If you’ve ever been told you’re “just flexible” or “double-jointed,” but also deal with chronic pain, instability, fatigue, or frequent injuries, you’re not alone.

As both a massage therapist and someone living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), I understand firsthand how complex and misunderstood these conditions can be.

At Balanced Body Therapeutic Massage, we work with many clients navigating Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility-related conditions. My goal is to help people better understand what may be happening in their bodies and whether therapeutic bodywork could be a good fit for them.

What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect collagen, which helps support the joints, skin, blood vessels, and other tissues throughout the body.

There are currently 13 recognized types of EDS, each with different symptoms, risks, and levels of severity.

The most common type is hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), which is commonly associated with:

• Joint hypermobility and instability
• Chronic muscle and joint pain
• Frequent sprains, strains, or subluxations
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension from compensation patterns

Many people go years without answers because symptoms are often dismissed as “normal flexibility” or generalized chronic pain.

How Do You Know If You’re Hypermobile?

One commonly used screening tool is the Beighton Score, which evaluates mobility in several joints throughout the body.

If you suspect you may be hypermobile or have EDS, The Ehlers-Danlos Society offers helpful educational resources and self-assessment tools:

• Diagnostic Checklist
• Hypermobility assessment / Beighton Score Information

These tools are not diagnostic, but they can help guide conversations with your healthcare provider.

For more information about EDS and hypermobility disorders, visit The Ehlers-Danlos Society.

Common Comorbidities Seen with EDS

EDS often overlaps with other conditions and syndromes. Some of the more common comorbidities include:

• Dysautonomia and POTS
• Mast cell activation symptoms
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches and migraines
• Gastrointestinal issues
• TMJ dysfunction
• Anxiety related to chronic pain and nervous system dysregulation

Because connective tissue exists throughout the entire body, EDS can affect far more than just the joints.

Can Massage Therapy Help Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

For the right person and with the right approach, therapeutic bodywork can be incredibly beneficial.

As someone with hEDS myself, I’ve learned that hypermobile bodies often require a very different approach than traditional “deep tissue” massage.

At our office, treatment is often focused on:

• Supporting stability rather than forcing mobility
• Reducing protective muscle tension
• Improving body awareness
• Helping calm an overactive nervous system
• Working within the body’s tolerance level

Many people with EDS or hypermobility report improvement in:

• Muscle tension and guarding
• Pain levels
• Stress and nervous system overload
• Mobility and daily function
• Body awareness and movement patterns

The goal is not to aggressively “fix” the body, but rather to support it more safely and effectively.

When Therapeutic Bodywork May NOT Be Appropriate

This is an important conversation that is often overlooked.

While many individuals with hEDS benefit from therapeutic massage and bodywork, there are certain types of EDS and comorbidities where treatment may need significant modification or may not be appropriate at all.

Higher-Risk EDS Types

Certain forms of EDS may require extreme caution, including:

• Vascular EDS (vEDS) due to increased fragility of blood vessels and organs
• Some cases of Classical EDS involving severe skin fragility or bruising

Deep or aggressive bodywork may be inappropriate or unsafe in these situations.

Conditions That May Require Medical Clearance or Modified Sessions

Massage therapy may need to be adjusted, shortened, or postponed for individuals experiencing:

• Uncontrolled POTS or severe dysautonomia symptoms
• Active cardiovascular complications
• Severe mast cell activation flare-ups
• Acute injuries or unstable joints
• Poor tissue healing or recent surgeries
• Severe pain flare-ups where the nervous system is already overwhelmed

This is why individualized treatment and proper communication matter so much.

Why Specialized Training Matters

I’ve completed additional education through the EDS ECHO program, which focuses on the complexities of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility disorders, and related conditions.

That matters because:

• EDS bodies can respond differently to bodywork
• More pressure is not always better
• Some individuals benefit from stretching, while others may need a greater focus on stability and support
• Treatment often needs to be highly individualized based on the person, symptoms, and comorbidities

What to Look for in an EDS-Safe Massage Therapist

If you are searching for massage therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility, it’s important to find someone who understands:

• Joint instability
• Compensation patterns
• Nervous system sensitivity
• The importance of pacing and modification
• That “deeper” is not always better

Every hypermobile body is different, and treatment should reflect that.

Final Thoughts

Living with EDS or hypermobility can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially when symptoms are misunderstood or minimized.

As both a therapist and someone personally living with hEDS, I understand how important it is to feel heard, supported, and treated as an individual rather than a diagnosis.

With the right approach, therapeutic bodywork can be a valuable tool in helping support pain management, nervous system regulation, and overall quality of life.

Looking for EDS or Hypermobility Massage Therapy in the Lehigh Valley?

If you’re looking for massage therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility, or chronic pain in the Lehigh Valley, we’d be happy to see if our approach may be a good fit for you.

Have questions? Feel free to call our office at 610-653-7701, or book online when you’re ready.

Before your first massage, you will be asked to fill out an online intake form. This questionnaire will cover your health history, any medications you are currently taking and any medical conditions you may have.

You might be wondering why we need to know such detailed, personal information that you typically only discuss with your doctor. Are we just being nosy?

While it may seem like a hassle or an invasion of your privacy, there IS a reason that we need to know this information – not only does it protect you from potential injury during your massage, but it also means we can better personalize the massage to meet your needs. This helps to ensure that when you leave our office, you feel better than ever.

What is a contraindication, and what does it have to do with my massage?

Occasionally, we come across clients with specific health conditions that should not be receiving massage therapy – meaning the massage could actually be harmful to them. This is referred to as a contraindication. There are two different classifications of contraindications:

Relative Contraindication

Relative contraindication means that caution should be used when performing a certain procedure. This means that the massage therapy session can happen, but that the therapist will need to adjust the techniques and particulars of the session (like positioning, pressure, or massage products used) to stay safe and effective.

Absolute Contraindication

Absolute contraindication is the term used when massage could cause harm, and should not be applied at all. This is a rare circumstance, but it does happen.

While typically relaxing and healing, there are times when a massage can be painful or even dangerous for various health-related reasons. In most cases, we can proceed with the massage, but we’ll ask some follow-up questions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Examples of massage contraindications include:

• Varicose veins
• Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
• Pregnancy
• Bruising, cuts, abrasions, and even sunburns
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Heart problems
• Epilepsy

Fear not: Not all of the above listed medical conditions mean you have to give up your regular session with your massage therapist. In fact, for some of these conditions, a massage can have significant soothing effects. However, it does mean that your therapist will need to provide specific care. This is one of the main reasons that it is crucial that your massage therapist knows your medical history.

Sicknesses, such as colds, the flu, skin infections, or the presence of a fever are all reasons to hold off on getting a massage. We suggest waiting to get a massage until you are feeling better to maximize the benefits and for the safety of you and your therapist. If you’re experiencing cold or flu symptoms, we offer a flexible rescheduling policy.

Why does my massage therapist need to know what medications I am taking?

There are certain medications that have an effect on your body’s ability to heal and process correctly. Your massage therapist should be aware of these medications, so that they can make any necessary adjustments.

For example, a firm deep tissue massage could be very dangerous if you are taking blood thinners or if you have low bone density or thin skin due to taking corticosteroids for an extended period of time. If you have recently taken chemotherapy medication, we may suggest waiting to get a massage or refer you to an oncology massage therapist so you receive the safest treatment.

In almost all cases, we can make adjustments to keep your massage safe and effective, but the key is to keep us fully informed.

In conclusion, even if you think a detail may be irrelevant, it’s smart to complete the intake form entirely and honestly to guarantee we provide the best service possible.

“How often should I get a massage?” 

This is a question we hear often at BBTM, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. One of the most important questions we ask you prior to your first session is, “What are your goals and are there any areas you would like to focus on for today’s session?” Here are the most common responses lately: neck and shoulder pain from sitting at the desk, injury due to overtraining, relieve tension, tight neck muscles are causing headaches, keep migraines under control, improve chronic pain, manage old and new injuries, increase mobility, low back pain, maintain flexibility, and maintaining relaxation.

Everyone’s bodies are different and respond differently to the variety of techniques each massage therapist provides. At BBTM, we first want to keep your pain patterns under control, then we want to eliminate them. Every time you get a massage, you should evaluate how you felt after your last session, how long did the results last, and are you getting the maximum benefits that YOU want? If your chronic pain is getting better through massage, you and your therapist might change your schedule accordingly. Your massage therapist can also suggest some stretches that you can do at home to enhance your massage benefits between sessions. Keep in mind: consistency is key regardless of the reason you are seeking massage therapy.

Massage is a healthcare necessity, rather than a one-time splurge or experience for many of our clients. However, massage shouldn’t replace other medical interventions that are necessary to treat an underlying health condition. Don’t ignore pain, developing symptoms, or serious symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness.

Pain Reduction and Management

Whether your pain comes from chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus or an injury, you can receive daily massage sessions, a few times a week, or even a more spaced-out frequency. Depending on the severity of your pain and the causes, you’ll need to receive a massage more frequently in the beginning to make the biggest impact. We recommend to start off with two massages per week for the first 4-6 weeks, and then gradually increase the time between sessions as symptoms improve and functional movement is restored. It’s important to remember that most conditions are generally not solved in a single session.

Recovery from Surgery

Depending on the severity of your surgery, we recommend bi-weekly 30-60 minute massage sessions (assuming you are also working with a physical therapist at least once per week). Massage therapy post surgery will help reduce pain and hopefully reduce the need for pain medication. More importantly, it will also speed up recovery, improve circulation, minimize the effects of scar tissue and promote lymph drainage if there is swelling. Consulting with your doctor post surgery is a good idea to ask when massage therapy is a good treatment option for your particular surgery recovery. 

Athletic Performance and Recovery

Our custom designed massages for your specific exercise routine supports healing injuries, preventing future injuries, and maintaining flexibility.

For the more casual athlete, gym-goer and weekend warrior, massage session frequency can range from once a week to once a month. For the average person trying to stay active and in good shape and health, once a month usually works well. If you compete in a sport or have periods of higher intensity training, increasing sessions to twice a month is an option. Professional athletes may require massage therapy multiple times a week to help to maintain their performance and reduce their risk of injury.

Keep your training schedule in mind when coming in for a session – if you have a big event or intense training session within 24 hours, a focused deep tissue massage may not be the best option. Your massage therapist will instead create a lighter session to complement your training.

General Wellness and Relaxation

For general health and relaxation, we recommend one or two 60-minute massages per month. Regular sessions have excellent health benefits and prevent pain, stress, and muscle tension from building up in clients who are under light to moderate stress. Typically, these clients request a full body massage to target overall relaxation.

Pregnancy

Expecting moms experience a range of aches and pains as they progress during pregnancy. They often experience hip tension, sciatica, back pain, and swelling of the ankles and feet. Regular prenatal massage sessions (we recommend a 60-minute session once or twice per month) help ease discomforts and contribute to a healthy mental state particularly toward the end of the pregnancy. Check with your doctor before booking. 

Stress Management

For people in high-stress jobs and frequent travelers, we recommend weekly or bi-weekly massage sessions. Massage can help relieve the buildup of stress and is an important preventive health strategy for your mental, emotional and physical well-being. 

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 66% of those who sought massages in 2018 did so to relax and reduce stress. Massage can help calm anxiety, reduce muscle tension, lower high blood pressure, and reduce cortisol levels in the body. 

Many times, we don’t take things seriously until we are in pain. One of the most beneficial health strategies is to plan your self-care time before you put anything else on your calendar. If you don’t, then work, family and life in general will be competing for your time.

If you want to know more about how often you should be receiving massage therapy to achieve your self-care goals, speak with your massage therapist at BBTM to create a schedule that’s customized for you or call me at 610-653-7701.

If you’re reading this, chances are you know the value of a truly great massage. Especially on hard days or during periods of stress or pain, we all look forward to the physical and emotional benefits you can get from a massage.

But what can you do if your massage isn’t quite cutting it? When your massage is “fine,” but just not what you’re needing?

You might feel like you’ve been shortchanged of the relief you were hoping to find, whether that be because you’re trying to eliminate stress, treat symptoms of a chronic illness, or let go of physical stiffness or pain.

Or: what if your massage is absolutely fantastic, and you’d love for every session to be just as helpful in alleviating your aches, pains, and stress?

Perhaps you’re a runner, and a certain technique is really relieving the tension in your IT band. Isn’t that just as important to share with your massage therapist so they can continue to implement that into future massages?

I can’t stress enough how important your feedback as a client can be in order to deliver you a stellar customized massage every time. I never want to let a session go by without you feeling like you’ve gotten the massage you need and deserve. The best way to get that perfect massage is communication and feedback.

The Positives

By now, you’ve probably noticed that during your massage I check in with you from time to time about all sorts of different things: the temperature of the room, the pressure I’m using, how you are feeling. This is because I want to know what’s working for you and what isn’t. It’s my way of opening up the line of communication so you can share what you need. So if something feels great, I’d love to know.

Learning what works for you helps me figure out exactly what your preferences are. The more communicative you are with me about what works best for your body in a session, the easier it is for me to personalize a massage to your needs and preferences.

When you share with me the things you like about your massage session, I know to continue to implement those techniques and provide you with the kind of massage you’re seeking.

The Not-So-Positives

I want you to feel safe sharing what I can do better. What’s right for some people isn’t right for everyone. We all have different opinions, preferences, and feelings, and that’s what makes us unique individuals.

Your feedback is the best way for me to discover if there are things you didn’t like so that, moving forward, we can figure out together how to arrive at your perfect massage.

In the same way that sharing what you like helps me focus your massage towards the things that work for your body, sharing what doesn’t feel comfortable to you gives me more information about what is best for you.

How You Can Help

So what’s the best way to open up the line of communication with me, so you get the best massage for you? I want you to share.

Don’t assume I always know best
You know your own body better than anyone else, so if something is uncomfortable, tell me. While I am a trained professional, you are the foremost expert on your body and what feels right and what doesn’t.

I know how to find specific tight or sore areas, and I know numerous techniques to release tension in those areas. What I don’t know is exactly how you are feeling on the table. So trust yourself as the expert you are on how you are feeling, and know that it’s safe to communicate those thoughts with me.

Start before you get on the table
You don’t have to wait until you are on the table to tell me what you need. During the first few moments of our time together, and on your health intake form, you can tell me how you’re feeling. Our comprehensive intake form helps me understand the basics of what you’re experiencing.

More often than not, I need to dive deeper into your intake answers so I know where I should focus my work that day and how best to treat you. Maybe you’re sore from a long run the day before, or maybe you’re experiencing a flare-up of chronic pain. Let me know right away, and keep the communication flowing during the massage too.

Say something right away
If you’re not happy about how the massage is going, you don’t have to wait to see if things improve. No massage therapist that is competent will be offended if you ask for more pressure or less pressure, or for something else to change. In fact, we love it.

I got into the business of massage therapy to make people’s lives better. I want to know right away if something is bothering you because relieving pain and releasing stress is my life’s work.

Be specific
We’re a team. The more specific you are with me, the easier it is for me to figure out what you’re looking for and provide exactly the massage you’ve been wanting.

Maybe you want me to use a little more pressure or a little less pressure. You can always say something like, “Can you increase the pressure one or two notches? That feels better, but you can still increase one notch deeper. That’s great!”

This lets me know exactly what you are wanting – from wanting more pressure to the exact amount, and then when things feel just right.

The bottom line? I want your feedback, so I can provide you with the best possible massage, every single time. After all, my objective is always to make you feel as well as possible.

It’s why you’re seeking a massage, and it’s why I went into the massage therapy business in the first place! Massage can make a major impact on your wellness plan if you and I have a clear, open, and honest line of communication.

Creating a Comfortable Workspace For Yourself & Your Body

One of the fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been that a large part of the American workforce is currently operating from home. For many employees and business owners, the work-from-home trend may continue even when the virus is finally behind us. In this scenario, it is vital to create a healthy and comfortable workspace at home.

If you foresee yourself working from home for a fairly long time to come, it’s time to prioritize your work conditions and environment at home. Here are a few tips that should help:

Minimize the Noise and Clutter

If you have a separate room available at home, select it as your dedicated workspace. Ideally, make sure the workspace has minimum distractions and is at a distance from places such as the laundry room, kitchen, and kids’ play area.

A relatively tranquil workspace will help reduce the noises and keep stress levels low. As much as possible, you should also minimize the clutter, dust, and fumes in your work area.

Maintain a Healthy Posture

If you expect to put in long hours every day in front of a computer screen, at your desk, or on the phone, you cannot afford to ignore your physical comfort. Correct placement of your computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other desk equipment is vital to keep away from physical ailments such as neck, back and shoulder pain, headache, wrist and elbow stiffness, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

It may be helpful to discuss with a physical therapist or massage therapist about suggestions for the correct position for your seating and workspace.

Do Not Ignore the Lighting

Your first preference should be to choose a workspace where you have access to plenty of natural lighting from windows and maybe skylights. This may not be possible in every home, and if you’re working in the evenings or at night, you may also need adequate electrical lighting.

Quality electrical lighting will minimize your eyestrain. While a good overhead light is important, you should also consider having a clamp-on or desk lamp. You can position it in a way that illuminates specific tasks that require your focus.

Invest in an Ergonomic Chair

If your budget allows you to invest in just one piece of furniture for your home office, it should be an ergonomically designed chair. An uncomfortable or poorly designed chair will gradually take its toll on your spine, neck, shoulders, and arms.

Compromising on your body’s comfort and suffering in physical agony because of a bad chair is not going to be worth it. Important elements to check for in an office chair are the distance from the floor to the seat (or an adjustable height), adjustable seating, and adjustable armrests.

If you’re looking for a new desk, I can personally recommend the Autonomous SmartDesk2 Premium (this is a referral link but you can also just browse). This adjustable standing desk has reduced my pain and tension as well as enhanced my workflow. I can also stay focused longer when I’m able to switch to a standing desk height and stretch out my legs.

Stretching at Work

Lets face it, our body needs multiple stretch breaks depending on how many hours you are going to spend in a sedentary position or performing repetitive tasks. An experienced massage therapist or fitness expert can suggest safe and easy stretches for you, which you can incorporate into your new work-from-home schedule.

Schedule a Virtual Consultation with BBT Massage Today! Balanced Body Therapeutic Massage, LLC offers proven and effective therapeutic massage services to address your body and health concerns. If you are a current client of ours and need help adjusting to the aches and pains of a new work from home routine, a virtual consultation can help you. I will suggest stretches, self care and self massage techniques specifically for the challenges you are currently experiencing or help manage pain levels until in person massage is safe again. I can also provide referrals for other health & wellness professionals based on your needs. Send me an email at info@bbtmassage.com to see if a virtual session may be a good fit for you. You can also schedule online here.

Keep it cozy this Valentine’s Day by staying inside and offering your partner a relaxing massage. Delivering the perfect massage may sound like pressure, but your Valentine will feel nothing but pleasure. Your partner will appreciate the attention and pampering, and the experience will help to create a more intimate bond between the two of you.

You’ve got this! Here’s what to keep in mind:

 

Ambiance is Everything

Choose a quiet/clutter-free space

You’ll want to pick a quiet space where you can shut out all of the noise and chaos. The last thing you want to do is have your partner plop down next to a pile of unfolded laundry! A tidy space will help put the mind at ease – and once the massage starts, the body will follow. The bedroom is a good choice so that your partner can lay comfortably on the bed.

Dim the lights and light the candles

It’s Valentine’s Day after all and you’re with your favorite person, so why not create a romantic atmosphere? Along with the lighting, feel free to spread some rose petals throughout.

Play some relaxing music

That awkward silence may make things… well, awkward! Prepare a playlist and you’ll be good to go. Here’s some massage music we like.

 

Time to Massage

Warm-up your hands

If your hands tend to be colder than room temperature, you’ll want to warm them up before going any further (nothing kills a massage like cold hands)! You can do this by running them under warm water and/or applying massage oil to your hands and rubbing them together until they reach a nice temperature.

Get out the massage oil

Speaking of oils, choose a scent that your partner will enjoy. Or you can’t go wrong with unscented, non-allergenic jojoba oil. Keep a towel nearby in case you have any spills.

Start massaging

Put the massage oil in your hands and start by gently kneading your partner’s neck. Keep the motions slow and steady while making your way down his/her back. Keep going down the body to include the arms, legs, hands, feet, toes, and fingers. Avoid directly massaging over bony areas like the spine. It’s important to communicate throughout the massage to gauge how your partner is enjoying it. Check-in with him/her at different points to see if you should apply more or less pressure, find out what is feeling really good, and if there are any areas he/she would like you to concentrate on.

 

 

End with a Sweet Treat

Break out the champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and make a toast to a relaxing Valentine’s Day filled with love!

Want to take it to the next level? Why not book a couples massage at one of our two convenient Balanced Body Therapeutic Massage Lehigh Valley locations. You can visit us online to learn more about the February massage special, or to grab your partner a gift card!

Is one of your goals in this new decade to focus on your health? One easy way to do that is by incorporating regular massage therapy into your routine. Regular therapeutic massage impacts your overall health. Here’s how:

Boosts Immunity

It seems like just about everyone is battling the flu, a bad cold, or some other virus this time of year, and you’d like to not catch it! Regular massages can make the immune system stronger according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).In one study, researchers studied cells in patients who had compromised immune systems. This study found that massage therapy increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that work to combat viruses. According to research from Cedars-Sinai, participants in a Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes (a subtype of white blood cells), which play a large role in defending the body from disease. Massage therapy improved how the immune system functioned. These same benefits can prevent seasonal illnesses, such as the cold and flu. 

Lowers Blood Pressure

Trying to keep your blood pressure down? Just about half of all adults in the US have a cardiovascular-related disease, and high blood pressure is a big contributor.   Hypertension can lead to heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Regular massage therapy, though, has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure. In one study, an hour of massage therapy weekly was shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive women

Reduces Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

That never-ending to-do list between work and home can cause some major stress. According to an article in Prevention, massage therapy relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body’s biochemistry. Researchers have found that getting a massage can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) by up to 53%! High levels of cortisol can negatively impact mood, lower energy levels, can cause weight gain and high blood pressure, and disrupt sleep.

Improves Sleep

A good night’s sleep does the body good! It helps keep us physically healthy and is a natural mood booster. Massages have been shown to increase serotonin levels (a mood-stabilizing hormone that also plays a big role in sleep) up to about 28 percent. 

Increases Flexibility

Regular massage helps to loosen up the muscles and increase circulation, which helps pump oxygen to joints, according to an article in Shape Magazine. Increased flexibility can help you get more out of your exercise routine and prevent injury. 

Relieves Pain

Is pain getting in the way of you feeling your best? We already mentioned how massage therapy works in relieving stress and anxiety which can be a contributor to pain. But it also helps to relax painful muscles, tendons, and joints, according to Harvard Health. 

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2020!  Now is a great time to start making regular massage a part of your routine. At Balanced Body Therapeutic Massage, we offer professional therapeutic massages at two convenient Lehigh Valley locations. Book your next appointment online now.

Another shopping season has begun…and so has the stress! It’s always difficult buying for those you care about the most. You want to give them something they’ll love, something they can benefit from, and something memorable. One gift that checks off all the boxes, and is especially appreciated at this time of year, is a massage!

With the busyness of the holidays, one thing your family and friends may be overlooking is their health. Help them prioritize themselves with a massage. Here are four reasons why it makes a great gift and shows them how much they mean to you.

It will help them relax

One thing that comes along with the excitement of the holidays is, unfortunately, the stress. Between the shopping (not knowing what to get…the crowds…the limited budgets), the get-togethers with family (we love them, but sometimes all is not so harmonious), the holiday parties (having to make small talk…not knowing what to wear), and the exhaustion (so much to do…so many people to see…so little time!), everyone can use some time to themselves! Not only will they get that time, but a massage will also put them at ease and help them de-stress. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress significantly on both physical and psychological levels. Read more about the effects it has on mental health here.

The experience will bring your recipient joy

Giving an experience is more likely to make your recipient happier than a material gift, and it will make you feel good too. An article in Entrepreneur magazine explains why. That new gadget may get much love at the beginning, but that fondness will fade over time. On the other hand, an experience, such as a massage, is much more memorable. Plus you may be introducing your loved one to something he/she has never experienced, and are so happy that you have introduced them to it.

It will have long-term benefits

Regular massage therapy can do so much from reducing stress to easing muscle pain, to helping one get a better night’s sleep, which really makes the gift of massage the ultimate gift!

Everyone can use a little self-pampering

We’re so used to taking care of everyone else, it’s nice to be taken care of every once in a while. This includes you! All that gift planning and giving is exhausting. Health should be a priority, and a massage will help with that. Don’t forget about yourself and book your massage today! It’s easy to book online at both locations with any of our staff members.

Gift cards can be purchased in person at our Bethlehem and Emmaus locations or online. If you choose to order them online, they will be mailed within two business days If electronically delivered, it will be in your inbox within 24 hours.

Ahhh – a massage! It feels so good, is therapeutic, and just the thought of getting one puts many of us into total relaxation mode.  Do you really need any other reason to book yours? Since it’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, we’ll give you five good ones.

Relieve Stress, Reduce Depression and Anxiety, and Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Massages affect the body’s biochemistry in a great way. Researchers have found that getting a massage can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone that negatively impacts mood, lowers energy levels, causes weight gain and high blood pressure, and disrupts sleep) by up to 53%!

Massages have also been shown to boost serotonin levels (the mood stabilizing hormone that also plays a big role in sleep) up to about 28 percent.

Read more about how your mental health can benefit from a massage here.

Improve Cardiovascular Health

With heart disease being the leading cause of death for men and women, heart health has never been more important.

In one study researchers found that massage therapy could serve as an effective intervention in controlling blood pressure in pre-hypertensive women. The study showed that the immediate results of lowered blood pressure lasted up to 72 hours after the massage.

Enhance Exercise Performance

Want to up your sports game? Or increase your flexibility to get more out of your exercise routine? Studies have shown massages benefit those who are looking to enhance their performance, improve conditioning, prevent an injury, recover faster and help maintain their peak fitness.

Massages also feel great on sore muscles and help to reduce the pain after a tough workout.

Relieve Pain

Speaking of pain, living with chronic pain can be debilitating. Unfortunately there are a large number of Americans suffering from it (50 million according to the CDC). One way to help lessen chronic pain is with routine massage.

Studies have shown that massages help with low-back pain, fibromyalgia, post-operative pain, tension headaches, and arthritis. Therapeutic massage can help to lower overall pain and perceived pain, as well as lessen the stress associated with a chronic pain condition.

Boost Your Immunity 

There’s just no time to catch a cold! But you can definitely make time for a 45 minute massage. That’s how long researchers said it took to see measurable changes in the study participants’ body immune and endocrine response. The study found that those who received massage experienced significant changes in lymphocytes (white blood cells that are also one of the body’s main types of immune cells).

Need even more reasons? Here are 25.

What are you waiting for?  Book your appointment online today. 

With October being National Depression Awareness Month, it’s a great time to look at how we can take better control of our mental health. One way to do that is with routine massages.  

Did you know that depression is the leading cause of disability in those 15 to 44 in the United States? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), major depressive disorder (the most commonly diagnosed form of depression) affects more than 16 million Americans a year. 

Depression not only affects one’s mental health, but it can affect a person’s overall well-being. People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

A little bit of self-care can go a long way for both mental and physical health. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and picking up an exercise routine all can help improve your mental health. We want you to add massages to that list!  

Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Depression 

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life – never ending to-do lists, deadlines, and feeling like everyone is relying on you for something – the pressure is real and hard to escape.  

An hour on the massage table will not only help you relax (forcing you to shut out the noise, turn off the phone, and step away from the screen for an hour is a great start), but it will relieve that stress. 

According to an article in Prevention, massage therapy relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body’s biochemistry. Researchers have found that getting a massage can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by up to 53%! High levels of cortisol can negatively impact mood, lower energy levels, cause weight gain, increase blood pressure, and disrupt sleep.  

Promotes a Better Night’s Sleep 

Constantly worrying about everything on your plate can keep you up at night – but it doesn’t have to. According to an article in Harper’s Bazaar, massages have been shown to boost serotonin levels (the mood stabilizing hormone that also plays a big role in sleep) up to 28 percent. Being well-rested is a game changer when it comes to mood.  

Human Touch is Powerful

Researchers have found that massage produces feelings of comfort and connection as a result of caring physical contact. Just think about how good it feels to receive a hug from someone. Just like a hug, oxytocin levels (the hormone known as the “love hormone”) increase during a massage. This hormone is linked to individual and social trust and is an antidote to depressive feelings, according to Psychology Today. If you would like to work on improving your mental health, a massage will help. At Balanced Body Therapeutic Massage, we offer professional therapeutic massages at two convenient Lehigh Valley locations. Book your appointment online today.