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.

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.

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Skip the generic and opt for thoughtful, personalized gifts for mom that she’ll actually use—and love.

Here are a few Mother’s Day gifts for millennials that are as inspiring as they are indulgent.

1. Personalized Self-Care Kits

Millennial moms love personalization—and they love anything that makes self-care a little easier. Curate a kit with her favorite essentials: a hydrating face mask, a luxurious herbal tea blend, a sleep mist, and a beautifully monogrammed journal for reflection. It’s a personalized gift for mom that says, “I see you, and you deserve a moment to yourself.”

2. An In-Home Massage Experience

Life is busy. Convenience is a dream.

Booking an in-home massage with Soothe is one of the most meaningful gifts for millennial moms you can give. She can schedule a session with a vetted professional who comes to her home—no traffic, no parking, no hassle. Whether she craves a tension-melting deep tissue massage or a calming Swedish session, you’re giving her more than relaxation—you’re giving her peace on her terms.

(Pro tip: Pair it with her favorite candle or a chill Spotify playlist to set peak relaxation vibes.)

3. Experience-First Gift Cards

Millennials value experiences over stuff—and the right gift card can feel deeply personal. Opt for a Soothe gift card that allows her to choose the wellness service she needs most, whenever she’s ready. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or wellness upgrade at home, you’re giving her flexibility, self-care, and the power to prioritize herself.

4. Customized Weighted Blanket

For the mom who���s managing a million things a day (and thinking about a million more at night), a weighted blanket is a simple, beautiful answer. Choose one that’s breathable, sustainable, and ultra-soft. It’s a daily hug—designed to calm her nervous system, help her sleep deeper, and signal her body it’s safe to truly relax.

5. A “No Plans” Day — Made for Her

There’s nothing quite like the gift of time, with no strings attached. Clear her calendar. Handle her usual to-dos. Set her up with a cozy corner, her favorite takeout, and maybe even a new series to binge or a book she’s been dying to crack open. Giving her a day that’s about absolutely nothing required and everything desired is one of the most thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts for millennials.

Finding the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift is Not About Perfection

She’s not looking for perfection. She’s looking for gifts that make her feel seen, valued, and cared for.

So whether it’s a massage-at-home experience, a personalized touch, or a whole day where she doesn’t have to be “on,” these Mother’s Day gifts for millennials will leave a lasting impact—long after the day is over.

At Soothe, we make it easy to give well-being with in-home massage services and customizable gift cards that meet her where she’s at, both literally and figuratively.

The post Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Millennial Mom appeared first on Soothe.

Here are a few personalized ideas of gifts for Mother’s Day with her wellness in mind.

1. Personalized Touches with Wellness Tech

Wellness is not one-size-fits-all, especially for Gen X moms who know what works for them. Thoughtful wellness tech like a smart sleep tracker, soothing sunrise alarm clock, or an app-based meditation subscription can show that you are thinking about her personal habits and goals. It’s a personalized functional gift for mom meant to restore herself.

2. A Massage that Comes to Her (Not the Other Way Around)

Well, we are a massage brand.

Skip the logistics of driving, parking, and waiting around at a spa. Instead, book an in-home massage where an independent licensed massage therapist comes straight to her living room. With services like Soothe, she can schedule exactly what she needs, whether it’s a rejuvenating Thai Massage or Swedish Massage, without ever having stepped outside. When you’re thinking about massage gifts for mom, few things beat creating an experience that’s peaceful from start to finish. You can even decorate her space to tailor her relaxation further, lighting a favorite candle or turning on her favorite mood lights. 

3. Thoughtful Gift Cards

Not all gift cards are created equal. Look for ones that prioritize experiences over errands like a Soothe Gift Card, which lets her pick from massages, facials, and wellness services, all from home. It’s a simple but meaningful option that is still personal, allowing her to treat herself on her own terms, whenever she’s ready to take some time for herself.

4. Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets aren’t just trendy items peppering your Facebook Ads, they’re proven to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and create a sense of security. Choose one made with breathable fabrics and soft textures so it doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming. It’s one of the best gifts for Gen X women who rarely slow down but appreciate a tactile, daily reminder to rest and recharge.

5. Give Her Time Back With a “No Plans” Day

Sometimes, the most powerful gift isn’t something you can wrap. It’s time, with zero obligations attached. Clear her schedule, handle the chores, plan her favorite take out meal, or go out together and spend quality time with her. A quiet space with a cozy setup like the latest book from her favorite author with a candle can also work. It’s an incredibly personal way to show your appreciation, and speaks volumes without saying a word.

Don’t Stress Too Much Over Finding a Gift

Your mom’s not just looking for “stuff”, she wants something meaningful, calming, and crafted with her in mind.

This year, give her the kind of gift that’s as thoughtful as it is indulgent. Whether it’s a curated massage gift for mom, a personalized experience, or a moment of peace you’ve made happen for her, she’ll remember it long after the flowers fade.

At Soothe, we offer Massage Gift Cards for Mother’s Day (or any time of year) and massage services that come to you anywhere, any time.

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Understanding the Unique Needs of Clients with Disabilities

For some individuals with disabilities, limits in mobility, chronic pain, and muscle tension are ongoing concerns. Some may have progressive conditions that lead to disability. Disabilities are not always physical, but can be emotional or mental as well. Massage therapy is a unique approach to address these challenges by providing physical relief and/or emotional support. Its adaptable nature and the multiple modalities that we offer means that there is a massage out there that exists to suit your needs.

Importance of Tailored Therapies

Every human being and every body is unique. Massages are not a one-size fits all approach. With Soothe, our licensed independent therapists tailor each session to your unique needs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. All sessions start off with a consultation before you get started to ensure that you have a chance to communicate what you need to the massage therapist. Whether you’re managing a massage with high blood pressure or low blood pressure, our Swedish and Reflexology massage options offer a relaxing and restorative approach to support your overall health goals.

How Massage Therapists Adapt Techniques and Equipment

Massage for people with disabilities requires thoughtful customization. Every body is different, and our licensed professionals are trained to meet you exactly where you are physically, emotionally, and environmentally. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, neurological conditions, or physical limitations, your session

Modifying Pressure, Positioning, and Duration

There’s no “standard” approach to a massage therapy session. Pressure is tailored based on sensitivity or medical history, while session lengths can be shortened or broken into intervals to achieve the best results. Your massage therapist could suggest alternative body positions, side-lying, seated, or supported by bolsters or pillows to reduce strain.

Using Adaptive Tools and Supports

From massage tables to wheelchairs, recliners, or your favorite couch, massage therapists can adapt to what works best for you. If you already use supportive devices or have adaptive furniture at home, we’ll incorporate those into your session. Providers work in varied home environments to ensure you’re fully at ease.

Massage Therapy for Wheelchair Users: What to Expect

Massage therapy for wheelchair users is just as beneficial and restorative as any other session, and it starts with respecting the body’s natural position and movement. Many techniques can be performed while you remain in your chair, or easily transition to a bed or recliner if you are more comfortable there.

In-Home Setup Trips

Before your session, choose a space that feels safe and relaxing to you. Clear the area around your wheelchair or preferred seating. Having low lights, sound machines, and any other sensory equipment on hand that helps you relax is great to set up before your session. Our independent massage therapists bring all necessary supplies like lotions and sanitized equipment so you only need to focus on feeling good.

Creating a Safe & Accessible Environment at Home

At Soothe, we believe that comfort begins before the session even starts. That’s why we prioritize accessibility not just in technique, but in every step of the experience.

What to Expect to Prepare for a Soothe Session

Once you book your appointment after picking out your provider, you’ll have a chance to message them directly. This is a great time to share mobility needs, parking instructions, or other preferences. Preferences could include asking a provider to wear a mask, communicating lotion scent sensitivities or even noise preferences. 

Before your Soothe session, be sure to:

• Stay hydrated
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Shower or cleanse the areas to be massaged
• Set up in a quiet, comfortable space
• Have any mobility aids or supports nearby

When your provider arrives, they’ll message you via the app and check in with you before beginning. Throughout the session, they’ll pause to ask for feedback to ensure you’re continually comfortable.

Book a massage appointment easily in any way, anywhere, anytime, to suit your needs with Soothe.

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Geriatric massage isn’t just a feel good luxury. It’s a powerful therapeutic way for one to receive comfort and connection with another human. Through Soothe’s independent licensed massage therapists, aging adults can access consistent, compassionate care that supports both body and mind.

What is a Geriatric Massage?

Simply put, a geriatric massage is massage therapy designed with the unique needs of older adults in mind. As we age, our bodies undergo changes that impact skin elasticity, muscle tone, circulation, and joint health. Just like every stage of life, older adulthood requires personal care—and massage can play a key role in supporting comfort, mobility, and well-being.

Geriatric massage differs from traditional modalities like Swedish or deep tissue. The focus shifts towards gentler, slower techniques that allow for careful attention to areas impacted by arthritis, reduced mobility, or sensitive skin. Sessions can be variable to accommodate health conditions, and tools such as bolsters can be used for modified positioning.

At Soothe, we do not specifically promote in-home geriatric massage services, but we offer a variety of massage modalities to suit your needs, for those who want a light pressure Swedish massage to deep-tissue massages with the works. Our network of independent massage therapists offer a variety of options to care for you, whether you’re here to soothe arthritis pain, a muscle pull, or recover from a recent surgery. Every session is as unique as you are, because wellness has no age limit.

Why Touch Matters: The Emotional Benefits from In Home Massage Therapy

Human connection through touch is more than just comfort, it’s essential. For older adults, especially those living alone or dealing with limited mobility, regular physical contact can become rare. Massage offers a meaningful way to reintroduce that connection, ease feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression.

For some, going out regularly is not possible. Whether it’s chronic pain or mobility limitations, or simply a desire to stay at home, in-home massage therapy provides a safe, accessible way to experience the healing power of touch.

Physical Benefits of Geriatric Massage

Massage therapy helps address challenges that come from common medical issues such as joint stiffness, poor circulation, and chronic pain. With regular massage therapy, you can promote better blood flow, ease muscle tension, and improve flexibility.

For older adults recovering from surgery or managing conditions like arthritis or neuropathy, gentle massage can support mobility and reduce discomfort. It may also help regulate sleep, aid digestion, and stimulate the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and aid healing.

How Soothe Supports Senior Wellness with On-Demand Massage

Every Soothe session is designed with your comfort, safety, and individual needs in mind. When you book a session with us, you get to choose who your massage therapist is, and even communicate with them in the app before your session. You can expect a seamless experience with us, starting with licensed, vetted massage therapists who are trained to provide respectful and professional care in your home.

Sessions can be tailored to match your needs, whether you prefer lighter pressure or need some deep tissue relief. Therapists come equipped with everything needed for the session and will adjust techniques, positioning, and even duration based upon your needs.

If getting on a table is difficult, that’s okay. Our therapists can adapt the session so it works for you, whether seated, reclined, or lying down. Your safety and comfort always comes first.

Aging should never be a barrier to wellness. With Soothe, it isn’t.

The post How Mobile Geriatric Massages Can Connect Seniors to Others appeared first on Soothe.

When planning Valentine’s Day, most people have trouble thinking beyond the basic fancy dinner date. But did you know Valentine’s Day can celebrate everyone you love? That’s right, this day is not just for couples! However, Valentine’s Day 2025 may look a little different with the long weekend ahead. Whether you’re looking to avoid large crowds, are spending the day far from your loved ones, or just want to try something different, we’ve got you covered. Here are our tips and tricks to successfully plan the best Valentine’s Day dates and celebrations in 2025.

Virtual Valentine’s Day planning ideas

Going digital for dating is nothing new, especially since 2020. There are plenty of reasons to go virtual for Valentine’s Day. Online options are great for long-distance relationships and celebrating with friends and family that live far away. Plus, with winter weather and flu circulating, digital date nights offer a safe way to share the love. Check out our virtual Valentine’s Day ideas and planning tips!

• For the LDR: Don’t let long distances get you down. Yes, you can still have a romantic night together. Try this spin on dinner and a movie! First, order food delivery from your favorite restaurants. Then, you can set up a video call and eat together. Make sure you both treat it as a true date night: dress up a little and set the table nicely. After dinner, you can both stream a movie together! Many popular streaming services like Netflix offer a shared streaming experience so nobody misses a moment.
• Celebrate with friends: Get together with your favorite couples and host a virtual couple’s game night. Online sites make it easy to host and play a variety of different games no matter where you and your friends are located. And you can all feel the love without even leaving your respective living rooms.
• With the girls: Book a Galentine’s day event with Soothe to relax at the start of the event. Send all your Galentines a virtual wine tasting kit. Sample different varietals with the help of a virtual wine expert. Then, score extra points with a DIY snack and charcuterie board contest.
• For the family: Now you don’t even need to travel to experience some of the most amazing places on earth! Many popular museums around the world, national parks, and even Disney World offer virtual tours and videos suitable for a fun Valentine’s Day activity for all ages.
• Do good in the name of love: Want something a little different? Many non-profit organizations have ways to volunteer and give back virtually! Take time this Valentine’s Day to do some good, and get a little gratitude boost, too.

At-home Valentine’s Day planning guide

If you’re in charge of planning Valentine’s Day, don’t stress! We have all the tips and date night ideas for couples to make planning easier than ever. Many couples are choosing to keep Valentine’s Day 2025 low-key this year. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic! Try one of these at-home Valentine’s Day ideas for couples.

Cook up something delicious, together

Skip the crowded restaurants and long wait times this year. Instead, book an online cooking class or baking workshop! This activity is a fun way to spend time together, learn something new, and makes for a more memorable Valentine’s Day dinner. Not into cooking? Order in and try a cocktail mixology class or wine tasting instead!

Planning tips

• Make sure you shop for all your ingredients ahead of time, and have the necessary equipment.
• Also, play to your strengths! If you’re an avid cook, you can go for something a little more ambitious. But if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, we don’t recommend attempting a souffle or bringing out the blowtorch!
• Ambiance is everything. Break out the tablecloth and the fancy cutlery. Set the mood with candles and music that matches the cuisine you’re cooking up.

Plan an epic game night

Get your competitive side ready! It’s time to plan a Valentine’s Day game night. An alternative to classic date night ideas, game nights are easy to plan and surprisingly fun! Got kids at home? They can easily join in the fun, too. Plus, you don’t even need electricity to make this date night epic. Dig out your old board games, borrow from friends, or buy a new game to try.

Planning tips

• Have at least 3 different games to play. To choose the best games, they should be easy to learn (if you don’t already know how to play), and work with two players. Games that take a long time, like Monopoly, may not be the best option if you’re looking to get to all of your games in one night.
• Keep score! Make it a friendly competition to see who can win the most rounds. Go the extra mile and make funny or romantic prizes for the winner of each round.
• Don’t forget the snacks! No game night is complete without your favorite nostalgic snacks close at hand.

Bring the spa to you

Nothing says romance like a day spent in the pure bliss of a spa! But expensive treatments, dealing with traffic, and one of the busiest spa days of the year can easily fizzle any romance. This Valentine’s Day, why not bring the spa to you! With on-demand couples massages and facial treatments, Soothe helps you create an amazing spa-quality experience for you and your S.O. without even leaving the house.

Planning tips

• Schedule in advance. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times for Soothe, so booking early helps ensure you get matched with an available massage therapist or provider. We recommend booking at least a week in advance!
• Create a relaxing space in your home. Before the date, clear any clutter, and make your home feel clean and fresh. This will help you maintain ultimate relaxation.
• Remove distractions during your treatments. For the best results and most romance, put away the phones and laptops, and focus on each other!
• Go the extra mile with fluffy robes, aromatherapy candles, and infused water or tea. Soothe Providers bring everything needed to create an amazing experience during your treatment, but don’t forget about the before and after!

Common Valentine’s Day planning mistakes to avoid

A lot can go wrong when planning Valentine’s Day. And the last thing you want is to have all your romantic gestures fall flat! To help make Valentine’s Day planning go smoother, follow our advice above, and don’t make these common Valentine’s Day mistakes. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’re sure to have an epic date night!

• Waiting until the last minute. February 14 is a popular day for many people to go out to restaurants and do fun activities. But that means that reservations fill up fast! Avoid this common mistake by planning ahead, and making any reservations well in advance.
• Planning without considering your date. You should always plan Valentine’s Day with the other person in mind. If your date doesn’t drink, maybe a bar isn’t the best spot to meet up. Similarly, if you know your S.O. isn’t into rom-coms, a different movie genre is a must. Not sure what they like? Now’s a good time to ask – before you plan a date they’ll hate.
• Going over budget. It’s easy to drop big money on Valentine’s Day gifts. But sometimes, quality over quantity actually makes for a more meaningful date! You don’t need to spend a ton to have an amazing day with your loved ones.
• Trying to cram too much into one day. The last thing you want is to be stressed about making your next reservation! Over-planning is a classic Valentine’s Day mistake to avoid. At best, we recommend having 2-3 things planned for the day. You can always have a backup just in case something goes amiss, but the goal is to relax – not stress! With the long weekend in 2025, you can plan on
• Showing up empty-handed. You don’t need to make a big show of gifting, but you also can’t show up with nothing for your S.O.! The go-to gifts are usually flowers and chocolate. But if you want to really surprise them, give them a gift card for a professional massage this Valentine’s Day! Soothe makes gifting easy and fast with email delivery, and they’re sure to remember it as one of the best gifts they’ve ever received on Valentine’s Day.

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A new job is worthy of a celebration. Starting into a new role is exciting, but also can come with trepidation. We break down several options here to show someone, whether it is a partner, a friend, or a family member that you want to support them.

Why Celebrating a New Job Matters

Accepting a new job is more than a career milestone—it’s a testament to that person’s determination. The journey to securing a role often involves overcoming substantial challenges, from late nights preparing for an early morning panel interview to the emotional rollercoaster of taking the interview and then waiting for feedback after each round. This is an achievement worth recognizing.

Celebrating a new job is about more than just earmarking another’s achievements; it’s a chance to show up to support, encourage, and be proud of someone else’s accomplishments. A thoughtful gift or gesture is a kind act that can reinforce one’s confidence as one turns a page in their new chapter. Whether it’s an opportunity to relax, a practical tool to help them thrive in their new role, or an opportunity to help them acknowledge their success, celebrating this milestone shows that you are there for them, see them, and appreciate them.

By taking the time to consider a gift, you’re not only sharing their joy but also assisting them to make the transition into their new role even more rewarding.

Suggestion #1: Practical Gifts for Their New Role

Starting a new job can often mean that the person is stepping into a new role, environment, and routines. They’ll be pretty overwhelmed, even if they’re a seasoned professional in their field. Practical gifts tailored to their role can help someone feel prepared and confident in their role.

If they’re starting an office role, consider high-quality notebooks, planners, or pens to keep themselves organized. A stylish and comfortable laptop bag or backpack can both be functional and a great way to make a first impression for those who are going to an in-person role. For those in remote or hybrid roles, consider ergonomic accessories such as a laptop stand, foam wrist rests for keyboards and mice, or even a chair cushion to support them.

With someone starting a blue-collar working role, practical gifts can focus on making their daily tasks easier and more efficient. For some, this may be durable work gloves, steel-toe boots, a high-performance water bottle or an insulated lunch box. Giving out a gift card to a store they shop at often for materials may also be a good idea so they can choose what they need most.

For someone who is starting a physically demanding role, items that help with recovery, like a massage ball, foam roller, or even a Soothe gift card for a massage can show you care about their well-being.

Practical gifts demonstrate thoughtfulness and ensure they feel supported no matter what role they are stepping into.

Suggestion #2: Consider a Soothe Gift Card

Simple and practical gifts are certainly ideal, but what about experiences? Soothe has you covered if you want to give a unique gift experience that will not be forgotten. Soothe is a marketplace that connects individuals and businesses with highly-rated independent professionals offering massage, skincare, hair, and beauty services in your area. With Soothe, our licensed therapists tailor each session to your unique needs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. By choosing a Soothe gift card, you are giving an experience that the recipient can enjoy on their own time, anywhere they are. 

We make our gift cards super easy to give and use by matching them to the cost of some of our favorite services. Soothe gift cards can be redeemed at any time, and can be sent instantly or scheduled ahead of time for special occasions, such as day -one of a new job.

Suggestion #3: Ask the Recipient What They Want

Gifting can be difficult for some people, and the best way to understand what someone else may want is by asking them. Perhaps they already have all the gear they need to do their job successfully. By asking specific questions to someone, your communication takes out the guesswork and ensures that you are investing in an item that is truly going to be used and appreciated by that person.

While we suggest practical items and experiences, only the recipient really knows what they need. Maybe you can take them out to a nice restaurant that’s on their bucket list if they’re a foodie, or give them the money to put towards their next goal in life. Keep it simple, this isn’t meant to be a stressful activity.

Celebrate the Wins in Life

Celebrating a new job is a meaningful way to show those you care about that you support their hard work and successes. The amount that you care is not tied to a dollar amount, but the intention is there to support this person’s journey ahead. Whether you purchase a Soothe gift card, a practical gift to support their role, or another personalized gesture, your thoughtfulness shows who you are as a person.

The post Best Gifts to Give to Celebrate a New Job appeared first on Soothe.

What Happens to Your Muscles During a Golf Swing?

Most of your body is engaged when you swing a golf club. From your shoulders, which provide power during a swing to your core, driving that momentum into a club head, a lot is going on. It can also impact your forearms and lower back, which can lead to stiffness if done repeatedly. Intense muscle contractions are occurring followed by a sudden release, which while it may sound like you’re getting a good workout in, can cause micro-tears and fatigue. 

Common Injuries for Golfers

Proper recovery techniques are essential to rebuild your strength and mitigate body stiffness. Here are some common injuries to look out for:

1. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):

A golfer’s elbow is a common overuse injury that is caused by repetitive gripping, swinging, and wrist flexion during a golf swing. It results in inflammation of the tendons that attach to the inside of your elbow. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, weakness in grip strength, and a sensation of stiffness or ache that can extend down the forearm. Without proper recovery and treatment, a golfer’s elbow can significantly impact your performance and comfort while partaking in the sport.

2. Lower Back Strain

The rotational forces required for a strong golf swing often put stress on the lower back, particularly if proper form and posture aren’t maintained. Without proper form, you may experience muscle strains, ligament sprains, or even more serious conditions such as herniated discs. Lower back strain manifests as pain during or after a play, with stiffness, and difficulty in bending or twisting. Addressing these issues early with proper care can help prevent chronic pain and long-term injury.

3. Shoulder Impingements

Repetitive overhead movements and excessive rotation during the golf swing can lead to impingement of the shoulder tendons, particularly in the rotator cuff. An impingement results in pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness in the shoulder, often worsening over time if left untreated. Shoulder impingements can interfere with a golfer’s ability to execute a full, smooth swing.

Preventative Measures for Golfing Injuries

Incorporating regular warm-ups, maintaining proper posture, and focusing on core and flexibility exercises can help mitigate these injuries. Recovery tools like massage therapy are also critical for reducing muscle tension and inflammation, promoting healing, and preventing further strain.

Integrating Theragun® percussive therapy into your wellness routine not only supports injury prevention but also helps you in the recovery process, ensuring you’re always at your best on the links.

When in doubt about your preventative injury or recovery routine, consult your physician for guidance on what is best for you.

How a Massage Benefits Golfers

Golfing targets several major muscle groups in the body. Here are a few ways a massage for golfers can help performance, whether you’re preparing for a tournament or looking to wind down after golfing.

Pain Relief

A massage can help reduce muscle soreness from the repetitive movement of swinging a club and using the same muscle groups over and over.

Injury Prevention

By getting massages regularly, golfers can address tightness that could turn into strains or sprains early on. This also improves muscle elasticity and joint mobility.

Improves Flexibility

Massages can increase your body’s range of motion, relaxing tightened muscles, which can optimize your swing on the golf course.

Massage Therapy for Golfers

At Soothe, we understand the unique physical demands that golfers face and offer specialized sports massage services to support your recovery and performance. Our licensed massage therapists are trained to address muscle groups commonly affected by golfing, such as the forearms, shoulders, and lower back. By focusing on these areas, our sports massages aim to reduce muscle soreness, alleviate tension, and improve flexibility, all of which are crucial for an optimal swing. 

To improve the effectiveness of our treatments, Soothe offers percussive therapy using Theragun®, a device that delivers rapid, targeted pulses to deep muscle tissues. This approach is particularly effective for addressing golfer’s elbow, helping to alleviate pain, reduce stiffness, and improve your range of motion, ensuring a faster and more focused recovery.

Booking a massage with Soothe is convenient and tailored to your schedule. With flexible scheduling options, you can easily incorporate regular massages into your routine, ensuring consistent care and support for your golfing activities, no matter the time of year.

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At Soothe, we understand the importance of selecting the correct type of massage for your unique needs. That’s why we are breaking down what trigger point massages are, who they could benefit when it comes to pain relief, and what to expect from a trigger point massage session.

What is a Trigger Point Massage?

A trigger point massage is a specific form of massage therapy that is designed to reduce pain and discomfort by targeting specific areas of muscle tightness, also known as trigger points. Trigger points are hyper-irritable areas that can be extremely painful, leading to a decreased range of motion and muscle weakness. Common areas for trigger points include hips, neck, calves, shoulders, and lower back.

There are several possible explanations for how trigger points appear, as this is not a well studied area in the medical field, and it seems to present itself through multiple conditions. One looks at the overuse of muscles, or holding yourself in an uncomfortable position to strain those muscles for too long. Stress is another possibility for trigger points to develop where muscles tighten.

Trigger point massages focus on increasing blood circulation to an area. This is done by applying pressure to a localized area to release that tension. It pushes fresh blood in, delivering more oxygen to that area to get the muscles to release. This pressure is applied for 30-90 seconds, and once it is released, the massage therapist will massage the area with long, light strokes to flush it out. This method can be commonly applied in deep tissue massages and myofascial releases. 

Benefits of a Trigger Point Massage

Those who are looking for a trigger point massage typically have some sort of pain that they want to relieve. The type of massage is less focused on overall relaxation like a Swedish massage would be, but more on the release of specific tension points on the body.

Here are some conditions that may benefit from a trigger point massage:

• Headaches & migraines
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow (or Pickleball Elbow!)
• Chronic muscle tension or stiffness
• Plantar fasciitis
• Back/neck/shoulder pain

Relieving yourself of your pain is the primary goal, but you can also benefit from this type of massage as a compliment to other treatments, such as physical therapy when permitted by your medical team. While this cannot cure chronic conditions, it can help alleviate any excessive pain for the time being, improving your quality of life. 

What to Expect During a Trigger Point Massage Session

Before your trigger point massage, go through your regular process of preparing for a massage. This could be done unclothed or fully clothed. In the case of being fully clothed, choose light and comfortable clothes with access to the parts of your body that will be worked on during the session. When in doubt, contact your therapist with any questions before the session begins.

To begin a trigger point massage session, you will have a consultation with your massage therapist, giving them the history of your pain. From there, the therapist will be able to identify what areas they need to put focused pressure on your body. You will be asked to either sit or lie down depending on where these areas are. These trigger points will be pressed on steadily for 30-90 seconds. After that, these areas will be lightly massaged with long strokes to relieve the tension. This will be repeated throughout the entire session until the pain dissipates.

During your session, your therapist will likely check on you to ensure that you are tolerating the pain that occurs from the pressure on the trigger points. Advocate for yourself where possible too, as one area could be more sensitive than another. Adjustments will be made for your comfort, as there is a balance between targeted pressure and your personal tolerance levels. Open dialogue allows for an ideal customized experience that maximizes your relief without causing too much discomfort.

The areas that received this pressure may feel tender for the next 24 hours after the massage. Practice effective aftercare by taking it easy, hydrating, and then resting afterward. 

Soothe Can Help

Are you ready to experience a deeper massage that will allow you to relax? Soothe offers deep tissue massages at this time that can help you relax and work out those trigger points on your body. Reclaim your comfort and quality of life by booking an appointment with Soothe today.

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