percussive massage Archives - Soothe

How Professional Massage Benefits Men’s Health

Graeme Morrell — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:15:06 +0000

When it comes to self-care, most men know that they should eat healthy, move their bodies, and do something for their mental health. But something that could be a key piece in completing this wellness puzzle is massage therapy.

Massages might evoke thoughts of fancy spa days, lemon water, and cucumber eye patches. But massages aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. And more importantly, they’re not just for women.

There are so many ways to reap the benefits of massage therapy for men, whether you’re looking to soothe overused muscles, find relief for a sore back, or simply de-stress. We’ll walk you through the different options for men’s massage and why you should consider adding into to your wellness routine.

The Benefits of Massages For Men

There are so many benefits to massage therapy for men, both physically and mentally. It can help with an old sports injury, tend to a tight neck, or lessen the stress of a hard week at work. Because of this range of benefits, massages for men can play a vital role in an overall self-care practice.

Generally, you’ll get the following physical and mental benefits from a massage session:

Physical Benefits

Less muscle tension. From intense workouts to hunching over a desk all day, muscles can become tight over time. Massage can help decrease muscle stiffness, returning them to their natural relaxed state.
Improved circulation. When blood flow is limited, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia will start to tense up and cause pain. Massage therapy addresses this by using techniques that increase blood flow.
Improved flexibility. Studies have found that post-exercise massage can lead to improvements in flexibility. By releasing muscle tension, you create more space for them to move, granting you more flexibility.
Reduced soreness. Massage can aid in reducing muscle aches. If you struggle with long bouts of soreness after the gym, consider adding a sports massage into your post-workout routine.

Mental Benefits

Lowered stress. Stress commonly appears in our body through physical pain. A relaxing massage not only helps your muscles decompress, but it can also help your mind unwind.
Improved mood. You’re usually in a better mood when you’re less stressed and more relaxed! And let’s be honest; no one’s in a good mood when they have an aching back or a crick in their neck. A massage that addresses these issues can get you into a happier head space.
Lessened anxiety. Although a massage may not cure anxiety, it has been shown to help relieve symptoms. Studies reveal that massage therapy can reduce anxiety and lessen depressive symptoms.

The Best Massages for Men

1. Swedish massage

One of the most common types of massage therapy, a Swedish massage uses gliding strokes and circular motions to work through your soft tissues and muscles. It focuses on relaxation and relieving muscle tension.

2. Deep tissue massage

This type of massage therapy is more intense than a Swedish massage, although it uses similar tactics. The massage therapist uses a higher pressure to get into the deeper layers of the muscles and fascia.

3. Sports massage

Although these are especially great for athletes, anyone can benefit from a sports massage. They can stimulate blood flow, aid in muscle recovery, address injuries, and loosen muscles. If you struggle with range of motion or mobility, this may be a good option for you.

4. Percussive massage

Percussive therapy has become more common with handheld devices like Theragun. By rapidly stimulating blood flow to a specific area, percussion therapy massage can be especially useful for athletes to warm up the muscles, deter lactic acid build-up, and stimulate recovery.

5. Chair massage

Try a chair massage if you need a quick, no-frills solution to relax your neck, shoulders, and upper body. You’ll sit on a special chair with a face rest while the therapist targets select areas. It can easily be done with clothes completely on, so getting in and out of the session is easy.

7. Facials

Although facials aren’t traditional massage, they’re often offered by spas. You can choose a specialty service that focuses on things like hydration, acne, aging, or general relaxation. And many spa services have specific men’s facials where you can work with your therapist to find a regime that works for you.

What To Expect During a Massage

If you’ve never had a massage before, you might have a few questions about the experience. Here are a few standard things you can expect from any type of massage service.

A big part of massage therapy is helping you to relax. So, you can make a few decisions to make that happen. Choosing a reputable massage service or spa will ensure that you’re in the care of a professional. Then, you’ll likely be able to choose between a male or a female therapist if you prefer.

When it comes to disrobing, you’ll always have your personal areas covered with a towel or sheet. Depending on the type of massage, you may be more or less clothed. For example, you may be able to keep all your clothes on with a chair massage, but you’ll need to be more bare for a full-body table massage.

As for the pressure applied during the massage, you can communicate with your therapist about what feels comfortable. That’s right, you’re allowed to talk during the service! Be open about what feels good, what could feel better, and most importantly, if anything hurts.

Finally, most massages use lotions and oils to enhance the experience. If you have any allergies or concerns about what’s being used, you can ask your therapist about it.

Communicate and be open with your therapist to create the best experience possible.

With Soothe, you can easily book an at-home massage session with a licensed professional. Simply click Book Now or download the Soothe app to get started.

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Boost Your Energy and Vitality With Regular Massage

Graeme Morrell — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 20:32:42 +0000

Spring is a season of renewal and vitality. It’s when many of us emerge from our winter hibernation and start thinking about sprucing up our environment and routines. Scheduling regular massage is a great way to support vitality – whether you’re hoping to improve mobility, immunity, or mood, it’s a routine everyone can benefit from. Professional massage is a great mode of preventative care when received consistently. In fact, in many cultures, massage therapy is performed every day. Read on for some key benefits of receiving a massage regularly.

Increased Creation of ‘Happy Hormones’

One benefit of regular massage is that it boosts levels of the hormones serotonin and oxytocin and combats the creation of the stress hormone cortisol. Serotonin sends your body a calming message, and oxytocin makes you feel better overall. Massage helps to regulate these hormone levels, allowing you to destress and reach a place of relaxation.

Alleviating Aches and Pain

Chronic pain can come from sitting at a desk all day, poor posture, or injury. Because massage helps increase blood flow throughout the body, reducing inflammation and pain. Massage also helps to flush toxins from the muscles, which promotes healing from generalized muscle tension or injury. Anyone suffering from chronic pain should consider this added benefit of regular massage!

Improved Flexibility

Massage therapy is a fantastic way to maintain and improve flexibility and range of motion. If your goal is to work on your flexibility, choose massage modalities like sports massage and deep tissue massage that focus on muscle tension, connective tissues, joints, tendons, and ligaments. During a sports massage, your certified massage therapist should take extra care stretching you out and manipulating your limbs to initiate movement in your joints. Getting a massage regularly will help keep your joints in good health and your muscles agile.

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Pressure applied during a massage triggers the creation of melatonin, the hormone your body releases for quality sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, book a Soothe massage in the evening. Once the massage is over, you can get into bed and drift right to sleep. Better sleep boosts our immune systems, improves focus and productivity, and makes us less likely to suffer from depression are all benefits of regular massage therapy.

Chronic Headache Relief

Massage can be an effective way to ease pain associated with chronic headaches or migraines naturally. Headaches are often caused by stress, depleted energy, or poor circulation. Because massage improves blood flow to the heart and releases hormones that are effective in promoting relaxation, a massage can be just the thing to kick your headaches for good.

Strengthened Immune System

Boosting immunity has been top of mind for many since the pandemic. A surprising benefit of regular massage is that it supports your immune system by helping to release illness-fighting white blood cells. These blood cells will help your immune system to fight illness, as well as promote overall wellness.

After receiving a massage through the Soothe app, you can add your favorite therapist to rebook in the future. Through regular massage, you will become more familiar with focus areas and preferences, making the massage experience that much more powerful.

Ready to give your vitality a boost by adding regular massage to your routine? Book an appointment today.

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How to Prepare for Your Soothe Appointment

Graeme Morrell — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:23:00 +0000

A licensed professional comes directly to you when you book with Soothe. Select your appointment type below for a quick guide on how to prepare for for your appointment.

Massage Appointments

Whether you’re targeting tense muscles with a Deep Tissue Massage or relaxing peacefully with a Swedish Massage, your therapist is equipped to provide a massage that fits your needs.

Plan to shower or bathe before your massage therapist arrives. Clear a 5ft x 12ft space for your therapist’s massage table (or a 10ft x 12ft space for a couples massage), preferably near a sink. Before you begin, make sure your therapist is aware of any injuries, allergies, and preferences you have.

After your therapist sets up, they will leave the room so you can dress down to your comfort level, under a sheet. For this reason, you may want to wear clothing that is easy to remove and put back on.

During your massage, feel free to communicate about what pressure you’d like and problem areas you’d like to avoid or target- remember, your appointment is always in your hands.

Love your Provider? Be sure to add them to your Favorites in your Soothe app and leave a tip and rating to spread those good vibes.

Facial appointments

Facials are a great way to moisturize, cleanse pores, and get a glowy, youthful appearance. Depending on your skin type and needs, you can choose between a Hydrate, Acne, Age-defy, Anti-stress, or Men’s facial. After a licensed professional accepts your appointment, use the Soothe app to chat about your skin and what you hope to achieve.

Before your appointment, you should wash your face and skip the makeup. Avoid facial waxing and laser treatments within 1 and 2 weeks of your appointment, respectively. Exfoliation within 48 hours of your appointment should also be avoided, along with recent botox or fillers. If you’re on Accutane, please consult a doctor before booking.

Your Provider will bring all the products needed for your facial appointment. Feel free to ask questions and get their recommendation for ongoing treatment to best achieve the results you want. If you’d like to continue a regularly scheduled regimen with your Provider, be sure to add them to your Favorites in the Soothe app for future bookings. And don’t forget to leave a tip and rating to show your appreciation.

Nail appointments

Mani-pedis are perfect for those who like to dazzle with color, nourish their nails, or just want some soothing me-time. If you have gel polish on your nails, make sure to add a gel soak-off to your appointment so your Provider is prepared to remove your old polish before a new coat is applied. After your appointment is confirmed, chat with your Provider through the Soothe app to let them know what color, shape, or design you’d prefer.

Your Provider will bring everything, including nail polish colors, top coats, bottom coats, cuticle oil, cuticle nipper, cuticle softener, nail file, clippers, pedicure and hand bowls, nail polish remover, buffer, cotton pads, lotion, scrub, and cleaning supplies.

Prior to your appointment, make sure there’s enough space to sit in a comfortable position for both you and your Provider. If you’re receiving a pedicure, we recommend non-carpeted spaces, or you may want to place a towel under your feet to soak up any excess water from the pedicure bowl.

If you’re receiving a Classic Nail treatment, remember that you can’t dry right away, so relax for 15-20 minutes. Results can last up to 2 weeks. After a Gel treatment, there’s no time required to dry. You can get going right away, including wearing socks and shoes. Results can last up to 3 weeks.

Keep your nails dazzling all year round by scheduling ahead in the Soothe app. Add your Provider to your Favorites to book with them again in the future, and don’t forget to leave a tip for your tips.

Hair appointments

Haircare and hairstyling are fundamental to looking and feeling great. Select from four different hair services: Haircut, Blowout, Updo, and Braids. If you have facial hair, you can also add on a special grooming service when you book your appointment.

Don’t worry about equipment. For all hair treatments, your Provider will bring professional haircare and styling products, including a cape, blow-dryer, handheld mirror, hairbrushes, sanitation and cleaning supplies, and even hot tools like a straightener and a curling iron.

Before any appointment, make sure your hair is clean and you’ve cleared a space near an outlet. Remember- communication is key! Use the Soothe app to chat with your stylist and share any allergies to ingredients or products, and let them know what look you’d like to achieve.

If you love your look and want to book the same stylist in the future, head to the Soothe app and add them to your Favorites. Show some love by leaving a tip and a kind rating.

Makeup appointments

When you book a treatment with a licensed Provider, you get a professional cosmetologist who’s there to make you look and feel beautiful for any event or special occasion.

Best of all, your Provider will bring all the supplies: foundation, concealer, primer, lip colors, eye shadow, setting powder, mascara, spoolies, blush, bronzer, setting spray, brow pencil, tissue, mirror, and even an airbrush machine for airbrush services.

Before your appointment, wash your face and apply your skincare routine before your Provider arrives. Chat with your Provider through the Soothe app to discuss skin tone and preferred colors.

Love your look? Be sure to leave a tip for your Provider and rate your experience. Add them to your Favorites to easily rebook for your next glamworthy celebration.

Lash appointments

Whether you’re going for a natural, sultry, or dramatic look, nothing makes a statement quite like a good lash game. Booking a treatment with a licensed professional can help you accentuate your look with gorgeous eyelash extensions.

To ensure a relaxing experience, refrain from consuming caffeine at least 2-3 hours before your appointment. To prepare, wash your face and skip the makeup. Remove your contacts and get into comfortable clothes. Go to the Soothe app to chat with your Provider about what kind of look you’d like to achieve and what to expect.

During your appointment, avoid talking and feel free to take a nap. We recommend listening to music or tuning in to your favorite podcast while your Provider goes to work.

After your appointment, remember to avoid getting your lashes wet for at least 24 hours. Brush them twice a day with a clean mascara wand and wash in oil-free soap, preferably foam soap. Ask your Provider for recommendations! To make them last, avoid picking or pulling and don’t apply mascara.

Want to keep your eyelashes flawless year round? Add your Provider to your Favorites in the Soothe app for easily rebook with them in the future.

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