What Should I Do After My Massage?

Massage is perfect for relieving stress, alleviating pain and promoting overall well being. Whether your getting a massage to manage stress or for healing purposes, there are ways to further enjoy the many benefits of massage even after leaving the massage table.

Here are a few tips Coastal Massage Bodywork has compiled to help you ensure you get the most out of your massage.

1. One of the most common reasons people seek massage is to help relieve stress. While massage therapy will definitely help you manage your stress levels, you can maintain this relaxation by learning to reduce strain and stress on your body. For example, take the time to learn breathing techniques and how to let go of tension you are holding on to.

See Related: Benefits of Massage Therapy You Probably Haven’t Thought of

2. Take care of your body by maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. You can do this by drinking plenty of water, eating healthy nourishing foods and getting plenty of exercise.

3. Water is beneficial for reducing muscle soreness and removing any toxins released during the massage session.

4. Eating foods filled with nutrient goodness will help repair your muscles more quickly. Vitamins and minerals help your body function at its best as well as give you the tools you need to combat stress and tension.

5. Just like massage, exercise can invigorate your body and help keep your muscles active. Exercise is great for relieving tension, releasing endorphins and relieving stress.

See Related:
8 Relaxing Things to Do In Wilmington You Probably Haven’t Thought of
3 Reasons to Get a Sports Massage

6. Make sure to schedule your next appointment. Give your body the gift of wellness by having regular massages to help maintain stress and tension levels as well as promote overall well being.

How Regular Massage Can Help You Prevent The Flu

While there are many “secrets” to staying healthy such as proper diet, exercise, supplements, hydration, and getting enough sleep, many are not aware of the amazing health benefits of regular massage. Massage can boost your immune system and keep you healthy even during flu season.

Flu season is right around the corner. Protecting yourself from illness is important. Washing your hands and taking your Vitamin C might not be enough to keep you from getting sick. Even if you get the flu shot, changes of catching a bug are still possible with some strains. Massage therapy is well known for help reduce stress and promote relaxation, but the benefits go well beyond these concepts. Integrating massage into your wellness routine can have a significant effect on your immune system. It can keep you healthy all year long.

Research shows that massage therapy continues to prevail in the medical community. It is key to combating illness, stress, anxiety and so much more. According to a study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, people who had a 45 minute massage showed an increase number of lymphocytes which are the white blood cells that help defend your body against disease. Adding regular massage to your health regimen can strengthen your immune system and help reduce the chances of you getting sick.

See Related: Benefits of Massage Therapy You Probably Haven’t Thought of

Research also shows that reducing stress levels helps improve well being significantly. Massage can help lower levels of cortisol which is a hormone produced as a response to stress. When cortisol levels rise, your body’s defense cells go down. When cortisol levels are lowered, serotonin is relased. This is linked to boosting your immune system and overall well being.

Your immune systems ability to protect itself is hindered by the combination of stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. A healthy lifestyle isn’t just exercising and eating well, its taking an active approach to lowering your stress levels. One of the best ways to do this is to get regular massages. Regular massages can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

See Related: How Often Should I Get a Massage?

Remember, consistency is key. The more massages you get, the better your body will feel. Consider your monthly massage sessions as a natural way to prevent and combat illness.

Avoid the flu season by booking an appointment with Coastal Massage Bodywork. To schedule an appointment please call 910-208-4161. Online booking is also available for your convenience.

How To Get The BEST Massage You’ve Ever Had

At Coastal Massage, we see a variety of clientele, each with their own goals, needs and comfort levels. We are here to provide you with the best massage experience by tailoring each season for your specific needs. To help us provide you with outstanding care, here are a few tips to help you get the massage you want and deserve.

Communicate your goals to us.

What do you hope to achieve through massage therapy? Knowing your goals helps us pair you up with the massage therapist that will fit your needs.

Be specific about your needs.

Tell us about your comfort level and your preferences such as amount of pressure you like applied during the session, whether you like loud or quiet music or if you need the temperature adjusted.

Communicate during the session.

Inform us of any discomfort or painful areas so that the therapist can avoid these areas or focus on these areas during the session.

Drink plenty of water.

Making sure to drink water afterward will increase the benefits of massage such as flushing out toxins from your body.

Be on time.

It’s important to be on time and a few minutes early for your appointment so you are not rushed when filling out paperwork or sharing your goals and expectations with your massage therapists. You also want to make sure you are able to get your full amount of time and that others coming in after you are able to begin on time.

Feel free to chat or lie in silent serenity.

It’s your session. Some clients enjoy conversing with their massage therapist, while others prefer the quiet. Either way is perfectly okay.

Indulge in aromatherapy.

Aramotherapy is a great add on (complimentary at Coastal Massage & Bodywork) to the massage experience, however, please let us know if you have any aversions to specific essential oils or lotions.

Really relax.

During the massage, try to relax your muscles and your mind. The more you are able to release tension, the better the outcome of the massage.

Massage therapy is a wonderful and positive experience that can help alleviate pain, stress and promote overall health. By following these tips, our trained and licensed massage therapists will be able to create a customized massage just for you. To schedule an appointment with Coastal Massage Bodywork, please call 910-208-4161. Online booking is also available for your convenience.

10 Signs It’s Time for a Full Body Massage

We lead busy lives in the 21^st century, and we don’t always take the time to treat our bodies right. But if you pay attention, you will notice the signs that it’s time for a massage. A full body massage at Coastal Massage & Bodywork can help restore health, peace of mind, and well-being, so listen to the signs that it’s tim.

Here are 10 signs it’s time for you to get a full body massage.

1. Stress at the Desk is a Sign You Need a Massage

If you have an office job, a busy time at work can mean a lot of time hunched over the keyboard. If the pressure’s on at work and your posture is taking a beating, that’s a sign it’s time for a healing full body massage. You may feel this in your shoulders and neck, but the low back and glutes will let you know too.

Related Article: How Often Should I Get a Massage?

2. Your Relationship is Suffering

Getting out of the house and into a relaxing setting where you are the most important thing on the agenda can do wonders for you and your SO. A full body couple’s massage is for more than just romantic partners, we get plenty of friends and mother/daughter duos that come in for a couple’s massage.

3. Back Pain Responds to Full Body Massage

If your back hurts, book your full body massage and get ready to feel better. Often more effective than other therapies, massage can reduce the need for painkillers and set you on a better path.

Related Article: How to Find Pain Relief Through Massage Therapy

4. When You Have a Migraine, Think Massage

Some migraines are triggered by stress and lack of sleep, and a full body massage can really help with those problems. Massage can reduce the number and severity of migraines, tension headaches, and other stress headaches, and it can even help when you are having a migraine.

5. After Surgery, Get a Full Body Massage

After surgery, a massage can help you get back on your feet by increasing circulation, improving flexibility, and reducing stress. When you schedule your surgery, it’s a sign that you should also schedule a post-surgical full body massage.

6. Reduced Flexibility is a Sign You Need a Full Body Massage

Massage works your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, helping you maintain range of motion. If you notice a loss of flexibility due to athletic stress or aging, recognize it as a sign you’re due for a full body massage.

Related Articles: 3 Reasons to Get a Sports Massage
Can Massage Improve Flexibility?

7. High Blood Pressure Means You May Need a Massage

Massage can lower blood pressure more than just relaxing, so heed the sign that you need a full body massage for lower blood pressure.

8. Looking a Little Peaked? It May Be a Sign

A full body massage is so great, it can even make you look good! Massage increases blood flow and encourages drainage from cells, which means it can plump up skin and revitalize dull hair. If you don’t like what you see in the mirror, it may be a sign that you need a massage.

9. You Need a Mood Boost

Great for stress, massage can also help with anxiety and depression. If your cortisol levels are up and your dopamine levels are down, it may be a sign you should book a full body massage.

Related Article: Relax at Coastal Massage

10. You’re Having Trouble Sleeping

Because it’s relaxing and reduces stress, a full body massage promotes restful sleep, possibly because of massage’s effect on delta waves. Insomniacs can leave a message in Coastal Massage & Bodywork’s voicemail or schedule online and we will set an appointment for you when we wake up.

Listen to your body and it will give you a sign when something’s a little bit off—or a lot off. Then call Coastal Massage & Bodywork at (910) 208-4161 and book a full body massage (or schedule it online) . With our licensed massage and bodywork therapists and soothing facility, our full body massage will have you back on the path to health in no time.

Reasons Why You’ll Love a Hot Stone Massage – Wilmington NC

Hot stone massage is the Godiva chocolate of the massage world. Every type of massage therapy has its place, but hot stone is the ultimate relaxation massage, using the healing power of warmth in conjunction with massage to relieve muscular tension gently, leaving you refreshed, restored, and rejuvenated.

What to expect in a Wilmington NC Hot Stone Massage

In a hot stone massage, smooth basalt stones of different sizes are heated in a special warmer then placed in strategic positions on the body, especially the back, while the massage therapist works on other areas. The steady warmth of the stones works to gently ease tight muscles, allowing the massage therapist to work more deeply with less pressure. As the stones cool they are removed, and the therapist continues the massage in the areas prepared by the stones. Smaller stones are often used in place of the therapist’s thumbs or palms, increasing the effectiveness of the massage. The soothing warmth of the stones eases both body and mind, creating a tranquil state of complete relaxation.

Hot stone massage can be either a standalone treatment, or an add-on treatment during other types of massage.

The Reasons to Love a Wilmington NC Hot Stone Massage

The benefits of hot stone extend beyond mere relaxation. Massage has been shown to both lower blood pressure and boost the immune system, and hot stone massage in particular increases circulation. The warmth of the stones dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the areas where the stones have been placed, which makes it a positive benefit for many issues from post-workout soreness to poor circulation.

Coastal Massage and Bodywork offers hot stone massage as an add-on to any massage treatment. Choose from Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, or any of our other therapies. We offer a full range of massage treatments for those in the Wilmington NC area. Not sure what type of massage is right for you? Our licensed massage therapists will help you decide which treatment is right for you each time you visit.

If you’re seeking hot stone massage Wilmington NC, look no further!

Schedule your appointment online today, or call us at 910-208-4161.

Can Massage Improve Flexibility?

According to the Mayo Clinic…

Better flexibility may improve your performance in physical activities or decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work most effectively.

And we could all use more of that, right?

The older we get and the more sedentary we are, the less flexible and more prone to injury we become. Our joints tighten thus restricting range of motion and flexibility.

So, How Can Massage Improve Flexibility?

Massage therapy is one of the best and most beneficial treatments for improving and maintaining your flexibility and motion. By working on tendons, muscles, connective tissues, ligaments, and joints regular massage will:

improve flexibility
keep your joints more fluid
make you less injury prone

When muscles become tight, massage can help by:

Increasing Temperature and Elasticity in Muscle

Temperature increase in the muscles is caused when a massage therapist simulates friction to an area of the body. This increases the number and size of blood flow and allows the muscles to relax, loosen, and expand.

Breaking Down Adhesions

Adhesions are formed in muscles due to tightness and tension. They can cause knots and restrict flexibility. Massage helps to realign the muscle fibers and break down these adhesions. This release restores movement and increases flexibility.

Young woman having back massage on spa treatment

Improving Elasticity in Muscles

Elasticity helps to prevent injuries from occurring and maximizes performance.

Removing Toxins

As muscles tighten due to injury or stress they begin to retain waste products and toxins. Lactic acid is the most common of these toxins. These waste products create tightness, fatigue, and pain in your muscles. Massage naturally stimulates lymphatic drainage which is responsible for flushing these waste products and toxins out of your body. The more your body can flush these byproducts, the more flexible you will become.

Reducing Swelling

Perhaps the most overlooked result of tight muscles is swelling. Not only associated with injuries, minor swelling will occur in many muscle groups due to inflexibility and muscle tightness. Massage helps to flush this excess fluid from the muscles and allows them to release tension.

Decreasing Pain

Most importantly is the reduction of pain through massage therapy. Pain can limit our muscles from stretching properly and flexibility begins to diminish. Massage creates an endorphin rush in our body that aids in recovery as well as motivate our mind to increase movement and agility.

If you are an active individual, consider incorporating massage and stretching as part of your fitness routine.

Benefits include:

reduce soreness after a workout
provide greater range of motion
promote a longer workout

Related Article: sports massage

That’s because stretching beforehand helps to prevent a buildup of lactic acid. A regular weekly massage after your workout will aid in the recovery of your muscles.

So whether you are active or mostly sedentary, a weekly massage can be beneficial to your flexibility as well as your overall health and wellness.

Call 910-208-4161 or Schedule Online to book an appointment with a licensed massage and bodywork therapist at Coastal Massage & Bodywork.