When planning Valentine’s Day, most people have trouble thinking beyond the basic fancy dinner date. But did you know Valentine’s Day can celebrate everyone you love? That’s right, this day is not just for couples! However, Valentine’s Day 2025 may look a little different with the long weekend ahead. Whether you’re looking to avoid large crowds, are spending the day far from your loved ones, or just want to try something different, we’ve got you covered. Here are our tips and tricks to successfully plan the best Valentine’s Day dates and celebrations in 2025.

Virtual Valentine’s Day planning ideas

Going digital for dating is nothing new, especially since 2020. There are plenty of reasons to go virtual for Valentine’s Day. Online options are great for long-distance relationships and celebrating with friends and family that live far away. Plus, with winter weather and flu circulating, digital date nights offer a safe way to share the love. Check out our virtual Valentine’s Day ideas and planning tips!

• For the LDR: Don’t let long distances get you down. Yes, you can still have a romantic night together. Try this spin on dinner and a movie! First, order food delivery from your favorite restaurants. Then, you can set up a video call and eat together. Make sure you both treat it as a true date night: dress up a little and set the table nicely. After dinner, you can both stream a movie together! Many popular streaming services like Netflix offer a shared streaming experience so nobody misses a moment.
• Celebrate with friends: Get together with your favorite couples and host a virtual couple’s game night. Online sites make it easy to host and play a variety of different games no matter where you and your friends are located. And you can all feel the love without even leaving your respective living rooms.
• With the girls: Book a Galentine’s day event with Soothe to relax at the start of the event. Send all your Galentines a virtual wine tasting kit. Sample different varietals with the help of a virtual wine expert. Then, score extra points with a DIY snack and charcuterie board contest.
• For the family: Now you don’t even need to travel to experience some of the most amazing places on earth! Many popular museums around the world, national parks, and even Disney World offer virtual tours and videos suitable for a fun Valentine’s Day activity for all ages.
• Do good in the name of love: Want something a little different? Many non-profit organizations have ways to volunteer and give back virtually! Take time this Valentine’s Day to do some good, and get a little gratitude boost, too.

At-home Valentine’s Day planning guide

If you’re in charge of planning Valentine’s Day, don’t stress! We have all the tips and date night ideas for couples to make planning easier than ever. Many couples are choosing to keep Valentine’s Day 2025 low-key this year. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic! Try one of these at-home Valentine’s Day ideas for couples.

Cook up something delicious, together

Skip the crowded restaurants and long wait times this year. Instead, book an online cooking class or baking workshop! This activity is a fun way to spend time together, learn something new, and makes for a more memorable Valentine’s Day dinner. Not into cooking? Order in and try a cocktail mixology class or wine tasting instead!

Planning tips

• Make sure you shop for all your ingredients ahead of time, and have the necessary equipment.
• Also, play to your strengths! If you’re an avid cook, you can go for something a little more ambitious. But if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, we don’t recommend attempting a souffle or bringing out the blowtorch!
• Ambiance is everything. Break out the tablecloth and the fancy cutlery. Set the mood with candles and music that matches the cuisine you’re cooking up.

Plan an epic game night

Get your competitive side ready! It’s time to plan a Valentine’s Day game night. An alternative to classic date night ideas, game nights are easy to plan and surprisingly fun! Got kids at home? They can easily join in the fun, too. Plus, you don’t even need electricity to make this date night epic. Dig out your old board games, borrow from friends, or buy a new game to try.

Planning tips

• Have at least 3 different games to play. To choose the best games, they should be easy to learn (if you don’t already know how to play), and work with two players. Games that take a long time, like Monopoly, may not be the best option if you’re looking to get to all of your games in one night.
• Keep score! Make it a friendly competition to see who can win the most rounds. Go the extra mile and make funny or romantic prizes for the winner of each round.
• Don’t forget the snacks! No game night is complete without your favorite nostalgic snacks close at hand.

Bring the spa to you

Nothing says romance like a day spent in the pure bliss of a spa! But expensive treatments, dealing with traffic, and one of the busiest spa days of the year can easily fizzle any romance. This Valentine’s Day, why not bring the spa to you! With on-demand couples massages and facial treatments, Soothe helps you create an amazing spa-quality experience for you and your S.O. without even leaving the house.

Planning tips

• Schedule in advance. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times for Soothe, so booking early helps ensure you get matched with an available massage therapist or provider. We recommend booking at least a week in advance!
• Create a relaxing space in your home. Before the date, clear any clutter, and make your home feel clean and fresh. This will help you maintain ultimate relaxation.
• Remove distractions during your treatments. For the best results and most romance, put away the phones and laptops, and focus on each other!
• Go the extra mile with fluffy robes, aromatherapy candles, and infused water or tea. Soothe Providers bring everything needed to create an amazing experience during your treatment, but don’t forget about the before and after!

Common Valentine’s Day planning mistakes to avoid

A lot can go wrong when planning Valentine’s Day. And the last thing you want is to have all your romantic gestures fall flat! To help make Valentine’s Day planning go smoother, follow our advice above, and don’t make these common Valentine’s Day mistakes. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’re sure to have an epic date night!

• Waiting until the last minute. February 14 is a popular day for many people to go out to restaurants and do fun activities. But that means that reservations fill up fast! Avoid this common mistake by planning ahead, and making any reservations well in advance.
• Planning without considering your date. You should always plan Valentine’s Day with the other person in mind. If your date doesn’t drink, maybe a bar isn’t the best spot to meet up. Similarly, if you know your S.O. isn’t into rom-coms, a different movie genre is a must. Not sure what they like? Now’s a good time to ask – before you plan a date they’ll hate.
• Going over budget. It’s easy to drop big money on Valentine’s Day gifts. But sometimes, quality over quantity actually makes for a more meaningful date! You don’t need to spend a ton to have an amazing day with your loved ones.
• Trying to cram too much into one day. The last thing you want is to be stressed about making your next reservation! Over-planning is a classic Valentine’s Day mistake to avoid. At best, we recommend having 2-3 things planned for the day. You can always have a backup just in case something goes amiss, but the goal is to relax – not stress! With the long weekend in 2025, you can plan on
• Showing up empty-handed. You don’t need to make a big show of gifting, but you also can’t show up with nothing for your S.O.! The go-to gifts are usually flowers and chocolate. But if you want to really surprise them, give them a gift card for a professional massage this Valentine’s Day! Soothe makes gifting easy and fast with email delivery, and they’re sure to remember it as one of the best gifts they’ve ever received on Valentine’s Day.

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A new job is worthy of a celebration. Starting into a new role is exciting, but also can come with trepidation. We break down several options here to show someone, whether it is a partner, a friend, or a family member that you want to support them.

Why Celebrating a New Job Matters

Accepting a new job is more than a career milestone—it’s a testament to that person’s determination. The journey to securing a role often involves overcoming substantial challenges, from late nights preparing for an early morning panel interview to the emotional rollercoaster of taking the interview and then waiting for feedback after each round. This is an achievement worth recognizing.

Celebrating a new job is about more than just earmarking another’s achievements; it’s a chance to show up to support, encourage, and be proud of someone else’s accomplishments. A thoughtful gift or gesture is a kind act that can reinforce one’s confidence as one turns a page in their new chapter. Whether it’s an opportunity to relax, a practical tool to help them thrive in their new role, or an opportunity to help them acknowledge their success, celebrating this milestone shows that you are there for them, see them, and appreciate them.

By taking the time to consider a gift, you’re not only sharing their joy but also assisting them to make the transition into their new role even more rewarding.

Suggestion #1: Practical Gifts for Their New Role

Starting a new job can often mean that the person is stepping into a new role, environment, and routines. They’ll be pretty overwhelmed, even if they’re a seasoned professional in their field. Practical gifts tailored to their role can help someone feel prepared and confident in their role.

If they’re starting an office role, consider high-quality notebooks, planners, or pens to keep themselves organized. A stylish and comfortable laptop bag or backpack can both be functional and a great way to make a first impression for those who are going to an in-person role. For those in remote or hybrid roles, consider ergonomic accessories such as a laptop stand, foam wrist rests for keyboards and mice, or even a chair cushion to support them.

With someone starting a blue-collar working role, practical gifts can focus on making their daily tasks easier and more efficient. For some, this may be durable work gloves, steel-toe boots, a high-performance water bottle or an insulated lunch box. Giving out a gift card to a store they shop at often for materials may also be a good idea so they can choose what they need most.

For someone who is starting a physically demanding role, items that help with recovery, like a massage ball, foam roller, or even a Soothe gift card for a massage can show you care about their well-being.

Practical gifts demonstrate thoughtfulness and ensure they feel supported no matter what role they are stepping into.

Suggestion #2: Consider a Soothe Gift Card

Simple and practical gifts are certainly ideal, but what about experiences? Soothe has you covered if you want to give a unique gift experience that will not be forgotten. Soothe is a marketplace that connects individuals and businesses with highly-rated independent professionals offering massage, skincare, hair, and beauty services in your area. With Soothe, our licensed therapists tailor each session to your unique needs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. By choosing a Soothe gift card, you are giving an experience that the recipient can enjoy on their own time, anywhere they are. 

We make our gift cards super easy to give and use by matching them to the cost of some of our favorite services. Soothe gift cards can be redeemed at any time, and can be sent instantly or scheduled ahead of time for special occasions, such as day -one of a new job.

Suggestion #3: Ask the Recipient What They Want

Gifting can be difficult for some people, and the best way to understand what someone else may want is by asking them. Perhaps they already have all the gear they need to do their job successfully. By asking specific questions to someone, your communication takes out the guesswork and ensures that you are investing in an item that is truly going to be used and appreciated by that person.

While we suggest practical items and experiences, only the recipient really knows what they need. Maybe you can take them out to a nice restaurant that’s on their bucket list if they’re a foodie, or give them the money to put towards their next goal in life. Keep it simple, this isn’t meant to be a stressful activity.

Celebrate the Wins in Life

Celebrating a new job is a meaningful way to show those you care about that you support their hard work and successes. The amount that you care is not tied to a dollar amount, but the intention is there to support this person’s journey ahead. Whether you purchase a Soothe gift card, a practical gift to support their role, or another personalized gesture, your thoughtfulness shows who you are as a person.

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What Happens to Your Muscles During a Golf Swing?

Most of your body is engaged when you swing a golf club. From your shoulders, which provide power during a swing to your core, driving that momentum into a club head, a lot is going on. It can also impact your forearms and lower back, which can lead to stiffness if done repeatedly. Intense muscle contractions are occurring followed by a sudden release, which while it may sound like you’re getting a good workout in, can cause micro-tears and fatigue. 

Common Injuries for Golfers

Proper recovery techniques are essential to rebuild your strength and mitigate body stiffness. Here are some common injuries to look out for:

1. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):

A golfer’s elbow is a common overuse injury that is caused by repetitive gripping, swinging, and wrist flexion during a golf swing. It results in inflammation of the tendons that attach to the inside of your elbow. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, weakness in grip strength, and a sensation of stiffness or ache that can extend down the forearm. Without proper recovery and treatment, a golfer’s elbow can significantly impact your performance and comfort while partaking in the sport.

2. Lower Back Strain

The rotational forces required for a strong golf swing often put stress on the lower back, particularly if proper form and posture aren’t maintained. Without proper form, you may experience muscle strains, ligament sprains, or even more serious conditions such as herniated discs. Lower back strain manifests as pain during or after a play, with stiffness, and difficulty in bending or twisting. Addressing these issues early with proper care can help prevent chronic pain and long-term injury.

3. Shoulder Impingements

Repetitive overhead movements and excessive rotation during the golf swing can lead to impingement of the shoulder tendons, particularly in the rotator cuff. An impingement results in pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness in the shoulder, often worsening over time if left untreated. Shoulder impingements can interfere with a golfer’s ability to execute a full, smooth swing.

Preventative Measures for Golfing Injuries

Incorporating regular warm-ups, maintaining proper posture, and focusing on core and flexibility exercises can help mitigate these injuries. Recovery tools like massage therapy are also critical for reducing muscle tension and inflammation, promoting healing, and preventing further strain.

Integrating Theragun® percussive therapy into your wellness routine not only supports injury prevention but also helps you in the recovery process, ensuring you’re always at your best on the links.

When in doubt about your preventative injury or recovery routine, consult your physician for guidance on what is best for you.

How a Massage Benefits Golfers

Golfing targets several major muscle groups in the body. Here are a few ways a massage for golfers can help performance, whether you’re preparing for a tournament or looking to wind down after golfing.

Pain Relief

A massage can help reduce muscle soreness from the repetitive movement of swinging a club and using the same muscle groups over and over.

Injury Prevention

By getting massages regularly, golfers can address tightness that could turn into strains or sprains early on. This also improves muscle elasticity and joint mobility.

Improves Flexibility

Massages can increase your body’s range of motion, relaxing tightened muscles, which can optimize your swing on the golf course.

Massage Therapy for Golfers

At Soothe, we understand the unique physical demands that golfers face and offer specialized sports massage services to support your recovery and performance. Our licensed massage therapists are trained to address muscle groups commonly affected by golfing, such as the forearms, shoulders, and lower back. By focusing on these areas, our sports massages aim to reduce muscle soreness, alleviate tension, and improve flexibility, all of which are crucial for an optimal swing. 

To improve the effectiveness of our treatments, Soothe offers percussive therapy using Theragun®, a device that delivers rapid, targeted pulses to deep muscle tissues. This approach is particularly effective for addressing golfer’s elbow, helping to alleviate pain, reduce stiffness, and improve your range of motion, ensuring a faster and more focused recovery.

Booking a massage with Soothe is convenient and tailored to your schedule. With flexible scheduling options, you can easily incorporate regular massages into your routine, ensuring consistent care and support for your golfing activities, no matter the time of year.

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At Soothe, we understand the importance of selecting the correct type of massage for your unique needs. That’s why we are breaking down what trigger point massages are, who they could benefit when it comes to pain relief, and what to expect from a trigger point massage session.

What is a Trigger Point Massage?

A trigger point massage is a specific form of massage therapy that is designed to reduce pain and discomfort by targeting specific areas of muscle tightness, also known as trigger points. Trigger points are hyper-irritable areas that can be extremely painful, leading to a decreased range of motion and muscle weakness. Common areas for trigger points include hips, neck, calves, shoulders, and lower back.

There are several possible explanations for how trigger points appear, as this is not a well studied area in the medical field, and it seems to present itself through multiple conditions. One looks at the overuse of muscles, or holding yourself in an uncomfortable position to strain those muscles for too long. Stress is another possibility for trigger points to develop where muscles tighten.

Trigger point massages focus on increasing blood circulation to an area. This is done by applying pressure to a localized area to release that tension. It pushes fresh blood in, delivering more oxygen to that area to get the muscles to release. This pressure is applied for 30-90 seconds, and once it is released, the massage therapist will massage the area with long, light strokes to flush it out. This method can be commonly applied in deep tissue massages and myofascial releases. 

Benefits of a Trigger Point Massage

Those who are looking for a trigger point massage typically have some sort of pain that they want to relieve. The type of massage is less focused on overall relaxation like a Swedish massage would be, but more on the release of specific tension points on the body.

Here are some conditions that may benefit from a trigger point massage:

• Headaches & migraines
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow (or Pickleball Elbow!)
• Chronic muscle tension or stiffness
• Plantar fasciitis
• Back/neck/shoulder pain

Relieving yourself of your pain is the primary goal, but you can also benefit from this type of massage as a compliment to other treatments, such as physical therapy when permitted by your medical team. While this cannot cure chronic conditions, it can help alleviate any excessive pain for the time being, improving your quality of life. 

What to Expect During a Trigger Point Massage Session

Before your trigger point massage, go through your regular process of preparing for a massage. This could be done unclothed or fully clothed. In the case of being fully clothed, choose light and comfortable clothes with access to the parts of your body that will be worked on during the session. When in doubt, contact your therapist with any questions before the session begins.

To begin a trigger point massage session, you will have a consultation with your massage therapist, giving them the history of your pain. From there, the therapist will be able to identify what areas they need to put focused pressure on your body. You will be asked to either sit or lie down depending on where these areas are. These trigger points will be pressed on steadily for 30-90 seconds. After that, these areas will be lightly massaged with long strokes to relieve the tension. This will be repeated throughout the entire session until the pain dissipates.

During your session, your therapist will likely check on you to ensure that you are tolerating the pain that occurs from the pressure on the trigger points. Advocate for yourself where possible too, as one area could be more sensitive than another. Adjustments will be made for your comfort, as there is a balance between targeted pressure and your personal tolerance levels. Open dialogue allows for an ideal customized experience that maximizes your relief without causing too much discomfort.

The areas that received this pressure may feel tender for the next 24 hours after the massage. Practice effective aftercare by taking it easy, hydrating, and then resting afterward. 

Soothe Can Help

Are you ready to experience a deeper massage that will allow you to relax? Soothe offers deep tissue massages at this time that can help you relax and work out those trigger points on your body. Reclaim your comfort and quality of life by booking an appointment with Soothe today.

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Let’s walk through the key differences between acupressure therapy and reflexology massage therapy so you can head into your next massage appointment with confidence.

What Is Acupressure Therapy?

Acupressure therapy is a technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a focus on putting pressure on various parts of the body to balance the body’s energy, also referred to as Qi. These various parts are along energy pathways referred to as meridians.¹

The Origins of Acupressure

The origins of acupressure historically take us back from the modern day to the following countries and regions: Egypt, China, and Japan. Despite its ancient origins, there is a universal understanding across all three areas that the body’s energy and pressure points are essential to maintain one’s health and well-being.³

In China, this methodology was linked closely to acupuncture, but instead of needles being utilized, practitioners used manual pressure to stimulate specific points along a body’s meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) points to these meridians as pathways for energy, or Qi, to flow. When this energy is out of balance, it could lead to pain or illness. Acupressure is seen as a method to restore harmony to that flow of energy.¹

Shiatsu is a variant of acupressure coming from Japan that leverages the entire hand and other body parts to apply pressure to specific points on the body. This is typically done through clothing without oils on the body.²

There also is a theory that links the concept of stimulating specific points on the body back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians worked on zone therapy, believing that applying pressure to certain areas of the feet could affect the health of corresponding organs throughout the body.³

How Acupressure Therapy Works:

Following TCM, when the flow of the body’s energy is blocked, it is believed that this can lead to pain or other illnesses. The way that this energy is released is by applying targeted pressure to specific areas along the body such as meridians, using specialized tools, fingers, palms, or elbows.¹

Potential Benefits of Acupressure

Acupressure is something that can be generally applied as an alternative therapy for several conditions. While more research is needed to back up these claims, the research is currently still in early development when it comes to acupressure points. When in doubt, always consult your medical team before booking an acupressure appointment. Here is a short list of some potential benefits of acupressure:

• Postoperative relief¹
• Nausea and vomiting⁴
• Relief after chemotherapy¹
• Improve motion sickness symptoms¹
• Pain¹

What Happens During an Acupressure Session?

During an acupressure session, an acupressure practitioner will apply pressure to certain areas of the body with fingers, palms, elbows, or other tools.  Here is a general outline of what a session could look like for you:¹

At the beginning of your acupressure session, your practitioner will begin by asking you questions about your health, diet, lifestyle, and any known conditions. These answers will guide them in developing a specific plan regarding working on the correct areas of your body.

The environment will be relaxing, much like a spa. Picture dim lighting, calming music, and possibly aromatherapy to create a soothing atmosphere. You’ll remain fully clothed, seated or lying down, while the practitioner uses their fingers, palms, or elbows to apply pressure to specific acupoints. These points are chosen based on the body’s energy pathways to promote healing and balance.

The practitioner will use firm pressure, circular motions, and sometimes tapping to stimulate different acupoints. The session may involve various techniques such as holding or pressing acupoints for several seconds to release energy blockages and relieve pain or tension.

The sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, and many people leave feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. The recommended frequency of sessions depends on your health needs, whether that’s weekly, monthly, or occasionally for maintenance.

After your session, you might experience mild effects like temporary fatigue or emotional release, but these are normal and usually fade quickly as your body adjusts to the treatment.

Acupressure vs Reflexology: What’s the Difference?

The Basics of Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, or ears to promote relaxation and overall wellness. Unlike massage therapy, reflexology focuses on stimulating pressure points rather than manipulating muscles. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional medical treatments, but reflexologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions directly.

Comparing Techniques: Acupressure vs. Reflexology

Acupressure and reflexology are not the same. Both are complementary therapies that use targeted pressure for relaxation, but they differ in focus. Acupressure focuses on balancing the body’s energy, like the back and the shoulders. Reflexology massage, on the other hand, focuses more on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears that are believed to correspond to different organs and systems of the body.

Both acupressure and reflexology offer unique approaches to achieving relaxation and improving overall health, making them excellent options for those seeking alternative therapies. Whether you’re looking to balance your body’s energy through acupressure or target reflex points to reduce tension with reflexology, incorporating these therapies into your wellness routine can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. At Soothe, we bring the spa experience to you, offering professional and personalized massage services all targeted for your relaxation needs.

Bibliography

1.Stuart A. Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment. WebMD. Published October 31, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/balance/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment

2.Boyle K, Tee-Melegrito RA. Shiatsu massage: Definition, benefits and techniques. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Published May 10, 2022. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/shiatsu-massage

3.Sergeant R. A Journey through the History and Origins of Reflexology. The Good Zest Company. Published January 4, 2024. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.thegoodzestcompany.co.uk/blogs/zesty-news/a-journey-through-the-history-and-origins-of-reflexology

4.Lee A, Fan LT. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Lee A, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd003281.pub3

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For most athletes, lactic acid is simply a part of them pushing their limits. However, if you push too much, it can lead to a condition called lactic acidosis, posing more serious health complications. This occurs when lactic acid levels rise too high in someone, causing fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms that could be a harbinger of underlying health problems or even hinder your athletic performance.

Understanding how lactic acid works and when it becomes a problem is crucial for maximizing your performance and keeping yourself healthy. We’ll break down what athletes need to know about lactic acid buildup, lactic acidosis symptoms, and lactic acidosis treatments to keep you in peak condition to meet your athletic goals.

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid produced in the muscles during strenuous activity. This chemical breaks down carbohydrates for energy within the body. This can come from any tissue in the body, not just your muscles and blood cells, though, they do create the majority of the lactic acid.²

How Lactic Acid Builds Up in the Body

While lactic acid builds up during a tough workout, it can also occur in a few other ways. Yardwork, carrying groceries, or even moving heavy furniture during a move can all cause a short-term increase in lactic acid in your body.

Under typical oxygen-rich conditions (aerobic metabolism), your body can efficiently convert glucose into energy, which produces carbon dioxide and water as its byproducts. When engaging in the above activities in a short amount of time, the body’s supply of oxygen cannot keep up with energy demands. When that happens, your body’s muscles shift to anaerobic metabolism, which does not require oxygen to generate energy. This process converts glucose to energy, producing lactic acid as a byproduct.²

When Lactic Acid Becomes An Issue

For most humans, lactic acid buildup is a temporary condition that resolves itself as soon as the activity that triggers it stops. It only becomes an issue when lactic acid production far exceeds the body’s ability to clear it, causing a more serious condition called lactic acidosis to occur. In extreme cases, this can be dangerous or even fatal. While it is rare, athletes should know how to identify it.³ 

Health conditions can exacerbate lactic acidosis by making it harder for your body to process fresh oxygen in your cells. The most common symptoms of lactic acidosis include²:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness, especially in the muscles

Impact of Lactic Acid Buildup on Athletic Performance

When pushing yourself during any activity outside of your norm, be sure to keep an eye on how you feel. “No pain no gain” may be an easy mantra to say, but in the case of lactic acidosis, this could be a dangerous mantra to hold when you’re physically exhausted. Your liver and kidneys will be able to break down that extra lactic acid when you’re done.

Don’t be afraid of a hard workout, but be sure to rest and recover as your body tells you to. Here are some ways you can manage the soreness of exercise:

Managing the Soreness of Exercise

If you find yourself constantly exhausted as you are training to meet a new goal of yours, it may be worth asking your physician about a lactic acid level test. This lab blood test will test your lactic acid level if the doctor suspects lactic acidosis. Having high lactic acid doesn’t automatically mean that you are at risk for the more serious condition of lactic acidosis, but your physician can help you analyze your results further in the context of your health history². 

Another test that is offered is a lactate threshold test. This test is one that many career athletes invest in as a part of their training to understand the upper limits of their endurance and train safer for as long as possible. In short, this test makes you perform increasingly strenuous exercise with several points for blood monitoring to check the lactic acid in your blood in real time.²

The best advice will always come from your medical team, but you should never intentionally work out until you’re exhausted. Taking care of yourself starts even before you start exercising. Staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough sleep are all great preventative measures. Beyond that, stretching out muscles or doing a warmup can go a long way. After exercising, you can help your body recover. Consider electrolytes as needed, take a warm bath, and unwind with some more stretching. These recovery methods can help you boost your circulation, ease muscular tension, and reduce stiffness.

Mitigate the Soreness of Exercise with a Massage

Incorporating these practices into your routine can make a significant difference in how your body responds to lactic acid buildup. Your fitness journey can include you pushing your limits while also mitigating safety risks. A sports massage can target muscles that are overworked repetitively, but it can’t remove lactic acid buildup in your body.⁴ Despite that, it can be a valuable tool for recovery after a strenuous workout. By making a massage a part of your recovery routine, you can better support your overall athletic performance. 

Bibliography

1.Robergs RA, McNulty CR, Minett GM, Holland J, Trajano G. Lactate, not Lactic Acid, is Produced by Cellular Cytosolic Energy Catabolism. Physiology. 2018;33(1):10-12. doi:https://doi.org/10.1152/physiol.00033.2017

2.Cleveland Clinic. What Is Lactic Acid? Cleveland Clinic. Published December 9, 2022. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24521-lactic-acid

3.Brodkey F. Lactic acidosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000391.htm4.Thompson D. The Lactic Acid Debate. Massage and Bodywork Magazine for the Visually Impaired. Published online March 1, 2011. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=173

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With Soothe, we emphasize the importance of showing off our independent provider’s unique capabilities in their bios. These providers can build out their bios, including an “About” section, the total number of their completed bookings with Soothe, when they joined the platform, their specialties, and recent client reviews culminating in a rating score out of 5. We encourage feedback from all of our clients after each session to help the community out. 

Your massage therapist is human as well, and a little bit of communication can go a long way to open up dialogue before your session to ensure that you get the most out of the massage appointment. Here’s how you can determine the right fit for an in-home massage therapist for the best spa experience possible:

Finding An Amazing In-Home Massage Therapist

Personality

Before you confirm your appointment with a massage therapist, we recommend reviewing their profile. Soothe has several options for this to give you peace of mind about who is visiting your home, workplace, or hotel room. Many massage therapists write up a brief bio that highlights their approach to massage therapy, some leaning into therapeutic, holistic, or relaxation-focused modalities. Noting any phrasing describing their philosophy will be helpful, We also recommend looking at recent reviews for a massage therapist. Phrases such as “attentive”, “professional”, “personalized”, etc. can help you identify the qualities of a massage therapist that fit your needs the best. No matter what reason you are looking for a massage, there is a capable professional out there waiting for you to book an appointment.

Once the appointment is booked and confirmed, you are welcome to reach out to your massage therapist with any questions or concerns for the upcoming session. Even if you don’t have any essential questions, this can open up the line of communication for you. Don’t be afraid to speak up—this is key to enhancing your experience and letting your personality shine through to the massage therapist. Let them know what areas need extra attention, or even what pressure you prefer. Simple feedback such as what you are hoping to achieve from the session can help guide them to adjust their technique or bring in different materials to help meet your goals during the session. Anything else logistical such as what parking at the service location looks like or building entry notes can also be given at that time. Don’t forget to also communicate with your therapist during the session as needed to give real-time feedback as you see fit.

Professionalism

Similar to personality, you can observe a lot even before the session in how your massage provider interacts with you. Before booking, their online profile is an excellent place to start. From seeing how they present themselves visually or in written format, you can tell a lot about their style. Reviews play a large role in determining what their professionalism looks like, as this standard can vary for many people. Pre-session, any prompt, clear, or polite responses are typically a good sign that the massage therapist takes their role seriously. 

During the session, you can observe their professionalism from start to finish. This can include a timely arrival, setting up a massage space efficiently, explaining the process of the session, or even how they set you up with any aftercare instructions. A professional therapist should maintain clear boundaries, and most importantly, respect your comfort levels. An experienced and professional massage therapist should be able to be attentive to your feedback during the session, adjusting pressure or technique based on your preferences. Leaving a session feeling cared for and respected means that they did a professional job. 

Post-Session Thoughts

After your home massage service is complete, take some time later to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after the massage. Did the massage therapist listen to your feedback and adjust techniques accordingly? Were they respectful of your space and boundaries? Consider how comfortable you felt with their presence in your home or other space. If you felt relaxed, heard, and satisfied with the overall experience, it sounds like it was a match for you. These are all good indicators of a good fit. If anything on the flip side felt off, consider what it was in particular, and make changes to find a new therapist the next time you want to book home massage services. Trust your instincts, if it was a good experience after the fact, then you’ve found someone who aligns with your wellness needs.

No two massages are the same, and you deserve personalized, professional care that will meet your needs. It can be difficult to gauge a massage therapist’s personality online, whether this is your first massage experience or your 50th. We hope this gives you the confidence to be more open to booking an in-home massage.

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The question here is: who do you go to first?

Chiropractic care and massage therapy may seem similar, as they both can target movements on one’s back and neck to relieve pain, tightness, or discomfort in those areas. They are quite different, however. In short, chiropractors focus more on addressing the spine and manipulating its alignment while massage therapists focus more on the muscles and connective tissues.

If you are still determining who to start with for your neck, shoulder, or back discomfort, we put together a short guide that goes more in-depth about the differences between chiropractors vs. massage therapists. We also recommend the types of massage that may suit your needs to relieve your own discomfort.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment is a physical, noninvasive approach formulated to restore one’s natural range of movement. The focus of this treatment method is on your spine, joints, and musculoskeletal system. This is a drug-free alternative to approaching pain and discomfort in the body.

The goal of chiropractic care is to address any misalignments in the spine that could be pinching nerves. After this treatment, the body can balance to fix itself. The theory here is that messages from the brain cannot be transmitted properly when their connection is disrupted by misalignment. There is also concern that this could cause lasting health issues if not addressed appropriately. 

A chiropractor will create personalized treatment plans to address one’s unique concerns and needs. This can include one-on-one help with props, the chiropractor’s hands, or movement-based exercises to address sources of pain. An experienced chiropractor should be able to establish a regimen with you that fits your lifestyle. 

State regulatory boards work with the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) to set licensing requirements. In most cases, licensing for chiropractors requires a more extensive educational and medical background compared to massage therapists. This makes them an alternative-medicine option to consider if you are unsure of the source of your pain.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a physical, hands-on approach that focuses more on a patient’s muscles and soft tissues. This is typically accompanied by oils and lotions on the body to help relieve muscle tension, pain, and stiffness.

The focus of massage therapy is to provide pain relief and reduce tension. By massaging the muscles, a therapist can improve blood flow to the affected area, which aids recovery. Think of this process as untwisting a tangle in a piece of string or jewelry. There are various methods to manually target where one feels tension to relieve pains or spasms directly at the source. It is common for practitioners to have many techniques mastered, and that is something that can be directly inquired about before an appointment to ensure the provider has the tools and techniques needed to address your specific concerns.

In most states, massage therapists need a license to practice. Licensing requirements may vary, from 500-1000 of training hours required, passing a background check, earning a diploma from an accredited school or program, and passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). 

With Soothe, your peace of mind is our top priority and we’re proud to have partnered with EvidentID, the trusted solution for our vetting process.

Our community can rest easy knowing that each independent Provider who uses the Soothe platform is fully licensed, insured, and has passed a thorough background check.

Who Should I See For Neck or Back Pain?

This is up to you and your condition. If the pain is severe, a trip to your primary care physician may be necessary. When it comes to a chiropractor vs massage for lower back pain or neck pain, it depends on your source of discomfort.

In some cases, both can go hand in hand to support your treatment needs for pain relief. While a massage can physically relax your muscles and leave you feeling mentally at peace, a chiropractor may help with longer-term effects.

Since a massage is non-invasive, you may experience some relief from your pain with regular massage therapy. The type of massage that you choose may depend on your level of experience and whether your pain is symptomatic of an actual injury. For instance, a Swedish massage, the most common type of Western massage therapy, is relatively gentle, but can help release tension in your muscles, improve circulation, and ease back pain.

Those who are new to massage may find a Swedish massage ideal. It is widely available, and you can find a therapist who can come to you wherever it may fit into your schedule. While this method is primarily for relaxation, it should be noted that the benefits felt immediately after a massage may diminish over time, and regular massages can help with that.

With those who are more experienced with massages and comfortable with more pressure, a deep-tissue massage may suit your needs. Deep tissue massage is a more intense massage experience that reaches the deepest layers of your muscle tissue. You may find more relief with deep tissue massage over time since it works to release chronically tense areas.

If you’re ready to take the first step with a massage, Soothe is here to help you manage your pain and feel better.

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Here are some common injuries to look out for, and pickleball recovery strategies, including a sports massage for pickleball players that will help keep you out of a pickle.

Common Injuries from Pickleball

Playing pickleball works out your entire body, with a focus on your core, shoulders, and legs. From reaching to lunging and twisting yourself in unique ways, the agility can take a toll on your body. These are five common injuries to look out for:

Sprains

Sprains can occur from quick twists, turns, or pivots while playing pickleball. It is an injury to a ligament that is stretched or even torn due to these quick moves.

Fractures

Fractures occur when there is a crack or split in the bone when too much force is applied to it. Too much force could be you taking a fall on the pickleball court’s hard surface, attempting to catch the fall with your arm, and ending up with a wrist fracture. 

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Your shoulders can bear the brunt of the repetitive motions of swinging a paddle in pickleball. When the shoulder is overused, a rotator cuff can tear, which causes pain and some difficulty limiting your arm’s range of motion.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when a tendon is inflamed, which can cause it to swell and be painful. This can limit your range of motion due to the pain and swelling from the impacted area.

“Pickleball Elbow”

While many have heard of tennis elbow, pickleball elbow is the same phenomenon called lateral epicondylitis, which is a focused type of tendonitis in the elbow.

As with any injury, you want to take care of yourself, listen to your medical team, listen to your body, and only take on physical movements that are approved by that team during your recovery time. You’ll be back on the court in no time!

Mitigating Pickleball Injuries

Everyone’s routine may look different for mitigating injury based on your lifestyle, history of injuries, and overall health. If you’re recovering from an injury related to pickleball, you could be off the court for a while. When in doubt, contact your physician to ensure you are taking the optimal steps to mitigate common injuries faced in pickleball.

Here are some pickleball preparation and recovery steps you can take before and after you spend time on the court.

Hydration

Our body releases sweat as a way of regulating body temperature during physical activity. Drinking water regularly can help your body stay hydrated and in balance for peak performance. Electrolytes or other vitamin supplementation can help mitigate dehydration so you can continue playing without negative side effects.

High-Quality Equipment

The investment into what shoes you wear, to the paddle you hold during a pickleball match can help you to mitigate injuries on the court. Investing the time into proper technique and the right tools for the sport will pay off in dividends when it comes to your health.

Stretching

Before, during, and after a match are all great opportunities to stretch your limbs out. The two benefits of stretching include increased flexibility and mobility. Pickleball’s multiplanar movements mean that you should spend up to ten minutes prioritizing stretches around the common injury areas, such as the shoulder, leg, and back muscles.

Steam Rooms and Saunas

As a form of heat therapy, steam rooms, and saunas can play a part in one’s pickleball recovery by relaxing the muscles. This reduces the impact of muscle contraction after intense movement.

Foam Rollers/Percussive Sports Massage Tools

Rolling out your sore muscles with a foam roller or percussive sports massage tool is a great way to release tension in your muscles after a match. This is a way to promote self-myofascial release (SMR). A roller allows you to apply pressure to targeted sore areas, such as the iliotibial (IT) band, hamstrings, or glutes. 

Sports Massage

A massage after sports exertion is a great form of aftercare that you can set up in advance. Mobile sports massages offer targeted relief personalized to what you need at that moment.

No matter what your pickleball recovery routine looks like, consistency is key to maintaining your physiological health. Feel free to try the above options, or add them in one session at a time to see what impact it has on your ability to crush it on the court.

Benefits of a Sports Massage for Pickleball Players

A sports massage targets muscle groups strained from overuse or repetitive motion, and can bring great relief to those who partake in physical activity such as pickleball. The main benefits of a sports massage for pickleball players include accelerated injury recovery, reduced muscle soreness, and enhanced performance. 

Through deep kneading and stretching techniques, a sports massage helps release muscle tension to make movements more fluid. Additionally, by improving circulation, this type of massage helps muscles receive a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients crucial for healing and recovery.

Soothe’s network of skilled sports massage therapists are dedicated to helping you prevent future injuries. Each treatment is tailored specifically to your needs, moving beyond generic approaches to offer a truly personalized experience.

Getting a sports massage near you is convenient and easy with Soothe. Book with licensed massage therapists who can come directly to your location on your schedule, whether it’s your home, office, or hotel room.

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Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative therapy method that applies pressure to specific points of the body, such as hands, feet, or ears, to allow the body to relax. This pressure can be varied and targeted to the recipient’s needs.

Though reflexology involves the use of hands, it is not considered a form of massage therapy, technically speaking. Similar to acupressure, reflexology is a complementary therapy that can be used alongside traditional medical treatments. It’s important to note that reflexologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions; they work to support overall wellness.

How Does Reflexology Work?

In a reflexology session, a practitioner called a reflexologist will apply pressure to various pressure points around the body to improve overall health and wellness.

There are several theories regarding what makes reflexology work. 

One theory comes from traditional Chinese medicine’s belief that the human body is made up of qi, or vital energy. Stress and other negative emotions can block qi, which results in an imbalance of emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual health. Where reflexology comes into play is that there is a belief that it can balance qi.³

A modern theory suggests that reflexology can balance the way that your brain registers pain. When these pressure points are massaged, these relaxing sensations could relieve stress, which can impact the way that you perceive pain.²

A 19th century theory proposes that reflexology stimulates the nervous system. By pressing on various pressure points on the body, it can send messages to the central nervous system. This can help the body relax, and provide various benefits for you.¹

While there are several schools of thought studying reflexology, a 2014 paper claims that reflexology is not a legitimate treatment for any medical condition.⁶

What Can Reflexology Do for You?

Reflexology is something that can be generally applied as an alternative therapy for most conditions. When in doubt, always consult your medical team before booking an appointment.

Potential Benefits of Reflexology

Relaxation

A study shows that a five-minute foot massage resulted in a significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially increasing relaxation.⁸

Improved Nerve Functioning

Reflexology can bridge to the central nervous system, targeting and improving what information flows to and from different areas of the body.¹

Healthier Sleep Quality

Balancing the body’s sleep cycle, reflexology can stimulate the nervous system and endocrine glands, allowing people to get more regular sleep.⁵

Stress-Induced Tension Headache Relief

With reflexology’s relaxation qualities, it has been found that this can be extended to improve results on stress-induced conditions, such as tension headaches.⁷

Improvements to Pain Management

By targeting specific areas on the body, the pressure from reflexology can address pain by targeting associated pressure points. This can, for example, include toe reflex point focuses for headache relief, and heel pressure to improve lower back pain.⁴

What Happens During a Reflexology Session?

When it comes to preparing for a reflexology session, just make sure that you are clean and hydrated. Wearing comfortable clothes will also improve your session.

At the beginning of your reflexology session, your reflexologist will begin by asking you questions about your health, diet, lifestyle, and any known conditions. These answers will guide them in developing a specific plan regarding working on particular pressure points in your feet, hands, ears, or a combination of them.

The location will be a soothing one, similar to a spa. Think low lights, soft music, and possibly aromatherapy. You’ll wear something comfortable, and sit back to let the reflexologist do their work. They will be working various pressure points with pressure application, rotation, and finger walking, to name a few methods.

Here’s what they can be looking for when it comes to pressure point work focusing on the feet:

In the foot reflexology chart above, you can see that there are precise mapped spots that reflexologists manipulate in order to meet your wellness goals. Each foot is typically worked on equally during your session.

These sessions are typically 30-60 minutes long, and you will likely leave with a sense of relaxation. Frequency can be determined by what is best for you, which for some may be weekly, others monthly, and even quarterly.

After your session, there really isn’t that much of a recovery time following foot reflexology. Any minor effects such as feeling tired or increased emotions is common, but temporary.

While there is more to be studied and understood about what reflexology is and how reflexology works, the benefits of a self-care routine can improve the quality of life for the recipient immensely.

Soothe has a network of independent reflexologist Pros that can come to your home, hotel, or office to give you the relaxation you need, any day of the week. Book an in-home reflexology massage today. 

Bibliography

1.Begum J. Brain Diseases. WebMD. Published 2024. https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-diseases
2.Hayes J, Cox C. Immediate effects of a five-minute foot massage on patients in critical care. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing. 1999;15(2):77-82. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0964-3397(99)80003-2
3.National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. National Cancer Institute. Published May 22, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam
4.Eghbali M, Safari R, Nazari F, Abdoli S. The effects of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity in nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 2012;17(3):239-243. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3696219/
5.Huang H, Chen K, Kuo S, Chen I. Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2020;77(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14699
6.McCullough JEM, Liddle SD, Sinclair M, Close C, Hughes CM. The Physiological and Biochemical Outcomes Associated with a Reflexology Treatment: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:1-16. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/502123
7.Quinn C, Chandler C, Moraska A. Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches. American Journal of Public Health. 2002;92(10):1657-1661. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447303/
8.Wang WL, Hung HY, Chen YR, et al. Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Adults: A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020;2020:1-21. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2654353

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