Ask a Massage Expert! Answers To Your Top Questions

If you’re considering a massage, in Seattle or anywhere else in the country, you may have some questions about what to expect during your first visit. Of course, this is perfectly natural. After all, while you may have heard from friends what a massage is like, you’re about to experience it for yourself. And you may want to have a better understanding of how your session will go when you arrive.

Not to worry.  The massage experts at Dreamclinic are here to answer your questions. Our professionally trained staff is always happy to provide you with guidance when it comes to your health and massage, in Seattle or beyond. And today, we’re answering some of your top questions!

What should I wear when I get a massage?

You should dress as you normally do and in what is most comfortable for you. Our staff recommends dressing down, and for many patients, a pair of shorts works well, along with a t-shirt. Once you have had a massage, your relaxed body will appreciate a comfort-oriented approach to your wardrobe.

Are there any risks associated with getting a massage?

While massage therapy is known to be an extremely safe activity, patients should be aware of a few considerations before beginning. If you have concerns or known medical conditions, it’s best to talk with your doctor to make sure massage is medically safe for you.

Should I feel sore after my massage session?

Especially if you’re getting a deeper tissue massage, it’s normal to feel a little soreness the next day after your massage. In fact, that soreness is likely a result of the positive effect of your massage. Increase your fluids to assist your lymphatic system and decrease soreness.

Is a massage more about the experience or the medicine?

The answer is: both! Massage therapy is as much as a science as it is an art. In addition to being enjoyable and relaxing, massage therapy does  also offer numerous health benefits.

Can a massage help me with my active lifestyle?

Yes! For those of you who live an active life, massage can offer even more benefits. That’s because active people tend to pick up dings and stress to their muscles and need more regular maintenance. When you arrive for your  Dreamclinic massage, please feel free to bring up how massage can benefit you regarding the specific activities you engage in.

What licensures exist in the United States for massage?

In the United States, each state has its own regulation that pertain to massage therapy. For our massage team in Seattle, our  excellent team of professionals are licensed with over 750 hours of training.

Does my health insurance plan cover massage sessions?

In some cases, insurance plans may cover your massage therapy. This is especially true if your general doctor or specialist has referred you for massage therapy. However, every insurance plan is different. Best practice is to check your specific plan for benefits pertaining to massage. Also if you have been in a car accident, your auto insurance should cover massage.

Does Dreamclinic offer office-based sessions in Seattle?

Yes! We’re proud to offer workplace massage, onsite sessions for your office or corporate events.

Can I customize my massage session at Dreamclinic?

One of the most important aspects of getting a massage is discussion your goals for the session with your therapist before the massage begins. Before your first session, talk to one of our trained staff about what is right for you.

Ready to get your first massage at one of our Seattle area locations? Get in touch with us!

 

Manage Stress to Reduce Muscle Tension

Neck PainIf you’ve ever suffered from a tension headache, neck discomfort, or lower back pain, you know how much of an effect stress can have on the body. When we become stressed, our adrenaline rises, making us more likely to be on guard against what the body perceives as danger. When this stress happens, our muscles tense up as a reflex reaction. While the body does this as a way of protecting us against injury and pain, chronic tension in reaction to stress has the opposite effect.

Chronic stress causes the body to be in a frequent state of alertness, which in turn causes our muscles to be tense and taut for extended periods of time. This can trigger other reactions in the body and may even lead to disorders or disease. These reactions may include tension headaches and migraines, a tight and tender jaw, cramps in the stomach and back, and digestive issues, among others. If not treated, the muscle tension leading to aches causes us more stress and perpetuates the cycle. It can also lead to other issues such as irritability, fatigue, and depression.

While millions of people suffer from chronic pain due to daily stresses, in some cases, the tension in our muscles may be the result of an injury. It’s important that this injury is treated properly in order to keep it from turning into a chronic condition. Some may react by avoiding physical activity for fear of pain or reinjury, however, disuse of the body only increases muscle tension and atrophy. The best way to recover from an injury is to maintain a moderate level of activity that’s been recommended by a physician. Relaxation techniques, massage, and acupuncture may also be particularly helpful during this time.

To help manage your stress, reduce muscle tension, and eliminate chronic pain, follow these five tips:

Get enough sleep: Between seven and eight hours a night is ideal for making us less vulnerable to the stress that can cause headaches and digestive issues.
Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fresh produce, fiber, and lean protein, and drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Avoid too much caffeine, which can interfere with sleep.
Exercise: At least 30 minutes of exercise a day triggers the production of endorphins that help us relax and combat stress.
Meditate: 20 minutes of daily meditation has been shown to reduce the severity of muscle tension by 28 percent and feelings of anxiety by 44 percent. Other relaxation techniques such as yoga and deep breathing may also be helpful.
Get a massage: Regular massage will not only release tension in the muscles, but improve a sense of calm and well-being that can counteract stress long after the massage is over.

If you’re feeling the pain of stress, schedule an appointment with one of our licensed massage therapists, who can design a custom plan for your specific needs.

 

What Dreamclinic Clients Love About Vibroacoustics

For some people, de-stressing is as simple as going on a jog or watching their favorite show after a long day. But for most of us, it can be much more difficult to get rid of all the stress we carry on a daily basis. Even if we do find something that calms us down, it can be a whole other struggle to find the time to actually do it. The good news is that we know how fast-paced life can be, and that’s why we’re proud to offer vibroacoustic therapy. It may sound like a mouthful, but this revolutionary technique is incredibly simple and effective, and takes no more than an hour. 

So, what is it exactly? Plain and simply, vibroacoustics is the process of passing soothing sound vibrations through your body. These vibrations are picked up by all of our organs, harmonizing our cells and bringing our body back into sync. Because of its unique combination of sound and vibration, vibroacoustics provides a relaxing experience completely different than any other stress therapy. 

Our satisfied customers have described it as “Relaxing, reflective, and an interesting way to access binaural sound for healing.” 

Vibroacoustics provides the relief that many people simply can’t otherwise get in their busy lives. One woman commented, “As a person who has a lot of trouble sleeping, one Tranquility Session has been extremely effective in rejuvenating me to feel more rested and energetic for the rest of my day.” This is one of the best parts about vibroacoustics — because it targets your body with sound and vibration, it penetrates deep into your muscles, tissues, and bones, rejuvenating you to your core. 

It seems pretty obvious, but stress therapies shouldn’t stress you out. Even still, some techniques involve long, arduous processes and cost large amounts of money. Luckily, vibroacoustics doesn’t involve any of those things. 

People love it because it is simple and scientifically sound. Gretchen, a cellist and Dreamclinic client, said, “I was really impressed and moved by the use of sound. To sit in that specially designed chair, with the surrounding speakers, feeling the music, and hearing about the science and research behind that healing, was an amazing experience.” 

Now it’s your turn. Experience firsthand how vibroacoustics can reduce stress, improve sleep, and re-energize you, in as little as 20 minutes. 

Book a tranquility session. 

Now 50% off when you schedule in combination with massage or acupuncture.

 

Partnership with ErgoFit Offers New Way to Improve Employee Well-Being

51ba7a5ddbd0cb034600054b._w.540_s.fit_Employees who de-stress together, work better together.

We know this for a fact — the combined symptoms of stress cost business $200 billion a year due to decreased productivity and increased health and medical expenses. On the other hand, when employees are healthy and stress-free, they’re more productive, feel happier, and have more energy.

So, how do you decrease workplace stress? It can be as easy as a 15-minute massage.

At Dreamclinic, we understand the importance of a healthy team in any organization, from a small, local business to a Fortune 500. That’s why we offer a range of Dreamlinic Workplace Massage services to enhance company wellness, including onsite chair massage or clothed table massage, on a recurring basis or for one-time events.

And now, we’re offering one more easy way to stay healthy at work, thanks to a new partnership with ErgoFit.

ErgoFit provides expert ergonomic consultations and assessments in offices, laboratories, and industrial workplaces. Services range from workstation evaluations to providing employee education about office well-being to design consultations during construction projects. ErgoFit has worked with companies like Facebook, Safeway, Woodland Park Zoo, and other clients around the world.

This new partnership is an added benefit of our workplace massage services and gives our customers yet another way to de-stress at work. Just like massage, the correct ergonomic setup at the workplace can increase productivity, help employees feel better, and save companies money.

The ErgoFit team is committed to advancing workplace productivity so clients can have healthy and vibrant businesses. Founded by Deborah Read, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of fitness training experience, ErgoFit’s services provide immediate relief and help prevent long-term injuries.

“A true professional, Deborah is passionate about safety in the workplace. Her assessment and product recommendations were timely and cost-effective, her manner upbeat and positive. Deborah’s occupational therapy perspective ensures business owners focus on the proactive goal of injury prevention, ” said ErgoFit client, Kathryn Barrett, president at Aging Matters LLC.

We’re very excited about this new partnership — our workplace massage services combined with the expertise of ergonomic consultants at ErgoFit makes Dreamclinic the go-to place for total wellness. Massage is already a great way to reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace, while also treating aches and pains that are associated with repetitive work. And now, being able to refer clients to an ergonomics consultant offers even more solutions to alleviate common workplace injuries.

To learn more about what Dreamclinic Workplace Massage and ErgoFit have to offer, contact us.

New Sound Therapy Technology Helps You Unplug and Relax

sound therapy seattle

We’ve gotten to the point where people are Instagramming pictures of their meals before touching their food and live-tweeting about their activities without actually experiencing them. It goes without saying, but we are living in an era of constant connectivity.

As a result, it’s gotten harder and harder to unplug and enjoy complete relaxation. We can’t deal with daily stress or anxiety in the proper fashion if we’re responding to texts or emails every five minutes.

With all the distractions we face with technology, the most successful ways to relax and de-stress have to be easy and effective. If we can’t put down our phone for two hours, how are we going to commit to a completely new habit or routine if it’s not super easy?

That’s why vibroacoustics is perfect for unplugging and de-stressing in our 24/7 internet world. Recently researched in colleges across the country, it is a type of non-invasive, non-chemical stress therapy that offers serious benefits in as little as 20 minutes.

So how does it work?

The sound therapy reduces stress, anxiety, and nerves by running soothing, low level sound waves through your body. Because sound is vibration, it affects all parts of your body, not just your ears. In fact, each one of your organs, bones, and cells has its own specific resonance frequency, which means that your body is quietly humming its own tunes throughout the day. When we are stressed, these frequencies can be disrupted, which can in turn affect our entire health. With vibroacoustics, low-grade vibrations are delivered throughout your body by a special chair that has built-in speakers. It’s not just a sound — it’s an actual pulsating sensation.

What are the benefits?

There are no adverse effects of vibrational therapy. Quite the opposite –vibroacoustics has been proven to significantly improve your health and mindfulness by:

  • Helping you catch those zzzs. Vibroacoustics stimulates melatonin, a natural hormone in your body that increases and deepens sleep.
  • Mending physical aches and pains. When you’re stressed, your immune system can overwork itself and become run down, making you susceptible to injury and illness. Vibroacoustic therapy gives your immune system a chance to reboot and repair injuries like muscle strains and pulls, post-surgery pains, menstrual cramps, and tightness in joints.
  • De-activating stress hormones. Stress can result in fatigue, depression, anxiety attacks, panic, and high blood pressure. Vibroacoustic sessions tone down these hormones so that you can finally relax and unwind.
  • Energizing and balancing you. You may think that “relaxed” and “energized” are opposites, but when your body is at ease, you will find that you have more energy to do the things you love. Vibroacoustics increases endorphins, which improves your mood and energy levels. In addition, the therapy moderates serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can cause unwanted emotional spikes.

Studies at the National Institute of Health have shown vibroacoustic sessions to be extremely safe and effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. And, you can reap these benefits in just 20 minutes. Everyone, no matter how much you tweet or post on Facebook, has 20 minutes in their day to relax with this new technique.

Meditation 101: How to Start

meditation class seattle

There’s a learning curve in everything, from riding a bike to learning a new language. And the same goes with meditation. Even though it may not seem like it, everyone, including mediation masters, start off inexperienced.

Many people assume that because they don’t feel naturally spiritual, meditation is not for them. However, anyone can enjoy the soothing benefits of meditation. Like anything else, meditation takes time and diligence, and your success will be a reflection of the work you put in.

Here are some quick tips to help you get started with meditation:

  • Set a time and place. To get into the habit of regularly meditating, designate a specific time every day or every couple of days, and try to stick to that time. This will help integrate meditation into your life as simply another part of your routine. In addition, try to do your meditation in one quiet, peaceful room so that you create a calming atmosphere for yourself in the future.
  • Relax your senses. Pick up some candles, incense, or other soothing spiritual tokens to help relax your senses and clear your mind. You can also use a candle as a focus point if you’re having trouble emptying your mind.
  • Work through the frustration. It’s common for beginning meditators to feel like their mind is loud and full of unwanted thoughts. When this happens, don’t be discouraged! It’s normal to doubt yourself. Simply focus on your breathing or one neutral point, and let your frustration roll off of you.
  • Rise and shine. Your mind is usually most clear and least full in the mornings. So if you are able, try to get your meditation done first thing after you wake up.

With these ideas in mind, sit comfortably and begin to meditate:

  1. Find your calm, tranquil place and get into a position that is comfortable for you. Try experimenting with sitting, kneeling, or lying down.
  1. Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Don’t make an effort to slow or quicken your breathing; just let your lungs fill and compress.
  1. If you’re having trouble clearing your mind, always bring your focus back to a focal point, like your breathing or a candle.
  1. Start small and work your way up. Meditate for as long as you feel you need to. We recommend starting with a five-minute mediation and adding five minutes every week, until you are mediating for forty-five to fifty minutes each time.

As you begin to meditate, remember that you may not see results right away. Mediation requires regular practice and attention, so resist the urge to overanalyze your life to try and identify the effects of meditation. It won’t happen instantly, but the long-term benefits of this practice are completely worth the effort. Slowly but surely, meditation reduces stress and increases empathy, and helps us understand what we value and who we are.

 

Photo credit: aimleadership.com