Rebecca Bestwick – Soothe https://ww1.soothe.com Soothe: On-Demand Massage & Personal Care Services Fri, 03 Oct 2025 03:02:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://ww1.soothe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Soothe-Logo-Mark-Favicon-200x200.png Rebecca Bestwick – Soothe https://ww1.soothe.com 32 32 Benefits of Tapotement: Circulation, Stimulation, and Muscle Activation https://ww1.soothe.com/wellness-articles/massage-therapy/swedish-massage/benefits-of-tapotement-circulation-stimulation-and-muscle-activation/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:38:55 +0000 https://ww1.soothe.com/?post_type=wellness-articles&p=82032 Tapotement is a unique and invigorating massage technique that employs rhythmic tapping or percussion to stimulate the body. Often utilized in various massage modalities, including Swedish massage, tapotement offers a multitude of benefits, particularly in enhancing circulation, stimulating the nervous system, and activating muscle function. Understanding the benefits of tapotement—specifically its impact on circulation, stimulation, […]

The post Benefits of Tapotement: Circulation, Stimulation, and Muscle Activation appeared first on Soothe.

]]>

Tapotement is a unique and invigorating massage technique that employs rhythmic tapping or percussion to stimulate the body. Often utilized in various massage modalities, including Swedish massage, tapotement offers a multitude of benefits, particularly in enhancing circulation, stimulating the nervous system, and activating muscle function. Understanding the benefits of tapotement—specifically its impact on circulation, stimulation, and muscle activation—can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their wellness practices.

Boosting Circulation through Tapotement

One of the most significant benefits of tapotement is its ability to improve blood circulation. The rhythmic tapping motions create a wave-like effect on the muscles, which stimulates blood flow to the area being treated. This increased circulation carries oxygen and nutrients to muscle fibers, supporting overall muscle health and promoting recovery. Enhanced blood flow not only nourishes the tissues but also aids in the removal of metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, which can accumulate during physical activity.

Research indicates that the application of tapotement can lead to measurable increases in blood flow, particularly in the skin and underlying muscles. This effect is crucial for athletes and active individuals, as improved circulation can enhance performance and recovery times. By incorporating tapotement into a regular massage routine, individuals may experience reduced muscle soreness and enhanced flexibility, allowing for a more effective workout regimen.

Moreover, the stimulation of circulation through tapotement can have a positive impact on the lymphatic system. As blood flow increases, the lymphatic system is also activated, promoting the removal of toxins and contributing to overall detoxification. This dual action of improving both blood and lymphatic circulation makes tapotement an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their wellness journey.

Stimulation of the Nervous System

Tapotement is not only beneficial for circulation but also plays a vital role in stimulating the nervous system. The rapid, rhythmic tapping engages the sensory receptors in the skin, sending signals to the brain that promote alertness and vitality. This stimulation can lead to an increase in energy levels, making it an ideal technique for individuals seeking to combat fatigue or enhance their mental focus.

Independent wellness professionals often recommend tapotement for its invigorating effects, especially for clients who experience sluggishness or low energy. The technique can help awaken the body, providing a refreshing boost that can enhance mood and overall well-being. The gentle percussion can also stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, contributing to a feeling of happiness and relaxation.

Furthermore, the stimulation of the nervous system through tapotement can enhance proprioception—the body’s awareness of its position in space. This is particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals engaged in physical activities, as improved proprioception can lead to better coordination and balance, reducing the risk of injuries.

Muscle Activation and Tone

Another remarkable benefit of tapotement is its ability to activate and tone muscles. The technique engages various muscle groups, promoting muscle contractions and enhancing overall muscle tone. This activation is particularly useful for individuals looking to improve their strength and performance, as it encourages muscles to work more efficiently.

Massage therapists often utilize tapotement to target specific areas of tension or weakness, helping clients achieve their fitness goals. By incorporating this technique into a comprehensive massage session, clients can experience improved muscle responsiveness and a greater range of motion. This is especially beneficial for athletes preparing for competition or individuals recovering from injuries, as it helps maintain muscle function and prevent atrophy.

Additionally, tapotement can be used as a form of warm-up before engaging in physical activities. By stimulating the muscles and increasing blood flow, this technique prepares the body for exercise, enhancing performance and reducing the likelihood of injuries. Whether used in a pre-event setting or as part of a recovery routine, tapotement can significantly contribute to muscle activation and overall physical health.

Final Touch

Incorporating tapotement into your wellness routine can unlock a host of benefits, from improved circulation and stimulation of the nervous system to enhanced muscle activation. Whether you are an athlete seeking peak performance or someone looking to enhance overall well-being, this technique can provide the support you need. Explore the transformative effects of tapotement by connecting with independent wellness professionals through the Soothe App to book your next appointment and experience these benefits firsthand.

The post Benefits of Tapotement: Circulation, Stimulation, and Muscle Activation appeared first on Soothe.

]]>
Finding LGBTQ+ Friendly In-Home Massage Services https://ww1.soothe.com/articles/finding-lgbtq-friendly-in-home-massage-services/ Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:22:44 +0000 https://ww1.soothe.com/?p=80693 In-home massages bring comfort, relaxation, and wellness straight to your door wherever you are. For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, finding a massage therapist who respects who you are and creates a welcoming environment can be just as important as the massage itself. Soothe provides LGBTQ+ friendly massage options that prioritize comfort, safety, and professionalism. All […]

The post Finding LGBTQ+ Friendly In-Home Massage Services appeared first on Soothe.

]]>
In-home massages bring comfort, relaxation, and wellness straight to your door wherever you are. For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, finding a massage therapist who respects who you are and creates a welcoming environment can be just as important as the massage itself. Soothe provides LGBTQ+ friendly massage options that prioritize comfort, safety, and professionalism. All without the guesswork on your part.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Wellness Services That Fit Your Life

Booking a massage with Soothe is simple. We want to give you full peace of mind from start to finish. You start by choosing your preferred massage style (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology, and more!), add any preferences to that service, and check out your cart!

Soothe offers easy scheduling and flexible options that adjust to fit your life. If you’re planning a relaxing date night or preparing for an important event, you can select a wellness service from our app and enjoy it from the comfort of home. All providers will bring the necessary products for your appointment, meaning you just have to stay hydrated and set the vibe to prepare for the experience.

Each massage is built around your needs. That includes the option to choose your therapist, define your goals for the session, and get support from a team that understands how meaningful it is to feel respected and seen. 

Why Soothe is a Smart Choice

With Soothe, a licensed, background-checked professional will arrive at your home with a massage table, clean linens, and all necessary supplies.

Every Soothe appointment is shaped around your needs.. This ensures a comfortable and affirming experience from the beginning.

Safety and professionalism are non-negotiable. Soothe enforces a strict Zero Tolerance Policy, which prohibits inappropriate conduct of any kind from either clients or therapists. This policy supports a safe, respectful environment where all clients—including those in the LGBTQ+ community—can feel confident receiving care.

You can expect the same high standards every time: a personalized session, thoughtful communication, and wellness delivered with care and integrity.

The post Finding LGBTQ+ Friendly In-Home Massage Services appeared first on Soothe.

]]>
Creative Father’s Day Gifts That Go Beyond the Tie https://ww1.soothe.com/articles/creative-fathers-day-gifts-that-go-beyond-the-tie/ Fri, 30 May 2025 15:45:02 +0000 https://ww1.soothe.com/?p=80676 He’s more than just “Dad” to you. He is a multitasker, a coach, a weekend warrior, lover of podcasts, and a wellness seeker that inspires you to move as well. This Father’s Day, celebrate the full version of him with gifts that match his passions and personality. Whether he’s a self titled “health nut”, a […]

The post Creative Father’s Day Gifts That Go Beyond the Tie appeared first on Soothe.

]]>
He’s more than just “Dad” to you. He is a multitasker, a coach, a weekend warrior, lover of podcasts, and a wellness seeker that inspires you to move as well. This Father’s Day, celebrate the full version of him with gifts that match his passions and personality. Whether he’s a self titled “health nut”, a stressed out professional in need of some real rest, or all of the above, these Father’s Day gifts offer more than a gesture of thank you, they offer a positive impact. 

1. Tech Recovery Bundle

    Think of creative recovery tools that make downtime smarter: a percussive therapy massager, smartwatch, smart ring, or a heated mug for his desk. For the dad who loves tech, data, and wellness, anything from this bundle is a mix of indulgence and function. 

    2. Soothe Gift Card

      Let him choose his path to wellness. Opt for a Soothe gift card that allows him to choose the wellness service he needs most, whenever he’s ready. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or wellness upgrade at home, you’re giving him flexibility, self-care, and the power to prioritize himself.

      3. A Digital Detox Day Without Responsibilities

      Set him up with zero to-do’s. Plan a quiet hike, handle the chores, and encourage him to unplug. For the dad that’s always “on,” this gift gives him space to just be. It’s one of the most underrated yet creative Father’s Day gifts. It pairs beautifully with a Soothe session to round out the day.

      4. The Best In Home Massage Dad Can Get

      A Soothe in-home massage is the stress relief he won’t schedule for himself—but absolutely deserves. With just a few taps, book him a session with a vetted therapist who brings everything to him. No traffic. No waiting rooms. Just real relaxation, right in the comfort of his own space.

      Pro Tip: Include a handwritten note and pair the gift with his favorite coffee or playlist to personalize it further.

      (Button: Book a Father’s Day Massage)

      5. Build a Healthy Dad Wellness Kit

      Curate a set with high-performance self-care essentials. This could include a CBD balm for sore muscles, a cooling eye mask, resistance bands for mini workouts, and a few energy snacks. Tailored for the dad who’s all about balance, performance, and showing up strong: for himself and others.

      Give Him the Gift of Restoration

      This Father’s Day, skip what’s basic to you. Give him something that recognizes how much he gives to you and your family. Whether it’s that massage in the living room or even the gift of stillness, these creative Father’s Day gifts do not have to be too expensive to show how much you appreciate him. At Soothe, we bring spa-quality wellness home, with massage services and customizable gift cards designed for dads who do it all—and need a moment for themselves.

      The post Creative Father’s Day Gifts That Go Beyond the Tie appeared first on Soothe.

      ]]>
      How a Massage Can Help You Recover From Soccer https://ww1.soothe.com/articles/how-a-massage-can-help-you-recover-from-soccer/ Wed, 21 May 2025 20:31:01 +0000 https://ww1.soothe.com/?p=80666 As the world’s most popular sport, Soccer has an appeal for many of any skill level. Whether you play a one off game in a rec league or play it as a career, you need to recover properly from the sport. Running takes a toll on the lower body, and all of the ligaments and […]

      The post How a Massage Can Help You Recover From Soccer appeared first on Soothe.

      ]]>
      As the world’s most popular sport, Soccer has an appeal for many of any skill level. Whether you play a one off game in a rec league or play it as a career, you need to recover properly from the sport. Running takes a toll on the lower body, and all of the ligaments and muscles involved need a break occasionally.

      What Happens to Your Body During a Soccer Match

      Soccer players are in near-constant motion: sprinting, cutting, kicking, and jumping. This can place repeated stress on the body. Your lower body bears the brunt of the work, especially your quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes, and hip flexors. The rapid stop-and-go rhythm can cause muscle fatigue, stiffness, and even micro-tears. Add in the core stabilization required for balance and agility, and it’s no surprise that full-body fatigue sets in. 

      Over time, insufficient recovery can reduce your performance and increase your risk of injury. That’s why prioritizing proper soccer recovery is vital, whether you play professionally or recreationally.

      Common Soccer Injuries

      Soccer is a contact sport that challenges both your muscles and joints. Here are a few injuries players frequently experience:

      • Hamstring Strains: Quick acceleration, sprinting, and sudden stops can overextend or tear these key muscles.
      • Ankle Sprains: Lateral movements and uneven playing surfaces often lead to rolled or twisted ankles.
      • Shin Splints: Repeated running and hard field surfaces can lead to inflammation in the muscles and tendons along your shin bone.
      • Knee Injuries: Tendonitis and ligament strains, especially around the patellar tendon, are common due to the pivot-heavy movements soccer requires.
      • Groin Pulls: Rapid direction changes can overstretch the adductor muscles, leading to pain and mobility issues.

      Incorporating targeted soccer massage into your recovery routine can help address these issues before they become chronic.

      Effective Soccer Recovery 

      To keep your body in peak condition and avoid injuries, recovery is just as critical as the time spent on the field. A holistic approach to soccer recovery combines various techniques that support muscle repair, reduce inflammation, reduce burnout, and optimize performance long-term.

      Here are some of the best recovery methods after a soccer game methods to help you bounce back faster and stronger:

      1. Dynamic Stretching: Post-game, focus on stretches and drills that target tight quads, hamstrings, calves, and hip flexors—areas heavily taxed during a match. Improving flexibility supports better agility and injury prevention.
      2. Sleep & Hydration: Restorative sleep and proper hydration are essential for recovery. Replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat to support muscle repair and reduce inflammation.
      3. Cold Therapy or Contrast Baths: Alternating between cold and warm water helps reduce muscle soreness and promotes circulation—particularly useful after high-impact matches or tournaments.
      4. Foam Rolling & Percussive Therapy: Foam rollers and devices like the Theragun® (available as an enhancement with Soothe massages) deliver deep-tissue stimulation that flushes out lactic acid and alleviates tightness in fatigued areas like the calves and glutes.
      5. Massage Therapy: Massage is a cornerstone of active recovery for soccer players. It helps release muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and reduce your risk of overuse injuries. Regular soccer massages can make the difference between feeling stiff on game day, or staying light on your feet and ready to play.

      Why Massage Therapy Should Be Part of Your Soccer Recovery Routine

      At Soothe, we recognize the high-impact nature of soccer and offer customized massage services tailored for recovery after a soccer game. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or part of a league, our independent massage therapists are trained to:

      • Focus on quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
      • Incorporate Theragun® percussive therapy for faster muscle relief (when added as an enhancement to your massage).
      • Work around your schedule, at home or wherever your post-match downtime happens.

      The post How a Massage Can Help You Recover From Soccer appeared first on Soothe.

      ]]>
      How a Massage Can Help You Recover From a Boxing Session https://ww1.soothe.com/articles/how-a-massage-can-help-you-recover-from-a-boxing-session/ Wed, 14 May 2025 21:20:26 +0000 https://ww1.soothe.com/?p=80658 Training for boxing is no simple feat. As a physically demanding sport, it requires a great deal of physical conditioning, even if you’re just picking this up as a side exercise. Combat sports can be tough on the body. To perform your best, you need to take the time to rest and recover. Here are […]

      The post How a Massage Can Help You Recover From a Boxing Session appeared first on Soothe.

      ]]>
      Training for boxing is no simple feat. As a physically demanding sport, it requires a great deal of physical conditioning, even if you’re just picking this up as a side exercise. Combat sports can be tough on the body. To perform your best, you need to take the time to rest and recover. Here are some boxing recovery methods and tips to add to your movement routine.

      Common Injuries and Soreness in Boxing

      Whether you’re a seasoned boxing professional or weekend fitness fanatic, you often deal with recurring soreness and minor injuries due to the sport’s intense physical demands. While many aches are temporary, some may signal a deeper issue.

      Here are common areas of discomfort and overuse injuries in boxing:

      • Rotator cuff strain – from repeated overhead motions and punches.
      • Wrist and hand inflammation – due to direct impact and improper glove support.
      • Neck and upper back tightness – from maintaining a defensive posture and quick head movements.
      • Lower back fatigue – caused by rotational torque during power punches.
      • Calf and hip tightness – due to constant bouncing, pivoting, and movement in the ring.

      If you experience lingering pain, swelling, or loss of mobility, consult your primary care provider or a licensed medical professional. Massage therapy is a supportive recovery tool, not a substitute for medical treatment after injuries sustained during your boxing matches.

      What Happens to Your Body During a Boxing Match?

      During a boxing match, your body operates in a state of intense exertion and heightened alertness. Every punch, dodge, and pivot engages your musculoskeletal system — especially your shoulders, back, core, and legs. The rapid-fire muscle contractions required to deliver powerful jabs or uppercuts are followed by sudden decelerations, creating micro-tears in muscle fibers. These repetitive motions often lead to tightness and fatigue, especially if recovery practices aren’t prioritized.

      Beyond physical strain, your cardiovascular system is working overtime, pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout your body to sustain energy and performance. As with any high-impact sport, proper boxing recovery methods are essential to reduce stress on your joints and muscles, and to restore flexibility and range of motion between bouts or training sessions.

      Effective Boxing Recovery Methods

      To keep your body in top condition and avoid burnout, recovery is just as important as training. When combining multiple methods of recovery, you form a holistic approach to boxing recovery, ensuring that both your performance and well-being stay in peak condition. 

      Here are some of the best boxing recovery methods to help your body bounce back faster and stronger:

      1. Dynamic Stretching & Mobility Drills: Loosen up post-training with stretches that target tight hip flexors, shoulders, and hamstrings — key areas for boxers.
      2. Sleep & Proper Hydration: Quality sleep and adequate water and electrolyte intake are fundamental in repairing muscle tissue and reducing inflammation.
      3. Cold Therapy or Contrast Baths: Alternating between hot and cold water can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up circulation to fatigued areas.
      4. Foam Rolling & Percussive Therapy: Tools like the Theragun® promote deep muscle stimulation and improve blood flow to accelerate healing.
      5. Massage Therapy: A cornerstone of active recovery, massage for muscle soreness helps relieve tension, improve range of motion, and prevent injuries over time.

      Why Massage Therapy Should Be Part of Your Boxing Recovery Routine

      Boxing is an incredibly rewarding discipline to commit to, but it’s also hard on the body. That’s where massage therapy comes in. A well-timed sports massage can play a pivotal role in your active or passive recovery process, helping your muscles heal while prepping your body for the next round, training session, or sparring match.

      Here’s why every boxer should integrate massage into their recovery plan:

      • Alleviates Muscle Soreness: Targeted massage techniques reduce stiffness and discomfort in overused areas like the shoulders, forearms, and lower back.
      • Improves Circulation: Improved blood flow helps deliver nutrients to recovering tissues and flush out metabolic waste more efficiently.
      • Reduces Injury Risk: By identifying and releasing tight spots, massage helps prevent strains, sprains, and overcompensation injuries before they escalate.
      • Boosts Flexibility and Range of Motion: Loosen up tense muscles and improve mobility — both essential for maintaining speed and agility in the ring.
      • Promotes Relaxation & Mental Clarity: Boxing isn’t just physical — it’s mental. Massage provides space to decompress and recalibrate mentally between fights or tough workouts.

      From intense fight camps to post-sparring recovery, booking regular massages through Soothe offers a personalized way to care for your body. Our licensed therapists understand the unique physical demands of boxing and are equipped with tools like Theragun® to accelerate your recovery.

      Whether you’re training for your next match or just finished a rough sparring session, don’t let muscle soreness slow you down. Book a boxing recovery sports massage with Soothe and experience recovery that works as hard as you do. Our licensed therapists come to you — on your schedule, at your pace.

      The post How a Massage Can Help You Recover From a Boxing Session appeared first on Soothe.

      ]]>
      How to Rest & Recover on Active Recovery Days https://ww1.soothe.com/articles/how-to-rest-recover-on-active-recovery-days/ Fri, 09 May 2025 22:33:12 +0000 https://ww1.soothe.com/?p=80654 Wellness isn’t only about high intensity exercises all day every day. Productivity can take many forms when it comes to caring for your body. Your strength comes from knowing when to push, and more importantly, when to pause. This is where active recovery days come in. Even if you’re bouncing back from a tough day […]

      The post How to Rest & Recover on Active Recovery Days appeared first on Soothe.

      ]]>
      Wellness isn’t only about high intensity exercises all day every day. Productivity can take many forms when it comes to caring for your body. Your strength comes from knowing when to push, and more importantly, when to pause. This is where active recovery days come in. Even if you’re bouncing back from a tough day of marathon training or managing your daily stress, active recovery is your time to slow down and recharge.

      Active vs. Passive Recovery

      Not all days are created equal, and not all fitness plans are the same for every person. Understanding the difference between active and passive recovery days for athletes is essential to fleshing out your wellness routine, keeping you active when you need to be.

      • Active recovery includes low impact movement that improves your circulation, flexibility, and mental clarity. This is more like “productive rest”, where instead of sitting still, you move your body to encourage muscle repair and stress relief. It’s a great way to maintain your wellness goals and reduce the chances of burnout.
      • Passive recovery is complete rest, no movement at all. It could be you chilling on a couch all day catching up on your rest, or doing absolutely nothing at all.  It’s beneficial for injury rehab or extreme fatigue.

      Benefits of Active Recovery Days

      Active recovery doesn’t only feel good, it has a few benefits for you to balance out your wellness routines. The benefits include (but are not limited to!):

      • Reduce muscle soreness
      • Improve flexibility and mobility
      • Boost mental health
      • Support immune function
      • Improve sleep quality

      Active Recovery Day Ideas

      We understand that you might want to move, and that it can be hard to turn that part of your brain off for a day. While taking a day of rest is important, it doesn’t mean that you need to stop what momentum you have entirely. If you want to move a bit on a rest day without harming your progress, here are 5 activities that you can add to your recovery day routine.

      1. Yoga

      Not every type of yoga session will have you sweating like a hot Power Vinyasa yoga class. This recovery method is amazing for reinforcing your flexibility, but also for teaching you proper breathing techniques and body control.

      1. Foam Roller

      A foam roller is an affordable and excellent tool that can help you with myofascial release by yourself. This tool massages the connective tissues surrounding the muscles and bones.

      3. Massage

      Massages are one of the most effective ways to spend your active recovery days. It stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps your body process muscle fatigue. Soothe offers sports massages for athletes, and offers enhancements like Theragun to help get your muscles relaxed and on their way to repair.

      Soothe can bring licensed, independent vetted massage therapists to your door, offering multiple modalities such as sports, Swedish, deep tissue, Thai, and many more options to suit your recovery needs. Whether you’re easing post-run tightness or simply de-stressing after a long work week, massage is an accessible, safe way to make active recovery part of your wellness routine.

      4. Walking

      A light 20-30 minute walk can work wonders for not only your physical health, but mental health as well. It’s spring right now, so going out seems like a great idea when the weather is behaving. It can reduce your anxiety and increase your mindfulness. Even taking a walk in between work meetings or bringing the stroller along on your walk can help you find that moment of bliss wherever you are.

      5. Bicycling

      If you’re still craving some cardio, you can achieve steady state cardio by cycling instead. Whether you’re hopping on a stationary bike in your home gym or going outside for a nice bike ride, both can work here. It’s a great way to encourage some circulation to your lower body and can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be.

      You may find that you feel less tight, sore, and have more energy to exercise when you take regular active recovery days. At Soothe, we’re here to help you achieve your wellness goals at home, at work, or wherever you are.

      The post How to Rest & Recover on Active Recovery Days appeared first on Soothe.

      ]]>