Looking for a great way to relax? Try getting a massage in Cincinnati. It’s always a great idea, especially after a long day at work. Did you know, though, that massages are so much more worth than your occasional R&R splurge? There are in fact many health benefits attributed to regular massage therapies, such as reduction of anxiety, stress, and even depression.
There are many different types of massage spa services, including deep tissue, sport, and even pregnancy massage. Find out which one suits your needs more to get the right service for you.
Massages Around Cincinnati, Ohio
Fortunately, there are a good amount of spa facilities offering a variety of massages around Cincinnati, Ohio.
Head over to Winton Road, Edwards Road, Galbraith Road, and others for more variety of options for massage therapy. Whichever one you end up going to, what’s certain is that you’ll come out renewed and refreshed.
Romantic Relaxation: Couples Massage Therapy
Intimacy is an important part of maintaining an open relationship with your partner. This includes spending as much quality time with them, while doing a variety of activities that you can both enjoy. It can be something as active running or working out together, but sometimes, a little down time works well too, like getting a couples massage therapy.
This type of massage will have you and your partner staying together in the same room for the duration of the massage therapy. Some spas will require couples’ massage packages to have the same type of massage, however there are those that do allow for different options. For example, you might prefer a relaxing Swedish massage, but your partner would like a more therapeutic deep-tissue massage.
Whatever your option is, the important thing is that you are experiencing the session together. Some couples also prefer this relaxed environment to catch up with each other, as they are relieved of tension and stress.
For Moms-to-Be: Pregnancy + Prenatal Massage Therapy
Without a doubt, pregnancy is one of, if not the most, difficult physical challenges a woman will ever go through in her life. Carrying a baby to full term, and then delivering it, exposes the body to many dangers, and could even potentially put the expecting mother’s life at risk. That’s why it’s crucial that the mother is kept stress-free as much as possible.
For this, a session or two of pregnancy and prenatal massage therapy comes in very handy. This type of massage is especially custom-made for the pregnant woman. Because of the delicate condition of your body, you need to make sure that your massage therapist is duly trained and licensed for this kind of treatment.
It’s important to get this done by a certified professional, such as those from Elements Massage on Beechmont Avenue, because of the risks that come with pregnancy. Add to the fact there are certain trigger points that could set off contractions, and sometimes even labor itself, and you have all the more reason to go to a professional.
Among the many benefits of pregnancy and prenatal massage therapy include reduction of stress and anxiety, relieving of sore joints and muscles, promotion of better sleep, and lessening of inflammation and bloating.
For Athletes: Sports Massage Therapy
Whether or not you’re an athlete, as long as you engage in regular physical activity such as sports or workout, you need to make sports massage therapy a part of your program. That’s because this is a proven effective way of preventing you from becoming prone to injury. If you already do have an injury, then this could help you be on your way to recovery faster.
The technique used in sports massage therapy is actually a lot like Swedish massage. The biggest difference is that the main goal of this type of massage is precisely to prevent or help treat injuries. It may include compression massage, which applies rhythmic compression to the muscles. Essentially, this is done to tenderize the tissues, thereby making it prime for more targeted muscle work.
Among the many benefits of sports massage therapy includes mitigation of injury risk, improved flexibility and range of motion, increased power and performance, and improved recovery times.
Eliminate Toxins with Lymphatic Massage Therapy
Lymphatic massage therapy involves the process of lymphatic drainage, which essentially pertains to applying very light pressure along the body to facilitate the flow of lymph fluids. This is an important technique because the lymph fluids are crucial to immunity health, as it is also responsible for transporting oxygen and other nutrients to other parts of the body.
It sounds like something the blood does, actually, but the key difference here is that the blood is helped along by the heart, pumping it through the veins to carry oxygen and nutrients. The lymph does not have a dedicated pumping mechanism, and so can only rely on muscle movements and pressure from the blood vessels to be pushed along.
If there is insufficient movement, the lymph can get stuck in that area, therefore preventing the delivery of goods throughout the body. With lymph fluids stuck, toxins can also build up in the body, which can then lead to inflammation, bloating, redness of skin, and weakened immunity.
Although you can naturally drain your lymphs by hydrating with lots of water, the lymphatic massage therapy allows for a more targeted approach, thereby achieving more immediate results.
Among these results include the improvement of metabolic rate, which can then aid in weight loss; reduced water retention, improved blood flow and circulation, detoxification, which leads to clearer skin.
Full-Body Massage Therapy
Full-body massage therapy is one great way to have a complete de-stress session. As the name implies, this type of massage involves your entire body, from head to toe. Specifically, you can expect your massage therapist to work on your crown and scalp, face, neck, shoulders, arms and hands, legs, and feet, back, glutes, and if you’ll prefer, even around the breast area.
That sounds like a lot to cover, but trust that your massage therapist is a professional equipped with the skills to work on these areas efficiently.
Apart from the usual kneading techniques, a full body massage, such as from establishments like D&C Relaxing Massage on Westchester, might also include hot stone therapy.
This involves the use of flat, smooth stones heated with a temperature of anywhere between 130 to 145 degrees, and then placed upon your skin. The purpose of this is to relax the muscle and joints, putting your body more at ease.
Hot stones are strategically placed in various parts of the body, including the spine, stomach, chest, face, hands and feet at certain intervals. This targeted positioning of the stones has been found to help improve the flexibility of range and motion, decrease muscle spasms, and even relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Treat Your Feet: Foot Massage Therapy
Your feet literally carry the weight of your body every time you stand or walk. Your movements don’t stop there, however, which means that they are subjected to further strains, such as when you run or dance.
Eventually, your whole body will feel the pain as it radiates from your feet. Before that even happens, however, you can recharge and revitalize with foot massage therapy. This involves the application of kneading techniques on the top of your feet, the toes, soles, heels, ankles, and calves.
A foot massage therapy usually starts with a good, warm soak to help loosen the muscles, and prepare it for the massage work. Foot massage therapies, such as those offered by Sakura Foot Spa on Colerain Avenue, or in Sunny Sole Barefoot Massage over at Wheatcroft Drive, are known to be so relaxing that it’s no surprise many people end up falling asleep during their session.
Experience Ancient Healing with Thai Massage Therapy
Developed in Thailand, Thai massage therapy is well-known for its unique technique of using deep stretches along with muscle compression. The deep stretches are also carried out with the help of the therapist’s knees, legs, and feet, apart from their hands. As such, expect much more physical contact with your therapist in this kind of massage than in any other type.
The benefits, however, are well worth all the twists and turns that you would be subjected to, as it not only relieves the soreness of the muscles but also eases the strain on the joints. Many people who try Thai massage therapy in spas like Handful of Earth Healing on Edwards Road also claim to sleep much better, thanks to the overall recharging feel of the massage.
Mobile Massage: Therapy on the Go
If you want to be as relaxed as possible, then the best place to get this is probably in the privacy of your own home. Good thing you can get a mobile massage therapy service to come to you so that you can get your me-time without having to leave your home.
An in-home massage through a mobile service is especially recommended for those who may not be able to get the service in an actual facility. This includes seniors, people with disabilities, or expecting or new mothers who may not be able to leave home as easily they would want to.
Apart from getting the same massage benefits as you would in massage spa facilities, the biggest selling point of mobile massage therapy is the convenience of it all. No more rushing out the door and driving out for your session. And most definitely, no hurrying to end the session too. You can simply stay in your bed and enjoy the relaxing after-effects of your massage therapy.
With all these different types of massage available in Cincinnati, you can look forward to having a refreshed and revitalized self, ready to take on another day of challenges. Remember, as busy as life may get, you should never be too busy to take care of yourself.