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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Above all else, doing what makes you feel good and brings you joy should be prioritized. As proponents of prioritizing self-care overall, Soothe put together a few seasonal winter self-care ideas to try out.

Winter Self-Care Ideas to Try

Keep Your Immune System Strong

Winter is a time when our immune systems may be tested. You’re likely hard-pressed to find fresh, local foods to add to your diet, but looking out for seasonal and nutrient-rich foods such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, staying hydrated, and getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night can help.

Be Kind to Yourself

It can be easy to feel the blues with the lack of vibrancy and light that the other three seasons tend to give Americans, and you should give yourself grace because of it. Recognize that this is a season where it is perfectly fine to slow down and practice not only mindfulness but self-compassion as well. This will allow you to feel your best without overextending yourself.

Find Joy in Movement-Even Indoors

While winter weather conditions may discourage you from partaking in outdoor workouts consistently, maintaining a fitness routine is vital for your overall health. If activities outdoors like walking, skiing or snowshoeing are out, consider swapping outdoor activities for options such as stretching, yoga, indoor workout classes, or other low-impact exercises to keep your muscles active and your mood elevated. 

Hydrate and Nourish Your Skin

Cold, dry air can take a toll on your skin. The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Hydration should be a priority, meaning you should not only drink plenty of water for your body to function properly but also utilize moisturizing skincare products to protect and soothe your skin. Incorporating nourishing treatments such as a hydrating facial can also help you look and feel your best for the winter holidays. 

A Hydrating Facial from Soothe provides deep moisturization, replenishes your skin’s natural barrier, and restores that healthy glow. Delivered by a licensed professional in the comfort of your home, it’s the perfect way to combat winter dryness while indulging in a moment of self-care.

Go Outside 

While this might be a bit of a difficult task when it comes to cold weather self-care, going outside, even just for a short walk may just be what you need to keep your “chill”. Sunlight, even for a short period, can make a difference in boosting your mood and allowing you to reconnect with nature. You may want to also consider light therapy to supplement the lack of sun during this time of year.

Protect Your Mental Health During the Colder Winter Months

Cold weather and being short on daylight can impact your mood. Many individuals experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can be difficult at times to manage. When you’re able to, integrating some of the options mentioned above can help bolster your mood.

Add Massages to Your Winter Self-Care Routine

Winter is the perfect time to add massages to your self-care routine as we move into 2025. Whether it’s to ease tension from the cold or just to relax and de-stress, a massage is an excellent way to stay warm and refreshed. Soothe makes it easy to enjoy these benefits with professional, on-demand massage services tailored to your needs.

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 after shoveling too much snow or simply want a moment of relaxation solely focused on you, Soothe offers personalized, mobile massage services that come to you whenever, wherever. Let this winter be the season where you prioritize yourself.

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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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Let’s walk through the key differences between acupressure therapy and reflexology massage therapy so you can head into your next massage appointment with confidence.

What Is Acupressure Therapy?

Acupressure therapy is a technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a focus on putting pressure on various parts of the body to balance the body’s energy, also referred to as Qi. These various parts are along energy pathways referred to as meridians.¹

The Origins of Acupressure

The origins of acupressure historically take us back from the modern day to the following countries and regions: Egypt, China, and Japan. Despite its ancient origins, there is a universal understanding across all three areas that the body’s energy and pressure points are essential to maintain one’s health and well-being.³

In China, this methodology was linked closely to acupuncture, but instead of needles being utilized, practitioners used manual pressure to stimulate specific points along a body’s meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) points to these meridians as pathways for energy, or Qi, to flow. When this energy is out of balance, it could lead to pain or illness. Acupressure is seen as a method to restore harmony to that flow of energy.¹

Shiatsu is a variant of acupressure coming from Japan that leverages the entire hand and other body parts to apply pressure to specific points on the body. This is typically done through clothing without oils on the body.²

There also is a theory that links the concept of stimulating specific points on the body back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians worked on zone therapy, believing that applying pressure to certain areas of the feet could affect the health of corresponding organs throughout the body.³

How Acupressure Therapy Works:

Following TCM, when the flow of the body’s energy is blocked, it is believed that this can lead to pain or other illnesses. The way that this energy is released is by applying targeted pressure to specific areas along the body such as meridians, using specialized tools, fingers, palms, or elbows.¹

Potential Benefits of Acupressure

Acupressure is something that can be generally applied as an alternative therapy for several conditions. While more research is needed to back up these claims, the research is currently still in early development when it comes to acupressure points. When in doubt, always consult your medical team before booking an acupressure appointment. Here is a short list of some potential benefits of acupressure:

• Postoperative relief¹
• Nausea and vomiting⁴
• Relief after chemotherapy¹
• Improve motion sickness symptoms¹
• Pain¹

What Happens During an Acupressure Session?

During an acupressure session, an acupressure practitioner will apply pressure to certain areas of the body with fingers, palms, elbows, or other tools.  Here is a general outline of what a session could look like for you:¹

At the beginning of your acupressure session, your practitioner 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 the correct areas of your body.

The environment will be relaxing, much like a spa. Picture dim lighting, calming music, and possibly aromatherapy to create a soothing atmosphere. You’ll remain fully clothed, seated or lying down, while the practitioner uses their fingers, palms, or elbows to apply pressure to specific acupoints. These points are chosen based on the body’s energy pathways to promote healing and balance.

The practitioner will use firm pressure, circular motions, and sometimes tapping to stimulate different acupoints. The session may involve various techniques such as holding or pressing acupoints for several seconds to release energy blockages and relieve pain or tension.

The sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, and many people leave feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. The recommended frequency of sessions depends on your health needs, whether that’s weekly, monthly, or occasionally for maintenance.

After your session, you might experience mild effects like temporary fatigue or emotional release, but these are normal and usually fade quickly as your body adjusts to the treatment.

Acupressure vs Reflexology: What’s the Difference?

The Basics of Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, or ears to promote relaxation and overall wellness. Unlike massage therapy, reflexology focuses on stimulating pressure points rather than manipulating muscles. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional medical treatments, but reflexologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions directly.

Comparing Techniques: Acupressure vs. Reflexology

Acupressure and reflexology are not the same. Both are complementary therapies that use targeted pressure for relaxation, but they differ in focus. Acupressure focuses on balancing the body’s energy, like the back and the shoulders. Reflexology massage, on the other hand, focuses more on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears that are believed to correspond to different organs and systems of the body.

Both acupressure and reflexology offer unique approaches to achieving relaxation and improving overall health, making them excellent options for those seeking alternative therapies. Whether you’re looking to balance your body’s energy through acupressure or target reflex points to reduce tension with reflexology, incorporating these therapies into your wellness routine can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. At Soothe, we bring the spa experience to you, offering professional and personalized massage services all targeted for your relaxation needs.

Bibliography

1.Stuart A. Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment. WebMD. Published October 31, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/balance/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment

2.Boyle K, Tee-Melegrito RA. Shiatsu massage: Definition, benefits and techniques. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Published May 10, 2022. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/shiatsu-massage

3.Sergeant R. A Journey through the History and Origins of Reflexology. The Good Zest Company. Published January 4, 2024. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.thegoodzestcompany.co.uk/blogs/zesty-news/a-journey-through-the-history-and-origins-of-reflexology

4.Lee A, Fan LT. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Lee A, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd003281.pub3

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