Massage therapy can be used for many different reasons. It could be used as a relaxation outlet as well as a pain and tension reliever. Massages are performed by professionals who have received extensive training on various ways to relieve pain and relax the body.

Types of Massage Therapy   

There are several different types of massage therapy. Some of them include the Swedish massage therapy, the sports massage therapy, the hot stone massage therapy, and even deep tissue massage therapies. There are additional massage therapies as well. The massage therapy session cost that you will pay is going to vary based on the type of massage therapy you get.

The Cost of a Massage Therapy Session

Most massage therapy sessions are priced according to the type of session you’re going to get as well as the length of time you’d like to attend. Massage times can range from as little as 30 minutes to as many as 90 minutes or more. Massage experts say that in order to receive optimal results, you should plan to attend for at least 60 to 90 minutes.

Naturally, the least amount of time for your session will cost the least amount of money. With that said, though, your therapy session will be extremely limited. A 30-minute session can cost as little as $30. If you chose to go with a 60-minute session, your massage could be more extensive and typically cost as little as $50-$60. A 90-minute session could cost as much as $100-$150 or more.

Benefits of Your Massage Therapy Session

Massage therapies can be extremely beneficial. Some of the benefits may include, but are not limited to, less stress, less anxiety, improved muscle flexibility, improved blood circulation, and an overall improvement in health. These benefits can, in turn, lead to a much more healthy and successful life.

Are You Looking for a Massage Therapist? 

If you are looking for a massage therapist, then why not allow TalkLocal to do the work for you? We’ll locate and connect you with a reputable massage therapist within only a few short minutes. Try us out today!

Most people are familiar with body massages. In fact, there are several different types of massage therapies. But not many people are familiar with hot stone massages. This sort of massage is not common practice. However, it is usually performed more for therapeutic purposes – typically to relieve pain or tension in the muscles – rather than for mere pleasure. This is called thermal stone therapy. It consists of using heated flat stones to massage the specific problem areas of the body that are causing the muscle pain and/or tension.

How Thermal Stone Therapy Works  

Typically, there are five steps to performing thermal stone therapy. You will need approximately 4-8 smooth basalt flat stones, depending on which areas of the body you are trying to treat. You will also need massaging oil, a warm pot of water, some towels, and basic knowledge of acupressure points.

Step 1: Warm the Stones in Your Pot of Water

Your stones should be as warm as you or your client can bear.

Step 2: Prepare Your Client for Treatment

Place your towels on the massage table and have your client lie down. Ensure that he/she is comfortable. You will then need to oil the area of skin that you will be treating for your client. Doing so will allow the flat stones to glide more easily along his/her body during treatment.

Step 3: Carefully Place the Stones

Locate your client’s acupressure points. Once your stones have warmed to a bearable temperature, then you may begin placing them on those points. The most common areas to treat are the back, neck, legs, and arms. The heated stones placed onto the skin will aid in relaxing the muscles and releasing harmful toxins from the body. It will also aid in increasing the blood flow.

Step 4: Begin Therapy

The stones must be left in place for several minutes – or at least until your client’s body is fully relaxed. This allows the heat from the stones to be distributed throughout the body. Once the body is fully relaxed, you may remove the stones and commence with blending other specialty massages along with your therapeutic stone massage.

Step 5: Therapy Combos.

If desired, you may continue to use the warm stones to caress the muscles. You could also mix a variety of massage techniques, including the use of cold stones as well as the use of different types of stones besides the basalt stones. For example, marble stones are known for relieving pain and inflammation. Feel free to combine various techniques in order to achieve the best results for your clients.

If you would like more information on how to perform thermal stone therapy or where to have this therapy done, then please contact TalkLocal. We can connect you with a professional massage therapist in only a few minutes.

A deep tissue massage is a bit more intense than other types of massage. Although there are many benefits to a deep tissue massage, it is common for new patients to experience deep tissue massage pain. Typically, the benefits will outweigh any negative effects that come along with your deep tissue massage, but this article will outline what types of deep tissue massage pain you may experience.

Deep Tissue Massage Pain

A deep tissue massage requires your massage therapist to stimulate your muscles. If your muscles are unaccustomed to being stimulated, this may cause a shock to them and can cause temporary pain for you. However, as the massage continues and your muscles adjust to being stimulated, this pain should disappear.

Soreness from a Deep Tissue Massage

The day after your deep tissue massage, there is small chance (around 10%) you will feel soreness in your muscles. However, this soreness will only be the equivalent of soreness you may feel after engaging in healthy exercise. It is nothing to be concerned about and should disappear in a day or two.

Headache from a Deep Tissue Massage

An even smaller percentage of people have reported having a headache after receiving a deep tissue massage. It is likely that this is due to how they positioned themselves during their massage. If you are concerned about this or have experienced a headache after a deep tissue massage, consult with your massage therapist about how to best position yourself during your massage in order to avoid a headache.

Nausea from a Deep Tissue Massage

An intense massage such as a deep tissue massage can cause toxins in your body to be released, and eventually drain from your muscles and through your blood stream, which can cause mild nausea. Drinking water directly after your massage can help to eliminate these toxins from your body.

Find a Massage Therapist

Although there can be some side effects to a deep tissue massage, the benefits generally out way these, and a good therapist will adjust their technique to give you the best experience possible. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone in minutes with up to three, high-quality massage therapists in your area who are available when you are.

Have you had a few massages? Are they losing their luster? Do you want to take your massages to the next level? Are you open minded and not afraid to get “Out There?’ Then postural integration therapy is for you. Your next question is likely, how does postural integration therapy work?

Postural integration is based on the idea of body armor. We all develop “body armor” to deal with everyday stress. This body armor stores up as tense muscles, and to release the muscles, we must deal with the underlying cause of the body armor issue. This is as much psychological therapy and body awareness as it is a massage.

How Does Postural Integration Therapy Work?

Body armor is difficult to get rid of. Postural integration therapy brings you through a series of steps. Each step is designed for you to become aware of a different part of your body. Not only do you become aware of that part of your body, but you learn what is making that part of your body tense – what makes it body armor. You release the tension that you have stored in your mind to release the muscle’s tension. This process helps you improve your daily posture and relieve the tension in your muscles.

You don’t just go through these 10 steps one at a time. You must graduate through the steps with your therapist. So, you have to return to the postural integration therapy office until you pass through the step; until you release that particular body armor.

Give Postural Integration Therapy A Try

If you are interested in postural integration therapy, or if you would like to learn more, speak with a professional massage therapist. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, so you can get your questions answered and the help you need, fast.

Have you ever wondered what a watsu massage was? Well, now you can find out. Understanding what a Watsu massage is will help you decide if, and when, you should get one.

What is Watsu Massage?

Watsu massage begins with you submerging yourself in a pool or warm water. The warm water makes you bouyant while neutralizing your spine, essentially making you weightless. This weightlessness relaxes your muscles, allowing the massage therapist to manipulate your muscles while you are calmly floating in the water.

Watsu Massage can be very beneficial, especially for people suffering from fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis. Watsu massage can help lessen the effect of these conditions by relaxing the body. Watsu massage can also help in post-operative therapy with movement restriction in muscles, as the water, combined with the therapists’ manipulaiton of the muscles, loosens tight muscles.

However, you can also get a Watsu massage simply for the relaxation. The weightless feeling and the rhythmic dancing in the warm water can be a good time for you to let go of your worries. If you commonly fall asleep during a table message, then you probably want to experience the feeling of complete relaxation that comes with Watsu massage.

Find A Massage Therapist Who Is Trained In Watsu Massage

Not every massage therapist is trained in Watsu massage, so finding the right one may be tricky if you don’t know where to look. That’s where TalkLocal comes in. We will connect you with up to three, qualified, professional massage therapists in your area. Just tell us what you need, where you are located, and your availability, and we will have you speaking on the phone with the right professional in just minutes.

The rubbing of muscles may disrupt and relieve the feeling of pain in your body. Pain is a signal that travels from a pinched nerve through your nervous system. The nerves run from your skin deep inside your body and up your spine. In an instant, that electrical signal is traveling through your neck and into your brain. The brain receives the signal and tells you that something is wrong with the feeling of pain.

When certain massage techniques for pain are used, especially in the back and neck, it can release entrapped nerves. It can stop a signal from being generated, and it can ease the signal before it reaches your brain, thus relieving the pain.

Massage Techniques For Pain

Two of the most popular massage techniques for pain are known to reduce irritation in the body.

Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage was once used for Hawaiian Royalty. Lomi Lomi massage practitioners use their entire bodies to massage your muscles. Lomi Lomi translates directly into “Masseuse.” It is a superficial massage. Oil is spread across the skin and long, light movements are used up and down the body, especially the back. The skin is invigorated with this touch, and the superficial nerves come to life. Blood then rises to the surface of the body, which heats and loosens entrapped nerves.

Swedish massage is the other of the two popular massage techniques for pain. The Swedish massage uses a variety of touches, but is known to be a deep tissue massage. You should not get a Swedish massage if you feel that deep, heavy touching will give you more pain. It is successful at reducing pain by increasing blood flow deep under the skin. This heats the body, flushes out toxins, and releases entrapped nerves.

Can Massage Relieve Your Pain?

To find that out, you’ll have to speak with a reputable massage therapist in your area. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professional within minutes, so you can get the help you need, when you need it.

Many people look at the cost of massage therapy and gasp. Most of the world views it as a luxury for those with disposable income. You are asking yourself, is massage therapy worth it? But, you’ve been feeling an awful lot of pain lately and you need to get rid of it.

Is Massage Therapy Worth It?

The first thing you need to do is find out just how much massage therapy is going to cost you. An hour of therapy will run you anywhere from $60 to $120. So, you should look at how much money you spend during a week. See if you can spare $60. Perhaps you have to stay home and rent a movie over the weekend instead of going out.

If you have health insurance, then you might be in luck. Many health insurance providers cover the cost of massage therapy at no charge to you. Other companies will cover some of the cost, but it still might make the trip worth it. You may live in a state that mandates coverage for massage therapy. You’ll just have to go to the doctor and get a prescription. If you are really in pain then a prescription won’t be difficult to get. Or you really might luck out and go to a doctor with a massage therapist on staff whose work will be covered by health insurance.

Find Out For Yourself If Massage Therapy Is Worth It

If you are not covered by insurance, then you may want to know how effective massage therapy is. If it is effective, then you may know the answer to the question, “Is massage therapy worth it.” It can be very effective if the pain is in your muscles. If you have tight muscles, massage therapy will loosen the muscles and increase blood flow. This will flush toxins and help arrange your spine and hips back into place. Massage therapy is a great way to ease musculoskeletal pain.

If you would like to speak with a massage therapist near you, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with the right, local professionals in just minutes, so you can get the help you need, when you need it.

Whether you’re stressed out from work or sore from the gym, you could probably use a massage.  However, before you go seeking a massage therapist, you should know the different types of massage therapy, as some massages will cater to more specific needs and lifestyles.  Making an informed choice will ensure you have the best possible experience when getting a massage.

Swedish Massage Therapy

This is most popular type of massage performed today and is widespread throughout the world.  This massage primarily focuses on relaxation by using smooth, long strokes and kneading to loosen any tension. It’s normally very gentle and relaxing, so it’s a great first massage to try out!

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages are based on placing heated stones on specific areas of the body to loosen the muscles.  Therapists sometimes will use the hardness of the stone of penetrate into deeper tissues, relieving stress and tension locked in the deeper muscles, while the warmth of the stones relaxes the rest of the body.

Shiatsu or Acupressure therapy

This type of massage originated in Japan and utilizes focused finger pressure to improve energy flow and balance in the body.  The thumb, palm, and fingers are used in a rhythmic succession and target specific areas of the body that you think need help.  The pressure is firm but extremely relaxing and resolves any soreness in the muscles quickly and effectively.

Deep Tissue Massage

This massage therapy is great for people with chronically painful or tight muscles.  If you have posture problems or you are repeatedly straining your neck, shoulders, or back, this is a perfect massage for you. It targets the deep connective tissues and muscles by using slow strokes against the grain of the muscle.  You’ll most likely feel sore for a couple days after this massage, but it will be worth it afterward, as your muscles will rejuvenate even faster.

Find A Massage Therapist Near You!

These are just the most common types of massages that almost every massage therapist will offer.  There are many more specialized types of massage offered out there, and you should consult with a massage therapist to find the perfect type of massage for you.  TalkLocal will connect you with a high-quality, local massage therapist in just minutes, so you can relieve your stress as soon as possible!

Reflexology massage is an ancient massage technique that traces its origins back to Egypt and China. Reflexology massage primarily involves gently and firmly exerting pressure on specific points located on the feet, hands, and ears in order to affect other points located in different areas of the body. From point to point, each is expressly connected to each other via lines of energy, also known as meridians, and reflexologists believe that this massage technique affects these points in a positive manner.

People praise this technique because they say many health benefits of reflexology massage are received, including a reduction in number of headaches and a reduction in overall muscle aches and pain. It also has the added benefit of reducing overall stress within the body. Most people can benefit from a reflexology massage because of how gentle the therapist is with the pressure on the points.

Health Benefits Of Reflexology Massage

Reflexology massage therapists are specifically trained to recognize areas, primarily on the feet, which are thought to be connected by lines of energy, or meridians, relating to specific parts of the body which, when manipulated, will help promote healing and relaxation in the connected areas. A reflexology massage therapist is acutely aware that each foot contains spots which correspond to specific places within the body. For example, the tops of the toes are thought to be related to sinuses. The soles of the feet contain areas thought to be connected to the lungs, chest, and heart.

Reducing pain associated with headaches and muscle aches will initially bring people to try reflexology. Reflexologists believe the meridians can become blocked in daily life by a negative buildup of energy. Reflexology unblocks these meridian channels and allows energy to flow freely throughout the body, thereby reducing stress and pain and increasing overall well-being.

Studies on the health benefits of <reflexology massage which have involved pregnant women, cancer patients, mental health patients, arthritis sufferers, nausea sufferers, and people with back pain issues have repeatedly shown that it can aid in reducing pain and increasing a patient’s overall well being.

Find A Qualified Massage Therapist

By using TalkLocal, you can easily and quickly find reputable massage therapists in your area. Simply tells us where you are and what you need, and we’ll connect you with the right professional directly.

Some of the most ancient massage and holistic health treatment methods are still used on a daily basis today. Clearly, many men and women have found merit in them, and use them to help shake certain ailments.

Ayurvedic Shirodhara massage is one such treatment. This massage is a form of Ayurvedic therapy, which is rooted in the culture of India. Men and women have turned to this method for 5,000 years, and it is said to be the cure for a number of health issues.

What Is Ayurvedic Shirodhara Massage?

Far different from the other forms of massage, the patient lays on their back as a steady stream of oil is poured onto their forehead. The stream of oil is aimed at what the culture labels the “third eye”. This area is between both eyes just above the eyebrows. In the Indian culture, the third eye is where human consciousness originates from. Stimulating this area with the oil is said to have numerous health benefits.

What Does It Do?

For 30 minutes, the patient lays on the table, surrounded by warm towels, as the stream of oil flows on to their forehead. This is said to deeply relax the individual and exercise negative feelings like fear and anxiety. Essentially, it transforms a patient into a very relaxed state of mind.

What Are The Benefits Of Ayurvedic Shirodhara Massage?

Practitioners of this form of massage claim that it helps heal:

          – Insomnia

          – Memory loss

          – Other neurological issues

          – Sinus infections

          – Hearing impairment

This form of massage can be performed both medically and non-medically (simply for the relaxation aspect).

Where Can I Get This Massage?

It could be tough to find a qualified individual to administer this form of massage, but professionals are available. Use TalkLocal to find them. We’ll connect you with someone in your local area that is capable of performing this service. Try it out!