The typical massage therapist is the type of person who really wants to make a difference and help people. They are drawn towards this career to influence health and wellness and ease other’s aches and pains. However, they can’t do it alone. They need your help! Here are a few of the things your massage therapist wishes you knew so you can get the most out of your massage appointment.

Be Early.

Your massage time starts at the time you made your appointment for, not whenever you show up.

Scenario 1- Your 1 hour appointment starts at 3:00. You are running late. You get there and decide to use the restroom first and by the time you are undressed and on the massage table it is 3:15. You get a 45 minute massage. You are upset and stressed. The massage therapist is disappointed because they know with those 15 lost minutes they could have made more of a difference.

Scenario 2- Your 2 hour appointment starts at 11:00. You get there early. You have extra time to use the restroom, get a complimentary water, relax in the zen environment and prepare for your full 120 minutes of healing bliss. Your massage therapist is excited to have plenty of time to do their best work to aid you on your wellness journey.

Turn Your Cell Phone Off.

Don’t interrupt your scheduled time to rest and rejuvenate by forgetting to turn off your phone. Set aside this time to have a true break.

An article in Scientific American explains that, “Downtime replenishes the brain’s stores of attention and motivation, encourages productivity and creativity, and is essential to both achieve our highest levels of performance and simply form stable memories in everyday life. Moments of respite may even be necessary to keep one’s moral compass in working order and maintain a sense of self.”

Stay Hydrated.

Your body needs water! During a massage your body can detoxify at varying degrees and will use the water in your body to do so. After a massage you should replenish your water just as you would after a workout. You can solve so many issues by staying properly hydrated every day.

“Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body’s temperature; it also keeps the tissues in your body properly moist. You know how it feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry? Keeping your body hydrated helps it retain optimum levels of moisture in these sensitive areas, as well as in the blood, bones, and the brain. In addition, water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints.” -Everyday Health

Trust Your Massage Therapist.

Massage therapists go through months and years of studying anatomy and several different modalities of massage techniques, history, benefits and contraindications to have the training and experience to know how best to help you with your specific needs. Ideally, you would share with them any health concerns and goals you have for each session and based on that information they will formulate a plan to best utilize the amount of time you have together and do their best to help you reach your goals. If you are unsure about why your massage therapist chose to use a certain technique, ask them!

Do Your Homework.

A good massage therapist will often know many things you can do at home between massage appointments to keep the benefits lasting longer. These could include certain stretches specific to you and your body’s needs, using different tools to help keep the muscles healthy, other alternative treatments that may complement massage on your health journey, strengthening exercises and practicing better posture, among others. Following through with these recommendations will have many potential benefits and could be a huge game changer for you.

Are you looking for the best massage therapists in Utah to schedule your next prenatal appointment with?
You should be!
Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy relaxes your ligaments making your pelvic joints less stable. It also changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you're carrying and you may end up with an aching lower back!

Prenatal massage is therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. It enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. The gentle, noninvasive approach of prenatal massage can ease discomfort associated with pregnancy, help the mother-to-be prepare for labor and give her nurturing emotional support.

“Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to a women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.”

The benefits of prenatal massage are similar to regular massage – it aims to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. But prenatal massage is also customized to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies, and therapists trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly. Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. A trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore and swollen spots are likely to be and should be able to provide some relief. They will also know which techniques and areas to avoid, if any.

“Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.”

This style of massage is altered to offer safety and comfort to both mom and baby. One of the biggest differences between a prenatal massage and a typical massage is the positioning of the client on the table. Prenatal massage can be performed by:

1. having an expectant woman lie on her side, propped up with pillows;
2. utilizing specially designed maternity cushioning systems, which allow the expectant mother to lie on her stomach, supported by the cushions; or
3. positioning the mother-to-be in a semi-reclining position propped up by pillows.

At Body Balance Massage and Float we know that the safety of your baby and your health and wellness is very important. Our staff, the best massage therapists in Utah, are here to help and support you through this amazing journey. Our massage therapists are trained, certified and experienced to allow for you to receive the best care possible.  Schedule your appointment to come in and start enjoying the benefits today!

Have you heard about Flotation Therapy yet?  Joe Rogan has talked about it, Hugh Jackman does it, and many other Hollywood types and athletes own flotation tanks and float regularly. Everyone could benefit from a little floating in life, but there are a few groups who will benefit most profoundly . One of the most overlooked populations which may receive the most benefit? Pregnant women! Floating in a flotation tank can help the pregnant mom to be, literally float through the pregnancy with a level of calm and comfort. It promotes excellent sleep, a sense of well being, and can help with all the aches and pains normally associated with pregnancy. There are so many reasons why everyone can benefit from flotation therapy but here are 6 Reasons Why Flotation Therapy Can Help With Pregnancy:

1. Weightless Relief

Perhaps the most obvious perk of floating while pregnant is the physical relief. Flotation Therapy allows you to escape the added weight of pregnancy by floating in a weightless environment, taking the strain off the body and spine. During pregnancy, a growing belly causes inevitable strain, especially on the back. Unfortunately, most pregnant women are unable to find any relief from the discomfort caused by this stress. Resting in a weightless environment, allowing your body to relax, suspended in a serene ambiance is a moment that all expectant mothers deserve to experience.

2. Unparalleled Rest

Almost any pregnant woman out there will tell you that as your body changes to carry a baby, so do your sleeping patterns. Many expectant mothers suffer from disrupted sleep and sometimes insomnia. In the float tank, the release from gravity allows you to completely relax and even sleep in a way that is sometimes impossible during the latter stages of your pregnancy. This deep relaxation and rest is also invaluable for many new moms. Keeping up with the schedule of a newborn is absolutely exhausting, and most new mothers rarely get more than a couple hours of sleep at a time. An hour in a float tank allows for extra rest that can be gained in a short amount of time.

3. Mirroring the Baby

Many pregnant women find that floating is a time of intense bonding between mother and child because the experience of floating is similar to the feeling of floating in the womb. Especially if a pregnant woman floats on her stomach, both mom and baby are able to enjoy the comfort of a peaceful, relaxing environment. Women who are expecting have described the practice of floating while pregnant as an incredible bonding experience. As if her and her baby are one, both floating in suspended animation. Weightless, with no one but you and your baby, listening to each other’s heart beating  is truly something you must feel for yourself!

4. A Break From Stress

The research of numerous scientific studies show there is no time more important to invest in stress reduction than during pregnancy. Both before and after giving birth, it is essential for mothers to avoid stress. Stress levels during pregnancy can have an affect on your baby’s development in infancy and beyond. Prenatal and postnatal floating can be influential in controlling these often debilitating stress levels. Take some time out to take care of you, it will go a long way.

5. Nutrients

Women are advised to increase their intake of magnesium during pregnancy. This mineral is crucial for many biological functions. About 1,000 pounds of epsom salt magnesium is used to create the buoyancy in the float tanks. Epsom salt magnesium will be absorbed through the skin and may help ensure pregnant women are meeting their recommended intake.

6. Recovery

Although many people promote the benefits of floating for pregnant women, they often forget to discuss the benefits of floating after delivery as well. Women who have just given birth are still in the so-called “fourth trimester,” during which time they need to take care of their bodies and emotions, avoid postpartum depression, and preserve their health.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, for you and your little bundle of joy. Here at Body Balance Massage and Float, we are excited to offer this amazing, healing therapy. No matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, come get the relief and relaxation you deserve. Hope to see you soon!

Body Balance Massage and Float is a health and wellness company that sets its objectives in maintaining your body fitness and wellness through professional massages . Life can be a living hell if you have to go through it with stress and pain. Massages are recommended remedies to tackle this disturbances and at Body Balance Massage & Float, we have the best of massage experts that would relieve you and promote your Health and Fitness status.

A massage involved kneading and adding pressure to the muscles to release tension, reduce stiffness and alleviate common aches and pains. Getting a massage is not only relaxing, it’s also a proven way to rehabilitate the muscles, boost healing and promote faster recovery from an injury. Massage is not only restricted to those having medical issues. It can also be recommended for people who are under stress and want to relax or just want to relax. At Body Balance Massage & Float, you can order professional massages at very affordable fees to relieve yourself of whatever health issues you might be facing.

Having understood the nature of Body Balance Massage & Float and what the services entails, I will give you in details reasons why you might need a massage and why this should be your first choice service on every occasion. The reasons are strictly beneficial to you and comprise of all that you stand to gain. Here are a few:

You haven’t had one for months (or even years): Massage works best when it is received on a regular basis. Most massage therapists would recommend receiving a massage 1x/month for regular
maintenance and even more often if you have an injury you are trying to rehabilitate. So, if you do not have it regularly, your fitness is a risk.

Recurring Neck, Back and Hip Pain: Do you suffer from a persistent crick in the neck, painful lower back or sore hip joints? Sounds like you need a massage. Pain is the body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. And the busier we get, the more we ignore our body’s signals. If you keep ignoring your body, the injury will worsen. The pain could spread all over the body and this will affect the quality of your life.

Persistent Headaches: A pounding temple isn’t just a sign of stress. It could also be triggered by muscle pain around the neck, shoulders, head and back. Regular massage helps melt the stress away, relieving tension headache, even migraines and cluster headaches! So the next time you suffer from a pounding headache, don’t just take pain relievers, get a massage but make sure you get expert attention or you might not get actual results.

Stiff Muscles:If you’re unable to achieve a full range of motion, it’s a sign that the muscles are stressed. When you can’t turn your head or lift your arms all the way up, it means the muscles are so stiff they’ve become inflexible. A massage helps eliminate muscular restrictions. It will banish stiffness and promote flexibility while reducing pain and inflammation. It eliminates such unnecessary frictions and sets you free again. This is where it is believed to act against stress.

You don’t get enough sleep: It is amazing how a lot of people complain about difficulty in sleep, This is largely as a result of stored up stress and the dire need for a massage from expert hands . Sleep is incredibly important! We recover and heal when we sleep. Massage therapy helps promote healthy sleep habits through by promoting relaxation.

You are Constantly Stressed: Stress is one of the common causes of chronic diseases. It affects the body by weakening the immune system. This is the reason why constantly stressed out individuals are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections compared to folks who are less stressed out. Sustained levels of stress hormone cortisol and adrenaline can cause cardiovascular diseases and even mental issues. A massage happens to alleviate stress and fast! It works by reducing the level of stress hormone cortisol in the body while flooding the brain with endorphins

Bad Posture: Bad posture is a clear sign of spine and muscle stress. When you slouch, the spine loses its natural S-form. Bad posture also leads to back pain, muscle pain and even neck pain! Massage therapy doesn’t just relax the muscles and reduce pain; it also helps correct the posture!

When you weigh all of the benefits of hiring our service, you can clearly see how it can help you in your professional life, in terms of Fitness. When it comes to your Health and Wellness, you decide what is most worth your time

One question we often get asked is “how often should I be getting therapeutic massage?” Getting more frequent massage is almost never a bad thing, but how often should you be coming in? It’s hard to say specifically since everyone’s body, everyone’s situation, and everyone’s needs are a little bit different and everyone responds to massage differently. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow when considering how often you should get massage.

• Pain from an injury. Are you recovering from a specific injury and are looking for a rehabilitative type massage? When I say injury that could mean many different things. It could be anything from whiplash caused by a car accident, an acute injury that occurred while playing sports or exercising, or even a more slowly developing overuse injury from repetitive movements at work. Massage frequency will be slightly different in each case depending on the severity of the injury, the muscles involved, and the depth of the massage, but with cases like this more frequent massage is usually what you need. A good place to start would be to come in 1-2x per week, as advised by your therapist, until you are feeling consistent pain relief and you see other positive signs in your healing such as increased range of motion and less tiredness in the muscles. Once you start feeling this consistent relief gradually start spreading the appointments out to 1x every 2 weeks until your pain and mobility is consistently improved, then spread it out to 1x every 3 weeks or 4 weeks. With consistency you can find quick improvement of your injuries. With these types of injuries, you typically want to continue to get a few massage sessions to make sure the area being worked on is healed as much as possible. Many times, people struggle years later after an injury occurred because they never took the time to properly address and heal the muscles involved. That is why even after you are feeling better we recommend getting regular massage for maintenance which I’ll talk more about in part 2 of this post.

Although it can be a little frustrating, deep genuine healing takes time. But that is why we are here, we want to help you get there and we will do all that we can to make that happen. If you aren’t exactly sure about your situation feel free to ask your therapist and they will be able to advise you.  Our therapists will patiently work with your muscles and help you resolve your pain. This is why we hire high quality, highly trained therapists who have a passion to become better at what they do and help them to reach that goal. And that is why when you come to Body Balance you experience the best massage in Utah. In part 2 of this post I will be covering two other situations you might find yourself in and how you might change the time between your massages based on those situations.

There are many things that set our massage apart from others that will make your experience with us a special one of healing and rejuvenation.
Supporting you in healing and pain relief is our main focus.
Whether it is our knowledgeable highly trained therapists, our specialty modalities and upgrades , or the addition of infrared and PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy) therapies to each and every massage, you will be able to feel the difference and your body will thank you.

While relaxation massage isn't our main focus we still do it better than anyone else. Come in & see for yourself !