Are you feeling stiff after your workouts or feel tightness in your muscles? If you are regularly working out each week your muscles will get tight.  Our massage therapists can slowly work your muscles and get deep to get to your inner muscles and connective tissue.  If you have scar tissue from previous injuries, regular deep tissue massage treatments of 75 to 90 minutes can break up the scar tissue. If you suffer from chronic pain our massage therapists are here to help!

What is a deep tissue / therapeutic massage?

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a relaxation massage (Swedish massage) and involves applying firm deeper pressure with hands, fingers or arms with the intention of relieving tension and also to reach deeper layers of muscle that would be treated with a relaxation massage. Deep tissue massage is often the first choice for people who have tense stiff muscles, who have chronic pain, sore shoulders or back, or have injuries.

What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is an advanced technique to address body issues, and provides both mental and physical health.  When the massage begins the strokes start out with lighter pressure and then works up to deeper pressure. Some of the benefits of deep tissue massage are:

• Reducing pain
• Lower blood pressure
• Breaks up scar tissue
• Rehabilitates injured muscles
• Reduce stress and anxiety

Does deep tissue massage help?

Deep tissue massage helps to improve stiffness and muscle pain with slow deep strokes, and based on much customer feedback it definitely works. There have also been studies performed that show that deep tissue massage is beneficial such as a 2016 case study that suggests that deep tissue massage can reduce lower back pain in pregnant ladies.

Athletes who get deep tissue massages are less likely to get injuries while working out.

Can a deep tissue massage hurt?

When you are receiving a deep tissue massage, the pressure is deeper than with a relaxation massage. There might be times when there is a feeling of discomfort. If you are finding that the pain is too much and is bringing discomfort, make sure to communicate this with your massage therapist. Deep tissue massage can hurt and be beneficial, but it doesn’t have to if you do not want it too.

Why am I so sore after a deep tissue massage?

One of the common outcomes after a deep tissue massage is soreness.  This is normal as the deep pressure carries blood and nutrients to your muscles at the same time toxins are eliminated. If you haven’t had a deep tissue massage for a long time, or it is your first treatment you are more likely to feel sore after the treatment. When training muscles for the first time they become sore until they are used to the effects of training.  This is also true with deep tissue massage, your muscles will need time to get used to being manipulated. Some tips to help avoid muscle soreness, drink plenty of water both before and after a massage to help flush away toxins.  Also gently stretch your muscles after a massage that same as you would stretch after doing exercise.

How often should I get a deep tissue massage?

To avoid potential muscle soreness after a deep tissue massage, try to have regular massage treatments so your muscles have a chance to build up muscle memory. If you have chronic pain you may want to have regular massage treatments a few times a week if necessary, or weekly, or a few times every month.  Talk with your massage therapist for how often you should book a treatment to best help with your pain or stiffness.

Are your feet tired after standing or walking too far, or maybe your feet have poor circulation?  Our massage therapists at My Haven Laser & Spa will give you a healing foot massage by applying pressure to reflex zones in your feet, giving you a feeling of tension relief and general well-being.

What is foot reflexology?

In therapeutic foot reflexology, pressure is applied to various reflex points on the foot. These reflex points are thought to point to organs in your body, so when your foot is stimulated, there are responses sent to those organs which is thought to provide healing to the organs. There are roughly 15,000 nerves in your feet, so that makes a foot massage feel great.

Foot reflexology is one of the most popular types of massage. Beyond the feel-good effects of the treatment, the action and purpose of the foot reflexology go deeper than the skin and muscles. Pulling on all of the toes, rubbing the fleshy soft ball of the foot, tracing with pressure around the heel and pushing deep into the arch with fingers or knuckles are just a few of the movements you’ll experience during a treatment.

How does foot reflexology differ from a foot massage?

These two treatments might seem similar, but there are some key differences. Both can be beneficial! Here’s what you can expect during a foot massage versus a reflexology massage.

Massage therapy is the application of pressure to the skin and muscles to relax the muscles, relieve tension, and improve circulation.

Reflexology, on the other hand, uses a targeted, pressure-point massage to restore the flow of energy throughout the body. The treatment usually focuses on the feet, but it can also include the hands and ears.

What are the benefits of foot reflexology?

You feet constantly bare you weight while you walk and after a long day on your feet they can become very tired and sore. Generally your feet are the least pampered body part and sometimes they need some attention. Applying pressure to your feet provides both psychological and physical health. Getting a foot massage is a great treatment for mind and body relaxation.

Foot reflexology is known to help with many problems from headaches to sinus problems and even digestion and stomach issues.  These treatments also improves blood circulation with oxygen to organs throughout your body.

Other benefits to foot massages are:

• Better sleeps
• Detoxification
• Makes your feet healthier by reducing pain and keeping ankle flexible.
• Serotonin boost to help mood when top of toes are massaged

Note: Foot reflexology is not covered by insurance.

Our trained and experienced massage therapists are here to help you relax and rejuvenation your body after all the stresses you face in life, whether physical or emotional.  Feel more like your younger self after a relaxation / Swedish massage to get back your range of motion, help your sleepless nights and relieve your stress.  The massage therapists will deliver whatever pressure is your preference as they communicate with you to find the optimum pressure for you.  Book today to end your stressful day!

What is a relaxation massage (Swedish Massage)?

A Swedish massage is the most popular massage technique in the world and probably the most popular massage in Calgary. A Swedish massage is made up of 5 main movements, two of which can be very relaxing, which is why sometimes Swedish massage is known as the relaxation massage, but Swedish Massage can be more and not always relaxing.  When asking for a massage you should discuss with the massage therapist and they can let you know if you would want a full Swedish massage or a relaxation massage.  The 5 main movements for a Swedish massage are long gliding strokes, kneading of individual muscles, percussive type technique, tapping or vibration of specific muscles and a more specific rubbing sometimes with a deeper pressure to relieve adhesions in muscle tissue.

Some people use the terms Swedish Massage and relaxation interchangeably, but in reality relaxation massage is just a part of the Swedish Massage.

Please discuss your needs with our massage therapists. Your massage therapist will aim to relax, revive and rejuvenate you at a massage depth that does not cause discomfort.

What is the difference between deep tissue and relaxation massage?

When looking for a massage, you need to choose the best massage to give you the most benefits.  Relaxation massages are meant to give you relaxation.  The pressure is not too deep and is meant to energize your body and skin. The treatment uses long strokes and the rubbing of your skin which helps you to relax.

Deep tissue massages use much firmer and deep pressure and are not always relaxing.  These rubbing pressure from deep tissue massages are quite often against the grain of the muscles to help loosen muscles and soft tissue.  This can cause discomfort in some cases, but it is very good for sport injuries, accidents and tight muscles.

What is the difference between a relaxation massage and a therapeutic massage?

A therapeutic massage is intended for people who have chronic pain, body aches, and even sport injuries.  A therapeutic massage is used to actually help give you medical benefits and it uses all aspects of the Swedish massage to treat your pain. A relaxation massage uses the gentler flowing aspects of a Swedish massage to relieve stress and just make you feel good!

What are the benefits of a relaxation massage?

The first obvious benefit of a relaxation massage is as in the title, giving you a great feeling of relaxation.  Relaxation massages aren’t intended to focus on specific injuries or pain, but getting regular relaxation massages can offer the following benefits:

• Improve sleep, promote relaxation and overall boost in mood
• Improve range of motion
• Improve circulation
• Relieve muscle tension

When your body is relaxed, it becomes much less likely to have injuries as the muscles are less tense and tight.

Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, no doubt but the extra weight being carried puts a lot of stress on our back, shoulders and legs as they have to carry the weight as you walk around during the day. it also can cause stress on your body. As your back arches more, the change in your posture can cause great discomfort over time.  Our massage therapists are here to help you with you with your prenatal massage therapy.

What is prenatal massage?

A Prenatal massage is similar to a regular massage where the massage therapist will focus the optimum pressure to the affected muscles.  Prenatal massage, also known as pregnancy massage is a safe and effective way to reduce the discomforts of your pregnancy.  A prenatal massage is a special type of a massage therapy tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women.

What are the benefits of a prenatal massage?

There have been studies that have shown that when massage therapy is part of a women’s prenatal care, the hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are altered. Many women find that pregnancy massage helps to minimize stress, may assist with reducing anxiety, promote relaxation and help with lower back pain. Massage encourages blood circulation, which helps relax the nervous system, allowing for a better sleep.

Do you have an active child that is having trouble sleeping, or is very active and is feeling sore? Even young children can be prone to stress with their busy day to day life.  Our experienced massage therapists will treat the child similarly to adults, except often with less pressure to help with sleep problems, injuries and overall health.

What is kids massage?

Massage therapy can be beneficial for anyone right from infancy to adults, and the elderly.  My Haven Laser & Spa massage therapists treat kids, teens and adults. The general benefits of relaxation, decreasing muscle tension and pain, or increasing mobility can apply to any age group.  There can also be specific reasons why massage therapy might be advantageous for children specifically.

Today children are faced with very busy lifestyles due to school work and activities, peer pressure, advancing technology, competitive sports, family problems, chores, and the list goes on and on.  Children are constantly struggling to keep up and maintain the fast pace, and they often never get a chance to slow down and let their bodies really rest or relax. This can lead to poor sleeping patterns.

What are the benefits of kids massage?

Studies have shown that massage can help decrease stress and stress hormone levels in children, and they have also shown that children’s massage can reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.  With decreased stress, this can help in improving sleeping habits.

Stretching is essential to preventing injuries. When your body feels tight and your range of motion is reduced it is time for help with a stretch massage.  Our trained massage therapists will help you stretch your tight muscles and help you reach areas of your body you just can reach when stretching yourself.  The therapist will hold the stretch longer than you might if stretching on your own.

What is stretching massage?

While the human body is flexible by design, unfortunately as we get older, our bodies to become less flexible than we were in our younger years. Things we used to do when we were younger that seem simple such as bending over to tie your shoes or pick up something can become more difficult as we get older. If you don’t exercise regularly you may notice more stiffness and loss of flexibility compared to others.  Anyone can use particular stretching exercises to set themselves up for the day’s activities, however stretch therapists teach clients safe techniques to release joint and muscular tension, leading to incredible lasting results.

What are the benefits of a stretching massage?

Many active people or athletes don’t stretch enough yet they continue with their rigorous activities despite limited range of motion and stiff muscles. This often leads to injuries which could have been prevented by proper stretching. Stretch therapists teach clients safe techniques to release joint and muscular tension, leading to incredible lasting results. Combining stretching with massage is a great way to keep our bodies limber. This leads to the following benefits:

• Increased range of motion and better flexibility.
• Improved posture
• Fewer injuries while training
• Better circulation

How to stretch properly?

1. Be careful not to overstretch. A stretch should always be comfortable, if your muscle hurting, it is telling you that you are stretching too much and you risk injuring yourself.
2. It is recommended that all your stretches should all be held for a minimum of 30 seconds, as it takes this long until the nerves that control the length of your muscle relax enough to allow a stretch to occur.
3. Stretch both sides of your body unless you have been instructed otherwise by your health care provider as it is always a good idea to keep your body stretched on both sides to keep your body balanced.