While massage therapy is a great resource for many people throughout a given year, there are certain seasons or times of the year where it's especially beneficial for some. Winter is a common example here among many people - why might this season bring some even greater benefits alongside massage therapy than you might find during other times of the year?
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer a wide range of the very best massage therapy programs in Lehi and nearby areas, including options like Swedish massage, trigger point therapy and numerous others. What are some of the specific ways massage therapy benefits people during the coldest parts of the Utah calendar? This two-part blog series will go over several.
Improved Circulation
One of the simplest benefits of massage therapy, and which is especially noticeable during winter when it's easy for our hands or feet to get cold due to our body's natural circulation processes, is improved circulation. Massage helps to break up the tension in our muscles and stimulate blood flow throughout the body, allowing us to stay warmer during cold weather and better able to enjoy outdoor activities.
It does this primarily by improving the circulation of both our lymphatic and cardiovascular systems. The lymphatic system helps to remove toxins from our body, while the cardiovascular system delivers oxygenated blood throughout our tissues. Improved circulation in winter months not only helps to keep us warmer, but also can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with cold-weather conditions like arthritis or joint pain.
Immune System Boost
Down related lines, massage therapy can also do wonders for the body's immune system in winter months. While it’s always important to take proper care of our health year-round, massage can help jumpstart that process during colder months when we're more likely to be affected by viruses.
Massage helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for introducing antibodies and other cells that fight off infection. It does this by targeting the lymphatic system, promoting healthy circulation of fluids, which helps reduce inflammation in our bodies as well.
Joint Stiffness Issues
Some people typically experience more joint stiffness in winter months than during other seasons. Though this can be due to a variety of factors, massage therapy helps address some of those issues by increasing flexibility, mobility and range of motion.
The heat provided by massage, along with the specific techniques used in many programs, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Massage also helps to loosen the muscles around our joints, lessening the feeling of tightness or stiffness that can come with cold weather.
Overall, massage therapy can be especially beneficial during winter months in Lehi and nearby areas. To learn more about the options available here at Body Balance Massage and Float, we welcome you to reach out to us today!
If you're someone who regularly utilizes massage therapy and its numerous benefits, whether for pain relief, help with a specific condition or just overall wellness, the technique(s) used are one important subject you'll be regularly considering. One question we regularly get in this area: Should massage techniques be changed as a given person ages?
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer a huge range of massage therapy techniques, including everything from deep tissue massage to trigger point therapy, Swedish massage and numerous others. We're also happy to assist patients with questions like these -- should massage technique considerations change as you get older? This is a highly personalized question, with answers that may vary from patient to patient; in this two-part blog series, we'll look into a number of elements to consider if you're in this position.
Health Conditions
Naturally, one of the most important factors that may dictate whether or not you should change your massage therapy approach as you age is any health conditions you may have developed. These could be new conditions, or ones that have been present for some time.
For example, if you're getting older and beginning to develop significant arthritis pain, a deep tissue massage that was once comfortable may now cause you more pain and discomfort. In this case, you'll want to look into other options that may better suit your needs, such as Swedish massage or another gentler approach.
On the other hand, if you're dealing with long-term health conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic pain, you may find that massage provides more relief than ever before. In this case, you may want to look into more frequent sessions or longer sessions than you've had in the past.
Injury Concerns
In other cases, specific injuries may come into play when deciding whether or not to change your massage therapy approach.
For example, if you've recently suffered a back injury, you'll want to be very careful about the techniques used during your massage. In some cases, a deep tissue massage may be too much for an injured back and could actually make things worse; in this case, a gentler approach like Swedish massage may be a better option.
On the other hand, if you're dealing with an old injury that's never quite healed properly, targeted deep tissue work may finally help to get things moving in the right direction.
Skin Quality or Conditions
Another key element to consider is the quality and condition of your skin. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and less elastic. This can make certain types of massage, like deep tissue work, more painful than they would be on younger skin. In this case, it may be best to stick with gentler techniques or shorter sessions.
In addition, if you have any skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, it's important to take these into account when choosing a massage technique. In some cases, certain approaches may aggravate existing skin conditions; in others, massage may actually help to improve them.
In part two of our series, we'll go over some further themes here. For more on this, or to learn about any of our massage therapy or float therapy programs, speak to the team at Body Balance Massage and Float today.
One of the top benefits of massage therapy as an overall approach to pain and other physical needs is how versatile it is. Many people know, for instance, that massage is proven to help with things like stress and anxiety -- and down related lines, many people who suffer from sleep conditions like insomnia and others have turned to massage therapy with great results.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer the very best massage therapy services in Utah, applying our treatments to many patients in need -- including those who struggle with insomnia or other forms of sleep concerns. Why might massage benefit your sleep quality if you're in such a position? This two-part blog series will go over a number of simple themes.
Insomnia and Related Issues
Insomnia is a form of sleep deprivation that can lead to much more than tiredness -- it can also lead to a range of physical, mental and even emotional issues. Massage assists with both these areas, helping you get better sleep while also addressing some of the root causes that may be leading to these issues. Our next few sections will go over some of these root causes, and how massage therapy addresses them.
Stress and Anxiety
Some of the most common reasons people deal with insomnia trace back to stress and anxiety. For one thing, stress can be a major factor in how easily you fall asleep at night -- if you have too much on your mind or are dealing with physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues, it's only natural that sleep will take more time to come (if it comes at all).
Massage therapy is an effective way to counteract stress, providing a thorough relaxation treatment that helps to release the body's natural "fight or flight" mode. It also helps to reduce other common causes of stress, like muscle tension and tightness -- which can make it even harder to fall asleep at night. When you consider your overall range of benefits from massage therapy, then -- particularly during a time when you're aiming to help yourself sleep better -- this makes it a great option.
Aches and Pains
In other cases, people tend to develop insomnia in the first place because of aches and pains they're dealing with. These can be related to your disorder or condition, yes -- but in some cases, they may not be directly connected (like if you have arthritis).
Whatever the case, massage therapy is an effective way to reduce pain, no matter what its source. This is because massage therapy can help to break up tense muscles and encourage a healthier flow of blood through the body. These factors alone make it much easier for you to relax, giving your body a chance to take a well-deserved break from the stresses that lead to insomnia.
For more on how massage therapy may benefit those who deal with insomnia and related sleep issues, or to learn about any of our massage or float therapy solutions, speak to the team at Body Balance Massage and Float today.
In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on tinnitus, which is a condition that relates to issues with hearing, and how massage therapy may benefit those with this condition. Tinnitus is caused by a few different factors, from noise trauma to medication issues or often from specific injury, but massage therapy helps reduce or even eliminate its symptoms while addressing those root causes.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're proud to offer several massage therapy techniques that are often used for those with tinnitus, with Swedish massage likely the most common such technique (though there are others as well). While part one of our series looked at this theme from a broad perspective, today's part two will dig into tinnitus massage points and how massage therapy helps reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Reducing Muscle Tension
For many people with tinnitus, muscle tension only makes their symptoms worse. However, through quality massage therapy, we're able to address this issue. If you come into our spa with muscle tension reaching a point where it's affecting your tinnitus, we can help you relax those particular muscles and reduce the associated pain.
By targeting the cervical and upper thoracic muscles (for neck and upper back issues) and the trapezius and scalenes (for shoulder and neck issues), we help reduce muscular tension through the use of deep tissue massage, myofascial release, scar tissue work, and more. As your muscles relax more fully, you'll notice that tinnitus symptoms decrease as well.
Tinnitus Massage Points Explained
In addition, massage therapy for tinnitus often involves targeting specific points near the source of pain. These points will usually be around the ear and neck, and may involve themes like pulling the earlobe or working the neck muscles in a circular motion.
For best results, we'll likely want to use a combination of these two massage therapy techniques, which are very effective at reducing tension in the muscles and relieving tinnitus.
In many tinnitus patients, tension around the neck and jaw muscles plays a significant role in worsening tinnitus symptoms. Jaw tension, poor posture, and chronic stress can all contribute to somatic tinnitus, where sound perception is influenced by musculoskeletal structures rather than only the inner ear. By applying pressure to certain points around the outer ear, jaw, and neck, therapists aim to reduce tinnitus intensity and help patients manage symptoms more effectively.
Some techniques draw on traditional Chinese medicine, particularly the use of acupressure points and auricular acupressure at the ear apex. While more research and trial data are still needed, many patients report favorable results when specific points are stimulated to improve blood flow and support the nervous system. These methods are not a cure, but they can provide relief and promote relaxation, especially when tinnitus affects one or both ears and is accompanied by head pain, headaches, or neck discomfort.
Because tinnitus onset can be linked to multiple conditions affecting hearing, jaw alignment, or overall health, effectiveness depends on identifying the underlying cause. For some individuals, hearing aids or consultation with a hearing professional may be appropriate as part of broader treatment options. Massage therapy can complement these treatments by reducing stress, encouraging good posture, and improving daily routine habits that support sleep and overall well-being.
Every person experiences tinnitus differently, which is why a personalized treatment plan is important. Our goal is to help patients find relief, support lasting tinnitus relief when possible, and provide strategies that enhance overall well-being. By combining targeted manual techniques with stress reduction and jaw-focused work, massage therapy can be an effective treatment option for managing tinnitus symptoms and improving quality of life.
Mastoid Process
Another major focus for tinnitus relief is the mastoid process, or the bony part of your skull that sits right behind your ear. This area connects to various muscles in the ears and neck, and some gentle Swedish massage in this area relieves tension while allowing for proper alignment. This often reduces pain symptoms for those with tinnitus.
Masseter Muscle
Finally, massage may also focus on the masseter muscle, which refers to the main muscle that's on the outside of your face (and is responsible for chewing). If you've ever had a tooth pulled or jaw surgery, this muscle likely got very sore.
However, massaging this area with a gentle Swedish massage can have an immediate effect on tinnitus symptoms. As with any other painful issue, ongoing massage therapy is typically necessary to help maintain the temporary relief.
Contact Body Balance Massage and Float
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're proud to offer various massage therapy techniques that are often used for those with tinnitus. To learn more about these or any of our float therapy services, contact our staff today.
FAQ
Can massage therapy provide tinnitus relief for chronic ringing in the ears?
Massage may help provide tinnitus relief for some people who experience chronic ringing in the ears. By improving blood flow, supporting the nervous system, and reducing stress, massage can help manage tinnitus symptoms that are influenced by muscle tension or poor posture. While it is not a cure for tinnitus or hearing loss, many patients find relief when treatments address contributing factors in the neck, jaw, and head.
How effective is massage therapy for treating tinnitus caused by neck muscle tension?
When tinnitus symptoms are connected to tight neck muscles or jaw tension, massage can be particularly helpful. Releasing tension in the neck and jaw muscles may reduce strain on surrounding structures and ease discomfort. Effectiveness depends on the underlying cause, but many tinnitus patients report reduced symptoms when tension-related triggers are addressed as part of a personalized treatment plan
Is lasting tinnitus relief possible without relying solely on hearing aids?
Hearing aids can be an important tool for tinnitus patients, especially when hearing loss is present. However, lasting relief may also involve other treatment options such as massage, stress reduction, improving good posture, and adjusting daily routine habits. A comprehensive approach that targets stress, tension in the muscles, and overall well-being may help manage tinnitus more effectively.
What is somatic tinnitus, and how do neck muscles influence symptoms?
Somatic tinnitus refers to tinnitus that is influenced by physical structures such as the neck muscles or jaw. In these cases, movement or pressure in the neck or jaw can change the perception of ringing in the ears. Tight muscles in the neck, jaw tension, and poor posture may worsen symptoms by affecting the nervous system and blood flow in the head and neck.
How can acupressure points help reduce tinnitus naturally?
Applying pressure to specific points around the ears, jaw, and neck may help reduce symptoms of tinnitus intensity for some patients. These points are sometimes used to promote relaxation, improve blood flow, and reduce stress. While more research is needed, some individuals report that targeted techniques for applying pressure provide relief and help manage tinnitus symptoms.
Does auricular acupressure at the ear apex support tinnitus relief?
Auricular acupressure focuses on specific points of the outer ear, including the ear apex. By applying pressure to these areas, practitioners aim to influence the nervous system and encourage relaxation. Some tinnitus patients report favorable results, though more research and larger studies with a control group are needed to confirm effectiveness.
What role do hearing aids play in treating tinnitus compared to manual therapy approaches?
Hearing aids are often recommended when tinnitus occurs alongside hearing loss. They may help reduce the perception of ringing by amplifying external sounds. Manual approaches, such as massage, focus on tension in the muscles, stress, and jaw alignment. For many patients, combining multiple treatments may provide relief and support overall well-being.
Have studies with a control group shown that massage techniques can help people find relief from tinnitus?
Some small studies and clinical observations suggest that massage and targeted pressure strategies may help patients find relief from tinnitus symptoms. However, more research, including randomized trials with a control group, is needed to determine long-term effectiveness. Because tinnitus affects each person differently, results vary depending on overall health, stress levels, and underlying conditions affecting the ears and head.
Over the last several months, many Americans have finally been able to return to a more “normal” life after a year-plus impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have gone through this process more slowly than others, and for those who are hesitant to return to certain parts of life, there may be some significant benefits found through massage therapy.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we’re happy to offer a wide range of massage techniques, from deep tissue massage through Swedish massage, warm bamboo massage and many others. What are some of the ways our services may assist with self-care and confidence for those looking for a boost while returning to a more normal life? Here are several.
Body Confidence
One of the most common impacts of the pandemic on many Americans was the negative impact it had on body confidence. A number of people report feeling worse about their bodies now than they did before the pandemic, and this also may impact willingness to get back into certain parts of life.
Massage therapy is often highly beneficial here, primarily for a decrease in body-related stress and an increase in confidence. Massage is known to elicit positive emotions and feelings, particularly among those who are discouraged or down on themselves.
Simple Touch
Another of the key areas people missed out on during the pandemic was human contact, leading to issues of what’s known as “touch deprivation.” This condition can lead to disconnection and disassociation with the body, which in turn often gives way to anxiety or depression.
Once again, though, massage therapy provides a solution. It’s a direct form of touch, first and foremost, but also one that connects specifically to decreased stress and improved relaxation.
Physical Conditions
For many people, the stay-at-home nature of the pandemic also led to increased physical issues. Many people were understandably less willing to see the doctor or get other forms of attention for problems they were having, and this may have led to greater presence of issues like tight muscles, poor circulation, nerve compression and more. Massage therapy helps treat and correct many of these, reducing your pain levels and making it easier to recover from any conditions you’ve put off.
Stress and Social Life
Finally, we’re able to get back out into the social world at long last – but some people have anxiety or feelings of social isolation, and this process doesn’t seem easy for them. Massage will help calm the mind and relieve these kinds of subconscious stressors, allowing you to get back out into the world feeling confident and relaxed.
For more on how massage therapy is helping many people get back to their normal life, or to learn about any of our massage or float therapy services, speak to the staff at Body Balance Massage and Float today.
While everyone responds differently to stress and anxiety, there are a number of common results or symptoms that tend to affect many people in this realm. One that’s been particularly noticeable during the past year-plus during the COVID pandemic, especially with so many more people spending greater periods of time at home and inside, is stress-eating and weight gain symptoms that may impact some people who deal with stress, anxiety and even depression.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we’re happy to provide a number of services that will directly help reduce stress and related symptoms, from massage therapy through the best float therapy services in Orem and other parts of Utah. How do stress and other emotional triggers sometimes create eating and weight issues for those who suffer from them, and how do float therapy and other forms of relaxation therapy benefit those in this position? Here’s a primer.
Stress Triggers and Overeating
As those who have dealt with stress for any period of time might already be aware, one of the body’s primary responses to stress or anxiety is the production of the hormone cortisol – the “stress hormone” in some circles. Cortisol creates a few different effects when its levels are raised, and one of these in many people is increasing the craving or desire for sweet, salty or fried foods. This is largely due to the body’s attempt to find a quick shot of energy or pleasure, which is the effect created by elevated levels of cortisol to account for stress.
For some people, this cortisol boost leads to overeating. And in turn, overeating is known to lead to several specific health concerns, including weight gain and obesity, high cholesterol or blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and additional stress or depression.
However, there are ways to interrupt this cycle, and they mostly trace back to limiting this stress in the first place.
Float Therapy
Float therapy involves a reduction of external stimuli, and this allows for stress reduction in a few simple ways. First and foremost, it allows the brain to relax itself and create positive thought patterns while in an elevated state, something that’s far more difficult during the normal stresses of a day.
For another, float therapy makes actual chemical changes in the body that help with weight loss. Floating reduces adrenaline, for instance, plus cortisol, lactate and other hormones. Instead, these are replaced with endorphins, which are positive hormones that do not lead to stress-related habits. Float therapy also lowers blood pressure and improves sleep quality, which is vital for reducing stress in many people.
Meditation, Massage and Other Relaxation Types
In addition to float therapy, other forms of relaxation may also show major benefits here. Massage therapy and meditation are two of the most well-known, and will often be worked into a daily or weekly routine to limit stress and relax both the body and mind. Speak to our team about the ideal combination of float therapy and other relaxation methods for your situation.
For more on the benefits of float therapy for weight gain and overeating, or to learn about any of our massage therapy or float therapy services in Orem, speak to the staff at Body Balance Massage and Float today.