion therapy while receiving infusion therapy, be sure to speak with your doctor first.

Massage to be Avoided with Lupus

As per the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), lupus patients should avoid massage techniques that increase inflammation. Among these are Deep Tissue Massage and other “hot” therapies such as Hot Stone Massage.

What to Look for in Your Massage Therapist  for Lupus?

 If your primary care provider has cleared you to receive massages, but you don’t know how to find a therapist or what questions to ask, here are a few factors to consider before scheduling your first massage:

  • Therapist should be licensed
  • Should have experience and history of working with autoimmune diseases
  • Able to tell you the side effects from a massage on lupus patients
  • Find one you’re comfortable with
  • Other diseases that the therapist treat
  • Charges of the therapist

Massage therapy is definitely a useful treatment for lupus pain but make sure to ask your doctor, indicate the therapist if you experience pain, and be relaxed during the massage.

 

Amazing Ways in Which Massage Therapy Can Benefit Your Body

Getting massage is one of the best ways to feel relaxed. However, relaxation of the mind and the body is not the only benefit of getting a massage. There are several benefits of getting massage therapy for your body. There are different types of massages that can be helpful for specific purposes as well. Also, if you do not feel like visiting the spa to get the massage, then you can choose mobile massage therapy for yourself. It is quite easy to find a mobile massage therapist in Philadelphia.

Massage is basically the process of strategic pressure application on the skin which slows down the nervous system and the person feels relaxed. There are several other mental benefits of the slowed nervous system like lower blood pressure and decreased heart rate. The best thing about massage therapy is that you can see the benefits immediately. Today, we shall be discussing the benefits of massage therapy. Let’s see the most common ways in which massage therapy can benefit your body:

Alleviation of anxiety

Anxiety is a common problem among people, nowadays. People are constantly busy in achieving things after things. While being busy all the time, people are not able to make time for their own mental peace. With a mind full of several things, even minor inconvenience or small failure can lead to a significant amount of anxiety. Getting massage therapy will relax your mind and you can start seeing things more clearly. This will ultimately lead to the alleviation of anxiety and better mental health.

Better sleep quality 

It is a common problem that people are not able to sleep properly or suffer from disorders like insomnia. Deep sleep is important for the better functioning of the mind and the body. Massage allows the nervous system to slow down which results in better sleep quality and deep sleep.

Sleep quality is important for the restoration of energy and you can find relief from several other problems that can arise due to poor sleep quality.

Fatigue relief

Fatigue generally happens when a person is constantly engaged in work and not able to sleep properly. Fatigue can lead to serious issues related to your mental and physical health. Massage can be helpful in fatigue relief and you can restart your life with new energy after the massage therapy.

Increased focus

It often gets difficult for us to focus on things going on around us, whether it is a meeting or a lesson. The reason behind lack of focus can be a tired mind. You can choose massage therapy for restoring your ability to focus.

These were some of the amazing ways in which massage therapy can benefit your body. To enjoy the significant benefits of massage therapy, hire the best therapist near your location.

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