In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked into some of the simple ways that float therapy can positively impact areas like stress and anxiety. From its reduction of cortisol (the "stress" hormone) to several other related areas, there are multiple ways that this beneficial form of therapy can help if you're dealing with high levels of stress in your life.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer the very best float therapy services in Utah in addition to our quality massage therapy and related solutions. What are some of the other ways float therapy can directly or indirectly assist with stress and many of its related symptoms? Here are some basics.
Pain Relief
Float therapy is known to promote both vasodilation and oxygenation within the body, both of which can work wonders when it comes to pain relief. This is in addition to the almost immediate reduction in gravity's impact that you'll feel while floating. Many people who suffer from conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines often find significant relief after just one session of float therapy.
And while pain might not always be your most common source of stress, it's often a significant factor that can complicate and amplify stress-related issues. Reducing or eliminating pain can, therefore, have a profound and ripple effect on many other areas of your life that might be struggling.
Muscle Relaxation and Injury Recovery
Down similar lines, floating also offers exceptional benefits when it comes to muscle relaxation and injury recovery. The lack of gravity, the warm water temperature, and the extremely high salt content all work together to allow your muscles to completely relax. This can not only lead to faster healing times but can prevent future injuries by keeping muscles healthy, relaxed, and free from stress or strain.
Additionally, this environment can also help to improve your range of motion and flexibility, both of which are often negatively impacted by stress. The lack of gravity and the weightlessness that you'll experience while floating will allow your joints and muscles to move more freely than usual, promoting a greater range of motion and increased flexibility over time.
Limiting Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
Both anxiety and depression are interconnected with stress in a variety of ways and often feed off of each other to create a never-ending spiral of negative emotions. Fortunately, float therapy has been shown to be an effective way to break this cycle for many people.
One study found that just a single session of float therapy was enough to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in participants. And while more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of float therapy on mental health, there's no doubt that it can be a helpful tool in managing stress and its related symptoms.
For more on the many ways float therapy may help you fight off stress and related symptoms, or to learn about any of our floatation services, massage therapy solutions or other 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.
One of the key benefits of massage therapy is its versatility and use for a number of different people and needs. And while various massage techniques can be applied to numerous different areas, there are a few rare occasions where massage therapists actually don't recommend getting a massage.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're proud to offer a huge range of different massage therapy techniques, from Swedish massage and deep tissue massage to cupping therapy, prenatal massage and many others. While these situations are quite rare, there are just a few cases where we may recommend against massage for patients for the sake of their health and/or safety. Here's a quick rundown of these conditions, plus a word from our pros on how to approach these and related situations.
Active Infection
If you have an active infection taking place in the area where you're considering massage, we likely won't be able to work with you. While we take precautions against the spread of germs and disease at our center, usually by using disposable tables and gloves and wearing facemasks during treatment, there's always a low risk that you could get an infection from massage therapy if you were to get it elsewhere.
Not only is there a threat to our therapists here, there's major risk that massage could cause the infection to spread and worsen, causing serious health problems. If you're sick and not sure if massage is safe for your condition, check with your doctor first.
Following Surgery
Assuming all goes well, you can usually enjoy massage therapy about six weeks after surgery to give the body time to recover and heal after an operation. Even with this timeframe in mind, though, check with your doctor before getting a massage -- they know you and your condition best, after all.
Certain Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions, such as dermographism (a phenomenon where your skin reacts to pressure by intensely itching and/or burning) can be worsened by massage. At Body Balance Massage and Float, we typically recommend against the use of any firm massages on areas afflicted with eczema or psoriasis, as no one wants to make their condition worse.
Active Cancer
If you're battling cancer in a specific area you were considering a massage for, there may be cases where this isn't possible. This is one area where getting specific advice from both a massage therapist and your primary cancer doctor is highly recommended -- massage in some cases may increase the cancer spread risk, but in other cases could be completely safe.
When in doubt, always feel free to talk with your massage therapist about what is and isn't possible when it comes to treating a condition you're currently suffering from -- we want you to get the most out of our services, not worry!
For more on certain situations in which you may opt against massage for your own safety, or to learn about any of our massage or float therapy programs, speak to the staff 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.
For those who suffer from it, the condition of tinnitus is no fun whatsoever. Tinnitus, or the perception of sound despite no sound actually being present, is a major issue for some people, and can affect up to one in 10 Americans -- but did you know that among several quality treatments for this condition, massage therapy has shown some significant benefits?
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're proud to offer several forms of massage that may be applied to those with tinnitus, including Swedish massage that's often used here. What is tinnitus, why might you have it, and what are some of the ways massage therapy may benefit tinnitus patients? Here's a primer.
Tinnitus Basics
As we noted above, tinnitus refers to the perception of sound -- which isn't present in any way. Tinnitus can be perceived as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whooshing, and certain other types of noises. This often leads to difficulty sleeping and concentrating for those experiencing it (or at least it did us!), and is caused by a variety of factors:
- Noise trauma: This is one of the leading causes, as things like work-related accidents or concerts attended without ear protection can cause tinnitus.
- Vascular health: How well your blood flows through your body affects circulation and how well your brain gets blood -- so if you have problems with either, this can affect tinnitus.
- Medicines: There are a number of prescription and over the counter medications that can cause tinnitus as side effects, from antibiotics to blood pressure drugs.
- Injury: Injuries from anything from car accidents to sports injuries can also lead to tinnitus, especially head trauma.
These aren't the only causes, but they're some of the most well-known.
Massage and Tinnitus Relief
There are multiple ways massage can help reduce tinnitus symptoms, or even eliminate them altogether. For starters, stress is a major exacerbator of tinnitus -- and as many are well aware, massage reduces stress. Furthermore, massage may aid with sleep, which can be a real challenge for those suffering from tinnitus -- and both of these benefits lead to greater overall wellness.
In addition, though not as well studied as various other forms of treatment, massage therapy has been found to have a significant benefit on the immune system. Additionally, as those with tinnitus have been found to have some depression and anxiety, massage therapy may also provide a degree of relief from those conditions as well.
While there are plenty of reasons why someone might want to try massage for tinnitus, it's important to note that not every form of massage is going to be beneficial or even desired by tinnitus patients. In part two of our series, we'll go over the types of massage that are best here, and why.
For more on tinnitus treatment with massage therapy, or to learn about any of our massage therapy or float therapy services, speak to the staff at Body Balance Massage and Float today.
There are a few outside actions or items that might limit the benefits you can receive from massage therapy, and one good example here is alcohol in high quantities. Massage therapists generally don't approve of combining significant amounts of alcohol with massage, and there are several reasons for this.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer numerous forms of massage therapy to our clients throughout Lehi and other parts of Utah, from sports massage and trigger point therapy to prenatal massage and many others. How do both massage and alcohol impact the body, and why should they generally not be combined? Here's a primer.
How Massage Impacts the Body
Massage therapy is known to boost circulation and also help encourage healthier fluid exchange throughout the body. This means that your lymphatic system is more active and efficient as well, since lymph nodes work to cleanse the body of any harmful substances or potential threats to your health.
Think of how you might ache after a day spent outside shoveling snow, for example. By massaging this area and also drinking plenty of water, you might find that your body is better equipped to deal with potentially dangerous weather conditions. Even though massage therapy won't eliminate the cold or flu, it can certainly help your body handle stressful situations more efficiently and effectively.
Massage also releases toxins from your muscles. That's why you might feel especially refreshed and rejuvenated after the massage, since you're releasing any substances that the body is working to get rid of currently.
How Alcohol Impacts the Body
Alcohol, on the other hand, is a diuretic that's known to dehydrate the body. It also causes dilation of blood vessels, which can lead to a temporary loss of feeling and control. This is why many people feel dizzy after drinking alcohol or celebrating with an alcoholic beverage in their hand.
Perhaps most significantly, alcohol in too large a quantity weakens your immune system. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention claims that at least 75 percent of all infectious disease is in some way linked to excessive alcohol intake.
Why Massage and Alcohol Don't Mix
Here are some of the potential risks of mixing massage therapy with significant alcohol consumption:
- Numbed senses: Many massage therapists are trained to help clients with specific ailments or injuries recover, and they might provide deep tissue massages that involve applying some pressure. If you're not fully aware of your surroundings due to the effects of alcohol, it's possible that a massage therapist won't be able to determine how much pressure is appropriate for your current needs.
- Intensified hangovers: While hangovers are never enjoyable, you might find that you have a particularly bad one after a massage if you're drunk during it. Both massage and alcohol may work to dehydrate the body, which is the primary cause of hangover symptoms.
- Canceling out positive effects of massage: As explained above, massage therapy can have a number of positive effects on the body, from encouraging better circulation to releasing toxins from your muscles. Together with alcohol consumption, however, these benefits are more or less canceled out in many cases, specially in areas related to the immune system.
For more on why you should always avoid combining alcohol and massage, or to learn about any of our massage or float therapy services in Lehi and other parts of Utah, speak to the staff at Body Balance Massage and Float today.
