Benefits of Massage Therapy You Probably Haven’t Thought of

Massages just don’t feel great–they also provide numerous health benefits that most people don’t know about but would be thrilled if they only knew!

Benefits of Massage for Tension and Stress Related Illnesses

Therapuetic massage relieves musculoskeletal tension that inhibits blood flow necessary for providing nutritients to all parts of the body. Chronic tension also contributes to increasing stiffness of connective tissue called the fascia, which surrounds and enhances muscles. By stimulating blood flow and “exercising” stressed tissues, massages can effectively stop stress and tension from impairing the normal functioning of the circulatory and central nervous system. Consequently, medical issues such as stiffness, back pain, headache, gastrointestinal disorders and other illnesses attributed to chronic stress and excessive cortisol release can be eliminated by massage therapy.

Massage Therapy–A Fountain of Youth?

According to Kimara Ahnert of Women’s Health Magazine, a massage directed at the face and scalp can increase nutritious blood flow to these areas, promote lymphatic drainage and even plump out fine lines and slack skin naturally. Since your lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins out of the bloodstream and cellular material, it benefits the body for this system to function as optimally as possible.

As Ahnert explains it, “shuttling toxins such as free radicals away from cells means ample amounts of nutrients can reach skin and hair cells to improve damaged, dull complexions and restore vitality to dull hair“.

Relieves Side Effects of Cancer and Cancer Treatments

A recent study involving metastic cancer patients found that those patients who received regular massage therapy experienced reduced pain, improved sleep patterns and better quality of life. In fact, the study also revealed that massage therapy excelled at helping advanced cancer patients feel healthier than patients who participated in “no-touch” treatments such as medication, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Natural Relief for Age-Related Diseases

For seniors living with osteoarthritis or Alzheimer’s disease, massage therapy has been shown to relieve multiple symptoms in numerous research studies. For OA patients, therapuetic massage significantly decreased their pain and joint stiffness while increasing their range of motion. Alzheimer’s patients who suffered frequent bouts of agitation and anxiety benefited from the ability of therapeutic massage to relax and soothe physical and mental issues common to people with AD.

Interested in experiencing the wonderful health benefits of a therapeutic massage? Schedule your appointment today by using our online booking system or calling 910-208-4161.

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

While many of us would get a massage every day if we could…the answer to this question is going to vary from person as there are a number of factors that impact how often you should get a massage. The frequency of your massage visits often starts with your reason for going to get a massage in the first place.

So, How Often Should I Get a Massage?

The best way to figure out how often you should visit a massage therapist is to evaluate your reasons for getting a massage.

Below are some common reasons and suggested frequency:

Health and Relaxation – Many people get massages to maintain optimal health and enjoy an hour or two of relaxation. Generally, people who experience light to moderate stress should visit the massage therapist one to two times per month.
Stress Relief and Management – For those with high stress levels and those who often travel, massage is recommended on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This helps clients reduce the impact that stress can have on the body.
Chronic pain management and reduction – For those who want to relieve pain in the neck, back, and joints, massage sessions should be more frequent. Depending on the condition and type of pain, the client may want to get a massage up to three times per week.
Sports Recovery and Performance – For athletes and other active individuals, massage helps promote muscle recovery and increase performance. Depending on the circumstances, the client may need a massage anywhere from one to three times per week.

Each client is different and may benefit from more frequent massage. The best way to find out your ideal frequency is to listen to your body and discuss your options with an experienced massage therapist. The good news is, if you are in fairly good health, you can get a massage as often as you would like!

Get a Massage at Coastal Massage and Bodywork

When is the last time you had a massage? Coastal Massage and Bodywork offers 60 minute, 90 minute, and 2-hour massage packages that are customized to meet each client’s unique needs and wishes. Our trained massage therapists are versed in many types of massage, including sports, pre-natal, trigger point, cranio-sacral, myofacial, reflexology and Swedish.

Clients can join us at our upscale Wrightsville Beach location for the ultimate massage experience. We also offer on-site massage at private homes and hotels, and our specialists are available to come straight to your office as part of our corporate chair massage program.

Schedule your appointment today using our online booking system or by calling (910) 208-4161.

The Best Wilmington NC Massage and Spa

If you’re looking for the best massage, body treatments and facials in Wilmington, NC, you’ve found the right place. With a soothing atmosphere and relaxing aesthetic, Coastal Massage and Bodywork is nominated again and again as the best spa in Wilmington, NC. We are passionate about our practice and look forward to having you in the Spa.

Coastal Massage and Bodywork was a Top 3 Finalist for best spa in the StarNews Shore Picks in Wilmington, NC.

And owner Theresa Ann Stevens has been nominated Top 3 Finalist for “Best Massage Therapist” in Encore Magazine’s Best of Wilmington, NC 2015.

Our casual, intimate seaside spa provides the best individually-customized massage in Wilmington, with complimentary aromatherapy. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Our clients are our best advertising, because they rave about our work all over town.

Coastal Massage and Bodywork Reviews

Facebook reviews say Coastal Massage and Bodywork is the best massage in Wilmington NC

Skip the massage chains in the area and relax at Theresa’s calming, beachy spa! Not only is Theresa so passionate about the art of massage, but she takes all the details into account – better beds, softer sheets, and amazing ambiance. My fiance has been seeing Theresa for almost three years because as a dentist, he often has poor posture. He would often fall asleep from her massages, and I recently was able to experience Theresa’s massage work. I can attest to her ability to work out knots and tension spots with ease and without pain! She has a wonderful flow and I would recommend her and her spa to everyone in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area!

-Steffanie Anne, April 2014

What a great experience! The atmosphere is serene- welcoming and relaxing. Mariah did an amazing job and was personable and very professional. It was perfect!

-Melody Granger, June 2014

The experience I had today was something that needed to be shared and expressed. I received a massage at Coastal Massage and Body Work that was nothing like I had ever experienced before. The space is intimate and welcoming with the most relaxing beach feel. Mariah my therapist was professional and provided such an incredible therapeutic touch. I was able to also meet the owner Theresa who was nothing but pleasant and welcoming. I would recommend this business to my closest friends and family! Thank you again Coastal Massage and Body Work for one of the best massage experiences!

-Kyle Dore, June 2014

When I first met Theresa Stevens about a year ago, my neck & back were a mess. I had no idea if I was fixable, but she somehow worked her magic & put me back together. I am so thankful to Theresa & what she has brought me through. Not only is she great at what she does, she is a hardworking, compassionate, beautiful person & is always a joy to see. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of feeling happier, brighter, more themselves! I love this place & the staff is wonderful!

-Susan Chesson, September 2014

Best massage I’ve ever had!! Love the salon and Theresa is wonderful!

-Tori Maywalt, January 2014

After many visits to other local massage therapists I have finally met the therapist of my dreams! I originally booked a 1 hour massage but after Lindsey started the deep massage I immediately asked to increase it to a 1 1/2 hour session. Not only was she in tune with my body but, she was able to continue the deep pressure for the whole time!
I am amazed at her abilities and stamina, the atmosphere, decor and pricing are another great addition to an awesome experience. Lindsey, you have a customer for life!

-Bob McCambridge, October 2014

Google+ reviews love Coastal Massage and Bodywork, the best spa in Wilmington, NC

Super relaxing. As a guy I was a little worried that the beachy, rustic daydream vibe would be too feminine but the place is spot on. Theresa Anne was my massage therapist and was super effective at relaxing the neck and back muscles from day-to-day stress as well as working in specific massage to address to scoliosis I have. Truthfully, and I say this as somebody who finds it hard to justify spending money on myself… it’s worth the money. Would go again. Would recommend.

-Ben Snyder, September 2014

Very excited to see Theresa for a massage in the near future. Looks like an extremely relaxing environment to rejuvenate the mind and body 🙂

-Lauren Causey, August 2014

Theresa is amazing and so is her spa! I love the coastal vibe and comfortable atmosphere. After my first two massages, I went and bought a package and gift certificates for friends. I highly recommend Coastal Massage & Bodywork.

-Amanda Baker, June 2014

Yelp reviewers vote for the best Wilmington, NC, massage and spa

I have received many massages to help release tension headaches from pressure built up in my neck. Theresa gave me a full body massage but worked my neck consistently and thoroughly the whole time like I have never received before! She is a peaceful presence and allows you as the client to fully relax & enjoy. I recommend her 100%!!

-Hannah S., August 2014

I LOVE this spa! It’s so comfortable and inviting, and the massage therapists are friendly and seriously great at what they do. In a town with a multitude of spas, my husband and I have tried quite a few places and this is the place we’re sticking with. For atmosphere, a really great massage experience, and great prices, they can’t be beat!

-Cheryl T., August 2014

Coastal massage and body work is beyond the best experience I’ve had anywhere else. Not only is the atmosphere welcoming, but the massage is out of this world. It’s rare that you find a massage therapist who reads your body the way Theresa does. She knows where to spend a little extra time and never cuts the massage a minute short. I won’t go anywhere else!

-Meredith J., June 2014

Had my first prenatal massage and it was wonderful! I felt very relaxed and comfortable. It was a clean, calming environment. I booked my next one before leaving! They also ALWAYS offer 20% discount for military & their families.

-Stefanie S., July 2014

This was an awesome treat to end our five-day mini vacation! Theresa was as welcoming as can be! To the beautiful sheets and lovely decor, great location! Super beautiful facility! Thank you from two very picky Asheville ladies 🙂 Great massages, very talented, Theresa and Jessika! Thank you ::))

-Jessika P., March 2014

Coastal Massage and Bodywork is easy to find, just before the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge. Call (910) 208-4161 now to book the best massage in Wilmington, NC, or visit us online.