Massage therapy encompasses many different techniques, styles and personalized options, which can vary from appointment to appointment. Few things allow us to individualize an experience for the moment like massage therapy does. In the winter, deep tissue for aching muscles from snow shoveling may be in order. After taking final exams, a relaxing massage is just what is needed to end the semester. Sometimes it is about bodywork and total-body stretching to help reach sports and physical … [Read more...] about Massage 101: Choosing the Right Massage and Add-On Therapies
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Cold March Winds Beg for Hot Stone Massage
No doubt. March weather has its mood swings – it can be warm, it can be cold; it can be sunny, it can be snowy; it can be unseasonably warm; it can be bitter cold. However, the most noticeable and consistent weather factor in March seems to be the strong winds. The promise of spring seems to be blown from reach with breezy, windy and, of course, gusty days. Most of us are ready to get outside and start summer activities; yet, many of us find our muscles and joints aching and our bodies longing … [Read more...] about Cold March Winds Beg for Hot Stone Massage
Doing the Heart, Relationship Some Good with a Couple’s Massage
Of course, we all know Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14. But did you know that February is also National Heart Health Month? February is a great month to pay some attention to all matters of the heart – physical and emotional. It is a reminder to make yourself and your loved one a priority; a time to focus on health and relationships. One of the best ways to do both is with a couple’s massage! A couple’s massage offers an hour or more of time that is centered around you and your loved one. A … [Read more...] about Doing the Heart, Relationship Some Good with a Couple’s Massage
Massage: One Resolution That Helps You Keep Others
We know how it goes: Before the boot hits the pavement at the Whiskey Row Boot Drop in downtown Prescott and the Pinecone lowers in Flagstaff, each of us will have pondered and made one or more New Year’s resolutions. We reflect and resolve; we promise ourselves to improve our quality of life. The Good News: Most of us see the beginning of a new year as a time to hit the reset button. The new year offers an opportunity to review the past year and determine what we want to change in the coming … [Read more...] about Massage: One Resolution That Helps You Keep Others
Keeping Winter Skin Healthy with Massage, Facials
With the harsh winter winds, intense UV rays and lack of humidity in the air (even with the recent snow and rain), our skin can take a beating during the winter. Summer tans and glowing skin can begin to fade into a dull, dry complexion. And the difference between neglected and cared-for skin can make a difference between health and illness. The early warning signs of many illnesses often show up on the skin first. A skincare routine that cleanses, moisturizes and protects your skin, … [Read more...] about Keeping Winter Skin Healthy with Massage, Facials
Considering Massage Gift Cards During the Holiday Season
Can you believe it is already November and the holidays are just around the corner? Each year seems to go faster than the year before; it is just crazy! And we all know the holidays can be busy with fun, food, family, friends and the joys and stress that come with the season. And, as much as each of us wants to purchase gifts for those we love, the idea of doing so can be overwhelming. Am I getting something they will love and use? Do I have time to shop? What is my budget? These questions … [Read more...] about Considering Massage Gift Cards During the Holiday Season
Rapid Tension-Release Massage Reducing Pain, Promoting Recovery
Rapid Tension-Release Massage, also known as vibration or percussion massage, uses rapid movement to ease muscle tension and reduce aches and pains. This specialized massage technique provides concentrated, rapid, short-duration pulses deep into the hard-to-reach muscles and tissues. The short, rapid pulses stimulate blood flow and relax tight muscles, ligaments, tendons and the fascia that covers and connects all the body’s soft tissues and organs. Vibration massage can be applied to any … [Read more...] about Rapid Tension-Release Massage Reducing Pain, Promoting Recovery
Treating Tight Fascia Pain with Massage
How many times do you roll your arms back or shrug your shoulders and feel the rolling of those muscles? Or someone gives you a quick shoulder and back rub and it just feels and sounds crunchy? What you may not know is that these rolling and crunchy feelings are caused by the tight and constricted connective tissue that covers all our muscles, known as fascia. Fascia is the head-to-toe connective tissue that runs throughout the entire body. The fascia encompasses all the body’s internal … [Read more...] about Treating Tight Fascia Pain with Massage
Healing Foot Pain Through Massage
Many people live in northern Arizona for the outdoor lifestyle it provides. The outdoor lifestyle typically involves movement – hiking with the family dog through groves of oaks and pines, mountain biking, running or jogging on trails and streets, and snow sports. Needless to say, the feet can put in some work. But a painful condition called plantar fasciitis, also known as “jogger’s heel,” can hamper those activities or even stop them all together. According to the sports medicine community, … [Read more...] about Healing Foot Pain Through Massage
Combining the Benefits of Assisted Stretch and Massage
Did you know that a muscle can stretch up to one-and-a-half times its original length? And, stretching can relieve physical, mental and emotional stress? Anything that tenses our body and mind can find relief from a good stretch. Stretching just makes you feel good. Stretching our bodies is an important part of staying healthy. But the importance can be easily forgotten, especially when the results are often not as visible as weight lifting or as spectacular as crossing a finish line. But the … [Read more...] about Combining the Benefits of Assisted Stretch and Massage