Small adjustments may help you feel balanced in this transitional season. Prioritizing your self-care should always matter, as it can impact your mindset and overall well-being. Here are four seasonal fall wellness tips for you to try.

Fall Wellness Tips to Try Out

Boost the Immune System

As fall sets in, it’s a good time to check in with your health. Use this time to get up to date on any yearly vaccinations for illnesses such as the flu, or visit your doctor for a check-up. It’s easy to let these priorities slip by the wayside if you were busy during the summer months. 

Consider as well any dietary adjustments that you want to make as the seasons change. While this can vary by region, look out for pumpkin, squash, kale, sweet potatoes, and apples on your next grocery shopping trip. Eating in season with local produce can be not only a creative way to cook, but something that helps your overall health.

Check-in With Your Mental Health

Fall can be a beautiful time of year, with the leaves changing, and the temperature outside dropping. As this happens, however, the way that you are used to regulating your nervous system may need to change. With less time spent outdoors, what can bring you joy? Hone in on one activity that is just for you every day. This could be as simple as picking up a local art class indoors, or spending time reading in a favorite cozy chair with fairy lights providing ambient lighting.

What you may find is that others are feeling the same way too. Talking about your feelings openly with others is valuable relationship-building. Being an outlet of positivity when offering encouragement and support to others is another potential option for giving back the kindness and energy that you receive, creating a cycle of mutual support and empowerment.

Adapt Your Fitness Routine

As we move into fall, your movement plan may also need to acclimate. From cool weather to preparing for snowy weather, some activities may need to move indoors, or be done at different times of the day to ensure you have time to prioritize these activities. This could include checking the weather before partaking in outdoor activities so you can be prepared for what is to come. For some, this is simply layering up, but for others, this might mean taking the time to move the activity to a local gym or recreation center. 

Similarly, this may be a time to take stock of what you have been enjoying over the last year. Did you stick with a yoga class as a part of a new year’s resolution? How is that going? Do you look forward to each session, feeling more balanced and energized, or has it become more of a chore than a joy? Consider what you can replace that time with in your routine if needed, or stay the course if you are still finding joy in it.

Practice Mindfulness

It’s easy to get swept up into the whirlwind of responsibilities with the upcoming holidays. Mindfulness helps ground you and keep stress at bay. Practicing mindfulness is something that can be done in small, bite sized pieces every day.

Additionally, use this transitional period to reassess personal goals and setting intentions for the rest of the year. Whether prioritizing self-care, deepening relationships, or focusing on your wellness routines, mindfulness can help you stay in tune with what truly matters. Taking the time to slow down and appreciate the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in nature or just taking an extra moment to enjoy your morning coffee are all excellent ways to practice mindfulness in your daily routine this fall.

The Role of Massage in Self-Care in the Fall

As seasons shift, there’s no need to follow rigid guidelines to feel your best. These fall wellness tips are for you to integrate as they make sense in your life. Fall can bring on cooler temperatures, shorter days, and shifts in our energy levels, making it the optimal time to focus on yourself. A fall massage can help ease any physical tension that builds up from these changes in weather and lifestyle, and supports your mental wellness by reducing stress.

If you’re ready to take the first step of a self-care massage, Soothe is here to help you feel good, no matter what season. Whether you’re seeking relief from seasonal aches or simply want a moment of relaxation solely focused on you, Soothe offers personalized, on-demand massage services that come to you. Let this fall be the season where you prioritize yourself and recharge with the power of touch.

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Here are some common injuries to look out for, and pickleball recovery strategies, including a sports massage for pickleball players that will help keep you out of a pickle.

Common Injuries from Pickleball

Playing pickleball works out your entire body, with a focus on your core, shoulders, and legs. From reaching to lunging and twisting yourself in unique ways, the agility can take a toll on your body. These are five common injuries to look out for:

Sprains

Sprains can occur from quick twists, turns, or pivots while playing pickleball. It is an injury to a ligament that is stretched or even torn due to these quick moves.

Fractures

Fractures occur when there is a crack or split in the bone when too much force is applied to it. Too much force could be you taking a fall on the pickleball court’s hard surface, attempting to catch the fall with your arm, and ending up with a wrist fracture. 

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Your shoulders can bear the brunt of the repetitive motions of swinging a paddle in pickleball. When the shoulder is overused, a rotator cuff can tear, which causes pain and some difficulty limiting your arm’s range of motion.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when a tendon is inflamed, which can cause it to swell and be painful. This can limit your range of motion due to the pain and swelling from the impacted area.

“Pickleball Elbow”

While many have heard of tennis elbow, pickleball elbow is the same phenomenon called lateral epicondylitis, which is a focused type of tendonitis in the elbow.

As with any injury, you want to take care of yourself, listen to your medical team, listen to your body, and only take on physical movements that are approved by that team during your recovery time. You’ll be back on the court in no time!

Mitigating Pickleball Injuries

Everyone’s routine may look different for mitigating injury based on your lifestyle, history of injuries, and overall health. If you’re recovering from an injury related to pickleball, you could be off the court for a while. When in doubt, contact your physician to ensure you are taking the optimal steps to mitigate common injuries faced in pickleball.

Here are some pickleball preparation and recovery steps you can take before and after you spend time on the court.

Hydration

Our body releases sweat as a way of regulating body temperature during physical activity. Drinking water regularly can help your body stay hydrated and in balance for peak performance. Electrolytes or other vitamin supplementation can help mitigate dehydration so you can continue playing without negative side effects.

High-Quality Equipment

The investment into what shoes you wear, to the paddle you hold during a pickleball match can help you to mitigate injuries on the court. Investing the time into proper technique and the right tools for the sport will pay off in dividends when it comes to your health.

Stretching

Before, during, and after a match are all great opportunities to stretch your limbs out. The two benefits of stretching include increased flexibility and mobility. Pickleball’s multiplanar movements mean that you should spend up to ten minutes prioritizing stretches around the common injury areas, such as the shoulder, leg, and back muscles.

Steam Rooms and Saunas

As a form of heat therapy, steam rooms, and saunas can play a part in one’s pickleball recovery by relaxing the muscles. This reduces the impact of muscle contraction after intense movement.

Foam Rollers/Percussive Sports Massage Tools

Rolling out your sore muscles with a foam roller or percussive sports massage tool is a great way to release tension in your muscles after a match. This is a way to promote self-myofascial release (SMR). A roller allows you to apply pressure to targeted sore areas, such as the iliotibial (IT) band, hamstrings, or glutes. 

Sports Massage

A massage after sports exertion is a great form of aftercare that you can set up in advance. Mobile sports massages offer targeted relief personalized to what you need at that moment.

No matter what your pickleball recovery routine looks like, consistency is key to maintaining your physiological health. Feel free to try the above options, or add them in one session at a time to see what impact it has on your ability to crush it on the court.

Benefits of a Sports Massage for Pickleball Players

A sports massage targets muscle groups strained from overuse or repetitive motion, and can bring great relief to those who partake in physical activity such as pickleball. The main benefits of a sports massage for pickleball players include accelerated injury recovery, reduced muscle soreness, and enhanced performance. 

Through deep kneading and stretching techniques, a sports massage helps release muscle tension to make movements more fluid. Additionally, by improving circulation, this type of massage helps muscles receive a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients crucial for healing and recovery.

Soothe’s network of skilled sports massage therapists are dedicated to helping you prevent future injuries. Each treatment is tailored specifically to your needs, moving beyond generic approaches to offer a truly personalized experience.

Getting a sports massage near you is convenient and easy with Soothe. Book with licensed massage therapists who can come directly to your location on your schedule, whether it’s your home, office, or hotel room.

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Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative therapy method that applies pressure to specific points of the body, such as hands, feet, or ears, to allow the body to relax. This pressure can be varied and targeted to the recipient’s needs.

Though reflexology involves the use of hands, it is not considered a form of massage therapy, technically speaking. Similar to acupressure, reflexology is a complementary therapy that can be used alongside traditional medical treatments. It’s important to note that reflexologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions; they work to support overall wellness.

How Does Reflexology Work?

In a reflexology session, a practitioner called a reflexologist will apply pressure to various pressure points around the body to improve overall health and wellness.

There are several theories regarding what makes reflexology work. 

One theory comes from traditional Chinese medicine’s belief that the human body is made up of qi, or vital energy. Stress and other negative emotions can block qi, which results in an imbalance of emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual health. Where reflexology comes into play is that there is a belief that it can balance qi.³

A modern theory suggests that reflexology can balance the way that your brain registers pain. When these pressure points are massaged, these relaxing sensations could relieve stress, which can impact the way that you perceive pain.²

A 19th century theory proposes that reflexology stimulates the nervous system. By pressing on various pressure points on the body, it can send messages to the central nervous system. This can help the body relax, and provide various benefits for you.¹

While there are several schools of thought studying reflexology, a 2014 paper claims that reflexology is not a legitimate treatment for any medical condition.⁶

What Can Reflexology Do for You?

Reflexology is something that can be generally applied as an alternative therapy for most conditions. When in doubt, always consult your medical team before booking an appointment.

Potential Benefits of Reflexology

Relaxation

A study shows that a five-minute foot massage resulted in a significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially increasing relaxation.⁸

Improved Nerve Functioning

Reflexology can bridge to the central nervous system, targeting and improving what information flows to and from different areas of the body.¹

Healthier Sleep Quality

Balancing the body’s sleep cycle, reflexology can stimulate the nervous system and endocrine glands, allowing people to get more regular sleep.⁵

Stress-Induced Tension Headache Relief

With reflexology’s relaxation qualities, it has been found that this can be extended to improve results on stress-induced conditions, such as tension headaches.⁷

Improvements to Pain Management

By targeting specific areas on the body, the pressure from reflexology can address pain by targeting associated pressure points. This can, for example, include toe reflex point focuses for headache relief, and heel pressure to improve lower back pain.⁴

What Happens During a Reflexology Session?

When it comes to preparing for a reflexology session, just make sure that you are clean and hydrated. Wearing comfortable clothes will also improve your session.

At the beginning of your reflexology session, your reflexologist will begin by asking you questions about your health, diet, lifestyle, and any known conditions. These answers will guide them in developing a specific plan regarding working on particular pressure points in your feet, hands, ears, or a combination of them.

The location will be a soothing one, similar to a spa. Think low lights, soft music, and possibly aromatherapy. You’ll wear something comfortable, and sit back to let the reflexologist do their work. They will be working various pressure points with pressure application, rotation, and finger walking, to name a few methods.

Here’s what they can be looking for when it comes to pressure point work focusing on the feet:

In the foot reflexology chart above, you can see that there are precise mapped spots that reflexologists manipulate in order to meet your wellness goals. Each foot is typically worked on equally during your session.

These sessions are typically 30-60 minutes long, and you will likely leave with a sense of relaxation. Frequency can be determined by what is best for you, which for some may be weekly, others monthly, and even quarterly.

After your session, there really isn’t that much of a recovery time following foot reflexology. Any minor effects such as feeling tired or increased emotions is common, but temporary.

While there is more to be studied and understood about what reflexology is and how reflexology works, the benefits of a self-care routine can improve the quality of life for the recipient immensely.

Soothe has a network of independent reflexologist Pros that can come to your home, hotel, or office to give you the relaxation you need, any day of the week. Book an in-home reflexology massage today. 

Bibliography

1.Begum J. Brain Diseases. WebMD. Published 2024. https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-diseases
2.Hayes J, Cox C. Immediate effects of a five-minute foot massage on patients in critical care. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing. 1999;15(2):77-82. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0964-3397(99)80003-2
3.National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. National Cancer Institute. Published May 22, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam
4.Eghbali M, Safari R, Nazari F, Abdoli S. The effects of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity in nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 2012;17(3):239-243. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3696219/
5.Huang H, Chen K, Kuo S, Chen I. Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2020;77(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14699
6.McCullough JEM, Liddle SD, Sinclair M, Close C, Hughes CM. The Physiological and Biochemical Outcomes Associated with a Reflexology Treatment: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:1-16. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/502123
7.Quinn C, Chandler C, Moraska A. Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches. American Journal of Public Health. 2002;92(10):1657-1661. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447303/
8.Wang WL, Hung HY, Chen YR, et al. Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Adults: A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020;2020:1-21. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2654353

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One of the greatest benefits of in-home massage is that there’s no need to travel to receive a spa-quality massage. By ordering a massage to your home, you skip the inconvenience (and the frustration) of parking and driving immediately before or after a massage. Another benefit of enjoying a massage in the comfort of your home is that you can truly customize your experience. Whether you live in an expansive single-family home or a modest studio apartment, you can transform your home into a soothing oasis tailored perfectly to your taste.

Though a massage is sure to be a relaxing experience, there are several ways you can create a relaxing space by preparing for a massage in your home. We compiled our top seven tips to make your at-home massage prep easy

1. Set Aside Space

Clear six feet of space any place in your home that you feel comfortable. This can be in your living room, bedroom, or even backyard. Wherever you decide to set up, make sure that there will be sufficient space for the massage table and massage therapist to move around it. When preparing for massage, you’ll want to make sure your chosen spot is free from distractions like the TV, pets, and other family members so you can truly relax.

2. Give Yourself Privacy

Draw the curtains or blinds in the room you plan on getting your massage in so that you have complete privacy. If you have other family members at home with you, give them a heads up not to bother you until after your massage is complete. When your therapist is finished setting up, they will step into the restroom to wash their hands, giving you privacy to disrobe to your level of comfort and position yourself on the table. Please note, Soothe does not allow fully nude massages.

3. Take A Shower

As part of our Soothe Safe program, we ask that you please shower prior to your therapist’s arrival. Showering before your massage is an important part of upholding our community wellness standards. It also helps in preparing for massage, as the hot water will warm up your muscles and help you feel more refreshed and relaxed. Your therapist will appreciate your consideration, too!

4. Put On Comfortable Clothing

After you’ve showered, indulge in comfortable non-constricting clothing that you can remove easily when it’s time for your massage. Wearing a robe before and after your massage is always a treat. Our Soothe Swedish Robe is the perfect all-season option, with its textured, breathable fabric and comfortable kimono style. If you don’t have a robe, sweats are always a good option.

5. Check In With Your Body

When preparing for massage, take a moment before your session starts to scan your body, starting at the top of your head and extending to the tips of your toes. Do you feel any pain, tension, or stress in specific areas of your body? If so, be sure to tell your therapist so that they can focus on these problem areas.

Consider hydrating and eating a light meal before your massage. This can help you maximize your experience and relax your muscles during the massage. Avoid eating a heavy meal when preparing for a massage at home as it could be uncomfortable, but consider having a meal after the experience to unwind.

6. Silence Your Phone

Make sure to put your phone on silent or do-not-disturb once your therapist arrives. Hearing phone notifications or vibrations will distract your from truly relaxing during your massage.

7. Set the Mood

The final touch to creating a spa day at home is to emulate a spa experience. Our Soothe therapists come prepared with aromatherapy, oils, and music, but they are happy to use your products or music if you prefer. Lighting a candle can make your at-home massage experience a little more luxurious.

Now that you’ve transformed your home into a relaxation-ready oasis, get ready to unwind during your massage and learn how to stay relaxed long after your therapist says goodbye. Preparing for a massage in your home is simple and will make your massage that much more enjoyable.

Ready to book an at-home massage with Soothe? Our top-rated, independent professional massage therapists are available in your area. Book a massage appointment with Soothe today.

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When it comes to self-care, most men know that they should eat healthy, move their bodies, and do something for their mental health. But something that could be a key piece in completing this wellness puzzle is massage therapy.

Massages might evoke thoughts of fancy spa days, lemon water, and cucumber eye patches. But massages aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. And more importantly, they’re not just for women.

There are so many ways to reap the benefits of massage therapy for men, whether you’re looking to soothe overused muscles, find relief for a sore back, or simply de-stress. We’ll walk you through the different options for men’s massage and why you should consider adding into to your wellness routine.

The Benefits of Massages For Men

There are so many benefits to massage therapy for men, both physically and mentally. It can help with an old sports injury, tend to a tight neck, or lessen the stress of a hard week at work. Because of this range of benefits, massages for men can play a vital role in an overall self-care practice.

Generally, you’ll get the following physical and mental benefits from a massage session:

Physical Benefits

1. Less muscle tension. From intense workouts to hunching over a desk all day, muscles can become tight over time. Massage can help decrease muscle stiffness, returning them to their natural relaxed state.
2. Improved circulation. When blood flow is limited, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia will start to tense up and cause pain. Massage therapy addresses this by using techniques that increase blood flow.
3. Improved flexibility. Studies have found that post-exercise massage can lead to improvements in flexibility. By releasing muscle tension, you create more space for them to move, granting you more flexibility.
4. Reduced soreness. Massage can aid in reducing muscle aches. If you struggle with long bouts of soreness after the gym, consider adding a sports massage into your post-workout routine. 

Mental Benefits

1. Lowered stress. Stress commonly appears in our body through physical pain. A relaxing massage not only helps your muscles decompress, but it can also help your mind unwind.
2. Improved mood. You’re usually in a better mood when you’re less stressed and more relaxed! And let’s be honest; no one’s in a good mood when they have an aching back or a crick in their neck. A massage that addresses these issues can get you into a happier head space. 
3. Lessened anxiety. Although a massage may not cure anxiety, it has been shown to help relieve symptoms. Studies reveal that massage therapy can reduce anxiety and lessen depressive symptoms.

The Best Massages for Men

1. Swedish massage

One of the most common types of massage therapy, a Swedish massage uses gliding strokes and circular motions to work through your soft tissues and muscles. It focuses on relaxation and relieving muscle tension.

2. Deep tissue massage

This type of massage therapy is more intense than a Swedish massage, although it uses similar tactics. The massage therapist uses a higher pressure to get into the deeper layers of the muscles and fascia.

3. Sports massage

Although these are especially great for athletes, anyone can benefit from a sports massage. They can stimulate blood flow, aid in muscle recovery, address injuries, and loosen muscles. If you struggle with range of motion or mobility, this may be a good option for you.

4. Percussive massage

Percussive therapy has become more common with handheld devices like Theragun. By rapidly stimulating blood flow to a specific area, percussion therapy massage can be especially useful for athletes to warm up the muscles, deter lactic acid build-up, and stimulate recovery.

5. Chair massage

Try a chair massage if you need a quick, no-frills solution to relax your neck, shoulders, and upper body. You’ll sit on a special chair with a face rest while the therapist targets select areas. It can easily be done with clothes completely on, so getting in and out of the session is easy.

7. Facials

Although facials aren’t traditional massage, they’re often offered by spas. You can choose a specialty service that focuses on things like hydration, acne, aging, or general relaxation. And many spa services have specific men’s facials where you can work with your therapist to find a regime that works for you.

What To Expect During a Massage

If you’ve never had a massage before, you might have a few questions about the experience. Here are a few standard things you can expect from any type of massage service. 

A big part of massage therapy is helping you to relax. So, you can make a few decisions to make that happen. Choosing a reputable massage service or spa will ensure that you’re in the care of a professional. Then, you’ll likely be able to choose between a male or a female therapist if you prefer.

When it comes to disrobing, you’ll always have your personal areas covered with a towel or sheet. Depending on the type of massage, you may be more or less clothed. For example, you may be able to keep all your clothes on with a chair massage, but you’ll need to be more bare for a full-body table massage. 

As for the pressure applied during the massage, you can communicate with your therapist about what feels comfortable. That’s right, you’re allowed to talk during the service! Be open about what feels good, what could feel better, and most importantly, if anything hurts.

Finally, most massages use lotions and oils to enhance the experience. If you have any allergies or concerns about what’s being used, you can ask your therapist about it.

 Communicate and be open with your therapist to create the best experience possible.

With Soothe, you can easily book an at-home massage session with a licensed professional.  Simply click Book Now or download the Soothe app to get started.

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Neck pain is something all of us deal with at some point in life. Studies have proven that massage therapy may help improve a wide variety of different types of neck and shoulder pain. In fact, it’s usually one of the first treatments that come to mind when people experience mild and severe neck pain.

Neck pain is very common. One of the main reasons people experience neck pain is due to bad posture. In fact, nearly 1 in every 5 sessions of massage in the US are booked in order to resolve neck-pain symptoms. If you’re looking to book a massage due to your neck pain, you have a few different options to get relief.

In this article, we’ll be exploring how massage can help with different types of neck pain. If you’re booking a massage to get relief from your neck pain on the Soothe massage app, please make sure you let us know that you’re wanting to get a massage because of your neck pain. You can get the Soothe app on Google Play or Apple.

When it comes to relieving pain in the neck, there’s two types of massage that come to mind over others:

• Deep Tissue Massage: This type of massage uses deep pressure to relieve neck pain.
• Swedish Massage: This massage uses gentle strokes to relieve pain in your neck.

While it’s possible to use other massage types to reduce pain in the neck, these two are the most commonly used.

Here’s the link to book your neck massage with Soothe.

1. Massage for pinched nerves in the neck

Pinched nerves are typically caused by pressure placed on the nerve by joints, muscles, or other structures. Muscle tension and inflammation may be the cause of this pressure. Nerve impingement in either the brachial plexus – located in the shoulder – or disc herniation in the cervical spine can both lead to nerve pain in both the neck and shoulder.

Massage therapy can be a great choice for relieving inflammation in the neck, back, and shoulders, this can help reduce both nerve pain and pressure in those areas.

2. Frozen neck and an appropriate massage treatment

If you have a stiff neck, you already know that it can be a nuisance. While it shouldn’t be time to panic, if your neck stiffness gets worse, you may need to see your doctor. This condition can lead to a sensation of the neck being “frozen” in place, this will limit your movement and significantly affect your normal routine.

The good news, massage is one of the best alternative medicine approaches for treating neck stiffness. Massage can help you improve the mobility of your both neck mobility, which can help you reduce neck pain.

3. Neck strains, sprains, and spasms

Massage of the neck itself may exacerbate symptoms at first, but gentle massage of the back, arms, chest, and legs can also reduce pain in the neck. This is why the Swedish massage is great for neck, back, and shoulder pain. Myofascial release and thorough massage of all the neck, face, jaw, head and throat muscles, this can promote full healing and restore the normal functions of these areas.

For those of you that are active athletes, the right sports massage may be able to help. Sports massage therapy is specifically designed for men and women that live active lifestyles. This massage type has many benefits, so it may be worth exploring if you’re dealing with a neck injury, soreness, or pain.

4. Swedish massage for neck pain

Swedish massage has the ability to lengthen and relax muscles and tissues, this is why it’s a great massage to go with if you’re suffering from neck and shoulder pain. This trial showed notable symptom improvements for neck pain patients receiving Swedish massage on a regular basis. It also stated that patients receiving Swedish massages were able to reduce their pain medication more than other participants who did not receive massage therapy.

Not sure what type of massage to get? Check out our guide on different types of massages and learn how each unique massage can help.

5. Massage for pinched nerves in the shoulder causing neck pain

Pinched nerves can be painful. Even worse, they can cause pain in different areas of your body. For example, a pinched nerve in your back can cause pain in your hips and legs. Due to this, nerve injuries can be difficult to find relief from.

Studies have shown that massage has a positive effect in reducing chronic shoulder pain. Problems from nerves in the shoulder girdle, this is usually coming from the large nerve bundle called the brachial plexus. When this happens, it can lead to pain in the neck, it makes you believe that the neck is the original point of the pain.

When you visit your massage therapist, make sure you’re open and transparent with them. Let them know exactly how you feel. This will help them track down the original source of your pain so that you can find relief, whether it’s coming from the neck, shoulder, or elsewhere. This will also ensure you have the best possible experience.

More massage resources

Soothe has a large library of helpful articles and resources. Be sure to visit the Soothe Help Center here. There, you can find answers to some of the most common massage questions we’re asked.

Here’s some additional links you may find useful.

Book a massage with Soothe

Don’t forget about out Q&A Library also, here you’ll find some of the most common massage questions asked.

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Massage is a great tool for relaxation, pain relief, easing muscle tension and more. Learn more about the common types of massage and their benefits.

What is massage therapy?

Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With a goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries and support overall wellness.

Types of massage therapy

There’s a wide variety of different types of massage therapy, massages come in many different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the offerings you might find on a massage therapy menu.

Swedish massage

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed with life, this massage may be able to bring relief. A Swedish massage is the classic go-to for major relaxation. Swedish massage is typically a full-body massage that uses a soft, gentle touch. It’s a great choice for men and women that are brand new to massages. It can help calm your nervous system. Swedish massage is also a good avenue for encouraging a relaxed emotional state of mind which can directly impact your muscles. One of the best massages for both mental and physical rejuvenation.

Deep tissue massage

Repeated activity can make your muscles get tight, you’ll see this a lot with athletes and any person that is active. However, you can get tight muscles from less active activities, this can include driving, sitting, or working on the computer. Deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to release that tightness, which then can provide pain relief. This massage is a good fit for people with general muscle tightness and chronic muscle pain.

Sports massage

While sports massages and deep tissue massages are similar in many ways, they also differ. A sports massage will often focus on the muscles that take a beating when you play sports or do another repetitive physical activity. Athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person. A massage therapist with experience in sports massage can get in there to break up muscle tightness and address sports injuries.

Prenatal massage

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to a woman’s body, the added weight alone can cause foot pain, leg pain, hip pain, and lower back pain. Prenatal massages are great for helping moms-to-be relax and can help address the aches and pains of growing a baby. Prenatal massages are wonderful for taking pressure off the hips and can help with swelling in the feet and legs. And when mom is relaxed and feeling well, the baby benefits.

Trigger point massage

Trigger points, or knots in your neck and back, are caused by tiny muscle spasms or tight spots in the tissue. In a trigger-point massage, the therapist uses direct pressure to target those spots and improve blood flow to the areas so they can release. This type of massage can be helpful for people with chronic pain.

Lymphatic massage

Lymphatic fluid has a number of important functions, two important ones include maintaining fluid levels and removing waste products from the body. Lymphatic massage uses a soft touch that’ll help your lymphatic fluid move through the body easier. Lymphatic massage is a great option for people with inflammation and arthritis. It can also be beneficial to people who have had mastectomies, which usually involves the removal of lymph nodes.

Myofascial release

The fascia refers to a web of connective tissue under the skin, it supports the muscles and allows a person to move freely. With a myofascial release, your massage therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and fascia, this is done to work out tightness and tension. This specific massage type is considered to be a form of deep stretching and is often used together with other therapeutic massage techniques. Myofascial release are good for reducing tightness in your back, neck, and shoulders.

Hot stone massage

A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body. If a person is experiencing muscle tightness and pain, insomnia, soreness, or stress, you may want to consider trying a hot stone massage. During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat.

Health benefits of massage

As we learn more about massage therapy and continue to run studies, we’re learning that massage has many benefits. Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but it has been noted to help people that suffer from conditions that include cancer, heart disease, stomach problems, inflammation, and fibromyalgia. Before you get your massage, be sure you talk to your massage therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session. You should also consult with your doctor to ensure a massage will be safe for you.

Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.

Reduces stress and anxiety

That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a study found. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of anxiety and stress.

Reduce pain, muscle tension and tightness

Many studies have been published that show massage may help reduce pain that includes acute back pain, neck pain, headaches and knee pain. While those results will favor that the relief is short-term, other cases receiving multiple 60-minute massage sessions a few times a week showed longer-term relief.

Improves sleep

Massage has the ability to decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body, it can also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, these are known neurotransmitters that can stabilize your mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to menopause and congestive heart failure.

Improved blood circulation

Does massage help improve your blood circulation? A 2020 study found that a five minute manual leg massage could significantly increase circulation not only in the affected limb, but in the surrounding areas as well. A 2010 study came to a similar conclusion. Researchers measured the mean skin temperature of 17 healthy volunteers who underwent a 20 minute neck and shoulder massage session. In most cases, the increase in blood flow in the treated and adjacent areas has persisted long after the treatment was finished. 

Improves immune function

Is it possible to boost your immune system with massage? This study suggested that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood cells, this specific type of blood cells is what attacks bad viruses in your body so you can heal and get better.

Improve energy

Studies have proven that massage therapy is good for you – we do know that it can reduce our fatigue. While massage does not directly increase energy, it helps reduce fatigue and may decrease symptoms that take our energy away, this can result in you feeling better. Studies have taught us that massage therapy can increase circulation, reduce pain and stress, improve our sleep quality and help with our immunity – all of these make us feel better, more energized and less fatigued.

Constipation relief

For anyone that has been dealing with constipation after surgery, this study showed that an abdominal massage may help you with bowel movements. Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the United States. Approximately 16 out of every 100 American adults experience symptoms caused by constipation.

Regular massages can relieve constipation by helping you release gas and waste products. They may also help treat any underlying or accompanying conditions. For example, regular massage can reduce stress and in turn reduce pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Reduce fibromyalgia symptoms

When it comes to improving mood, sleep, and memory, these studies have shown that using massage regularly for over 5 weeks may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, this is a chronic illness that causes muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue. This study saw similar results – it shown massage therapy can be effective in easing pain for people who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Relieving cancer pain

For men and women that are taking cancer treatments, the physical, mental, and emotional toll is unprecedented. No words can describe what they’re feeling. Many have turned to massage to help lessen cancer pain, increase relaxation and improve quality of life.

There’s been a fair amount of studies that have been performed to see if massage can help reduce cancer pain. While some of these studies have suggested that massage therapy doesn’t improve cancer pain – others have shown a positive impact.

Who should try massage therapy?

A lot of you reading this article can benefit from massage — it’s a great way to improve wellness, help with pain, ease stress, and much more. If you do have a medical issue, please make sure you check with your doctor and have a conversation with your massage therapist.

For any of you that are pregnant, prenatal massages are safe. In fact, they can be healthy for you and the baby. We still recommend consulting with your treating doctor to ensure massage will be safe for you prior to booking a prenatal massage.

If you do have any questions about massage therapy that weren’t answered here, please be sure to check out our Help Center.

Not sure what type of massage is right for you? No worries, you don’t need find the perfect massage prior to booking an appointment. Many massage therapists specialize in using multiple massage techniques to address your unique concerns. This is why it’s important to tell your massage therapist exactly how you feel, that way they can treat your specific conditions and you can experience a great beneficial massage therapy session.

The different types of massage aren’t exclusive from one another. A massage therapist uses a combination of techniques to help you relax, get rid of tight muscles and address other concerns.

Try a massage with Soothe

Did you know that the Soothe Network of massage therapists are professionally licensed? It’s true, all Soothe massage therapists are required to have a license prior to joining. This ensures you’re going to get a certified therapists for your massage therapy.

And since you can book your massage right at home, you’re just a few clicks away from a professional massage at home! Here’s the link to book your massage.

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