benefits of massage

Amazing Benefits of Consistent Massage

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Specials, Zen Massage , , , , , ,

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

Amanda Sullivan Blog, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy , , , , , , , ,

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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7 Moves To Be Ready for Ski Season

Amanda Sullivan Blog, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Therapy Sports Injury , , , , ,

Be Ready for Ski Season with these 7 Moves

Get your legs back in skiing shape from the comfort of your living room with these seven easy moves.

Winter is just around the corner, and if you want to get in ski-season shape by the time snow begins to fall, you need to start training now.  These do-at-home exercises will help you avoid a case of noodle legs on your first run this winter.

1. Leg Blasters

This four-part set combines lunges and squats to gain more power and control while skiing downhill. The moves are intended to lengthen and strengthen your muscles through negative contractions. Perform a full set—squats, alternating lunges, jump lunges, and jump squats—then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat six times.

Squats: Standing with your feet a little more than shoulder-width apart, lower into a seated position until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Keep your heels grounded and your knees behind your toes. Maintain a strong core and hold your arms by your hips for alignment. Repeat 10 to 20 times.

Alternating Lunges: Set your feet shoulder-width apart and step forward with your left foot into a lunge. Keep your left leg bent at 90 degrees, and your right knee almost touching the ground behind you. Pushing off your front heel, return to the starting position with your feet apart. Repeat on the right leg. Do 10 to 20 reps for each leg.

Jump Lunges: Perform a lunge with your left leg forward. Then jump up and switch legs in the air, landing with your right foot in front of you and your left foot back. Repeat 10 to 20 reps for each leg.

Jump Squats: Squat and then shift weight from your heels to the balls of your feet to explode upward before landing softly on the ground. Do five to ten reps.

2. Russian Twists

This core-specific exercise is great for building those oblique muscles that you’ll need every time you go through turns on the mountain.

Sit on the ground and lean up slightly with your knees and hips bent at a 90-degree angle. Grab a dumbbell or weight plate and hold it with bent arms away from your chest. With your feet off the floor, engage your core and rotate your upper body as far as you can to the right, touching the weight to the ground. Return to the center and then twist to the other side. One repetition is a twist to each side. Do three rounds of 10 to 20 reps.

3. Lateral Hops with Tuck Hold

This exercise, which combines isometric and dynamic movements, is designed to improve stamina on the hill. While performing a lateral hop, keep in mind that the goal is not to jump as high as you can, but instead to improve strength and quickness. 

Keep a wide stance and jump laterally back and forth over a sandbag or foam roller. Concentrate on jumping softly and quickly. Continue for 30 seconds, then sink down into a squat position and hold for another 30 seconds, keeping a flat back and open chest. Rest for 15 seconds. Repeat four to eight times or as many as you can do with good form.

4. Front Squats

This low-rep, high-weight move is meant to improve your core and lower body strength.

Standing with a barbell or kettlebell held up near your jaw, lower your butt to the ground. Take a deep breath as you squat down and exhale as you stand back up. Keep your core engaged and your back straight as you slowly return to a starting position. Do six rounds of four to six reps. 

5. Low Back Complex

This three-part circuit is intended to combat lower back pain by strengthening muscles through isometric positions. 

First, stand with your feet a little more than shoulder-width apart and keep your spine arched and contract your lower back muscles. Starting with your arms at your side, raise them upward and over your head. Hold that position for 20 seconds. Next, perform a lunge with your left leg forward. Hold the lunge position and raise your arms upward and keep them elevated for 20 seconds. Third, kneel on the ground with your legs about six inches apart. Keep an arched lower back and open chest while raising your arms upward and hold that fully extended position for 20 seconds. Repeat the series three to four times. 

6. Single-Leg Deadlifts

This body-stabilizing exercise works your glutes, hamstring, and core, and enhances balance while also building ankle stability. 

Standing upright, extend your hands and slowly lean forward, leading with your chest. Slowly lift one leg out behind you, and keep your base leg slightly bent to maintain balance. While slowly leaning over, keep your back leg straight and in-line with your torso. Remember to take a deep breath in as you go forward and exhale as you return to a standing position. Do six reps. Then repeat on the opposite leg.

7. Jane Fonda

This four-part exercise activates your gluteus maximus, minimus, and medius to improve your balance. Perform the series for two rounds of 30 seconds each on the ground. Then switch sides to work the other leg. 

First, lie down on your right side with your right arm tucked beneath your head. Raise your left leg and lower it on the floor behind your right leg. Next, bring your left knee to your chest, while focusing on contracting your core. Then, starting from a straight-legged position, kick your left leg behind you to your rear. Finally, make clockwise circles with your left leg. After 15 seconds, switch to a counter-clockwise direction. Switch sides and repeat the circuit.

With these 7 moves in your daily routine, you’ll be standing strong and avoiding noodle legs on the slopes this winter.

Sports injuries

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 form. Contact us about our Sports Massage Therapy in Salt Lake City.

Sports / Injury Therapy — 45 minutes for $65

Zen Massage in Salt Lake City

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

 

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Recurring Pain | Deep Tissue Massage

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

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

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Therapy Sports Injury , , , , , ,

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

Back to School Specials for Mom’s – Spa Massage in Utah

zenmassagenet Blog, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy , , , , , ,
Back to School Specials for Mom’s – Spa Massage in Utah

Back to School Specials for Mom’s – Spa Massage in Utah

Over the school holidays, if you had a dollar for every harassed mom who said she REALLY needed a massage you would probably be able to close your massage and spa business for a week and fly out to the Bahamas.

When the summer vacation is all over and life has returned to near normal, there are stressed parents everywhere looking for some respite, and a little treat after the weeks of ‘Mom, I’m bored’ from their little darlings. So why not come up with a few back to school specials that will soothe and restore them again?

  1. Most Moms will have spent a lot of the school holidays on their feet. Whether they’ve been on a vacation with the kids, on day trips or just running around after them constantly, the first part of their body (well, other than their nerves) that needs to recuperate is probably their feet. Promote overall stress relief, well-being and foot care with a package that will give real results; a ‘Take the Weight Off’ pamper package offering a reflexology session with all the extras!
  2. Cover all bases with an aromatic foot soak with essential oils, sugar or salt scrub, relaxing massage and reflexology, followed by a moisturizing foot mask or paraffin wax treatment. You’re your mom is relaxed, you can complete the treatment with a choice of polish and she’ll feel just like new!
  3. Another area that busy moms neglect when the kids are home is their own personal grooming. Let’s be honest, who has the time for a wax, a facial or manicure when they have a houseful of little ones to keep entertained? Taking them to the salon is a no-no so after a few weeks, unless they’ve managed to sneak off for an afternoon of me-time, they’ll be in need of some upkeep. A pick and mix package for all the bits they’ve missed, with discounts for the more treatments they book at one time, could be a winner.
  4. So, if they are coming in for their wax, you could offer 10 per cent off a regular facial booked at the same time, and if two treatments are booked, offer a further discount on a manicure or an eyebrow/lash treatment. They don’t have to have all the treatments at the same time, but they must be booked at the same time. Promote it as ‘Back to school and back to YOU’ to encourage moms to book the deals, and get them feeling more like themselves after a frazzled few weeks.
  5. Finally, a massage package is always a winner with moms who have been feeling stressed from all the extra demands of their kids. Offer a Back to School Massage deal – all full body, aromatherapy or shoulder, neck and back massages are 10 per cent off if booked for the first two weeks after the holidays – and add in a 15 minute foot massage as a free upgrade.

The main thing to remember is that for weeks, moms everywhere have been focusing on everyone but themselves – so you’re going to put the focus right back onto them and make them feel special.

Book your Back to School Massage today at Zen Massage – (801) 467-3529

Sports Massage “Hurts So Good”

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Therapy Sports Injury , , , , , , , ,

Sports Massage Really Does Hurt So Good

According to Johnson Memorial Health’s blog, Sports Massage Really Does Hurt So Good.

 “It’s a good kind of hurt.” Sports Massage Therapy may not have the same ambiance or effects of a luxurious spa treatment, but the benefits will improve your athletic performance and help injury recovery. 

There’s no need to suffer with tight or sore muscles for weeks on end when regular therapy can help expedite recovery. The deep tissue rubdown can be painful at first but the effects on conditioning and improvement on performance is well worth the initial discomfort.

Many professional, collegiate and high school athletic programs integrate Sports Massage into their training programs, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. Massages take place before or after competition. And, while Sports Massage is more physically intense than a spa massage, you’ll still walk away with less stress and tension.

The specific technique used in Sports Massage Therapy gives your muscles more oxygen and nutrients necessary for quick recovery and to prepare them for competition. To give you a better idea of how exactly this happens, we broke down the benefits for you.

Pacing

Often fast-paced, Sports Massage Therapy can be administered before or after competition or a workout. It is designed to increase flexibility and reduce soreness – and can be customized by the sport or athlete’s body type. Typically pre-event massages are performed at a faster pace to prepare the muscles for competition; stimulating them to increase speed and flexibility.

Technique

The Certified Sports Massage Therapist administering the massage uses specific techniques that apply heavier pressure on layers of muscles and deep tissues. This helps to:

  • Get blood flowing back to the heart
  • Deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissue

The goal is to remove knots and tension within the muscles. The tissue movement also removes waste products and toxins from your tissues and muscles through the blood and lymphatic system. Drinking plenty of water after a massage helps to move these out of your body.  — with the help of lots of water following the massage.

Physical Benefits

While a Sports Massage can leave you sore for about a day or two, the therapy directly benefits the muscles and integrated cardiovascular system. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine said the increased and enhanced blood circulation and relaxed muscles helps to:

  • Relieve muscle tension
  • Reduce soreness
  • Make for faster recovery
  • Increase range of motion and flexibility

Sports Massage Therapy can also prevent or relieve Delayed Onset Muscle soreness by encouraging blood and lymph flow throughout the body and preventing muscle fatigue.

Psychological Benefits

Besides helping the body recover physically, Sports Massage Therapy also gets you into competition mod and mentally prepares you for your next workout. During the release of tight muscles, the body increases dopamine and serotonin levels. This reduces stress, tension and anxiety by activating your parasympathetic nervous system.

Therapist Qualifications

A therapist’s credentials help give you a clearer idea of a therapist’s capabilities and competency surrounding different massage therapies. In general, according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), credentials include:

  • Licensing
  • Board Certification
  • Education and Training with an accredited school
  • Membership with a professional association like AMTA, NCBTMB or ABMP.

To ensure that your therapist is understanding of sports-related injuries or prevention, it’s recommended that you look for a therapist with certification in particular modalities used in sports therapy, for example, myofascial techniques

Make sure to ask them about any questions or concerns you have about Sports Massage Therapy.

Originally Posted by Johnson Memorial Health

 

For professional Sports Massage in Salt Lake City Contact Zen Massage (801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

zenmassagenet Blog, Prenatal Massage , , , , , ,
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

FOR MOTHER AND BABIES TOGETHER

Both mother and baby

First and foremost, prenatal massage makes you feel good. It nurtures and pampers the body at a time when it needs it most. Book your appointment at Zen Massage in Salt Lake City, UT today. (801) 467-3529

In addition to soothing the body and dissolving stress, a trained touch delivers a wide range of physiological, psychological and emotional benefits.

It’s a safe and relaxing way to relieve pregnancy’s common discomforts like backaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps and shakes, headaches, heartburn, fatigue, hemorrhoids, nasal congestion, sciatica and shortness of breath.

Prenatal massage does more than benefit the mother. Everything a pregnant woman does — from her diet and fitness to her relaxation and relative state of contentment – also directly affects the child she is carrying.

Study after study has proven that calmness in the mother leads to healthier in-utero development.

Regular prenatal massage can help prepare you for labor by making the pelvis more supple.

Just like a regular massage, prenatal massage:

  • improves circulation
  • aids lymphatic flow
  • removes toxins
  • promotes relaxation
  • raises endorphin levels
  • eases neck, back, and joint pain
  • relieves muscle spasms and cramps

Book your appointment at Zen Massage in Salt Lake City, UT today. (801) 467-3529

Value of Massage Therapy for Surgical Pain

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Therapy Sports Injury , , , , , , , ,

Massage Therapy for Surgical Pain

Massage therapy can be effective for reducing pain intensity/severity and anxiety in patients undergoing surgical procedures.

That was the conclusion of a collaborative meta-analysis of research on massage therapy for pain conducted by Samueli Institute, commissioned by the Massage Therapy Foundation, with support from the American Massage Therapy Association.

The review and analysis was published in the September issue of the journal Pain Medicine.

The study concludes that patients should consider massage therapy as a therapeutic option to help manage their pain and anxiety from surgical procedures.

About the Study

This systematic review and meta-analysis was the first to rigorously assess the quality of massage therapy research and evidence for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating pain, function-related and health-related quality of life outcomes for people with various types of surgical pain and anxiety.

Source

Book Your ZEN Massage in SLC today!

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

 

Men, Women & Massage

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , ,

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

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