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

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

Sports Massage Basics and Common Techniques

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Sports Massage for Athletes

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

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

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

Is it Painful?

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

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

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

Who Should Consider Sports Massage?

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

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

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

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

Pain is typically the key prompt that leads most people toward receiving treatments like massage therapy and others, and one of the key roles of any great massage therapist is pain assessment. When assessing the kind of pain a given patient is dealing with, one of the first things a therapist will be looking at is whether the pain is chronic or acute in nature.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to provide caring massage therapy services for Lehi and Orem clients dealing with either of these forms of pain, with techniques ranging from deep tissue massage to sports massage, Swedish massage and many others. Let's go over the differences between chronic and acute pain, some of the ways a massage therapist will go about determining which is the primary cause of your pain, and the kinds of techniques often used for each of these types.

Defining Chronic and Acute Pain

For those who are not familiar with the terminology, chronic pain is any discomfort that lasts for more than six months. It can be caused by a wide range of things like muscle spasms, arthritis, fibromyalgia and others.

Acute pain, on the other hand, occurs suddenly and is typically either from an injury or illness. It may come and go, but is usually short-term. Now, some people experience similar forms of acute pain on a regular basis - does this count as chronic pain? The answer is generally no, as long as the intervals between these bouts of acute pain are greater than six months.

Why Defining the Pain Matters

Some may also be wondering why it matters to distinguish between chronic and acute pain. After all, the end goal is always going to be providing relief from whatever kind of discomfort the patient is dealing with.

The answer is that some massage therapy techniques may only be used for certain types of pain, or may provide more effective results against one type than another. In addition, certain massage techniques may be contraindicated (i.e. not recommended) depending on the cause of the pain, so it’s important to determine which type is present before beginning treatment.

How A Massage Therapist Will Diagnose Pain

When you come in for a massage session at Body Balance Massage and Float, one of the first things our massage therapists will do is to ask you questions about your pain. This can include asking when it started, how long it has been present, what makes the discomfort worse or better and so on.

Once we have a good idea of the cause and duration of your pain, this can help us decide whether we’re dealing with chronic or acute pain, and which massage therapy techniques are best suited to the situation.

Massage Therapy Techniques Often Used for Acute Pain

There are a few techniques and approaches that typically work well for acute pain, including:

• Swedish massage: This is the most common massage therapy technique, and it involves gliding, kneading and tapping motions to help relax tense muscles. It may also include the use of essential oils to help reduce inflammation.
• Deep tissue massage: For those looking to relieve discomfort from an injury, deep tissue massage can be very effective. The therapist will use slow, firm strokes to get deeper into the muscle tissue and help with both pain relief and increased mobility.

In most cases, massage duration for acute pain will be on the shorter end of things. This is because the goal is to provide relief as quickly as possible, rather than working on long-term pain management.

Massage Therapy Techniques Often Used for Chronic Pain

When it comes to chronic pain, some of the techniques used may be a little different than those used for acute pain. Some examples include:

• Trigger point therapy: This involves targeting specific areas of the body where there is tension and tightness, then applying pressure or vibration to release the discomfort.
• Myofascial release: This technique can help relieve pain and stiffness in chronically tense tissues by increasing circulation and releasing adhesions between muscle fibers.
• Sports massage: As you might expect from its name, this type of massage is designed to help athletes and active individuals manage their chronic pain. It involves deep strokes and stretching, as well as targeted work on specific muscle groups.

When it comes to dealing with chronic pain, the duration of massage sessions may be a bit longer than for acute pain. This allows the therapist to provide more in-depth treatment and really dig into long-term issues.

Within the realm of chronic pain, it's important to know that massage therapy might not be the only approach recommended by your therapist. Other areas like lifestyle, diet, and exercise might need to be addressed in order to provide a more holistic approach to pain management.

By assessing the nature of your pain, massage therapists like those at Body Balance Massage and Float can help you choose the best techniques for providing relief. Whether it is acute or chronic, our team is here to help diagnose and treat your discomfort. Contact us today to learn more about our services for clients around Lehi, Orem and other parts of Utah.

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

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

How Swedish Massage is Performed

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

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

Benefits of Swedish Massage

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

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

Comparing to Other Techniques

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

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

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

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

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

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

Improved Skin Health

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

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

Improved Sleep Quality

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

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

Keeping the "Winter Blues" Away

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

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

Boosting Metabolism

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

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

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

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

There are a variety of causes that can contribute to back pain, neck pain and related forms of pain, and one of the most well-known and common is posture. Bad posture is often a key cause of pain in these areas, but there are also several ways you can go about fixing your posture if it's out of whack - and massage therapy is one great resource here.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're proud to offer numerous massage therapy techniques, including options like deep tissue massage, sports massage and more. What exactly is bad posture, what are some of its causes and effects, and how does massage therapy often help correct it (along with other approaches)? Here's a simple rundown.

Defining Bad Posture

While specific definitions of bad posture will vary based on individual health needs and goals, bad posture can generally be defined as any body position in which the musculoskeletal system is misaligned. Poor sitting or standing habits are typical causes of this, but injuries and medical conditions can also contribute to bad posture - for example, scoliosis (a form of spine curvature) can lead to chronic bad posture.

From a medical perspective, doctors would describe bad posture as any situation that leads to increased pressure on the joints and ligaments, particularly in the neck, upper back, lower back and legs.

Effects of Bad Posture

• When it comes to bad posture, effects will vary based on individual factors like age and physical health. However, there are some common problems that often arise as a result of poor posture: Pain in the back, neck and shoulders: Many people will experience sharp or chronic pain in these regions as a result of bad posture, which can lead to decreased mobility, discomfort and more.
• Headaches: Many people who suffer from poor posture will also experience frequent headaches due to the fact that their head is held in an unnatural position for prolonged periods of time.
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage can occur as a result of bad posture, leading to tingling or numbness in the extremities.
• Fatigue: Sitting or standing in an incorrect position for long periods can lead to excessive fatigue and exhaustion, which can also contribute to increased pain levels.
• Digestive issues: Poor posture can also affect the digestive system, leading to issues like constipation and heartburn.

Causes of Bad Posture

There are also several known causes of bad posture, including:

Sitting improperly: The single most common cause of bad posture is actually sitting improperly - think slouching, using a chair that doesn't provide adequate support, or simply not paying enough attention to how you're positioned.

Lack of exercise: When it comes to your musculoskeletal system, staying active is key for keeping all components in alignment. Not exercising regularly can lead to increased pressure on joints and ligaments, causing bad posture.

Muscle tension: Muscle tension is a common cause of poor posture, and this can often be due to stress or even an underlying medical condition.

Stress and mental health issues: In other cases, learned postural habits can often be caused by stress or mental health issues, like depression.

How Massage Therapy Can Help Correct Bad Posture

Massage therapy is one of the most well-known and effective ways to correct bad posture - often in tandem with other approaches such as stretching and exercise. Various massage techniques can help improve posture by increasing flexibility and range of motion, as well as strengthening weakened muscles.

Deep tissue massage therapy is one of the most popular options available for improving posture, as it helps to break down muscle knots and tension while also improving circulation - both of which can help correct alignment issues. Sports massage is another great option, as it's designed to target specific areas of the body - usually including the neck and shoulders, which are often prone to bad posture.

Finally, manual therapy techniques like myofascial release can also be helpful for restoring correct postural alignment, as it helps to improve flexibility in tight muscles and relaxes tissue that has become hardened due to stress or tension.

Massage therapy can be a great resource for correcting bad posture, and it's important to take the time to find the right therapist who is experienced in helping treat this type of issue. With the right care and treatment plan, many people are able to reduce or even eliminate pain by improving their posture - allowing them to get back to living life with greater ease.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we have a team of experienced massage therapy specialists who can help you develop a plan for correcting your posture and reducing pain. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get back on track!

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!