Studies have shown that massage actually reduces the production of cortisol – the nasty “stress” hormone that creates inflammation and acts as a catalyst for many stress-related health problems. Here are just a few ways massage keeps the stress beast at bay:

Weekend Warriors – you hit it hard, give it all you’ve got, and may end up aching as a result. Even worse, you may end up with damage. Overuse injuries account for nearly half of all muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone complaints that are seen by healthcare providers. These types of injuries are not typically accident-related, but instead result from repeated stress on muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones.

More than 300 million years ago, an ancient ocean existed in the region on the current Himalayan Mountains. As the landscape changed the ocean dried up, natural pressure and forces over millions of years created the Himalayan Mountains and left a massive, mineral-rich salt deposit. This salt is unique with a perfect crystalline structure created by the enormous pressure. The mountain range sealed off the salt crystals from civilization’s chemicals and pollutants and kept them pure. Today, Himalayan salt is still mined mostly at the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. These ancient treasures are hand-mined to maintain their purity

The recovery benefits of massage are especially significant. Studies have shown that massage therapy may affect inflammation at the cellular level, similar to the effects of anti-inflammatory medications. So not only does regular massage enhance your performance, but it can get you back to your exercise and training program quickly.

Historically, massage has been associated with relaxation and pain relief, but it is increasingly becoming associated with wellness. 88% of respondents to a 2016 consumer survey indicated that they consider massage to be beneficial to health and wellness.

Regular athletic/sports massage can improve performance and conditioning, increase strength and stamina, help maintain peak fitness levels, prevent injury, and speed recovery.

Another great benefit of massage, particularly deep tissue massage is that it promotes removal of toxins from the body which are created by metabolic functions such as breathing, digestion, and intense exercise

The results of a study conducted by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University of Ontario, indicate that massage therapy reduces inflammation associated with exercise-induced damage to skeletal muscles. It also showed potential benefits for those with inflammatory disease, with evidence that massage therapy may affect inflammation at the cellular level, similar to the effects of anti-inflammatory medications

Whether you’re looking for therapeutic massage applications for specific conditions or injuries, stress management, or simple relaxation, Elements Massage offers a variety of massage services including deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal, Swedish, integrative reflexology, aromatherapy, Himalayan salt stones, and even couples massage! Here, you’ll find well-qualified massage therapists and affordable options so that you can easily integrate the benefits of massage into your health and wellness regimen.

You’re sleeping soundly when all of a sudden you start dreaming that your leg is being sawed off.  Or that someone very large is stepping on your foot.  Or that several piranhas are feasting on your calf. You wake up with a gasp and realize that you are experiencing a very real, very painful cramp in your leg or foot. The muscles are tense, rock hard, and you have no idea what to do. This is one of the worst ways to wake up. These ugly cramps are usually short-lived and seem to come out of nowhere. Ever wonder what they are, what causes them, and how in the heck to stop (and prevent!) them?