Tag Archive for: massage therapy

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How To Communicate Effectively With Your Massage Therapist

Massages at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas always start with the same type of inquiry. Generally, a therapist will ask their client what type of ailments they are experiencing, what kind of pressure they prefer, or even what their goal is for that particular session. These are all fantastic questions that we encourage our clients to answer honestly. However, even if you, as a client, want to tell your therapist all about your session or massage therapy goals, many times it is hard to know exactly what to say. In this post, we are going to discuss some things to consider when learning how to communicate effectively with your massage therapist.

Thankfully, this blog post should clear up a lot of questions regarding effective communication with your therapist.

Learn How To Communicate Effectively With Your Massage Therapist

Be Honest

Honesty is very important to getting an effective massage. Many individuals are afraid to communicate honestly with their therapist for fear of sounding “whiny” or “picky”. However, this should never be a concern. Remember, you are paying for a service. You should be able to get the most effective service for your money. This means that telling your therapists if something doesn’t feel good or telling your therapist that you’d like to focus on a particular area is more than okay. In addition, it is also important to be honest about any potentially dangerous medical conditions that might impact your session. In fact, did you know that massage therapists are bound to the same or similar HIPAA laws as your general practitioner doctor? It’s true! Therapists are bound by law to keep any medical related information private. You should always feel comfortable being honest with your therapist.

Communicate Before, During, & After

A 360 degree approach to communication is best when thinking about massage therapy. For example, communicating any acute or chronic ailments that your therapist should know about before the session begins should be communicated immediately. In addition, it is also important to give your therapist feedback during the session if there is something you aren’t entirely pleased with regarding your massage. For example, you could communicate that you want more or less pressure or that the table warmer is making you too hot. These are all things that the therapist can adjust to make your massage session as pleasant as possible. Post massage, it is okay to give your therapist feedback if you have questions about your session or need to communicate a possible change for next session. Even if you’re just thirsty, it’s okay to tell your therapist! We provide bottled water at The Spa’ah free of charge for this very reason!

Be Specific

Although many think that massage therapists are miracle workers, we are certainly not mind readers. Providing your massage therapists with specifics about your ailments or things that you would like to change about the session is a great way to make sure future sessions are super effective. In addition, if the client is not specific enough about their needs or desires, there is little the therapist can do to fully accommodate the client. In other words, specificity is very key when communicating your needs.

We Encourage Communication With Our Therapists!

Communication with your therapist is key. Whether you need to tell your therapist about your high blood pressure or if you don’t like the pressure they are giving during your session, communicating is the only way to continue improving your massage experience. In addition, our therapists do their best to ask the right questions. Communication is not all on the client by a long shot. So, if there is something that you think your therapist should know, please don’t hesitate to share.

If you would like to learn more about The Spa’ah’s services or book an appointment online, click here!

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Massage Memberships Can Steal Your Relaxation Time

Most massage enthusiasts in Conway, AR would say that the perfect massage time length is as long as possible. Unfortunately, massages can’t last forever. Schedules, therapist endurance, budget limitations, and wellness goals are often factors that influence the length of a client’s massage. However, these factors should never impact the actual massage time that the client pays for and receives. At our local spa, we make sure that each client receives the full time or service that they request. Sadly, some spas, especially massage memberships spas, require that at least 10 minutes of your 60 or 90-minute massage is reserved for consultation and dressing.

In this week’s blog, we look at why this practice is bad for spa clients and why The Spa’ah avoids it at all costs.

Hurry Up and Relax!

I’m sure that many of you have heard the phrase, “hurry up and wait.” Have you ever been told to, “hurry up and relax?” Many franchise or massage memberships based spas consider a 60-minute massage “50 minutes of hands-on service and 10 minutes for consultation and dressing.” The same logic is applied to a 30 or 90-minute service.

Consultation Confusion!

A proper consultation is essential for a great massage. During a typical massage consultation, your therapist should ask about your lifestyle, any focus or trouble areas that need to be addressed, as well as any medical concerns. Therapists should also be familiar with the client’s goals for their session which can include relaxation, increased mobility, pain relief and more.

Unfortunately, many spas require you to pay for your consultation as part of your service and limit consultation time. This means that the client is often forced to rush through an explanation of their ailments and preferences in an effort to get as much massage time as possible. This can be confusing for the therapist and result in a sub-par massage that may not address all of the client’s aches and pains.

Dressing Dangers!

To make matters worse, spas that utilize massage minutes for consultation also require that time to be used for dressing and undressing. The result is that the client is not provided with very much time to dress and undress before and after a massage. This can present some real issues for clients who may be in a great amount of pain or have trouble dressing and undressing due to muscular or joint abnormalities. In addition, if a client takes more time to dress and undress, their massage minutes are docked which results in less time with a therapist.  All in all, this practice is not good for clients and can make their massage experience a stressor rather than a relaxing experience to be enjoyed.

Get What You Pay For!

It is important to read to the fine print when seeking out massage therapy deals. Understanding what you are getting when you pay for a massage is very important to weigh the value of one service provider against another. In other words, what may appear to be a good deal at first glance could, in fact, end in a bad experience or more money paid per massage minute.

For example, a typical 60-minute Swedish massage at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas costs $65. This includes a full 60 minutes of massaging from a licensed therapist with no interruptions. This is because we request clients arrive early to their appointments so we do not have to include consultations or dressing in their actual massage time. Other massage providers, like massage memberships spas, charge $50 or $60 dollars for a 50-minute massage with 10 minutes of rushed preparation that can ultimately result in unpleasant experiences. When you compare the two approaches, The Spa’ah provides a full 60-minute massage at nearly the same price as massage memberships spas plus additional preparation and consultation services free of charge. 

If you would like to learn more about The Spa’ah’s services or book an appointment online, click here!

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Thalassotherapy: Bring the Sea to Your Clients

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At THE SPA’AH, we believe in the restorative power of the sea, which is why we offer thalassotherapy treatments that harness the healing properties of marine elements. Our approach combines Dead Sea salt, Epsom salt, and therapeutic aromatherapy to provide a truly rejuvenating experience. Dive into the world of thalassotherapy and discover how these natural ingredients can enhance your well-being.

What is Thalassotherapy?

Thalassotherapy, derived from the Greek word “thalassa” meaning sea, involves the use of seawater and marine products to promote health and wellness. This therapy has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and improve overall health. The minerals found in sea salt and seawater are believed to penetrate the skin, providing numerous benefits such as improved circulation, detoxification, and relaxation.

The Benefits of Dead Sea Salt

The Dead Sea is renowned for its high mineral content, which includes magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy skin and muscles. Dead Sea salt is known for its therapeutic properties, which can help alleviate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, reduce inflammation, and soothe sore muscles. At THE SPA’AH, we incorporate Dead Sea salt into our thalassotherapy treatments to provide you with these incredible benefits.

Epsom Salt: A Natural Remedy

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is another key component of our thalassotherapy treatments. This natural remedy is known for its ability to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. The magnesium in Epsom salt can be absorbed through the skin, helping to replenish magnesium levels in the body and support overall health. Our Epsom salt baths are designed to provide you with a calming and restorative experience.

Aromatherapy: Enhancing the Experience

To further enhance the benefits of our thalassotherapy treatments, we add therapeutic-grade aromatherapy oils from Imani. These essential oils not only add a pleasant fragrance but also offer medicinal properties that can boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or seeking relief from chronic pain, our aromatherapy-infused thalassotherapy treatments can help you achieve a state of tranquility and well-being.

Why Choose Thalassotherapy at THE SPA’AH?

At THE SPA’AH, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality treatments that promote health and wellness. Our thalassotherapy sessions are designed to remineralize your body, soothe your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit. We invite you to take a dip and experience for yourself what salt therapy has to offer.

Testimonials: Hear from Our Satisfied Clients

Our clients rave about the transformative effects of our thalassotherapy treatments. Many have reported feeling more relaxed, with improved skin and reduced muscle tension. One client shared, “The thalassotherapy treatment at THE SPA’AH was incredible. I felt completely rejuvenated and my skin has never looked better.”

Conclusion

Thalassotherapy at THE SPA’AH offers a unique and effective way to harness the healing power of the sea. By combining Dead Sea salt, Epsom salt, and therapeutic aromatherapy, we provide a holistic treatment that promotes relaxation, detoxification, and overall wellness. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin, relieve muscle tension, or simply unwind, our thalassotherapy treatments can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

For more information about our thalassotherapy treatments, visit our services page.

Learn more about the benefits of thalassotherapy from this: Click HERE to learn more….

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Hot Stone Massage Can Provide These Four Wellness Benefits

What is hot stone massage therapy?

Hot stone massage therapy has a long history and has been practiced by ancient civilizations all across the world. According to a Massage Magazine article, “Both verbal and written history confirm the Chinese used heated stones more than 2,000 years ago as a means of improving the function of internal organs.” It was even used as a means of healing in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Egypt, and India.

It is a massage therapy technique that involves positioning warm stones along key areas of the patient’s body. Flat and oblong river rocks are often used in this massage therapy. Due to their high iron content, the river rocks maintain adequate temperatures throughout the duration of the session. The hot stones can either be used as stationary pockets of heat to target trouble areas or as deep-tissue massage aides. Stones are used in a variety of other therapies as well including facials, pedicures, manicures, meridian therapy, and more.

There’s no need to worry about the “hotness” of the stones during hot stone massage therapy, however. There is always a barrier between a client’s skin, and the stones unless the therapist is moving the stone. There is no need to worry about safety or discomfort during hot stone therapy if it is performed by a trained professional.

What benefits does hot stone massage provide?

Stress / Anxiety Reduction

A survey that was conducted on May 18th in 2017 found that 77% of adults regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. Hot stone therapy can help reduce stress by lowering your heart rate and increasing your body’s natural “feel good” chemicals called endorphins.

Aides Sleep

According to an Examined Existence article, “Stress is one of the main factors causing insomnia and other sleep disorders. When stressors are present, the body naturally heightens its response system, thus, leading to wakefulness.” Hot stone massage helps the body sleep by decreasing the body’s cortisol (stress hormone). High levels of cortisol impede the production of melatonin (sleep hormone).

Boosts Immunity

Hot stone massage can have a marked impact on the body’s immune system.  Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that, “people who received a 45-minute massage had an increased number of lymphocytes.” Lymphocytes are white blood cells. These white blood cells play a large role in defending the body from disease.

Relieves Muscle Tension / Pain

Generally, muscle tension or pain is the main complaint of massage therapy clients. Hot stone massage is especially suited to relieving these ailments. The heat of the stones stimulates that body’s circulatory system which allows stiff muscles to receive rejuvenating and oxygenated blood. The heat from the stones can also treat painful muscle spasms and particularly troublesome knots.

What else should I know about hot stone massage therapy?

While hot stone massage therapy is wonderfully beneficial for most people, be sure to check with you massage therapist before scheduling an appointment if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Heart Disease
  • Nerve Damage
  • Sun Burn

These conditions do not preclude anyone from receiving this type of  massage. However, we recommend that you disclose this information before your session.

If your trained massage therapist does not think you are a good candidate for hot stone massage, there are many other treatments and therapies at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas that can alleviate almost any ailment. You can view our full list of services here.

May you have peace, happiness, and wellness!

 

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Perpetuating Factors and Chronic Pain

What are Perpetuating Factors?

According to the Institute for Integrative Healthcare, perpetuating factors are “things that perpetuate myofascial pain due to muscle trigger points.” In other words, these factors are essential components of chronic conditions that often cause pain. Many individuals who have perpetuating factors of chronic pain often find temporary comfort in massage therapy. Because the reprieve from pain is only temporary for these sufferers of perpetuating factors, they often consider massage therapy to be a luxury service rather than a viable source of chronic pain relief. The reality is that a massage therapist as well as your medical doctor or chiropractor can help you identify any perpetuating factors that may be contributing to your chronic pain. Unless the true source of pain can be identified, you will have a hard time finding long term relief.

There are four different types of perpetuating factors:

  1. Mechanical Stress: Caused by body structural inadequacies like one shorter leg, postural stress like a ill fitting office desk / chair, dental malocclusion or misfitting teeth, and / or outside factors of muscle constriction like heavy purses or backpacks.
  2. Nutritional Inadequacies and Excess: Cause by a deficit or surplus of specific nutrients including Vitamins B1, B6, B12, and Folic Acid.
  3. Hormone Inadequacies and Diet: Caused by hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles and inadequate levels of thyroid hormone. Allergies and hypoglycemia can also play a role in this kind of perpetuating factor.
  4. Acute or Chronic Infection: Caused by a viral or bacterial illness like the Flu as myofascial trigger points increase during systemic illnesses or active infections.

Most Americans can identify one or more of these types of chronic pain perpetrators as present in their lifestyle. Many of those Americans are also turning to massage therapy as a source of long term relief!

How can massage therapy help address Perpetuating Factors?

Massage therapy can provide temporary and long term relief to chronic pain. Temporary relief is provided by a therapist’s skill with various modalities of treatment. Long term relief can be found by an experienced therapist’s knowledge and practice.

An experienced massage therapist can help you identify lifestyle changes that can greatly impact your chronic pain. For this reason, it is a good idea to continue using the same spa for your massage therapy needs. This will allow the therapists there to all become familiar with you, your lifestyle, and your perpetuating factors. An experienced massage therapist can help chronic pain sufferers break their cycle of rehabilitation and relapse.

When you visit the same experienced therapist regularly, they will notice a specific pattern of problem areas. For example, your therapist might notice that you consistently have very tense shoulders. If he / she knows that your job involves sitting for long periods of time, your therapist might suggest a more ergonomic desk. Your massage therapists can suggest when a visit to your regular medical doctor might be warranted for a nutrition evaluation or treatment of an infection.

How can I identify Perpetuating Factors in my chronic pain?

Click here for a very helpful chart of potential perpetuating factors. Give this link a look before your next massage therapy appointment, and prepare yourself to discuss any potential chronic pain perpetrators with your therapist. Perpetuating factors are often the difference between temporary relief and long term recovery.

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