There are numerous areas where massage therapy shows significant value, and one that cannot be ignored is within the realm of injury rehabilitation. Massage is often one of the key tenets of an injury rehab program, typically combined with a few other major elements to bring pain reduction and improvement to athletes and others who have experienced significant injury.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to offer a huge range of massage therapy techniques to patients around Lehi and Orem, including sports massage for a variety of athlete needs. Here are some of the specific ways massage therapy is often incorporated into injury rehabilitation, plus how it adds value in many such settings.

Improving Circulation

Blood flow is a major part of many healing processes, and massaging the affected area can significantly improve circulation. When the circulatory system is working more efficiently, oxygen-rich blood reaches injured areas more quickly to help with the rebuilding process.

During and after the massage, the athlete will see an increase in the interchange of substances between tissue cells and blood. This leads to increased tissue metabolism, which in turn means that the healing process can be sped up.

Supporting Soft Tissue Healing

Injury rehab is often focused on soft tissue repair, and massage therapy can be incredibly helpful in this situation. Massage helps to break down certain fibrous adhesions that may form after a significant injury; it also lengthens muscles and helps to relax them. This helps reduce the risk of scar tissue forming, which can eventually lead to a decrease in range of motion.

Down related lines, massage therapy can also help improve an athlete's joint range of motion. It can reduce pain and swelling, leading to better performance in the area of focus. In addition, it helps to clear away lactic acid and other metabolic waste that accumulates during physical exercise.

Preventing Over-Training

Another key way that massage therapy adds value during injury rehab is by helping to prevent over-training. Many athletes and other active individuals push themselves too hard, leading to exhaustion and a higher risk of further injury. Massage helps to reduce the intensity of training sessions, allowing for better recovery times and a reduced risk of long-term damage.

By keeping muscles loose and relaxed, individuals can continue their typical fitness routines without putting themselves at too much risk of overexertion. This helps to increase overall performance and minimize the risks associated with extreme physical activity.

Decreasing Muscle Waste Products

Products like lactic acid and carbonic acid are produced in the body during physical activity, and they can cause a lot of discomfort for active individuals. Massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce lactic acid build-up. It helps to flush away these waste products, reducing fatigue levels and allowing athletes to continue their training without feeling overly fatigued or uncomfortable.

As you may have guessed, this traces back to circulation in terms of how it works. Massage helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which carries away these waste products and keeps them from accumulating.

Addressing Psychological Elements

At times, injury rehabilitation may involve more than just physical healing. In some cases, psychological elements like fear of further injury or anxiety can lead to prolonged healing times and reduced performance levels. Massage therapy can help address these issues as well, providing a calming sensation that helps to reduce stress levels while also encouraging relaxation for the affected individual.

This is beneficial not only in terms of physical rehabilitation, but also in terms of overall mental wellbeing. In some cases, massage can even help with insomnia and other sleep problems that are often associated with anxiety.

Preventing Future Injury

Finally, massage therapy can be extremely helpful for preventing future injury. It helps to reduce the tension placed on muscles and tendons, making them more flexible and less likely to suffer a strain or tear in the future. In addition, it helps to increase range of motion, promoting better mobility which can help protect against potential issues like bone fractures or joint damage.

By incorporating massage therapy into injury rehabilitation, athletes and other individuals can take proactive steps towards preventing future injuries or at least minimizing the risk. This is one of the most valuable aspects of massage therapy in terms of injury rehab.

These are just a few examples of how massage therapy can add significant value during the injury rehabilitation process. Working with an experienced therapist like those at Body Balance Massage and Float can help ensure that athletes get the best possible treatment for their specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how massage therapy can benefit you, or for more information on any of our massage or float therapy programs for patients in Lehi and Orem.

Many people are well aware that massage therapy can have a positive impact on numerous systems within our bodies, and a great example here is the heart. Heart health is connected to many other systems and areas of the body, and massage therapy helps with several of these in ways that are often highly beneficial for overall heart health themes.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're proud to offer a wide range of massage therapy techniques to clients in Lehi and Orem, from Swedish massage to trigger point therapy, sports massage and many others. Let's look at some of the broad benefits of using massage for those who want to maintain quality heart health, plus some of the more common massage techniques that may provide these benefits.

Boosting Circulation

Circulation is a huge part of overall heart health, playing a role in everything from oxygenated blood flow to the delivery of nutrients and hormones. Massage therapy can have a direct, positive impact on circulation thanks to the relaxation response it creates, which helps open up vessels and other channels responsible for carrying these substances throughout the body.

This is enormously beneficial to many patients - circulation is a common problem that can result from things like stress, poor diet, or even injuries. Massage helps reset these channels and allows the body to re-establish its natural rhythms.

Reducing Stress Levels

The relaxation response mentioned above can benefit heart health in another key way - reducing stress levels. High levels of stress have been linked to many conditions that affect heart health, from high blood pressure to coronary artery disease. Massage provides an excellent way to de-stress, with all the changes in circulation and hormones that come along with it.

In addition, many of our massage therapy options also provide a sense of emotional well-being that can be beneficial for anyone struggling with anxiety or depression - two conditions which may have significant impacts on heart health as well.

Lowering Blood Pressure

Another key facet of heart health is maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure. Massage can help lower both systolic and diastolic readings, especially when targeting areas of the body that are responsible for regulating these measurements. Techniques such as Swedish massage or trigger point therapy have been known to be particularly effective in this regard.

Slowing Heart Rate

Down related lines, massage can also help slow down a person's heart rate when needed. This can be especially beneficial if the patient is dealing with hypertension or other conditions that cause an elevated pulse, as a slower heart rate can lead to lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular function overall.

In addition, slowing the heart rate means that the body has more time to relax between beats, allowing the body's natural healing and relaxation processes to kick in. This can further contribute to improved heart health over time.

Common Techniques That Benefit Heart Health

While this isn't meant as an exhaustive list, here are a few of the techniques that tend to be most effective in bringing these benefits to patients:

• Swedish massage: As one of the most popular massage techniques, Swedish massage is designed to relax the muscles and reduce tension in the body. It can help with blood pressure regulation and often provides a sense of emotional well-being as well.
• Trigger point therapy: This technique involves targeting specific areas on the body where muscle knots may be present. By focusing on these problem areas and helping them release, trigger point therapy can provide relief and improved range of motion.
• Deep tissue massage: Another popular technique, deep tissue massage is designed to target the deeper muscles in the body and provide relief from tightness and soreness. This can help with circulation issues, as well as providing a sense of relaxation and physical rejuvenation.
• Sports massage: Aimed at athletes or anyone engaging in regular physical activity, sports massage helps prepare the body for exercise and helps the body recover afterward. It can also help with circulation and reducing tension in the muscles.

Massage Alone Does Not Guarantee Heart Health

It's important that we're clear when it comes to massage therapy and its relationship to heart health - while massage can certainly be beneficial, it should never be seen as a replacement for other medical treatments or approaches. Massage is best used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise routine, and any other treatments that may be recommended by your doctor.

Ultimately, massage can provide some excellent benefits when it comes to improving heart health - however, it's important to remember that any medical decisions should always be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. Doing so can help ensure that you get the best possible outcomes and stay healthy for years to come.

For more here, or to learn about any of our massage therapy or float therapy solutions for clients in Lehi, Orem and nearby areas, speak to our team at Body Balance Massage and Float today.

Many different groups of people may find great benefits from different massage therapy techniques, and athletes of all varieties are a great example. Among several massage techniques that might be helpful for athletes, perhaps the single most beneficial is aptly named: Sports massage.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to offer the very best sports massage services available in the Lehi and Orem areas, plus various other massage techniques and float therapy solutions. Here are some basics on sports massage - how it works, the specific techniques used within it, and the kinds of people who can benefit from it (likely a larger list than you may have assumed).

Sports Massage Basics and Common Techniques

For those just learning about the concept of sports massage, here's a brief rundown: It is a type of massage therapy designed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or to simply function at optimum level during training.

This type of massage uses various soft tissue manipulation techniques, including some examples:

• Effleurage: This form of stroking and gliding is used to warm up the muscles before deeper massage techniques are applied.
• Friction: Deeper pressure is applied in a circular motion to help break down adhesions in the muscles and tendons.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Applying pressure to specific points of the body helps release tension, reduce pain and increase range of motion.
• Compression: This technique helps increase circulation, reduce swelling and flush metabolic waste from the muscles.
• Percussion: Using a special tool or hands to tap the muscles can help break up adhesions and relax deep tissue layers.

These are just a few examples of some of the techniques used in sports massage.

Benefits of Sports Massage for Athletes

There are several direct ways that sports massage benefits athletes and people who exercise often:

• Flexibility and range of motion (ROM): Tension in the muscles and connective tissue can limit ROM, but sports massage helps to restore it.
• Pain relief: Techniques like trigger point therapy can help relieve specific pain points that athletes often experience after intense physical activity or repetitive motion.
• Reduced fatigue: Massage reduces muscle tension and increases circulation, which helps flush lactic acid out of the body and reduces fatigue.
• Reduced risk of injury: Regular massage can help keep muscles from becoming too tight or overworked, which helps reduce the chance of injury.
• Improved performance: By increasing flexibility, reducing muscle tension and improving circulation, athletes often experience improved performance as a result of sports massage.

These are just a few of the many benefits that athletes and sportspeople can experience from regular massage. Whether you're an amateur or professional athlete, you can be sure that at Body Balance Massage and Float, we'll do our best to provide the very best sports massage services in Lehi and Orem. Contact us today to get started!

Is it Painful?

Whether or not sports massage will be painful will typically depend on the nature of the issue being treated, the techniques used and the sensitivity of the patient. Most patients find sports massage to be quite relaxing with some potential discomfort during trigger point therapy, but overall it shouldn’t be overly painful.

In fact, for many athletes, this is often described as a "good pain." That term may seem confusing, but what it means is that athletes are surprised and often impressed by the amount of tension that can be released from their muscles.

So, while sports massage may not always be a comfortable experience, the long-term results in terms of improved performance and reduced risk of injury more than make up for any potential discomfort.

Who Should Consider Sports Massage?

While some people may think that sports massage is only reserved for professional athletes or those who participate in a lot of physical activity, that is not the case. Sports massage can be beneficial for anyone who exercises regularly and wants to improve their performance or reduce their chance of injury.

It's also great for people who experience pain due to tight muscles or specific trigger points. The techniques used in sports massage are designed to target areas of tension and help to reduce pain, so it could be just what you need.

The takeaway here is that anyone can benefit from sports massage, regardless of their fitness level or activity level. So if you're looking for a way to improve your performance, reduce your chance of injury or simply relax after a hard workout, sports massage may be just what you need.

When it comes to sports massage, Body Balance Massage and Float offers the best in Lehi and Orem. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you reach your performance goals!

While certain forms of massage are often used to address specific forms of pain or other issues that are taking place in the body, some people just want a massage to relax, improve their circulation and wind down. The Swedish massage, known in many other parts of the world as simply a "classic" massage, is one of the top candidates here.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, Swedish massage is one of several techniques we're happy to offer to clients who just want to relax and unwind a bit. Many of our clients use it for a combination of relaxation and regular wellness improvements, and it has several benefits in both these areas. Here are some basics to know about this technique, plus some of its key benefits for many people.

How Swedish Massage is Performed

Within a Swedish massage, a massage therapist may call on a few time-tested techniques:

• Petrissage: The technical term for kneading, wringing, and rolling tissues in your body, this technique is often used to break up knots and tension in the body. It helps attract blood flow to certain areas, too.
• Effleurage: This technique is often used to apply soothing and broad strokes to the entire body in an effort to loosen up tension and improve relaxation overall. It involves gliding motions across the skin and applying light pressure to help relax muscles.
• Vibration: Many therapists add a bit of vibration to their Swedish massage. This can help loosen up knots and tense muscles, and it often helps people relax even more quickly.
• Tapotement: Referring to the act of "soft chopping" that therapists use to help loosen up knots in the muscles and increase circulation, this technique is often done at the end of a massage session.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage comes with several specific and broad benefits that make it ideal as a daily wellness technique. Here are some of the most notable:

• Stress and blood pressure management: This massage helps many people reduce their blood pressure and cortisol levels, which ultimately helps them better manage stress. By reducing these levels, many people are able to enjoy a more relaxed state overall.
• Sleep improvement: Many people have used Swedish massage to help them wind down and fall asleep faster and get better sleep each night.
• Pain relief: With its combination of kneading, vibration, effleurage and other techniques, this form of massage can often help to reduce chronic pain in the body.
• Improved flexibility: Swedish massage can help to improve flexibility and range of motion over time, making it an ideal choice for those who struggle with tight muscles.
• Immune system function: Thanks to the boost in circulation that Swedish massage can often bring, it helps many people improve their immune system function.
• Simple relaxation: For those who just want to relax and wind down, Swedish massage is a great choice. It can provide an hour of restful relaxation without the need for any additional techniques.

Comparing to Other Techniques

Firstly, it should be noted that Swedish massage pulls from several other techniques, including Shiatsu and some aspects of deep tissue massage. However, its focus is on relaxation rather than dealing with specific pain or tension points in the body. It's also generally a less aggressive technique when compared to deeply focused forms of massage, making it a great choice for those who just need to relax.

Deep tissue massage, for instance, is typically much more focused on specific knots and tension points in the body, while Swedish massage looks to provide a sense of calming relaxation with its broader strokes and techniques.

Overall, Swedish massage is an ideal choice for those who want to relax and improve their overall wellness without focusing too much on any specific pain points in the body. It comes with some scientifically-backed benefits and can be a great choice for those who want to take their wellness routine up a notch. It is also typically less aggressive than deep tissue massage, making it a great choice for those who just need to relax.

At Body Balance Massage and Wellness, we offer a variety of massage services that may help you achieve your desired state of relaxation. Contact us today to find out more!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the most notable benefits of massage therapy that are especially beneficial during the winter. While many people receive benefits from different massage techniques throughout the year, some find that it's especially helpful during the coldest parts of the year when certain kinds of pain are at their most likely. 

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to offer a wide range of massage therapy techniques and services, from deep tissue full body massage to trigger point therapy, bamboo massage and many others. Here are some of the other key ways massage often benefits many people during the winter season.

Improved Skin Health

Some people don't think enough about the health of their skin. During winter months, when temperatures drop and humidity decreases, the skin often becomes especially dry. Massage can help to moisturize the skin by improving circulation, which helps bring essential oils and other moisture-rich substances to the affected area. 

This can help improve skin health in many areas, including reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles, improving skin tone and helping to reduce acne.

Improved Sleep Quality

As the days get shorter, it can be harder for many of us to keep regular sleep patterns during the winter months. Massage therapy has been shown to have a positive effect on sleep quality, making it easier to stay in a healthy sleeping rhythm even when temperatures start dropping. 

Massage helps relax tense muscles, increases circulation and reduces stress levels – all of which can help you to drift off into a peaceful slumber more easily. 

Keeping the "Winter Blues" Away

Another major benefit of massage therapy is that it helps to keep stress levels at bay, which in turn can help to fight against symptoms of depression. Massage improves the circulation of serotonin and dopamine – two hormones known for helping people feel happier and better overall. 

By fighting against low moods in this way, massage can be a powerful tool to combat the winter blues that many of us experience during colder months. 

Boosting Metabolism

Many of us find we get a bit heavier during the colder months of the year, as comfort eating becomes more common and physical activity levels drop. Massage can help to boost metabolism by stimulating organs like the liver and kidneys and improving circulation, which all contribute to a healthier metabolic rate. 

By increasing this rate it becomes easier for those extra winter calories to be burned off faster – so you can stay at a healthier weight all year round. 

Whether you're looking to improve sleep quality or boost your metabolism, massage therapy can be an excellent way to get through the winter months. With many of its benefits tailored towards making life easier during colder weather, it's no wonder massage is such an essential part of many people's wintertime routine. 

Visit the Body Balance Massage and Float team today to find out more about the benefits of massage therapy during winter and explore our range of services! Our certified therapists are here to help you get through this chilly season in comfort.

One of the most common needs for massage therapy today comes from people who suffer from back pain. Whether due to chronic pain or issues caused by specific activities, commonly sports or other forms of exercise, back pain is common among many people, who are often looking for solutions.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to provide a number of massage therapy techniques that are ideal for back pain, from trigger point therapy to deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and many others. In addition, we regularly assist clients with tips and actions that will help limit the initial causes of back pain -- many of which come from mistakes made during sports or exercise. Here are a few of these common errors, plus how to avoid them and steer clear of back pain.

Improper Warmup or Stretching Before Exercise

One of the most common mistakes involved in the onset of back pain is improper stretching or warmup before exercise. This often occurs because of a lack of knowledge on how to properly engage in these types of movements.

With workouts or exercises which are very specific, such as running, stretches can be done after a brief jog or run to prepare the lower body and buttock muscles. These will help loosen them up for the next steps.

For exercises which require bending over and arching your back, such as deadlifts (or similar movements), it's important to stretch your back beforehand to keep your back muscles loose during the exercise. Stretching beforehand will also help reduce any residual soreness after an exercise is completed.

Incorrect Technique During Exercise

Some exercises in particular require the use of your back muscles to complete. Examples of these types of activities include deadlifts, squats, and other movements that require an arching of the back.

To ensure that you're exercising safely, it's important to use proper technique during these movements. Make sure you're engaging your glutes, not just your hamstrings, when doing deadlifts, for example.

By using this type of movement and technique, you'll help avoid unnecessarily straining your back while still completing an exercise properly.

Pushing Your Body Too Hard

Pushing your body too hard may also often lead to back pain. Pushing yourself too hard during a workout or exercise can lead to muscle fatigue, causing issues such as strained back muscles.

It's important to allow your body time for recovery as well as prevent injury by completing workouts at a pace which is comfortable for you, and with movements that do not lead to unnecessary strain on your back muscles.

For more on avoiding common mistakes that tend to lead to back pain issues, or to learn about any of our massage therapy or float therapy services for any kind of pain or discomfort, speak to the staff at Body Balance Massage and Float today.