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Advantages massage

7 Advantages of Getting A Massage

In a fast paced and busy world, it is important to take time out from your busy schedule to indulge in a little “me time.” Although many people decide to go on a stay-cation, others go for a dip in a pool, whereas some opt for massages. Aside from providing your body with ultimate relaxation, massages are known to have endless advantages. Even though the sole purpose may be to get instant pain relief, if massage practices are done consistently, they can bring many benefits to your health.

Here is everything you can achieve from massages:

1.     Ultimate relaxation for the body

A hot stone or a Swedish massage is the perfect combination of heat and pressure that can provide ultimate relaxation to painful muscles. If your body feels worn out or too stiff from ongoing tensions, you will need to get one of these massages.

2.     Banish headaches

Despite what type of headache you may be suffering from, massages can alleviate them. Medical research has shown how getting regular massages and staying consistent with massages can reduce and even eliminate the headache issue.

3.     Experience less joint pain

A common issue amongst many individuals would be chronic joint pain. Moreover, pregnant women face this issue mostly, which is why doctors have started recommending massage therapy. Getting a massage regularly will relieve pains.

4.     No more anxiety worries

There are at least 40 million people in the world that suffer from a type of anxiety. This mental issue is one of the most common one and is responsible for the most mental health expenses as well. Luckily, with the help of massage therapy, it is possible to reduce the stress hormones in the body, which will automatically decline the symptoms of anxiety.

5.     Lessen back pains

Another common medical complaint would be continuous back pains. Multiple studies have proven how getting massage will reduce the requirement of painkillers in the body by 36%. It is also true that massage is more beneficial for treating back pains as compared to acupuncture and chiropractic practices.

6.     Improves flexibility

Because the issue of stiffness is recurring, people are unable to reach their desired level of flexibility. This issue makes it hard to excel at sports or freely do exercises. Therefore, getting a massage will target your body’s flexibility so you can enjoy life freely.

7.     Relieves insomnia

If you ask any individual about their sleeping habits, at least one thirds will reply with “falling asleep and staying asleep is a hard task.” Since sleep is such a crucial factor in life, it is important to resort to ways that will allow an individual’s sleep to be healthy all year long. Studies have proven that getting weekly massages can reduce insomnia significantly. Moreover, since many health issues happen because of sleep (prone to depression and a weak immune system), opting for massage is crucial.

 

With these noted advantages come many others as well. This is the reason why massage therapy has rapidly increased in the world. If you want to improve your quality of life, just get a massage!

Call (780)455-2112 or head online at www.ocwc.ca to book your appointment with one of our registered therapists!

health massage benefits

5 Ways Massage Can Help Improve Health

Stress and tension have become such a big part of every individual’s life and it seems to be deteriorating their mental health. However,  there are ways to get rid of stress in the most comfortable way.

If you are suffering from everyday stress, your go-to solution to relieve stress should be getting a massage. It comes with numerous health benefits along with relaxation. Massage therapy should become a part of every individual’s healthcare regime as it will give them a break from life, unwind, and relax.

Here’s how massage can add to your overall health and wellbeing:

1.    Makes Blood Circulation Better

Sitting in the same position for long hours leads to postural stress. Lack of stretching or walking can be a result of poor blood circulation. This then leads to a weak immune system and bad digestion. Blood circulation gets better when you add massage to your routine as it will give you energy and release muscular stress. Although exercise is recommended, massages have proven to be the best way of stimulating blood flow in your body. They also improve the immune function and digestion.

2.    Fight Depression and Anxiety

Massage therapy  is also referred to as the “art of touching.” A single human touch can change perceptions and give the relaxation one needs after a long, tiring day. Massage stimulates the release of happy hormones to in your body, which calms the pathways of neuromuscular activities. This causes a significant decrease in anxiety and depression amongst people. The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry revealed that individuals who get regular massages are less anxious and depressed compared to others who don’t.

3.    Better Sleep

When blood circulation gets better and muscle tension is released, an individual feels relaxed and calmer. This allows the sleep cycle to improve and gives the person a better perspective on things. A good massage will allow you to go to sleep with a clear mind and enjoy a deep, sound sleep.

Fun fact: If infants are massaged before sleeping, they will sleep longer and better.

4.    Strong Immune System

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that people who get regular massages have stronger immune function. Stress causes your body to be prone to diseases and viruses. Therefore, an individual should work on strengthening their immune system. Massaging helps lessen the stress hormones that are present in your bloodstream. It causes the activity of white blood cells to increase, which leads to a strong body defense and a healthier perspective on life.

5.    Get Rid of Headaches

Having a long-term headache can possibly make an individual dysfunctional. When you are suffering from a severe headache, your first instinct is to apply pressure on the area that is hurting. A therapeutic massage will allow the pain to ease along with a positive and clear mindset.

Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our registered therapists and to book  your appointment online!

massage therapy benefits

Massage Therapy Dos And Don’ts

Since massage therapy has become the new big trend, more and more people have started opting for it. The reason for this is that this therapy allows individuals to release pains, stresses, and tensions, while gaining maximum benefits and relaxation. However, when it comes to massage therapy, there are a few dos and don’ts every individual must be aware of to get the most out of a single therapy session.

To make your massage therapy experience even better, we have the top dos and don’ts for you!

Dos

  • You must be on time, or even a few minutes earlier than the scheduled time. The reason being earlier is recommended is so that you can get “your fully-allotted time” and get the paperwork done early as well.
  • It is important to shower before the sessions. It will make a good impression on the masseuse. Moreover, it is a common hygienic practice, and the experience will be better overall.
  • Let your masseuse leave the room before you take your clothes off. Even though your masseuse has to deal with undressed bodies the entire day, it certainly does not mean they are open to seeing you take your clothes off.
  • Make sure you are telling your masseuse about any injuries or major surgeries you have undergone. This means ALL the injuries or surgeries you have had in your entire life because it will make a difference.
  • You must speak up if something does not feel right. The best massage is the one that makes your eyes close, but if yours are not, it means there is something wrong. Feel free to let your masseuse know so they can change what they are doing and provide you with the best experience.
  • No matter how relaxed you may feel, it is important to leave on time. As amazing as your masseuse may be, you need to know that he/she has other clients as well.
  • Let your friends know. The best compliment for a masseuse is when there are clients coming in with reference; this shows him/her that she provided his/her clients with top-notch services.

Don’ts

  • Try not to go for a massage when you have a contagious condition or if you are sick. Why? Because you don’t want to get everyone else sick. In case you are, you must call the reception and reschedule your appointment.
  • It is not a sin to have hairy legs, whether you are a man or a woman. Masseuses deal with all sorts of clients every single day, making them used to all these things.
  • Make sure you are not going in for massage therapy if you have consumed alcohol or have taken drugs in the past 24 hours. Narcotics are the last thing you would want in your system when you are getting a massage because it is dangerous and unethical to massage someone under the influence.

These are the top dos and don’ts when you are getting a massage. Simply by following these you will be heightening the benefits of your massage while getting ultimate relaxation.

Give us a call at (780)455-2112 or visit www.ocwc.ca to book online with one of our registered massage therapists!

massages benefits types

The Most Popular Massages

Recently, massages have become more and more popular. The reason for this is that massages provide every person with endless relaxation and comfort. Even though, there are many different types of massages available, each one is suited for every person’s individual needs. With so many massages, it is important to know the most popular ones.

1. Deep Tissue Massages
Similar to its name, the target of the deep tissue massage is to get into the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues so the muscle knots can be untied. The massage therapist will use friction or slow strokes on top of your muscles to relieve pains. This massage focuses on fixing postural issues, repetitive strain, injuries, and painful/tight muscles. The pressure used in this massage therapy is much more intense compared to the others, but it does not cause pain or discomfort. If you are someone who has chronic pains, troubles moving, or injuries, you are the best candidate.

2. Swedish Massages
At spas, clinics, gyms, and wellness centers, the Swedish massage is the most popular kind of massage. The goal of this massage is to use longer strokes so it can focus on healing certain pains of your body. The 5 strokes used in this massage are friction (small circular motions), tapotement (percussion), effleurage (smooth long strokes), petrissage (rolling, kneading, lifting), and vibration (shaking and rocking movements). This massage is ideal because it releases tensions from your entire body.

3. Aromatherapy Massages
Aromatherapy massage is a modified version of the Swedish massage because this massage uses essential oils. These essential oils are extracted from flowers or plant parts and they are known to have healing powers. For example, rose and lavender oils have the ability to relax your body. Even though every single oil has its own properties, there is a chance that the massage therapist has a pre-blended oil that will provide you with uplifted feelings and energized.

4. Hot Stone Massages
This form of massage uses warm (slightly hot) stones to relieve pains. The massage therapist will place smooth, somewhat hot stones on the painful parts of your body while massaging you. The stones used in this massage are basalt (these are volcanic rocks that preserve heat). The warmth preserved in these stones have the ability to loosen your tight muscles while the massage therapist is massaging your body.
However, if you are suffering from issues like varicose veins, heart diseases, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you will need to talk to your doctor before getting a massage. Similarly, if you are taking any mediation that may be thinning your blood, you will need to consult your doctor again.

These are the top 4 massages that are popular all around the world. If you have never opted for a massage, make sure you opt for the most popular ones.

Our clinic is home to 3 of the best massage therapists in the city. If you or someone you know are in the market for a quality massage, give us a call at (780)455-2112 to book your appointment today! Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our therapists.

Massage, Benefits of Massage

7 Reasons To Get A Massage

In this fast-paced world, it is easy to get tensed and stressed, which is why it is important for individuals to find alternative methods in making them feel better. Although, some individuals find unhealthy alternative methods, the best one would be to get a massage.

Massages are incredibly important for individuals, but many fail to understand that. To help you grasp a better understanding, here are the top reasons why you should opt for a massage.

1.      Massage can readjust your posture

Sitting in the same position all day or leaning in to use your phone is not good for your posture. Getting regular massages will straighten your posture and alignment while relieving the pains from your back and neck. The American Massage Therapy Association claims that massages are known to relieve tensions.

2.      Massage can help you sleep better

Regular massages aid with the blood circulation, which means it will help you sleep better. If you are suffering from insomnia or sleepless nights, opting for regular massage would be the best option. If you cherish your sleep, get a massage.

3.      Massage can help ease your anxiety

Massages are known to lessen anxiety. If you have gotten it before, you must know how amazing it feels. A study done in Korea showed how a simple massage can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. The simple touch of a hand can make sure your anxiety is lessened.

4.      Massage can help alleviate headaches

If you have been suffering from migraines or chronic headaches, it is important to talk to your doctor about them. However, if you know the reason behind these pains, you need to start getting regular massages. There have been endless studies done that have proven that massages are great at lessening migraines and chronic headaches.

5.      Massage can treat all kinds of pains

Not only do massages help athletes with their pains, but also massages can help people with all kinds of bodily pains. Although, painkillers are the go-to option for most people, this type of medication has many side effects despite the immediate pain relief. Getting a massage will help ease the pain while it leaves you feeling relaxed and much better.

6.      Massage can lessen the effects of chemo and other treatments

Studies and many researches have proven that if you have undergone (or are undergoing) chemotherapy or any other intense treatment for severe illnesses, massage is the best option. These studies have shown that massage can alleviate nausea after getting the treatment. The best part is that massage is known to make the pain less as well when you are undergoing these treatments.

7.      Massage can make your mood better

With lesser pain in your body and no anxiety, massages will definitely make your mood better. Therefore, if you are willing to make your mood better, a 30-minute massage will do the job. According to science, massages are supposed to make you feel better.

These are the top reasons why you should opt for massages. They will improve the quality of your life, while making you feel like a new and better person.

If you are in the market for a high quality massage, Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has 2 very skilled therapists on staff. Give our clinic a call at (780)455-2112 or visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our therapists.

 

 

massage therapist mistakes

Common Mistakes Made by Massage Therapists

When people opt for the services of massage therapists, they want to receive a treatment that will give them utmost relaxation and reasons to come back for more.

Massages are known as the best way to relax, as they tend to target our muscular pains and relieve it. However, sometimes despite a massage session, all this relaxation cannot be attained. The reason is the massage therapists.

Unfortunately, massage therapists make mistakes both before and after the session that could end up stressing their clients.

Let’s have a look at some of those mistakes:

1.     Lack of Professionalism

If a therapist is constantly cancelling on clients, not replying text or calls, the client will start looking for someone else. Cancelling is only acceptable if there is an emergency, and in that case, it is the therapist’s responsibility to get in touch with the client.

People like to go to therapists that are professional.

2.     Interruptions during Treatment

Since cleintss are opting for a massage for relaxation, disrupting them (by talking or attending calls) will make them never want to come to you again. When massage therapists have a client in front of them, it is important they do not focus on anything else except them.

3.     Noise & Room Environment

Your office is a massage area, not a gym. This is why it is important it is not noisy outside or inside the office. Moreover, if your room is extremely cold or hot, your clientss will not want to come again. It is important you (as the massage therapist) ask your client before beginning what their preferred temperature would be.

4.     Uncomfortable Table

If the massage table does not have a face cradle, arm support or any bolsters that provide comfort to the client, it could lead to lesser and lesser clients for the massage therapist. It is important that they are able to lie down easily. The best investment for all massage therapists would be to buy a comfortable massage table.

5.     Not Listening to a Client

Every client has different goals when it comes to massages. Some do not want to be touched in certain areas, some do not want their body to be too stretched, and others want the entire treatment to be done in one place only.

This is why the massage therapist must ask their client or let them know that they are free to talk any time during the treatment if they want something –in particular- to be done.

6.     Poor Ambience

For massage therapists, the first priority should be the ambience of the massage room. It is important that the room has a calming scent otherwise the client will be distracted throughout the treatment.

These are the top mistakes that are made by massage therapists. If you are paying to get a massage, it is important that you are getting the most relaxation and benefits from it. Do not settle for anything less!

If you’re in the market for professional massage therapists check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca or give our office a call @ 780-455-2112.

Determining What Massage You Need

The best way to relax –on any given day- would be by getting a massage from licensed massage therapists as it will promote your body to heal naturally and relieve tensions, tightness, and soreness in your muscles. Although, individuals may think all massages are the same, it is not quite the case.

There are different types of licensed massage therapists as well as different massage types. Therefore, depending on your issues, preferences and needs, you need to pick a suitable massage. Below we have provided you with the common massage options to make it easier for you to determine which one you need.

Deep Tissue Massage (Thai Massage)

This massage is recommended for those that have irritating pain and tightness in their body. This type of massage is done by putting strong and firm pressure directly onto the muscles to release all the tight knots and tensions within your body.

You will need to drink plenty of water after it is done because the intensity of the massage often leaves individuals feeling dehydrated.

Acupressure Massage

The purpose of this massage is to apply pressure onto the pressure points of your body. The theory behind this type of massage is that “healing energies” are released when these pressure points are stressed on.

Since there is pressure being applied to your pressure points, it can feel uncomfortable. This massage will not be suitable for you if you are in search of a spa-like experience. It is ideal for those that want to promote their body’s natural healing ability and release all tension.

Orthopedic Massage

This massage is used as rehabilitation for those who have been injured. It focuses on one area of the body or the injury. This massage is a combination of stretching and massaging the body to promote the ranges of motion and strengthen the body while allowing the body to relieve pain and heal by its self.

Hot Stone Massage

This massage has become a popular option in spas and healthcare offices. It combines the use of pressure and heat so it can provide relaxation to the muscles and promote healing. The hot stones are strategically placed on top of the body so muscles can unwind and relax. When pressure gets added, this massage can be a little uncomfortable.

Swedish Massage

This massage is considered “basic.” The reason is that people opt for this massage because it provides full relaxation. There are multiple essential oils and body lotions lathered onto your body to give you ultimate relaxation. The massage therapists apply pressure in different intensities so if you want it can be extremely relaxing. If you are in search of a proper spa experience, then you should opt for this massage.

When you are looking for a massage, make sure you keep these massages in mind. When you are aware of your massage goals, it will be easier for you to choose a suitable massage.

Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has both male and female licensed massage therapists on staff to serve you. Give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 to reserve your spot today.

Does Massage Even Work?

Before getting a massage, people usually wonder “does massage even work?” We leave the final decision up to you, but it is true that massage therapy has endless benefits.

The most common benefits are mentioned below:

Alleviates Stress

Whether you are getting a sports massage or a relaxation massage, your stress levels will be lower for longer periods.  This will benefit you thru increased energy levels will, less pain, and enhanced physical/emotional moods.

Intensive Muscle Relaxation

The main goal of massage therapy is to focus on the areas of your body that are aching. This will relieve tension from those muscles, improve your flexibility and provide  relaxation to your entire body.

Massage therapy is also known to release endorphins into your body, which leads to a boost in the serotonin and dopamine levels in your body. These beneficial hormones help your body emotionally and physically. While they deal with pain management and they promote healing, they will definitely calm your nerves.

Better Circulation

The long-term benefits of massage therapy should never be underestimated. Those who get massage therapy consistently will benefit from better blood circulation. The reason why better circulation is so important is because rich blood heals the tense, stiff, and damaged muscles.

Relieving muscle tensions improves blood circulation to your injured or affected muscles. This way, there is more oxygen and nutrients getting to your damaged tissues. When there is “increased activity” in these affected areas, there is less swelling and stiffness in your joints and muscles.

To get started with your massage, give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 or check out our website @ schroeder.wpengine.com.