Integrating Massage Therapy with the Clearwater, FL Lifestyle

The comfort and soothing power of massage therapy can be found in Clearwater and its neighboring areas of Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, and Trinity.

Regular body massage treatments from massage therapy is now a big part of the Clearwater, FL lifestyle not only because of it's “feel-good” effects but also due to the increased concern for better health and well-being within the community. With the hustle and bustle of everyday activities like work, school, taking care of the kids, and all our daily routines, stress is bound to catch up and before you know it, you're getting sick and missing supposed productive days.

A number of research have been conducted on body massage and massage therapy in relation to anxiety levels and alertness. One particular study was conducted by the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida. The study worked with two groups: 26 working adults who received 15-minute chair massages twice a week for five weeks, and 24 adults (control group) who were made to sit on a massage chair for the same amount of time. After the massage period, both groups underwent ECG monitoring, performed math computations, and completed a POMS Depression and State Anxiety Scales. They also provided saliva samples for cortisol. The results of the exam showed the following:

Frontal delta power increased, meaning that they are more relaxed.
The group of 26 men showed reduced frontal alpha and beta power which suggests higher levels of alertness, while the control group had increased levels.
The massage group had greater speed and accuracy with math problems, while the control group had no observable changes.
Salivary cortisol levels were lower following the massage but not the control sessions but only on the first day; and
By the end of the 5 week period, depression scores were lower for both groups but job stress score were lower only for the massage group.

There are numerous types of body massages to choose from. You can ask your massage therapist about each technique and which best suits your needs. Some of the most popular body massage techniques are the Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, aromatherapy, and reflexology.

The Swedish massage is usually the most common type of body massage. It is meant to alleviate pain and relax tired muscles. The Swedish massage is also the foundation of most of the existing techniques offered by massage spas. The strokes used in this technique is adapted and customized for the deep tissue and sports massage treatment. The difference is in the amount of pressure, and the length and speed of the strokes.

The deep tissue massage is a variation of the Swedish massage but its main purpose is to relieve deep tissue muscles of tightness and pain. This is ideal for the injured and those undergoing physical therapy. In addition, one must note that the deep tissue massage is not meant to relax you. During the treatment, slight discomfort from the pressure and strokes will be very likely, so make sure your massage therapist is certified.

A sports massage is a bit like a deep tissue massage but it is specifically designed for athletes and physically active individuals. It aims to enhance muscle movement and performance before a work-out or before a game. It's like a warm-up for the muscles so it's not too strained or stressed since extreme physical activities demand a lot from our body.

It is only right that massage therapy be integrated into the community of Clearwater, FL because the people owe in to themselves to treat their mind and body better, through the help of massage therapy.