Health Trends to Watch in 2018

The year is almost over, and 2018 is quickly approaching. With a New Year comes new possibilities as well as new trends. In the massage industry, several new health trends are being considered for next year and individuals who enjoy a regular massage, should see these trends emerging from their therapy. It is essential for massage therapists to stay on track of the latest health trends to offer clients new and exciting ways to stay healthy and feel well.

Organic and Natural Products

One such trend to be on the lookout for is natural and organic products. Gels, oils, and lotions can be used during therapy to provide healing properties as well as assist with friction during the massage. Such items can be purchased and used at home as well as within your regular massage treatment by a therapist. Massage therapists are now leaning towards using more organic and natural products so that their clients can benefit.

Because massage involves direct skin contact, it is important to use oils and lotions that are of the highest quality. Some clients can have skin conditions and natural products work well to avoid any breakouts or issues.

Alternative Treatments and Therapies

Another significant trend on the horizon involves alternative treatments and therapies in the massage industry. Reiki, energy work and even salt therapy are being considered as more popular options with clients as well as therapists. With Reiki and energy work, the goal is to use the life force energy for healing. Reiki is a Japanese technique used to help reduce stress as well as provide relaxation and promote healing and well-being. The therapist will lay their hands on the body in key areas where healing is needed and use life force energy as it flows through the body to promote the healing process.

It may sound odd to some, but the treatment has been proven to work well for a number of ailments. Clients can undergo regular reiki or energy work to see a difference in how they feel as well as to fight certain conditions or ailments.

Meditation

Massage therapists are also becoming more open to meditation, be it during the massage or in a separate space. With meditation, the client has a way to relax and open their mind. Lifestyle coaching of meditation can help a client to become more mindful of their well-being and lose stress that may be affecting daily life.

Meditation can be offered during a relaxing portion of the massage or applied separately before or after a massage. With the help of meditation, an individual can learn how to relax fully and manage stress much better.

Shirodhara or Third Eye Balancing is a great tool to use when learning to meditate or suffering from stress related conditions.

These are just a few of the trends to expect in massage therapy for 2018. There is always something new and exciting to enjoy as technology, therapy types and knowledge of the industry continue to expand. Be open to trying new treatment types to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy thoroughly.

At Academy Massage, training and education continue year after year so therapists can learn the latest trends and advancements to offer only the best services for clients.

Which is Better: Swedish or Shiatsu Massage?

When it comes to massage treatments, several options can be used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. Swedish and shiatsu are two common options that massage therapists use to provide relief to the client. However, what is the difference between the two? Which is better? Massage is primarily an individual preference. Some people enjoy a Swedish massage due to the relief felt once the massage is over while others prefer shiatsu as it uses elements of acupuncture without the needles. Learning more about both types will help you to see what might work best for you. 

A Swedish massage is about strokes. The massage therapist will use stroking techniques to place pressure on the joints, connective tissues, and muscles. With shiatsu massage, the therapist will be using a guide that is similar to acupuncture by hitting particular points of the body. The back has ‘Shu’ points which are treated by the therapist with direct contact. 

With shiatsu massage, therapists are taught the basics on how to use circular motions with pressure based on specific locations of the body. The meridian points are rubbed a number of times as each point is accessed. 
With Swedish massage, therapists are taught to use various foundation strokes. These strokes can be long and gliding, starting from the neck and going down the back and up again. Additional techniques include lifting a muscle away from the bone with squeezing methods, compression, and kneading.

Overall, it is essential to speak with the therapist to find out what treatment type will work for your needs. An experienced therapist will know the right treatment to prescribe based on the issues you are facing. At Academy Massage, both treatment types are offered to ensure clients receive the right option for health and well-being needs. 

5 Massage Myths to Ignore

Despite massage treatments being around for thousands of years, there are still myths that exist. It is important to learn more about these myths so that you can benefit from massage instead of believing untruths. Below are five common myths and the truth behind them so that you can better understand the benefits of massage treatment.

Soreness the Next Day Means You Received a Good Massage

This is untrue. Soreness does not dictate if you had a good massage or not. You can be sore from a massage just because or if you have been sedentary for some time. If you receive a deep tissue massage, you will be sore due to the treatment breaking up lactic acid or working on trigger points. You can also become sore if you do not drink enough water after the massage.

I Feel Fine, So Drinking Water is Not Needed

Another common myth, many individuals choose not to drink water after a massage. Water is needed to help reduce soreness as it helps to remove the waste products that were worked out of muscles by the therapists. The waste products are now in circulation and need to be flushed out of your system with water. It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol after a massage as your increased circulation will cause the alcohol to take effect quicker.

The Massage Has to Hurt to Work

This is also not true. A massage does not have to hurt to work. It is essential that a massage therapist learn how to distinguish between the discomfort of the patient and pain. A deep tissue massage can be painful but beneficial. It’s all about tolerance of the patient. If the individual is uncomfortable, then less pressure needs to be used. A good massage therapist knows the right amount of pressure to use when providing treatment, and as a patient, you should always tell your therapist if the pressure is too much or too little.

Pregnant Women Should Not Receive Massage Treatment

This is false. Pregnant women can easily enjoy a massage during all trimesters of a healthy pregnancy. A massage can be beneficial as it relaxes both mom and baby. At Academy Massage, we use special cushions to accommodate pregnant patients, so a massage is comfortable and enjoyed.  Read more about our Prenatal Massage experience here.

I Don’t Need to Tell My Massage Therapist My Entire Health History

This is also untrue. Your therapist needs to know your health history, including information on medical conditions, medications you are taking or surgeries. With this information, a massage therapist will be able to customise the massage based on your individual needs. Even if your therapist does not ask, tell them everything. Including medication you may have taken that day or issues you may be facing such as heart disease, stomach problems, etc. anything that could have an impact on your massage treatment.

Now that you know the common myths associated with massage, you can easily benefit from treatment. With the assistance of therapists from Academy Massage, you will receive a quality treatment tailored to your specific needs. Reveal your medical history and be sure to drink water after treatment so that you can enjoy the full benefits of massage therapy.

The Best Kind of Massage

If you have never had a massage before, then you have no idea what you are missing! Massage treatments can benefit the mind and body, providing a feeling of relaxation as well as mending sore muscles and joint issues. When setting up a massage appointment, you may be wondering what the best kind of massage is so that you can schedule the right one. Essentially, there is no best kind of massage. Several massage treatment types work for varying reasons. The goal is to find the proper style that meets your treatment needs, then you have found the best kind of massage!

Swedish

With this massage, you can expect to feel relaxed. A Swedish massage is a treatment that includes long and gentle strokes that will soothe the body. The goal of this treatment type is to improve circulation, and the therapist will not push too hard, so you will feel very little pain unless you are already sore.

Deep Tissue Massage

This option is more intense than a Swedish massage. This treatment is typically used by athletes but can also be used to target muscles or tendons in anyone who is experiencing pain. Stretches can be included to benefit this treatment type.

Hot Stone Massage

Another option is a hot stone massage. During this treatment, heated stones are placed on the body to increase the blood flow to the muscles. This treatment can be very relaxing and feel wonderful to a sore body. This is another gentle style massage that can be used to treat muscle issues or for relaxation.

When scheduling a massage, the point is to choose a treatment for your ailment needs. If you want to relax, go with a Swedish massage. If you're going to help sore muscles, deep tissue is the way to go. Speak to a massage therapist about your ailments to see what type will work best. At Academy Massage, several treatment types are on offer to ensure that you receive the right treatment for your needs.  Call us today to discuss your needs and book an appointment!

Do This One Thing to Find Success in Your Massage Therapy Career

The career of a massage therapist is one where you must be giving and attentive. A massage therapist works to heal individuals from a variety of conditions from muscle tightness to injury or just the simple need to relax. To be successful, you will need to learn the techniques and skills needed during training to know how to treat your patients. Individuals who excel in training should see success. There are several qualities that a massage therapist must possess to enjoy their career as well as be successful. However, to find the most success, there is one trait that is a must.

Learning to Listen

A successful massage therapist knows how to listen. Every client you will see will be different. No two individuals are the same. You will have to deal with varying personalities, treatment needs, body types, etc. By learning how to listen, you will know how to apply your skills and knowledge to treat each individual appropriately.

A massage therapist that does not listen will try to treat everyone the same. The force of the massage, as well as method used, will not vary and clients may complain. While one client may enjoy a deep tissue massage, another just wants to relax and not feel sore by the next day. By not listening to your clients, they do not feel special and will not receive the treatment they deserve.

Open Your Ears and Mind

It is important to listen to the needs and wants of every client. Create a checklist that clients will fill out when scheduling an appointment for the first time as well as during random visits. You want to be sure that you are hitting the spots that need attention as well as applying the right pressure and providing the essential healing that your client needs.

Don’t just skim over this information. Take note of everything your client says and make notes after the session. By being conscious of what your client wants, you will be able to treat them accordingly. Of course, you may think you know what a client needs and you may be right. However, you have to introduce such information slowly based on the personality of each client.

The goal is to listen to each client and treat them as an individual. Take into account their problem areas or wants and use your knowledge and skill to provide the best massage treatment. At Academy Massage, we listen to each of our clients to ensure the right treatment is provided for a happy and repeat client!

Here’s a Quick Way to Reduce Tightness in Your Hips

Tightness in the hips is not uncommon, especially if you have back issues. Your hip muscles can become tight over time and need to be loosened for you to move with ease as well as sit for long periods of time comfortably. With a series of stretches and massage work, you can feel better in no time.

Stretch Those Muscles

The tightness in the hip area involves the muscles in the back and lower leg. These muscles need to be stretched to loosen up and provide relief from the tight feeling. Take time to sit on the floor and begin simple stretching. Sit in a cross-legged position but instead of crossing your legs, place your feet together. Use gentle force from your hands and press the knee of one leg towards the floor while your legs are in the butterfly position. The outside hip muscle will be flexed which can help to loosen up the tightened muscle. Do this to both legs, adding more force as you can.

If you have a partner, have them assist in stretching your hip muscles. Lie down on the ground with one knee bent, with the foot flat on the ground. You will be stretching the side that hurts, both if you have trouble with both sides. Take the opposite leg and lay your knee towards the opposite side, with your leg bent. Your partner should take this knee and push down, stretching your leg across as it is bent. This stretches the outside hip muscle but in the opposite direction.

Massage Therapy

If stretching does not do the trick, consult with a massage therapist. With massage therapy, the tightness can gently be released over time. Your hip will feel better as you begin to relax when the therapist provides pressure in the hip area.

Academy Massage can provide hip massage therapy to reduce tightness as well as pain. Modern massage techniques are used to help the body heal from injury as well as muscle tightness.

For more information on stretches, visit our website or watch our stretching video on YouTube

What to Expect During Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage therapy is a massage treatment type that can be a beneficial part of prenatal care. Pregnant women can enjoy a healthy way to reduce stress as well as enjoy an overall wellness while with child. Massage treatments will relieve the common discomfort you feel when pregnant, such as backaches, leg cramps, stiff neck, and headaches. Stress is relieved on weight bearing joints as well as helping to encourage better circulation of blood and lymph nodes. Nervous tension is relieved which provides better sleep.

Many pregnant women do not understand how prenatal massage is possible due to the standard massage techniques. With a standard massage table, the individual lies on their stomach, which is not feasible due to a pregnant belly.  At Academy Massage, we use special prenatal pillows that are specially designed to alleviate many areas of discomfort, and accommodate the belly during pregnancy.  We find the pillows work better than a traditional prenatal massage table since they can be adjusted and customized to fit the individual receiving treatment.

Focus Areas

Depending on the individual patient’s needs, treatment can vary. It is important to discuss your pain areas or treatment needs with the therapist. Everyday symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension can be relieved if you discuss what your problem areas are with the therapist.

One focus area for many pregnant women is headaches. With massage focusing on the head, shoulders, and neck, headaches can be relieved. Stress levels can be controlled with trigger points relaxed to avoid any tension or migraine headaches.

Fatigue and cramps are common symptoms for pregnant women. Backaches, leg cramps, and swelling can also be relieved via several massage techniques. By discussing with your therapist which issues you face, the problem can be alleviated.

Muscle tension is a big problem with pregnant women as the baby creates extra weight and strain on the body. This tension can be reduced with pressure applied to certain areas to encourage blood flow. Nutrient-rich oxygen is produced in the body with the flow of lymphatic fluid increased. This will sweep away the toxins and metabolic waste in the body.

Enjoying Rest

Prenatal massage can ensure that your aches and pains are relieved and you will be able to enjoy a bit of rest. With regular therapy, you will be able to experience a better night’s sleep as your body is relieved of tension and stress. Discomfort will be relieved, and relaxation boosted. Overall, you will see an improvement in sleep patterns, where you will feel better and be able to enjoy your pregnancy instead of feeling uncomfortable all the time.

If you are still not at ease about prenatal massage, speak to a licensed therapist. You will be able to learn more about the techniques used so that you can feel better about scheduling an appointment. Once you have experienced a prenatal massage and the benefits, you will find your pregnancy is much more enjoyable, and you can focus on bringing your baby into the world instead of any pain, discomfort or stress you feel while pregnant.

How is Swedish Massage Different from Deep Tissue Massage?

When scheduling a massage, you have the option of choosing a variety of treatments. Two of the most popular are Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. There are differences between the two as well as benefits, so it important to understand what you will be receiving when booking either treatment. Below is a simple explanation of each so you can decide which treatment option will work best for you.

Swedish Massage

Starting with Swedish massage, this treatment type uses firm pressure on the muscles with long and gliding strokes. Oils, sometimes infused with essential oils, are used to reduce friction during the treatment as well as providing aromatherapy benefits.

This type of massage is used to increase the circulation of blood as well as ease tension in the muscles of the body along with improving flexibility. The treatment will stimulate the skin and nervous system to soothe nerves which can lead to a reduction in physical and emotional stress.

Deep Tissue Massage

With deep tissue massage, the goal is to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue that surrounds muscles. The treatment is a top choice for athletes who suffer from a sports injury or individuals suffering from whiplash. Muscle tension and spasms can also benefit from this treatment type.

During this treatment type, the therapist will be concentrating on releasing chronic muscle tension in specific areas. Slow and precise strokes will be used to treat the patient as needed. A good massage therapist will know how to provide treatment that will be beneficial and listen to the patient’s cues to know which strokes are working and when to apply more pressure as well as hold back.

Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are both offered by Academy Massage, with qualified therapists providing the best in massage techniques. Schedule an appointment today to enjoy the massage type that will be of the best benefit for your individual needs.

How to Harness the Power of Your Third Eye with Shirodhara Treatment

Often referred to as Third Eye Therapy, the Shirodhara Treatment is a therapy that can help you stimulate the power of your third eye. The treatment originated in India and is a special healing technique that involves warm oil being slowly drizzled on to the forehead. This is done in alignment with the third-eye or the anja chakra.

Oil Application

During the treatment, oil is used to stimulate the third eye. The goal is to provide no other stimulation than on this area to open consciousness. The warm oil is gentle and continuously flowed onto the third eye area and the overflow is captured in a basin beneath the table. Specific oils will be used based on the person being treated to have the best effect. At Academy Massage, water is used instead of oil and considered a much better option among our clients.

Harnessing Your Power

During this treatment, patients will be able to harness the power of the third eye but must be ready to do so. Overall relaxation is needed with an openness of the mind. In order to truly ‘see’, you will need to relax the body and open the mind to all thoughts and processes that enter during treatment. Try to focus on the third eye and feel the power that is inside of you, paying close attention to your intuition. You will find that as you open yourself up to this new power, you will have a clarity of mind as well as the quiet mental state.

Academy Massage offers this treatment type and can assist you in being able to harness the power of your third eye. By showing a willingness to learn and opening your heart and mind, you can become one with yourself, opening up your third eye to the world around you.

Helping Players Prepare for the Blue Bombers Golf Tournament

The Blue Bombers Golf Tournament is a yearly event that gives you the opportunity to play along with the best of the bombers in a game of golf. By participating, amateurs can test their skills against the pros and have a little fun in the process. The event is a much anticipated each summer and this year will take place on August 28th, 2017.

Players who want to participate in the Blue Bombers Golf Tournament can register online for the event held at the Southwood Golf and Country Club. Lunch and registration will begin promptly as 11:00 am with the shotgun start scheduled for 12:00 pm sharp. A reception will follow the event at 6:00 pm.

For the last 25 years, Academy Massage has participated in the Blue Bomber Golf Tournament, providing therapists on hand to ensure all players are ready for the game. Golf can be rough on the muscles with each swing, so our therapists work hard to ensure both team members, as well as golf players, are ready to swing the club.

Therapists of Academy Massage demonstrate stretching to players and Bomber team members to ensure that the golf tournament is injury free. It can be easy to pull or strain a muscle without proper stretching. The football players know the importance of stretching before every game and are more than willing to work with our therapists to ensure the proper stretching is completed for the upcoming golf game.

It is recommended that players warm up for five to ten minutes before stretching for the golf game. This can be walking around the golf tee or running in place for a short period of time. A more fluid golf swing will be produced with adequate stretching. You want to stretch the muscles of the legs, back, and arms to be ready to swing the club at each tee. If you are looking for more information about how a massage can help your golf game, you should read our post “Massage: Helping You Get Back in the Swing of Things.”

We use simple stretches that anyone can do and show each technique to newbies to ensure the game of golf will run smooth. Our therapists at Academy Massage are participating this year as well and look forward to assisting players of the Bombers as well as amateurs with stretching to ensure a quality game.

Post Deep Tissue Massage: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A deep tissue massage is a specialized massage treatment that concentrates on the deeper layers of the soft tissues of the body. The goal of this massage type is to release tension in the body with slow and deep pressure strokes in concentrated areas. This massage type is therapeutic and has many benefits if done correctly. However, as a newbie to deep tissue, you may find that you are not ready for the level of massage as well as the soreness that can come after. Learning more about this massage type can help you to be better prepared.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage involves substantial pressure and not just placing oil on the skin in a relaxing manner. The intention of the force used is to work the layers of soft tissues within the body, helping an injury, illness or prolonged immobility. At times, portions of this treatment can be uncomfortable, even causing pain. However, a good therapist will be able to acknowledge your level of pain tolerance and adjust accordingly. The goal is to find the pressure that works for you and using that level to work problem areas.

Varying techniques of massage are used during deep tissue treatment including elbows, fists, forearms, and knuckles. The pace is slower so that the massage therapist can work into the deep areas of the body and assessment can be made as the best way to handle the tension found in the body.

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone can benefit from deep tissue massage, especially those who have constant muscle pain, particularly in the shoulders, neck and lower back portion of the body. This tension can be due to sports, exercise injuries, posture problems and more. With treatment, a patient can experience a release of tension in the muscles as well as stiffness, pain relief, flexibility increase, pain management, the breaking down of scar tissue, and increased mobility or posture.

What to Expect During and After

When you lie down for treatment, you can expect the therapist to work your entire body but focusing on problem areas. Many people experience the deepest tissue treatment in the shoulders and lower back. You will need to learn how to breathe evenly as the treatment is applied, particularly during the increased pressure portion of the massage. Breathing helps to minimize discomfort. Your therapist can guide you in deep breathing to help you through the treatment process.

After treatment, you can feel rejuvenated for several days as well as feel a little sore. You will need to rest and relax as much as you can after treatment. Consider taking a warm bath to soothe the body. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas if you like to eliminate waste products that are released from the body via soft tissues. It is advised that you avoid caffeine and alcohol after treatment.

Overall, deep tissue massage can be beneficial. At Academy Massage, deep tissue massage is just one treatment option offered. Schedule an appointment today to feel the positive after effects of deep tissue massage.

Upgrading our Offerings: New Therapists, New Rooms, More Comfort

At Academy Massage, we offer an extensive list of massage service options ranging from Swedish and deep tissue massage to sports performance and maintenance sports massage services. We work hard to ensure the client experience is second to none and have recently amped up our efforts to provide more comfort and convenience to our clients.

Along with changes to our working area and client lounge, our team has grown with several new therapists joining us,

• Alex is a triathlete who will be able to assist other athletes with a massage to work sore and tired muscles.
• Koresh is a massage therapist who is joining our team and is set to study Osteopathy and incorporate this technique into his practice.
• Rebecca is an individual who specializes in pregnancy hot stone massage, breast massage for post-surgery, post mastectomy, and fibrous scar tissue massage.
• Jun-Jun Jubei has extensive experience with shiatsu massage, acupuncture, and deep tissue massage therapy. (Watch him in action here)

We now offer new rooms for our clients to be even more comfortable during massage treatments. While waiting for an appointment or post massage, the client lounge is now more comfortable than ever with additional space for relaxation.

At Academy Massage, we are open seven days a week to cater to all our clients. We provide services every day because we know work schedules vary among our valued clients. Two full-time receptionists are available from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm to assist with booking appointments, providing information about massage treatments, and to assist with insurance needs. We also offer online booking to make it easy for our clients to schedule an appointment when needed.

At Academy Massage, we look forward to providing each of our clients with a comfortable experience. This is why we have expanded to offer new therapists and more space. Our expansion will provide more rooms to handle the extensive list of clients we already service as well as take on new clients. We look forward to hearing from new individuals who seek treatment via our many massage services. Give our office a call today to learn more about treatment options and to schedule an appointment with one of our talented therapists.

5 Ways to Use That Post-Massage Feeling to Your Advantage

Scheduling a massage is a wonderful way in which to feel relaxed. For many people, the only way to de-stress is to have a massage, so keeping that post-massage feeling is a must. By learning how to let the feeling linger after your massage, you will be able to maintain a relaxed sensation, continuing to float on air and just feel good overall. If you enjoy a deep tissue massage, you will feel relaxed after but you may also become sore if you do not know how to prevent the soreness from setting in. Below are five ways to use the post-massage feeling to your advantage.

Schedule Appropriately

To ensure your massage feeling lasts a long time, be sure to schedule your massage appropriately. You want to schedule your massage for a time when you will have nothing to do afterward. Of course, planning one during your lunch break is nice, but you can end up stressed once again after you return to work. By scheduling a massage and going home to relax further, you can allow that feeling of loveliness to continue.

Continue with the ‘Me’ Time

For many individuals, especially moms, there is no ‘me’ time. Most often, we feel guilty for taking any time for ourselves. So when you have a massage, consider that ‘me’ time and let the feeling continue. Since you will feel de-stressed and relaxed, use that state to your advantage and schedule an appointment to get your hair done or a manicure. You will already feel good, so there will be no guilt for taking a little extra ‘me’ time!

Have a Fully Relaxing Evening

Anyone who has had a massage knows that the body and mind feel well-rested and relaxed once the massage treatment is over. So, continue with that feeling and plan a thoroughly relaxing evening. Think about what relaxes you and what you enjoy. Do you like to read and have a glass of wine? Plan on an evening with a good book and your favorite Merlot. Carry over the feeling of relaxation from the massage to be able to enjoy an entire evening of rest and comfort. A deep tissue massage can cause soreness so even though you feel relaxed after, you can develop an uncomfortable feeling as time goes on. To prevent feeling sore, drink plenty of water and use Myo Melt Epsom Salts in a nice long hot bath.

Go for a Walk

Many massage therapists recommend light activity after a massage to keep the relaxed feeling as well as to continue the loosening of muscles. Continue with the lovely feeling from your massage and go for a walk in your favorite park. Listen to music you love and just enjoy nature. You will continue to feel relaxed as you enjoy a little light exercise outdoors.

Drink Plenty of Water

We have already mentioned that drinking water is essential after a massage, especially deep tissue, but did you know it is a primary reason why the good feeling lingers? You should drink water after a massage as the technique of a deep tissue treatment can release toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream. It is believed that water helps the kidneys and pancreas to process such toxins.

Scheduling a regular massage will help you to feel your best on a consistent basis. At Academy Massage, you have the ability to schedule regular massages and enjoy treatments by highly trained professionals. Schedule your treatment today to begin on the path to total health and wellness via massage therapy.

Why Massage Beats Stress Every Time

A proven method of removing stress from the body is massage. Whether you receive a foot massage, full body massage or back massage, the movements used in massage therapy are proven to help the effects of stress. Every individual is different, so while some hold tension in their shoulders, others experience stress in the body in other regions. A massage therapist can work out the kinks in the body which will relieve you of stress and tightness in muscles.

Soothing Stress

When an individual is stressed, the muscles tighten up. The longer you are stressed out, the tenser your muscles will become. This tightness can cause pain as well as uncomfortableness in the body. The tight muscles need to be worked via massage to relieve what the stress has brought on. A trained and qualified massage therapist will be able to review your problem areas, feel the tightness and then use massage techniques to relieve the tightness in the muscles.

Illness Often Results from Stress[1]

Cortisol is a hormone the body produces in response to stress.  The counter to this hormone is the anti-pain chemical serotonin.  Research suggests that a 60-minute massage can lower cortisol by an average of 30%, and increase serotonin by an average of 28%.  This change in balance (more serotonin and less cortisol) helps boost your body’s ability to reduce stress, pain, anxiety, and sadness. 

Scheduling Regular Appointments

It is best for the body and stress levels to schedule an appointment for a massage therapy treatment on a regular basis. Not only will your body feel better but your mind can relax due to the soothing music and atmosphere of the massage room. Be sure to schedule a massage before your stress levels become too high so that you can find relief without experiencing an overwhelming sense of tightness and pain due to stress.

At Academy Massage, you will find experts who can assist you with massage therapy, helping to lessen the effects of stress in the body. Contact Academy Massage today to schedule your appointment to help relieve the stress you may be feeling.

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[1] Source: http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-massage-relieve-symptoms-of-depression-anxiety-and-stress

How Post-Event Sports Massage Can Improve Your Performance

Are you a regular athlete who is out competing on a continual basis? If so, then you are likely familiar with pre- and post-event massages available to the athletes. They are done to help the muscles relax after the event, and to help prevent future injuries. If you have never partaken in any of these massages, you may want to consider them. They could do a lot to help you feel better now, and do a lot to improve your overall performance the next time you are out competing.

The Benefits You Get Out of a Post-Event Sports Massage

Once a sporting event is complete, many opt to get a post-event massage. This helps the body relax and get ready for the next event you plan to partake in. Your body can remove the buildup of lactic acid, which comes from exerting your muscles more than usual. Having a massage after an event allows you to also feel less sore during your recovery period. Muscles get tight when you are active in a sporting event. By getting a massage, you can improve the blood flow to any muscle that is tight, which then allows you to have returned, if not improved, the range of motion. Just make sure before you choose to get a post-event massage, you completely cool down first. Your body is going to need to get re-hydrated to get these benefits, so make sure you have had sufficient time to cool down and re-hydrate before you head to your massage.

How These Benefits Can Improve Your Performance in Sporting Events

On top of having an improved range of motion, getting a post-event massage also lets you get back to training sooner than if you were to heal the same way you have in the past. Instead of having to take a week or two to feel back up to practice or exercise, you can go back in a day or two. This gives you an edge over your competitors and gives you the ability to show yourself that you can keep improving. Getting a post-event massage also gives the athlete a psychological boost once the event is over. It helps them feel better about what was accomplished, and it gives them the ability to think about what could be achieved in the future.

If you are regularly participating in sporting events that work you out deeply, then make sure you also regularly get massages. You can get them before any of your events to ready your muscles for what is to come, and you can help your recovery by getting a massage 15-30 minutes after an event has completed. These massages do a lot to help you the day of the event, and into the future. On top of post-event massages, regular sports massages should also be conducted to help the musculoskeletal system stay ready for your increased level of activity and to prevent injuries. For more information on why you should be getting post-event sports massages, call the experts at Academy Massage.

Why Reflexology Relieves Stress

When a person is stressed out, typically their body feels pain more intensely. This is because their brain is already on overload, making it to where the filters that allow the experience of pain to come through aren’t working as efficiently. If you were to go out and get a massage with reflexology, you might be able to relax the mind and sensitive areas of the body, allowing you to experience less pain and have a lower level of stress.

Reflexology Releases the Stress Withheld by the Body

Reflexology can take the stress that the body is holding on to, and let it out. The different nerve centers of the body are worked, allowing the body to let go of physical stress and pain at the same time. This allows the body to begin a deeper level of healing, and to boost the body’s natural regeneration. The more the body can heal, the less stress will come back in the future, and the more relaxed the person is going to be able to remain. Reflexology puts pressure on nerve bundles, sending calming messages throughout the body, allowing the entire body to increase blood flow and positive energy, all at the same time.

If you want to find out how reflexology can help you, contact the experts at Academy Massage. We can describe the process to you, and suggest options that can help you feel better and reduce the stress you are going through. Call us today to find out more!

What Massage Can Reveal About Your Digestive Health

Do you often have issues with your digestive health? Were you aware that regular massages can help with common digestive problems? If you go in for regular abdominal massages, you are far less likely to struggle with issues that may otherwise impede your quality of life. Here are a few of the things that abdominal massages can do to help with digestive issues.

Abdominal Massages Can Decrease Stress-Related Digestive Problems

Stress is one of the biggest culprits of digestive problems that plague people. It can cause you to have a knot-like feeling in your stomach, increase bloating, and leave you suffering from either diarrhea or constipation. One way that you can decrease these issues is by having regular massages done gently on your abdomen. If you get the parasympathetic nervous system massaged, it can not only reduce the effects of anxiety and stress in your stomach, but it can actually help your entire body feel better.

You Can Improve Your Digestion with Abdominal Massage

When you are still in bed in the morning, or once you have gone to lie down at night, you can do simple abdominal massages that can help you improve the digestion of your food. This can help you get more nutrients out of the foods you eat and break those foods more thoroughly. This can increase your overall nutrition, and leave you feeling better after you eat. Simple clockwise circles massaged over your stomach is all you need to start feeling better.

Your Body’s Health Can Improve with Regular Massage

Just like with a traditional massage, you get increased blood flow to the massaged area, in this case, your abdomen. This blood flow brings increased oxygen to the area, which can improve the health and function of your internal organs. If you want to get feeling better and help your organs function on a higher level, then regular abdominal massages may be the perfect answer.

Abdominal Massage Can Reduce Pain All Over Your Body

Most people believe that the only area that gets a benefit when you get a massage is the original area touched. However, that is inaccurate. Your entire body can reap the benefits of a massage, no matter where on your body it may be. If you get regular abdominal massages, you are likely going to notice that your body is less sore and tight. When you gently massage the abdomen, on top of the digestive benefits listed, you also get the benefit of reduced spasticity in your thorax, lumbar, abdominal, and gluteal muscles that are tight.

Would you like improved digestion, less pain, and increased nutrition from a simple massage you can easily fit into your weekly schedule? Then call the professionals here at Academy Massage. We can help you feel better in many facets of your life, plus leave you in better overall health. The power of touch can improve your life in many ways. Reach out to us and find out more today!

5 Questions Every Massage Therapist Should be Able to Answer

Our massage therapists get asked a wide range of questions every day.  Most of them are answered on our frequently asked questions page.  We polled the massage therapists in our office and narrowed the list down to the top 5 questions every massage therapist should be able to answer.

1. “When should I book your next massage?”
• This one varies by patient.  If you’re stiff or sore or are using massage to help treat an injury, we recommend weekly visits at a minimum.  If you are coming in for a massage to relax and dedicate some time to yourself, you could go longer between sessions.  However, we could all use some “me” time, and a weekly massage is an excellent way to practice some self-care. 
2. “Why did I feel sore the next day; is that normal?”
• During the massage, your therapist will work with different muscle groups.  Similar to when you workout, but in a different setting and at a much lower intensity.  It is quite common to feel sore the next day.  If the feeling persists for several days, please call and speak to your massage therapist about what you are experiencing. 
3. “How do I stretch *this* muscle?”
• It depends on the muscle.  Feel free to ask your Academy Massage therapist if you have a particular muscle or muscle group that you just can’t seem to get stretched.  We are happy to give you some pointers! 
4. “What is a ‘knot’?”
• A muscle knot is a common term for a trigger point; they are most commonly found in the back and neck area.  Basically, a knot is a spot in the muscle that has tensed up or began to spasm involuntarily. 
5. “Why do I need to drink water after my massage?”
• Two reasons.  First, a massage will dehydrate you.  Your therapists work on your muscles causes fluid to pump out of the muscle tissue and into your circulatory system, moving towards your kidneys.  That is why you will often need to use the washroom after a massage.  Secondly, as your muscles relax they begin to release metabolic waste (substances leftover from metabolic processes, a fancy term for toxins) into your system.  As your circulation improves as a result of the massage, these toxins need to be flushed out of your system.

Bonus Question - “Is it okay if I have a drink before my massage?”

• Alcohol before a massage is not recommended; massage can increase the effects of alcohol in your system.  As mentioned in answer 5, massage promotes circulation and flushes toxins out of your body.  As delicious as that glass of pinot grigio is (or your drink of choice), it is considered by your body primarily as a toxin.    

What other questions do you have about massage?  We want to hear them!  Comment on this post below, or tag us in your posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

How to Exercise, Even When You Don't Want To

Do you ever have those days (or weeks!) where you just can’t motivate yourself to get up and workout? You’re not alone; we’ve all been there. We also want to help you out, so we put together a list of some of the tricks we’ve used in the past to get our butt in gear and get that workout done. Here is the Academy Massage cheat sheet for motivating yourself to exercise, even when you really don’t want to:

• Lay out your workout clothes the night before so there’s one less thing to do before a morning workout – bonus points if you pick your outfit for work too!
• Plan the healthy meal you’ll nourish your body with after to give yourself the motivation to push through – one positive decision leads to another.
• Put your workout gear on before you decide to skip the workout.  If you still don’t feel like working out after that, take a mental health day and do something else that is good for you instead; read a book, get a massage, do some mild stretching or light yoga, or take a relaxing bath (with myo bath salts).
• Start a calendar or journal and mark down the days that you do workout.  Seeing all the checked boxes can help motivate you.  Keeping track of when you do and don’t workout can also help you find patterns or cycles that you go through with your body – especially important to note for females.
• If you hate cardio, just remember: “the faster you run, the faster you’re done.”
• Don’t let yourself miss two days in a row, ever.
• If you can’t stay motivated to go to a gym on your own, hire a personal trainer so there is someone else counting on you to be there, and a financial cost to skipping the workout.
• Join a group fitness program so you know you have a workout planned on scheduled dates and times.  It will help you build a routine, and you’re less likely to skip because it gives you a time for you to look forward to that’s just for you.
• Do your warm up.  If you’re not motivated after that, you can quit, but you’ll probably feel silly. 
• Break your workout into smaller sets.  Count to halfway through the set, and then back down to one.  It feels like you’re doing less because you’re counting half as high as normal, and counting back down to one pushes you to finish because you’re counting down the remaining reps – it’s all in your head!
• Find a podcast or audiobook you like and only let yourself listen to it during a workout.  Just like bingeing Netflix episodes, you’ll want to know what happens next.
• Think about how far you’ve come since starting and the changes you’ve seen or felt in your body. Hold on to that feeling and push to feel even better.

What tricks do you use to motivate yourself to workout?  We want to hear them!  Comment on this post below, or tag us in your posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

5 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You to Know

If you decide to come see us at 561 Academy Road, there are a few things we want you to know before your visit. This list is meant to help you get the best possible experience out of your session at Academy Massage, and enjoy the after effects of your treatment even more.

We are trained professionals

We are trained to properly drape clients in order to protect your modesty and ours. To us, your buttocks are not cute, big, small, or sexy. It’s a big muscle, and we like muscles. We can work your glutes with a big sheet covering if that makes you feel more comfortable, but it would be incomplete not to work on some of the biggest muscles in the body.

If you’re “on time,” you’re late

Please try to be early. We really like to work on you for the entire time; however, as we often have another client coming in right after you, it is difficult for us to work on you past your scheduled time. 

If you have had a change in your medical condition since you were here last, it is important you tell us

If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury, or have a touchy knee, it is important that we be aware. No one knows your body better than you, but we want to be able to navigate and make sure you’re not in any discomfort or pain. Massage should be a relaxing experience.

Tips are appreciated but not expected 

Tips are not an obligation.  We would rather you considered us in the same mindset as your dental hygienist or health care practitioners.  The massage therapy industry as a whole is shifting in this direction.  If you are happy, tell your friends. We love referrals!

The massage session is about you

Throughout your treatment, feel free to speak up if something doesn’t feel quite right; you won’t hurt our feelings! We want to make sure the style, pressure, and pace of the massage meet your needs.  If you are unhappy, please tell us why. Sometimes a client doesn’t return and we have no idea if we did something wrong, or if you are just busy.

If you have questions about massage therapy, get in touch with us today.  We love helping people take care of their mind, body, and soul, and are happy to discuss how massage therapy can be a part of that.

3 Natural Ways to Overcome the Winter Blues

During the winter, some people are more prone to feeling a bit depressed. It is harder to spend time outside, which is part of where we get Vitamin D from. Without getting out to get some fresh air, we can begin to feel cooped up, which can make us feel out of sorts. If you struggle with the winter blues, then know that there are things that you can do to help yourself feel better. Here are three great options to help you overcome the winter blues this year.

Get More Light

One of the most effective ways of battling back against the winter blues is to give your body what it wants most, light. When you are stuck indoors, you don’t get enough light, so give yourself more! Add more light to the rooms you spend the most time in. You can open the curtains, add a lightbox right by where you sit, and even add in more artificial light. The more light you get, the better! If you notice a slight improvement, but it’s not quite enough, enhance it with a Vitamin D supplement, and it should help your winter blues fade away.

Remain Social with Others

Don’t isolate yourself when you are struggling with the winter blues. You need to stay actively a part of what is going on. Isolating yourself is only going to make it worse, so keep yourself a part of your regular circles. Even if you don’t feel like going out, at least talk to them. Stay a part of what is going on, and keep up to date with what others are doing. This helps keep your winter blues from getting too deep, and it allows you to have the option of somewhere to go when you are feeling up to going out.

Do Things to Help Yourself Feel Better

When you are struggling with the winter blues, it is important that you try and help yourself feel good. There are many ways to go about doing this. First, you can volunteer to help others. This helps you feel good, and in turn, helps battle back those winter blues. Second, you can go out and exercise. Making your body feel good is a great way of keeping your winter blues in check. If you are going to make yourself feel good, another way of doing that is getting a massage since it boosts your mood, immune system, and helps with circulation. Finally, you can pick the foods you eat carefully. Some foods are great at helping you stay feeling good, like chocolate. Carbs make you feel more anxious and depressed after you eat them, and should be avoided.

If you want to take good care of yourself, consider calling Academy Massage today. We can help you get a massage to bring about recovery from those winter blues, and we can also help you just feel better overall. Contact us today and find out which of our massage options are best for you in your battle against the winter blues!

Why Should You Care About Aromatherapy?

When most people think about aromatherapy, they automatically think about the aroma aspect and believe that they must be inhaling particular scents to get the benefits. However, the truth is, your body can benefit from using the essential oils of aromatherapy from massage just as much. By getting a massage with essential oils, not only do you inhale the scents that are thought to help with better overall health, but you also get the benefits of the concentrated item the oil came from.

Aromatherapy Can Help Your Body

When your body is exposed to specific substances, it responds. Essential oils are concentrated versions of specific substances, allowing your body to respond positively to the application of these substances. By massaging them into your body, you get the feeling of the massage and the benefit of the oil.

If you want to reduce swelling, you will use something like tea tree oil or lavender oil. For those who are seeking a way to remove anxiety from their body, they could still use lavender oil, or they could opt for rose oil or a citrus oil like orange or lemon.

If you want to relax from pain, you may want to consider rose oil or frankincense oil, as they are commonly used to help during labor and known for their pain relieving qualities. For you to get the benefit of reducing blood pressure, consider a massage from Neroli oil.

At Academy Massage, we carry an extensive selection of Myo brand essential oils, lotions, and bath salts, as well as essential oil diffusers, humidifiers, and lockets and necklaces – all perfect gifts for Valentine's day!  We would be happy to discuss your particular needs and will recommend a product that will provide you with the most benefit.  To find out more about how aromatherapy could help you, contact us today!

How You Know It's Time to Go for A Massage

With the new year upon us, it is time to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves. After all, nearly 1/3 of all resolutions made on New Year’s involved getting healthy in some form. If you are trying to feel better and live a life that allows you to get the most out of it, then you need to consider taking care of yourself from all angles. One of the most overlooked ways of taking care of yourself is through massage. It gives your body so many benefits that it should be something we all strive to get regularly.

Signs Your Body Really Needs a Massage

The most obvious sign that you need a massage is that you hurt. This can be pain in your shoulders, neck, back, hips, or nearly anywhere on your body. The pain that doesn’t go away naturally can often be remedied, or at least minimized, by getting a massage on a regular basis. Tightness of large muscles, or a limitation on your life due to muscle pain, should point you in the direction of getting a massage.

Another sign that you need a massage is the occurrence of tension headaches. Typically, when the larger muscle groups in the upper half of your body are getting tight, it leads to a tension buildup. This leads to you getting tension headaches which can be difficult to get rid of. Getting a massage allows those muscles to relax, and it allows the tension to be released from your body instead of building up and causing additional pain.

When you become limited in how much each joint can move, that is a very good sign that you could benefit from a massage. Losing your normal range of motion can limit your quality of life, plus it can increase your stress. As soon as you notice that you are losing the ability to move like you normally would, you need to go in and get a massage. The sooner you get the problem addressed, the less range of motion you are bound to lose, and the sooner you are bound to feel better.

Massages Allow Your Body to Relax

Getting a massage provides stress relief and pain relief, among other benefits. The more often you make a massage a regular part of your routine, the more benefits you get out of the practice as a whole. You should be going in once every 1-2 weeks to get the pain under control. Then, once you can keep your pain controlled, you should be going in 1-2 times per month to maintain your range of movement and keep the pain down.

When you get regular maintaining massages, you will find that your body responds in many positive ways. You will feel better, sleep better, stay calmer, and typically get sick less often. To schedule a massage with Academy Massage today, give us a call. We can help get you feeling better, and help you stay that way.

What You Really Need to Know About Steam Rooms

Have you been thinking about visiting a steam room? However, before you do, you want to make sure it is going to be beneficial, right? Well, luckily for you, there are quite a few benefits of going and visiting steam rooms. Whether you are trying to feel better from a stiff back, or want to simply relax, steam rooms are a great option.

Why You Want to Go and Visit a Steam Room

1. You will be able to relieve your body of tension. The warmth lets your body relax, and this lets your tension just melt away. 
2. The steam removes impurities from your skin. This means that not only do you feel better when you come out, but you look better, too!
3. Sweating takes toxins out of your body. Simply spending 20 minutes in a steam room can remove a whole day’s worth of toxins from your system, leaving you healthier. 
4. You have better blood flow when in a steam room. During exposure to the heat, your capillaries open up, allowing for better blood flow and increased healing. 
5. Sitting in a steam room can help alleviate pain. When you sit in a hot and steamy room, your body releases endorphins. This can reduce the pain you feel from both the daily grind and even from injuries. 

If you want to get a chance to feel better, look better, and stay healthier, then go in and check out a steam room. If your body is still achy when you leave the steam room, give us a call at Academy Massage, and let us help work the rest of the kinks out!