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Many groups of people who exercise regularly are always on the hunt for quality recovery methods, and runners are a great example here. Whether you're a long-distance runner, a sprinter or anything in between, quality recovery methods are vital for maintaining your speed and efficiency without pain or discomfort - and massage therapy is often one of your most effective resources here.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to offer a wide range of massage therapy techniques to clients around Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland and nearby areas, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and many others. Here are some of the key reasons why massage is often a major benefit to runners as part of their regular training and recovery routine, plus some of the massage techniques that often tend to be best for those with these needs.

massage therapy benefits runners

How Massage Therapy Benefits Runners

There are several specific reasons why runners often benefit from massage therapy as part of their exercise regimen, including the following:

Timing for Massage for Runners

If you've decided that incorporating massage therapy into your regular routine might be beneficial for your running practice, the next question is often when to schedule these appointments. Here are some general recommendations:

Best Massage Techniques for Runners

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we offer several different massage techniques that have shown immense success for runners over the years. These include:

Incorporating regular massage appointments into your running routine can provide immense benefits in terms of improved recovery, reduced pain and discomfort, and increased flexibility and range of motion.

With various techniques to choose from, our team at Body Balance Massage and Float is dedicated to helping runners achieve their goals and maintain a healthy, pain-free body. Book your appointment today and experience the difference massage therapy can make for your running practice. Contact us to learn about any of our massage or float therapy services for clients across Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland and nearby areas.

While massage therapy is best-known among most people for help with things like muscle aches and pain, and with good reason, these are not the full extent of massage's possible benefits or uses - not by a long shot. There are numerous other areas where massage can have a positive impact on patients, and one of these is among those who are having digestive issues.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer a wide range of massage therapy techniques for patients around Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland and nearby areas, including options like deep tissue and full body massage that are often especially beneficial for digestive issues. Here's a look at the areas of the body and nervous system where massage therapy can provide major benefits for anyone with digestive problems, plus some of the techniques that tend to be best for these needs.

value massage therapy digestion

Parasympathetic Nervous System

One important bodily system to understand with regard to digestion is the parasympathetic nervous system. This is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for controlling functions like digestion, which it does in several ways - from increases in salivation to things like peristaltic activities and more. This is in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which drives "fight or flight" and is related to stress.

During massage therapy sessions for people struggling with digestion issues, one of the key goals will be to move the body temporarily from a primary reliance on the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic system. This transition can be incredibly beneficial for digestion, which is often thrown off by chronic stress or similar factors.

Muscles and Fascia Around the Digestive System

For those unaware, the human digestive system is comprised of and supported by numerous muscles and pieces of fascia, or connective tissues that surround these muscles. When these areas are tight or tense, it can impede digestive functions - in some cases even leading to chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Massage therapy is an excellent option for loosening and relaxing these muscle groups and fascia areas, helping them properly support digestion once again. It can also relieve common symptoms of digestive issues like bloating or abdominal pain.

Peristalsis Stimulation

Down related lines, massage is often aimed at stimulating peristalsis, the rhythmic movement of muscles in the digestive tract that pushes food and waste through. Massage techniques like myofascial release or trigger point therapy can be especially effective at improving this peristaltic flow, helping the body digest food more efficiently and reducing issues like constipation.

Now that you have a general idea of which key bodily systems or areas play a role in digestion and can be impacted by massage, our next few sections will go over the major massage techniques often used to help address these areas.

Abdominal Massage

For some of the most specific benefits to the digestive system, massage therapists will often use abdominal or stomach massages that target these muscles and fascia areas directly. This can help not only with digestion itself, but also bloating, gas buildup and other issues in this area.

This may include techniques like Swedish massage, which uses light to medium pressure and long, flowing strokes to relax muscles and improve circulation. Massage cupping is another popular option that uses suction cups to help release tension in the abdominal area and improve digestion.

Full Body Massage

While specific techniques targeting the digestive system can be highly beneficial, many patients also find relief from full body massages that address other areas of tension and stress in the body. This is because massage therapy has an overall calming effect on the nervous system, which can indirectly help with digestion by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation.

This assists directly with the move from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system, as discussed above. Massage techniques like deep tissue massage are often especially helpful for alleviating tension and stress in this manner.

Deep Tissue Massage

Depending on your specific needs, a deep tissue massage may be the most effective option for promoting digestion. This technique uses slow, firm strokes and deep pressure to target areas of tension and pain in the body. It can help alleviate muscle knots and reduce inflammation, which are two key contributors to digestive issues.

Home Touch or Massage Techniques

In some cases, your massage therapist may recommend certain home touch or self-massage techniques to help maintain the benefits of your massage sessions. These might include gentle abdominal massages or using a foam roller to relieve tension in key areas like the hips and lower back. Regular practice of these techniques can help improve circulation and reduce tension in the body, which can ultimately lead to better digestion over time.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, our experienced therapists can work with you to determine the best massage techniques for your unique needs. Whether you're struggling with chronic digestive issues or have any other pain or discomfort need, we're here to help! Schedule your massage session today and start experiencing the many benefits of massage therapy, whether you're in Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland or any nearby area.

There are many areas where combining techniques can show particularly notable benefits for the task being pursued, and a great example here is for those dealing with pain, discomfort or any other issue that massage therapy might be utilized for. While massage on its own can be immensely effective for many such issues, some also find value in combining massage with other similar approaches - and a common example is yoga.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to offer a wide range of massage therapy options to clients around Lehi, Orem and nearby areas, from basic techniques to specialty modalities and more. Here are some of the common benefits of combining yoga and massage therapy, plus some tips on utilizing yoga before or after a massage therapy session.

combining massage therapy yoga

Value of Yoga Alongside Massage Therapy

Generally speaking, there are several benefits that come with combining the touch-based therapy of massage with the active, stretch-based approach of yoga. Some examples:

Yoga Before a Massage

For many people, the ideal combination of massage and yoga is to do some light stretches before a massage session. This helps to warm up the muscles, improve circulation, and prepare the body for the massage therapy session. It can also make it easier for therapists to access those deeper muscles during a massage treatment.

For others, more of a comprehensive yoga session before a massage might be in order. This can work to help relax the body, slow down breathing and heart rate, and create an environment for deep relaxation during the massage session.

In either case, it's important to listen to your body if you're considering doing yoga before a massage. Make sure to do light stretching that doesn't put too much strain on the body, and don't push too hard or ignore any signals your body is sending.

Yoga After Massage

Another great way to take advantage of combining both yoga and massage therapy is by incorporating some light stretches after a massage session. This can help to further relax the body, as well as stretch out any muscles that have been loosened up during the massage.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive yoga session after your massage, be sure to take it slow and listen to your body. Try poses such as child's pose or cat-cow stretches to help further release tension in the body and help it process all of the work that was done during the massage.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we understand the value in combining yoga and massage therapy - and are here to help clients from Lehi, Orem and other nearby areas make sure they get the most out of their treatment sessions. With our experienced team of therapists and instructors, you can be sure to receive the highest quality massage services for an effective, holistic approach to relaxation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

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.

massage therapy value injury rehabilitation

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.

There are a few broad concepts that play a major role in health and wellbeing, and the realm of touch is definitely on this list. Touch has long been used by humans for everything from recovery and wellness to communication and more, and physical touch is a daily element of our lives that must be considered.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're extremely sensitive to the realm of touch and how it can benefit our patients in Lehi, Orem and nearby areas. We offer a wide range of massage therapy programs, from deep tissue massage to sports massage, bamboo massage and more. Here are some basics on touch as a simply human need, plus some of the key ways that quality touch benefits wellbeing in numerous ways.

value touch wellbeing

Humans and the Need for Touch

As we alluded to above, physical touch is a major need for humans, both infants and adults. Research has shown that we are hard-wired to seek out comfortable physical contact with one another.

Touch conveys many things, from trust and affection to protection and comfort. It's no surprise then that touch can be an essential part of healing, particularly when it comes to alleviating pain.

In fact, research has shown that touch has several major benefits on overall health and wellbeing. Our next several sections will go over the most common and notable examples.

Relieving Mental Struggles

Mental health is just as important as physical health, so touch is also linked to the alleviation of mental struggles. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly, as well as improve mood. Additionally, it can be used to help with insomnia and even depression in some cases.

This is done through a variety of techniques, from calming massage strokes and movements to breathwork and more.

Peace of Mind and Creativity Boosts

Down related lines, massage can also be used to help clear the mind, improve focus and even boost creativity. Some people take massage therapy sessions to gain clarity and better understand their emotions, freeing them from any mental blocks or hindrances.

This can be especially helpful for those who may already be suffering from depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions.

The Mind-Body Connection

Another key benefit of massage therapy is the mind-body connection. Massage can help to relieve physical pain, while also calming the mind and reconnecting us with our bodies. This allows us to become more aware of how we are feeling physically and emotionally, giving us a better understanding of ourselves and our overall wellbeing.

For instance, let's say that someone is suffering from a chronic pain condition. Massage can help alleviate the physical pain, while also allowing them to feel more aware of their body and how it's feeling. This combined with other treatments can be incredibly beneficial in the long run.

Increases of Oxytocin

For those unfamiliar with oxytocin, it's a hormone linked to social bonding and trust. Oxytocin is released when we hug, kiss, cuddle and engage in other intimate activities with our loved ones. It also plays a role in childbirth and breastfeeding.

Massage therapy can produce oxytocin as well, allowing us to gain the same calming effects of closeness and comfort without the need for a partner or family member. This can be particularly beneficial for those who may not have access to such physical closeness due to location, relationships, etc.

Impact on Sleep

Another major benefit of touch is the impact it can have on sleep. Touch helps to relax us and reduce tension in our bodies, making it easier for us to drift off into a peaceful sleep. Massage therapy sessions are often used to help people with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, helping them improve their overall quality of life.

Immune Function Increases

For many people, massage is used to improve their overall immune function. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy sessions can help to reduce stress hormones, which can in turn boost the body's natural ability to fight off infections and illnesses.

This is beneficial for those who may be prone to certain health issues or may be suffering from a chronic condition.

Cardiovascular and Blood Pressure

Finally, massage therapy can help to improve cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure. This is done through increased circulation, which helps to stimulate the muscles and organs in the body. This can help with everything from fatigue to weakened immune function.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we understand the power of touch when it comes to health and wellbeing. We offer a wide range of massage therapy programs, from deep tissue massage to hot stone massage and more. Book your session today and discover how quality touch can help you achieve true balance in your life, whether you're in Orem, Lehi or any nearby area.

Massage therapy is a practice that's beneficial for many people throughout the year, but some may find particularly large value at specific times or seasons. One great example is the current summer period we're in, where many people find that massage therapy is even more beneficial than usual.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we offer a wide range of massage therapy techniques for patients around Lehi and Orem, from Swedish massage to sports massage, deep tissue massage and many other varieties. Here are some of the summer-specific benefits of massage therapy, plus what to think about if you're just researching your massage options for the first time this summer.

benefits massage therapy summer

Yard Work and Stiffness

For those who have been keeping up with their yard work this summer, massage therapy can be a great way to manage the stiffness and fatigue that can come along with it. A deep tissue massage is one of the best ways to target those areas of your body that need extra attention after a long day of sweaty work in the sun.

For instance, let's say your shoulders and back have been feeling extra tight after a long day of mowing the lawn. A deep tissue massage at Body Balance Massage & Float can target these areas in order to reduce pain and increase range of motion so you can go right back out and finish the job with ease!

Heat Exhaustion

If you're out enjoying all the summer activities that Utah has to offer, you can be at risk of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a condition caused by overexertion in hot temperatures and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Massage therapy can be an effective way to reduce symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as lightheadedness, muscle cramps, and fatigue. By targeting the affected areas of your body, massage therapy can help reduce inflammation and increase circulation, allowing your body to cool down and recover more quickly from heat exhaustion.

Humidity and Joint Swelling

Another summer-specific issue that many people experience is joint swelling due to the humidity. If your joints are feeling extra tight and swollen, then a massage can help reduce inflammation and improve your range of motion.

The Swedish massage technique at Body Balance Massage & Float is perfect for targeting areas with joint swelling as it combines long flowing strokes with gentle stretching to help reduce swelling and increase circulation.

Soothing Exercise Pain

Many people heavily increase their exercise frequency during the summer months, and as a result can experience some muscle aches and pains. Massage therapy is an excellent way to manage this pain in order to keep your exercise routine going strong throughout the season.

For instance, if you're experiencing pain in your calf muscles after a long run or hike, then a sports massage can help target those specific areas and reduce inflammation. This will allow your body to recover faster so that you can continue enjoying all the outdoor activities available this summer.

Stress Reduction

For others, summer can increase stress levels. Maybe you're a parent whose kids are home from school and you need some help managing the extra demands on your time. Or perhaps you're an employee who's dealing with a challenging work project during what's supposed to be the most relaxing time of year.

Whatever it is that's causing stress in your life, massage therapy can help. Massage has been proven to reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, which in turn can help reduce feelings of anxiousness and depression.

Allowing Some Personal Time

Down related lines, massage therapy can also be a great way to carve out some "me time" this summer. Taking the time to relax and reset with a massage is an excellent way to recharge your batteries and come back refreshed and ready for whatever life has in store!

At Body Balance Massage & Float, we offer all the above services plus many more, and our experienced team of massage therapists are dedicated to helping you unlock the full potential of massage therapy this summer. Contact us today to learn more about our services for patients around Lehi and Orem, or to book your appointment now!

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