Massage Service

Sports Massage in Salt Lake City

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Sports Massage, Therapy Sports Injury, Zen Massage , , , , , 0 Comment

Sports Massage in Salt Lake City

Today’s athletes expect the most out of their bodies to perform at maximum efficiency. This can cause serious stress to be put on the body which in turn can cause muscle fatigue and even serious injury. Sports massage therapy is specialized massage therapy that identifies the muscle group in need of repair and works to minimize the stress put on the body by aggressive training. At Zen Massage, we help athletes maintain peak efficiency and recovery with targeted sports massage therapy at our Salt Lake City massage studio.

Sports Massage Therapy for the pros or the weekend warrior

You don’t have to play for the Utah Jazz to receive sports massage therapy in Salt Lake City. At ZEN Massage, our massage therapists can help everyone, including amateur athletes, weekend warriors, and daily joggers.

Reduce sports injuries and get back in the game faster

Frequent injuries and repeated motions can cause chronic pain and restrict your range of motion. If your body isn’t prepared to perform at its peak, you can be sure that you won’t reach the level of performance you desire. Our sports massage methods put emphasis on preventing injury and healing the stressed muscles and tendons by stimulating blood circulation in the affected area. At ZEN Massage, our sports massage therapy addresses the areas of motion which you use frequently to promote faster recovery and flexibility.

Perform at your best

If you are expecting to compete in an event, a preventative, stimulating massage will direct the blood flow to the areas of the body that are going to be used. This ensures that your blood is pumping, your muscles are ready, and you have a full range of motion to compete at your best.

After the big game or an especially grueling workout, there is nothing better for your muscles than a therapeutic sports massage. When you’re working at your best, your muscles are taking the beating of a lifetime. To prevent injury and promote muscle recovery, a post-event sports massage will repair muscles and normalize the body’s tissues.

Rehab from sports injuries

One of the most popular uses for sports massage is for the rehabilitation of a previous injury. Nothing slows you down like chronic pain from an old injury. Our massage therapists work on the injury location as well as on the muscle groups associated with the injury that may be causing additional pain from over-compensation due to the injury.

The massage therapists at ZEN Massage are ready to get you back in playing form. Contact us about our Sports Massage Therapy in Salt Lake City today!

Sports / Injury Therapy — 45 minutes for $65

Zen Massage in Salt Lake City give us a call (801) 467-3529

New Year, New You

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Specials, Massage Therapy, Specials, Zen Massage , , , , 0 Comment
New Year, New You 20% off all massage bookings in January
The new year is a time for reflection, resolutions, and turning over a new leaf.
At Zen Massage, we want to encourage you to pamper yourself and your loved ones, which is why we’re offering 20% off all massages booked by January 31st.
Call Today to book your session and mention this promotion. (801) 467-3529
A new year means a new you. Start if off right; don’t miss out on all our massage options—20% off Through January 31st. Check out our services
BOOK NOW
(801) 467-3529

De-Stress at the Office with Chair Massage

Amanda Sullivan Corporate Massage, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, seasonal stress, Zen Massage , , , 0 Comment
Onsite Chair Massage by Zen Massage
Onsite convenience, in studio quality

De-Stress at the Office with Chair Massage

Hello, Salt Lake,

Here we are and 2019 is coming to a close but before we say hello to 2020, it’s a good time to stop and take a moment to shake off all the build-up from 2019. After all, it’s best to begin the New Year with a refreshed, stress-free mind and body!

Workplace issues are one of the most common causes of stress in life. Whether it’s because of internal conflicts, boring routine, or that annoying coworker in the next cubicle- it’s inevitable. Luckily, job stress is a problem that can be resolved in many ways.

Here are a few ideas any organization can use to help start off 2020 on the right foot.

  • Holiday Incentives

Providing incentives doesn’t have to mean going “all-out” and giving every worker you have a huge monetary bonus. If you’re a start-up company or you’re simply on a budget, that’s just not realistic. But Holiday incentives can be something as simple as a handmade gift, a surprise potluck, or maybe even some free movie tickets so employees can take their loved ones out during the holidays. It’s the little things!

  •   Office Parties

Why do employees go out for drinks during the weekends? To wind down after a hectic week, of course! Imagine the kind of stress that accumulates from an entire YEAR if some of your employees don’t take those opportunities. Throwing a New Year’s party back at the office or at a nearby spot would let your employees mingle and have a chance to “let their hair down” as a group. This can give them a chance to dance off all the stress they accumulated throughout the year, a chance to build up morale with co-workers, and helps them start the New Year off on the right foot, as a team!

  •   Change of Scenery

A simple change in the ambiance for the New Year can make a huge difference. Humans are visual creatures, and it’s amazing how much our environment can affect us. Adding motivational posters, new art, or positive decor brightens up the workspace and brings a fresh feel to the office.

  •   On-Site Chair Massage

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a Zen Massage Therapist come into your office and give you a relaxing chair massage? Corporate chair massage is among the strongest statements a company can make to underscore a commitment to a safe, healthy, stress-free workplace. It’s no surprise that many businesses on Fortune-500 magazine’s list of “Top 100 companies to work for” have offered chair massage to their employees and many keep chairs and therapists on-site year-round to provide ongoing stress and muscle relief for their staff.

Onsite Chair Massage by Zen Massage

Onsite convenience, in studio quality

ZEN Massage takes corporate chair massage very seriously. For the perfect chair massage, it is not enough for us to simply apply table massage principles to a seated position. In order to maximize the therapeutic effect of our chair massage, we had to abandon the notion that chair massage was universal. In fact, everything from the height of the chair, therapist, and client, to the angle of the face rest plays a significant role in how our clients feel. We also understand that simply applying pressure to a muscle without stretching it has minimal therapeutic effect, so the founding principles in ZEN Massage had to be re-invented with the chair in mind. Ultimately, we succeeded in translating the amazing effectiveness of ZEN massage to a seated application with no loss of therapeutic effect. Contact us today about our corporate massage service in Salt Lake City. Your employees will thank you!

Corporate Services https://zenmassage.net/corporate/ 

  • On-Site Office Chair Massage
  • Conventions and Booth Staffing
  • Parties, Receptions, Conferences
  • Sporting Events
  • On-going Corporate Contracts

Zen Massage of Salt Lake City

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy,

Salt Lake City, Utah 84117

Amazing Benefits of Consistent Massage

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Amazing Benefits of Consistent Massage

Most of us have experienced that sense of relaxation and wellbeing that sets in after one massage. But have you thought about the benefits of enjoying massage on a regular basis? 

Massage is a great mode of preventative care when used on a consistent basis. In fact, in many cultures, use it every day. 

Receiving massage on a regular basis comes with amazing benefits for your body:

Increase in ‘Happy Hormones’

Massage boosts levels of the hormones serotonin and oxytocin and combats the creation of the stress hormone cortisol. Serotonin sends your body a calming message and oxytocin makes you feel better overall. Massage helps to regulate these hormones levels.

Reduce Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can come from sitting at a desk all day, having poor posture, or from an injury.  Massage helps increase blood flow throughout the entire body, it reduces inflammation and pain. Massage also helps to move toxins from the muscles, which promotes healing from generalized muscle tension or injury.

Improved Flexibility

Massage therapy is a fantastic way to maintain and improve flexibility as well as range of motion. Massage modalities like sports and deep tissue focus on muscle tension, connective tissues, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Getting massage on a regular basis will help keep your joints in good health and your muscles agile.

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Pressure applied during a massage triggers the creation of melatonin, the hormone your body releases for quality sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, get a massage right before bed.

Chronic Headache Relief

Headaches are often caused by stress, depleted energy, or poor circulation. Because massage improves blood flow to the heart and releases hormones that are effective in producing relaxation, a massage can be just the thing to kick your headaches for good.

Strengthened Immune System

Massage boosts your immune system by helping to release illness fighting white blood cells. These blood cells will help your immune system fight the common cold or flu, as well as promote overall wellness.

So, the benefits of enjoying a massage on a regular basis speak for themselves.

Working with the same massage therapist regularly can similarly enhance your wellbeing. It allows them to gauge your overall muscle health on a more consistent basis. They will become familiar with any problem areas or personal preferences you might have, making the massage experience that much more powerful.

Get Consistent Massages with a ZEN MEMBERSHIP 

Monthly Maintenance Massage Membership 

Join Zen Massage Membership with an introductory $50 Massage (normally $65), when you sign up for a 12-month massage membership.

Don’t think of massages as one-time treats, indulgences, or rewards for a tough week. Regular therapeutic services truly elevate your everyday life, smoothing out the rough spots, helping you be your best and making it easier to deal with life’s curveballs. 
At Zen Massage, we offer a lifestyle, a better way to live. Our Membership Programs are designed to facilitate an overall feeling of well-being that gets even better with each session. 
Become a Member today and experience first-hand that life feels better when lived at it’s fullest.
12-month Massage Membership details – 60 Minute Massage – $65 Per Month with a 12-month membership.
Call Today to Sign up for your Membership (801) 467-3529

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TO HEALTH & WELLNESS 

Membership Information and Terms:

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Zen Massage in Salt Lake City – (801) 467-3529

Book My Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Massage Basics

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Massage Basics

Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. There are several types of massage that focus on different parts of the body or healing approaches. Keep reading and decide which type of massage might be right for you.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s ideal for people who:

  • are new to massage
  • have a lot of tension
  • are sensitive to touch

It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.

For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you may choose to keep your underwear on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while lying on the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover areas that they are actively working on.

The massage therapist will use a combination of:

  • kneading
  • long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart
  • deep circular motions
  • vibration and tapping
  • passive joint movement techniques

Usually, a Swedish massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It eases muscle tension, improves blood flow, and relieves pain by using heated stones. Hot stone massage may help:

  • ease muscle tension
  • improve blood flow
  • alleviate pain
  • promote relaxation
  • relieve stress

During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas around your whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques using gentle pressure. Sometimes cold stones are also used.

You don’t wear clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfortable wearing your underwear. You will be covered with a sheet. Usually, the massage is 90 minutes long.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massages are best for people who want to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help:

  • boost your mood
  • reduce stress and anxiety
  • reduce symptoms of depression
  • relieve muscle tension
  • relieve pain

Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.

During the massage, you’ll be given a full-body massage while inhaling essential oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothing other than underwear, which is optional.

An aromatherapy massage is 60–90 minutes.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.

During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear.

The massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness.

Sports massage

Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.

A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs.

You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to wear clothing, make sure it’s thin, loose, and allows the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are options.

The massage will last for 60–90 minutes.

Trigger point massage

Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain.

Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, deeper pressure. The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage or be fully or partially undressed.

This type of massage will usually last for 60–90 minutes.

Reflexology

Reflexology is best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option if you aren’t comfortable being touched on your entire body. Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your legs.

A reflexology massage lasts for 30–60 minutes.

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:

  • promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation
  • helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
  • may relieve headache
  • reduces muscle tension

Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas of your body that need extra attention. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage.

Shiatsu massages typically last for 60–90 minutes.

Couple’s massage

A couple’s massage is a massage that you do with your partner, friend or family member in the same room. It brings all the benefits of a regular massage and sometimes provides you with access to the spa’s hot tubs, saunas, and other facilities. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are sometimes offered as part of a package.

You can usually choose which type of massage you’d like to receive, and you and your partner can each get a different type of massage depending on your preference and the offerings at the spa. Your partner and you will be on tables side-by-side, and you’ll each have your own massage therapist working on your body. You can talk during the massage if you wish.

Chair massage

A chair massage is best for people who want a quick massage that focuses on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can also be a way to introduce you to massage if you’ve never had one before. Chair massage also helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage uses light to medium pressure.

During the massage, you’ll remain fully clothed and sit in a specially designed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest pushes into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.

These massages are usually 10–30 minutes.

Communication 

Always communicate your expectations and intentions with your massage therapist and speak up if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Talk to your doctor before getting any type of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions.

Massage may be a way for you to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Experiment with different types of massage and with different massage therapists to find the type and provider that is most ideal for you.

Zen Massage Therapists, Salt Lake City

When it comes to massage therapy, no amount of exotic marble, fountains, lights, and monograms on fancy terrycloth robes and slippers can equal the skilled, experienced hands of a master massage therapist. A luxurious interior can make a great impression, but when you’re back in your clothes again walking out the door, the only thing that matters is how you feel in the real world. The quality of any spa experience is quite literally in the hands of the therapist. Nobody understands this better than ZEN Massage of Salt Lake City. Our partner-therapists make ZEN Massage what it is. We partner with only the best therapists who share a sincere passion for the craft of healing and the art of massage. But most of all, our partner-therapists are approachable. They know how to listen and to understand. They want to make you feel great. They enjoy what they do because they do it exceptionally well.  

Book My Zen Massage

Zen Massage in Salt Lake City

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

(801) 467-3529

 

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Recurring Pain | Deep Tissue Massage

Amanda Sullivan Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Therapy Sports Injury, Zen Massage , , , , 0 Comment

Deep Tissue Massage in Murray, UT.

When recurring pain is an issue for you, one of the best treatment methods for many, is deep tissue massage. At Zen Massage Salt Lake, our goal is to give every patient relief and relaxation from their busy, tense life to slow down and address the issues that have built up in their body and mind. We are confident that you will walk away from every treatment feeling relaxed and restored.

 

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is one of our most popular forms of massage – it focuses on firm pressure and includes many of the same strokes as Swedish massage. Deep tissue massages usually consist of firm pressure being applied slowly, over time, with the goal of fascial and myofascial release.

There are many myths that circle the practice of deep massage, one of them being that the pressure is very intense. While it is true that deep tissue massage utilizes firm pressure, we at Zen Massage understand that everyone is unique and has varying degrees of comfort regarding what is enjoyable. We understand that the key to your enjoyment of any massage is going at a pace that suits you. We gently apply pressure in a slow, consistent manner and encourage your feedback throughout the process, which allows us to fine tune every single massage to your particular comfort level.

 

Deep Tissue Massage Offers Pain Relief

If you suffer from pain or discomfort in your shoulders, neck, or back, deep tissue massage is a fantastic way to treat you. While the areas above of the body are what most people associate with the practice of deep tissue massage the reality is that we can treat many issues in most regions of the body using this technique. Because we are well-versed in a variety of massage techniques, we can utilize many different methods during a single session to resolve any pain issues you may be experiencing.

 

Pain Caused By Outdoor Activities Can Easily Be Treated With Deep Tissue Massage

At Zen Massage Salt Lake, we are all about the mountains. We love to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us in this wonderful corner of the world! Whether it be an ache or pain caused by playing sports with friends, or a twisted ankle sustained on a lofty mountain trail, we get it! Let us know what you do, and we will let you know how we can help to get you back in perfect condition for every season.

Deep Tissue Massage in Salt Lake City –  Zen Massage

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Massage Therapy for Sports Injuries: Knee Pain

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Massage therapy methods used to release tension around the knee and how acute or insidious knee injuries are treated. 

Knee pain is frustrating, especially when it starts to compromise your form and hinder you from performing at your best. If you have a sports related knee injury, I suggest you treat it now. Don’t wait. Your body needs knees to function properly.

As the age-old song implies, your knees are indeed connected to the rest of your body. And the longer you try to push through the knee pain, the more likely you’ll be to find yourself seeking treatment later on for compensatory pain in your neck, shoulder, back, hip, arch, foot or toe.

Massage therapy is a great way to treat and better understand the root of your knee pain.

Is the Injury Acute or Insidious?

Acute Problem

Was the pain sudden? Did pain occur following a quick movement, forceful fall, knee twist, kick to the side of the knee, etc? This is an acute injury and you should see a medical professional immediately, as there might be a diagnosis of torn meniscus, muscle strain or ligament injury. In the meantime, RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate) is the way to go. Massage Therapy at this phase should only be gentle and light with a goal to promote lymphatic circulation and minimize swelling.

Insidious Problem

Or maybe your knee pain started as a niggling vague annoyance? Perhaps the trigger was an old ankle injury, minor knee sprain in high school, a bad fall some years ago (that you thought healed just fine), or even poor posture? This type of knee injury is considered to be chronic or insidious. Micro-trauma accumulates over time. If left untreated, the condition fueled by progressive muscle imbalance and chronic inflammation around the knee can turn into a full-blown acute injury.

Assessment & Treatment

Massage therapists try to unravel and release structures around your knee that are likely to exacerbate pain. Techniques like effleurage, petrissage, muscle stripping, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, cross-fiber friction, and ischemic compression are used to restore integrity and balance to the knee joint.

There are lots of contributing factors making every person’s knee injury unique. An orthopedic-trained Massage Therapist should first do a simple assessment, and then make a plan of action to work and build from.

The assessment gathers info about your injury history, pain patterns, joint movement and postural alignment. We also assess the length, strength and quality/feel/composition of the muscles and structures around your injured knee, and beyond into your hips, spine and ankles.

Therapists use clues like pain location, simple movements that recreate symptoms, and palpation as a starting point for relieving knee pain.

Conclusion

Massage Therapy for sports-related knee pain 1-2 times per week with the same therapist for at least 3 weeks to determine its effectiveness for your injury is recommended.

Massage Therapy for knee pain is ideal in conjunction with a corrective exercise plan designed by a chiropractor with a sports injury specialty or a physical therapist.

You’ll be a happier person and perhaps a better athlete if you aim to understand what’s causing your knee pain and treat it properly.

 

For professional Sports Massage in Salt Lake City Contact Zen Massage

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Men, Women & Massage

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Everybody needs a massage, but men and women tend to get massages for different reasons.

Massage is a truly natural form of therapy that can address and relieve symptoms of all sorts of health complications.

While self-care is the main reason for massage, there are many other benefits that come along for men and women.  

Men often don’t get massages as frequently as they should. Here are some reasons men should be getting a massage on a regular basis.

  • Workout recovery
  • Mood Boost
  • Fewer gray hairs
  • Cure desk stiffness
  • Be comfortable in your own skin
  • Improved flexibility
  • Better sleep
  • Cardiovascular wellness
  • Manage back pain

Gentlemen, what are you waiting for? Book your Zen Massage today.

Women tend to think about getting a massage as pampering – like it’s some kind of indulgent luxury. Massage is a service that focuses on you. It gives you time to relax and let the stress melt away. You and your masseur work together to identify the areas where your stress hides, relieving you of physical pain and clearing your mind so you can tackle any task.

More than anything, women report feeling revitalized after a massage. If that’s not enough, here are the top reasons women should be getting massages regularly. 

  • Manage Stress
  • Make You Look Younger
  • Reduced Use of Painkillers
  • After Pregnancy Massage
  • Increased Energy Levels
  • Boost Your Immune System
  • Relieve Anxiety and Depression

Think about what your body does when you are down in the dumps. You might feel achy and weak, your shoulders droop, you drag your feet and you slump over. Massage experts call this a “structural collapse” that happens when we feel depressed.

Massage tends to address many symptoms that are a result of anxiety or depression. It may help to lower blood pressure levels, alleviate tough headaches, improve breathing, settle your nerves and more.

Makeup artist Gucci Westman told the Wall Street Journal that she often gives fashion models facial massages before they walk down the runway. “For early morning shows when everyone’s puffy and not quite awake, facial massage is like coffee for the skin. Everything comes to life.” 

Ladies, what are you waiting for? Book your Zen Massage today.

 

These benefits are only the beginning of what massage can do for your body and your life.

What benefits do you know about?

What have you experienced as a result of massage?

 

Book Your ZEN Massage in SLC today!

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Massaging the Psoas

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How Massage Therapists Treat Psoas

The psoas is a deep-seated core muscle connecting the lumbar vertebrae to the femur. The psoas major is the biggest and strongest player in a group of muscles called the hip flexors: together they contract to pull the thigh and the torso toward each other.

It is one of the more sensitive areas a Massage Therapist can treat. Getting in and working on the psoas is a skill in itself. It takes practice and some clear communication with your patient.

I want to share a technique that is as useful as it is uncomfortable, this is the way I used to do it.

The psoas has spinal attachments and is more than just a hip flexor. Some studies think it functions as a stabilizer. Since it attaches to the spine, the only way to release it manually is to go DEEP.

This technique will help:

  • Female runners with SI problems (lack of hip extension causing SI and lumbar hypermobility, plus inhibition of hip abductor/extensors)
  • Older patients with stenosis (lack of hip extension causes lumbar hyperextension, further closing the stenosis)
  • Hip capsular patterns – will improve hip external rotation
  • Posteriorly rotated ilium
  • Pt’s with diffuse anterolateral thigh complaints from compression of femoral nerve
  • Pt’s with spondylolisthesis may help in conjunction with soft tissue work to the paraspinals.
  • And a stabilization program

Your patient should lay supine with knees and hips flexed. Use an even finger grip, both 3rd and 4th fingertips with your elbows flared out so that your fingertips have even contact. Start about 2-3″ laterally to the umbilicus and slowly move from superficial to deep until you can’t move any further.

The abdominal contents will move out of the way. If you move too quickly, you will activate the rectus abdominus and the contraction will push you out.

How do you know you’re on it?

Here are two signs to make sure:

  • It’s not pulsing, if it is, go more lateral as you’re on the descending aorta!
  • Ask the patient to slightly flex their hip; as soon as they do, you should feel it contract under your fingertips

Start with oscillations, and you can progress to functional release movements starting with heelslide (you push proximally as patient slides heel distally), ipsilateral upper extremity elevation, combination upper extremity elevation and heelslide, then anterior pelvic tilts.

The last is the most uncomfortable, and maybe even the first time you can get a patient to posteriorly pelvic tilt correctly, as they want to move away from your hands! Perform for 5-7 minutes or until you feel a change. Reassess function, ROM, special test, or however you came to the conclusion the patient had a restricted psoas to begin with.

Techniques For Massage Therapists To Work Psoas Pain Free

Let’s be clear, you are nowhere near the psoas when doing a release, but this is the new way I do it.

I am just targeting the area around and above, and am very general to release lower quarter tone anteriorly, that’s about it.

Why you should use this

  • it doesn’t hurt
  • it rapidly improves hip and lumbar motion
    • if a patient needs sidegliding in standing for an ipsilateral lower quadrant issue, but is unable to move without discomfort

Patient:

  • supine, in hooklying
  • at least the involved lower extremity needs to be bent at the hip and knee

MT:

  • standing on the involved side
  • use either the pads of digits 3-4 of both hands or even easier, an EDGE Mobility Ball (any ball will do)
  • assess resistance to superficial to deep pressure lateral to the umbilicus on one side versus the other
  • the side with increased resistance is the side you should treat

Technique:

  • lightly apply superficial to deep pressure, it SHOULD NOT cause any pain
  • at the point of resistance that is highest, have the patient complete 3-5 diaphragmatic breaths
  • make sure they exhale fully
  • the exhalation will help reduce tone autonomically

re-test the limited hip and/or lumbar motion.

As it is with so many other techniques in Massage Therapy communication and consent is key. Make sure when attempting this treatment that if you feel the pulse, you move off of it quickly as you do not want to compress the descending aorta. Whether you’re helping someone with stenosis, spondylolisthesis or just SI issues treating the psoas can give you and your patients greater success in treatment. 

Source: MTDC

 

Book Your Massage in SLC today!

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy
Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Stealing a Little Time for Yourself, Guilt Free

Amanda Sullivan Blog, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy, seasonal stress, Zen Massage , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment

Making Time for Yourself Can Greatly Improve Your Relationships

Whether you’re single, married, or in a relationship, the demands of life and the expectations of those nearest and dearest to your heart can make finding time for yourself a huge challenge. Between dedicating time to parents, children, partners, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, and work, it’s hard to even dream of stealing a little time for yourself.

Couple that with the guilt that many people, especially women, experience when they manage to find a few moments of time for themselves, and it becomes clear why so many people feel that finding time for themselves isn’t worth the effort. But worth the effort it is, and not only because of the personal benefits you’ll reap. Alone time has interpersonal benefits as well.

Personal Benefits of Solitude

Taking time for yourself gives your brain a chance to reboot, improves concentration, increases productivity, helps you discover (or rediscover) your own voice, gives you a chance to think deeply, and helps you problem solve more effectively. It also gives you a better sense of balance and self-awareness that can lead to a better understanding of yourself–what drives you, what inspires you, what excites you. This, in turn, can have a positive effect not only on the quality of your relationship with yourself, but also on the quality of your relationships with others.

But in today’s world, how do you find the time to give to yourself? And equally important, how do you deal with the guilt when you somehow manage to find it?

“Finding” Time

As overscheduled as our lives are these days, it can be quite a challenge to find time for yourself. There are a few things you can do, such as using your lunch hour, waking up a little earlier than everyone else, and temporarily disconnecting from your gadgets. If you’ve tried these tricks and still can’t seem to find any time to schedule for yourself, then you may need to take a hard look at your schedule and your priorities.

What are some things you’re doing now that can be consolidated or eliminated? Is there anything that can be postponed? What can be delegated? Maybe it’s true that you can do things better than everyone else, but in most schedules, there are some things that don’t need to be done better; they just need to be done. By delegating those tasks, you can free up some time for yourself, which may be much more productive in the long run than doing everything yourself.

Another important point to remember is that you don’t have to come up with hours and hours of alone time. Just start off small and see what happens. Hopefully, the little bit of time you steal for yourself will become so reinforcing that you’ll find more and more ways to get more of it.

Overcoming the Guilt

Some people, particularly women, feel guilty about taking time for themselves. They see themselves as the one who should be taking care of everyone else, and their needs often fall by the wayside. However, taking care of yourself is something that you should never feel guilty about. It not only models healthy behavior for the ones you love, but it also keeps you happy, healthy, and strong so that you can continue doing what fulfills you; and if that’s taking care of others, then you’re in an even better position to do that.

Guilt is counterproductive to reaping the full benefits of solitude. If you spend all or even some of your “found” time feeling guilty that you found it, then doesn’t that defeat the purpose?

If you need even more justification to lose the guilt, consider these points:

♦ Spending time with yourself is time well spent because it makes you a happier person to be around.

♦ Spending time with yourself benefits everyone because by having a happier and healthier mindset, you’re in a better frame of mind to take care of the people who are important to you.

♦ Spending time with yourself is preventative medicine to combat burnout. What good will you be to anyone if you eventually burnout? (And you will if you don’t take care of yourself.)

Overcoming Resistance

Once you begin making time for yourself, dont be surprised if you don’t run into a little resistance from those in your life who are used to you always being available. There are many reasons why this resistance might happen–insecurity, overdependence, feeling slighted or rejected, or simply because they have become accustomed to always having you around. Don’t let their resistance stop you. Reassure these people that you’re still there for them, but in order to be there for them over the long haul, you also have to also take care of yourself. Then, do it! Just as they’ve grown accustomed to you always being there for them, they’ll get accustomed to you taking time for yourself.

Hopefully, the ideas here will leave you inspired and motivated to find ways to make time for yourself.

“When we take some time to solely think about ourselves, and not have to consider our impact on others, we begin the process of true self-awareness. It can be a little daunting at first, but the result of this awareness is that you learn what drives you, what excites you, and what motivates you. This new-found self-awareness is a beautiful thing and it can have a dramatically positive effect on your life and relationships.” – Marty Herald’s Personal Growth and the Art of Inspired Living blog.

So give yourself a gift that will keep on giving … time for yourself.

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Take time for yourself and feel great!

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Source:  Psychology Today

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