Which Massage Therapy Treatment Is Right For Me? How To Choose Your Massage
You’re in pain, and you know you need a massage. You probably know there are a few different types of massage, but do you know how to choose your massage therapy treatment, or the differences between massages?
You’re in pain, and you know you need a massage. You probably know there are a few different types of massage, but do you know how to choose your massage therapy treatment, or the differences between massages? You might be wondering, what’s the difference between a therapeutic massage and a relaxation massage? Or how do I know if I book a deep tissue massage or a sports massage?
When it comes to booking your massage, you’re going to have questions - and we’re here to help!
Which Issues Can Massage Therapy Help?
While massage therapy is excellent for the sore muscles, there are a multitude of hidden benefits that you may not know about receiving regular massage therapy.
Muscle aches and pains
Massage can be a lifesaver when it comes to dealing with chronic pain. If you’ve suffered from chronic pain, you understand the absolute agony it can be to have constant muscle aches and pains. We will assess you and help you ease your pain through regular massage therapy.
Tension and overall stresses
We tend to carry tension in our muscles. Whether we realize it or not, our muscles will physically hold the mental stresses we’re carrying. We actually hold ourselves more tensely when we’re stressed or worried! By massaging out those tense muscles, you can actually help to relieve mental or emotional stresses as well - which in turn helps to keep your muscles and joints healthy!
Menstrual cramps and migraines
If you suffer from either menstrual cramps or migraines, you know how debilitating those can be. Massage therapy can have a similar effect on both of these conditions - massage therapy improves blood flow. This can help to aid with period pains, and to help to provide more blood flow to your brain - lessening the severity of migraines!
How Many Different Massage Therapy Techniques Are There?
There are many different types of massage therapy, and each one varies in its technique and results. Here at Why Knot Massage & Wellness, we offer the following types of massage techniques:
A therapeutic massage is very light and introductory and designed for those who are experiencing mild to moderate body pains.
A treatment massage follows a specialized plan designed to target your body’s pain points and alleviate your pain.
Trigger Point Therapy & Release
Trigger point therapy and release is a massage technique designed to target problematic areas causing chronic pain or localized muscle injuries.
A pregnancy massage is designed to help alleviate the symptoms of pregnancy, especially those found in the third trimester.
Deep tissue massage is a great option for those who are experiencing chronic muscle pain. Deep tissue massage is a bit more thorough than a relaxation massage.
Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s best for people who are newer to massage, are sensitive to the touch, or have a lot of muscle tension.
A relaxation massage is just that! A massage designed entirely for you to relax, from head to toe.
If you’re active and repetitively use your muscles during sports and workouts, it’s recommended to get regular sports massages to proactively treat for any potential sprains or injuries.
Hot stone massage is similar to a Swedish massage, but incorporates hot stones in addition to their hands to ease muscle tension.
Myofascial Mobilization & Release
Myofascial mobilization and release is a specialized massage therapy treatment that involves lengthening the muscles to improve function of the muscle tissue.
How to Choose Your Massage
Your best bet to choose your massage is to call our clinic and request a consultation with one of our registered massage therapists. No two injuries or ailments are the same, nor should they be treated the same. Our team is fully trained to do an assessment of you, your history with chronic pain, or experiences with acute pain, and to make the best decision to create a fully customized massage therapy treatment plan.
Contact Us For Your Calgary Massage
If you’re looking to book any of the above massages in Calgary, you can book your massage online, or come in to see us. We’re open from 9am - 9pm, 7 days a week. Not sure which massage is right for you? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to do an initial assessment and consultation and create your customized plan!
All About Deep Tissue Massages
What sets a deep tissue massage apart from say a Swedish massage, relaxation massage or more? How do you know when you need a deep tissue massage? Is it going to hurt? These are all the questions you may have when it comes to booking your first deep tissue massage appointment, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
What sets a deep tissue massage apart from say a Swedish massage, relaxation massage or more? How do you know when you need a deep tissue massage? Is it going to hurt? These are all the questions you may have when it comes to booking your first deep tissue massage appointment, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
Our team at Why Knot will actually put together a customized massage therapy treatment plan for you, so we’re able to recommend a massage that works specifically for you. You may think you need a deep tissue massage, but we’ll happily assess your situation,
What Is A Deep Tissue Massage?
A deep tissue massage is a type of massage technique that’s designed to specifically treat musculoskeletal injuries and pains caused by muscle strains, and commonly sports injuries. Specifically, a deep tissue massage works to repair damaged muscles and connective tissues by targeting scar tissue and breaking up scar tissue that forms after your injuries.
Not sure if a deep tissue massage is right for you? View our list of massage therapy services to learn about all of the massage treatments we offer.
Does A Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
A deep tissue massage may feel more uncomfortable than a relaxation massage, but it is not supposed to be extremely painful. If at any point your massage therapy begins to hurt, please inform your massage therapist.
It may be uncomfortable, but not painful. A deep tissue massage targets the inner areas of your muscles, which requires more pressure. In comparison, a Swedish massage doesn’t require the same type of pressure.
Your body may tense up in response to the treatment, which may cause a bit of discomfort.
To prevent pain after your massage, drink water before and afterwards, and relax after your treatment.
What To Expect During Your Massage
First to prepare, your registered massage therapist will best determine your painful target areas so we can put together an appropriate treatment plan going in. When we begin you’ll be asked to lie on either your back or stomach, depending on the problem areas. We’ll work to warm up your muscles with gentle massage techniques, and once your muscles are more relaxed, begin to apply more pressure to begin to treat the underlying scar tissue and painful muscles.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Each massage therapy treatment has its own individual benefits, and if you’re not sure which treatment is right for you, contact our team for an assessment today.
Relieves stress
All forms of massage therapy will help to relieve stress by relaxing your body and providing a near-meditative state when you’re undergoing a massage therapy treatment. Massage helps to lower blood pressure, increase dopamine, and boost your mood, which relieves stress.
Breaks up scar tissue to help with movement
Deep tissue massage in particular is designed to break up scar tissue which has formed deep underneath the muscles, causing chronic pain. That scar tissue is targeted with firm pressure and specialized techniques.
Rehabilitates injured muscles
Chronic muscle pain can be detrimental to an active or sedentary lifestyle. Chronic muscle pain and injured muscles interfere with the day to day activities. Deep tissue massage helps to relieve that pain and repair injured muscles.
Preparing For Your Massage
One of the best ways to prepare for any massage session is to begin by drinking water. Water helps to hydrate your muscles to prepare for massage therapy. After your massage - continue drinking water. This helps to flush out any toxins which are brought out of your muscles during the massage treatment.
And - relax! And if you aren’t relaxed before your massage, you can guarantee you will be afterwards!
Book Your Deep Tissue Massage in Calgary
Are you in need of a deep tissue massage? Contact us today for an assessment. Our team will help to create a customized massage therapy treatment plan in our Calgary massage clinic.
Fill out the form today with any questions you may have, or use the button below to book your deep tissue massage in Calgary today.
Therapeutic Massage vs. Relaxation Massage
Learn what the difference between a therapeutic massage and relaxation massage is, and which is right for you. Learn about our Calgary massage clinic today.
Did you know there are multiple different types of massages, all benefitting different parts of your body or acute or chronic pains you may be experiencing. It’s important to work with a registered massage therapist to best diagnose which massage treatment is best for you.
The two most common massage therapy treatments are a therapeutic massage, and a relaxation massage. Here are some of the differences between these two popular massage types.
What Is A Therapeutic Massage?
Any form of a therapeutic massage is designed to target and ultimately treat any pains you’re experiencing, whether or not the pain is acute (sudden onset, usually from an injury), or chronic (long-term pains which may only be managed, not treated). There are different types of a therapeutic massage, dependent on the pain and diagnosis.
Did you know we offer specialized massages in Calgary such as:
And more?
Wondering what therapeutic massage may be best for you? Contact one of our registered massage therapists today.
Therapeutic Massage Benefits
A therapeutic massage can be beneficial for anybody, but at Why Knot we customize our massage therapy treatments to each individual based on their needs. Here are some of the benefits of a therapeutic massage:
Manage chronic pain
While chronic pain from injuries may not always be treatable, a therapeutic massage regimen can help manage the symptoms of strained muscles and aching joints.
Therapeutic massages are tailored to your needs
Nobody’s bodies are the same. When you book a therapeutic massage, you will be assessed for a treatment designed just for you.
Relieves stress and anxiety
Let’s face it - we’re not at our best when we’re in pain. We’re crabby, irritable, and stressed out. A therapeutic massage (and relaxation massage) helps to reduce the pain, and therefore any stresses/anxiety you may be experiencing.
What Is A Relaxation Massage?
A relaxation massage is different from a therapeutic massage - this type of massage is designed solely for you to relax! It’s incredible the amount of tension, stress, and emotion that we carry in our bones, joints and muscles. Stress itself wears on our body and creates knots of tension in our muscles. While a relaxation massage may be different from a therapeutic massage, it still has many therapeutic benefits which are similar.
Relaxation Massage Benefits
Have you ever felt the tension in your body building and building? You know the physical sensations of stress: irritability, frustration, pain, and tension in the back, jaw, shoulders, and muscles. You may not even realize how stressed your body actually is until you truly relax.
Relaxing
As the name suggests, the biggest benefit of a relaxation massage is - to relax! To ease that physical stress and discomforts. Relaxation massages actually help to decrease stress hormones in your body.
Improving your circulation
Relaxation massages have benefits for improving your body’s circulation, helping your body and organs receive more oxygen - which improves their function overall.
Relaxation massage can help you sleep better
Many people struggle with falling and staying asleep throughout the night. A relaxation massage can help you sleep better by relaxing your entire body, and mind. (Take a look at our blog post about the benefits of massage for your body and mind)
Which Is Best For Me? Therapeutic or Relaxation Massage?
While each has its own benefits, there’s no way to guess which massage treatment is best for you without an initial consultation and proper intake. If you’re experiencing acute aches and pains, a therapeutic massage may be the best option. We’re happy to assess you and create a customized treatment plan just for you.
Book Your Massage in Calgary Online
We offer full online booking for your Calgary massages. We’re open from 9am - 9pm, Monday to Sunday (depending on practitioner availability) so you can get your massage when it works best for you.
Contact us today, or book your Calgary massage online with Why Knot.
Calgary Massage Therapy: Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and More
When it comes to booking your massage, remember that no two types are the same! This is why we have a team of registered massage therapists at our Calgary wellness clinic. Each team member is skilled in their own area of expertise, but collectively the team at Why Knot holds years of experience in a variety of different massage treatments and techniques.
If you’re not sure which massage is right for you, contact our team. We’ll provide you with an intake form and assessment, and create a customized massage treatment for you.
When it comes to booking your massage, remember that no two types are the same! This is why we have a team of registered massage therapists at our Calgary wellness clinic. Each team member is skilled in their own area of expertise, but collectively the team at Why Knot holds years of experience in a variety of different massage treatments and techniques.
We know how important it is to have the massage that’s best suited for you. If you’re in pain, a therapeutic massage may be for you. If you’re feeling tense, you would likely benefit from a simple relaxation massage (or a Swedish massage!). We offer multiple different types of massage.
If you’re not sure which massage is right for you, contact our team. We’ll provide you with an intake form and assessment, and create a customized massage treatment for you.
What Are The Benefits Of Massage Therapy
If you’ve ever suffered from any chronic muscle injuries you know how agonizing it can be to be continually in pain. Oftentimes our muscles can become strained simply from every day exercises. Lifting, twisting and bending can cause muscle strains, and the effects of these can take time to fully be felt.
Massage therapy can also give preventative measures to a host of physical and emotional conditions. Here are a few lesser known benefits of massage therapy:
Massage therapy helps to manage symptoms of anxiety, stress, and worry.
Believe it or not, you can improve your skin tone through massage.
Regular massage therapy can stimulate brain function and create a heightened sense of awareness.
Massage therapy can stimulate the lymphatic system, flushing out spots of tension and pooled lymphatic swelling in the muscles.
You can improve your overall mood with massage therapy. Not just by reducing stress, but by lowering cortisol and hormones as well!
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is beneficial for people who:
Are experiencing muscle pain and inflammation
Are feeling the effects of stress and anxiety
Are suffering from insomnia
The basalt stones are heated and pressed upon the body in tandem with a traditional/Swedish massage, and are designed to release both tension and muscle toxins. We recommend drinking an ample amount of water before, and after your hot stone massage.
Book Your Hot Stone Massage in Calgary
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage may be beneficial if you’re experiencing:
High blood pressure
Sciatica
Fibromyalgia
The most common question people have about deep tissue massage vs. therapeutic massage is, “Does a deep tissue massage hurt?” The answer will always be no. If at any point your massage ever hurts, please tell your registered massage therapist. A deep tissue massage is not designed to hurt. You should experience pressure, but never a shooting pain.
You may experience tenderness after your massage treatment.
Book Your Deep Tissue Massage in Calgary
Therapeutic Massage
A therapeutic massage is different from a relaxation massage - when you present to a registered massage therapist with a specific and persistent pain, we will create a specialized massage therapy treatment plan for you based on your specific needs. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a therapeutic massage may be best for you:
Chronic or persistent muscle aches and pains
Difficulty with mobility
Migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, or sinus headaches
We’re always happy to discuss the various illnesses and ailments that a therapeutic massage may be able to help with.
Book Your Therapeutic Massage in Calgary
How Much is a Massage in Calgary?
Our treatments all vary in pricing depending on your individual needs. All of our information about pricing for the massage treatments we offer can be found on each of our individual service pages, and on our massage treatment page.
What’s The Process to Book a Massage?
Booking a massage with Why Knot is easy - simply use our Book Online services, or get in contact with us today. A registered massage therapist on our team will be in contact with you to determine the best course of massage treatment for you - or, if you’re wanting to book a relaxation massage, we’ll book your appointment right then and there!
We’re open 7 days a week, from 9am - 9pm (depending on practitioner availability) so you can get the massage treatment you need, when you need it the most.
Book Your Calgary Massage Online
We offer fully integrated online booking services so you can book your next massage in Calgary online. If you have any questions about these massage therapy services, or any other massage therapies in Calgary, contact our team, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly!
4 Most Popular Types of Massage (And How To Choose Your Massage)
How do you know which massage is best for you? Chances are you may not - and that’s fine! It’s up to your massage therapist to assess you and best recommend a course of massage therapy treatment for your muscles. At Why Knot we offer completely specialized massage therapy treatments that are personalized for each client’s needs.
When it comes to massage therapy, there are many different forms of effective massage treatments for muscle and joint pain, and massages can even be beneficial to a whole host of other physical effects (read our blog post about the benefits of a massage on your body AND mind).
How do you know which massage is best for you? Chances are you may not - and that’s fine! It’s up to your massage therapist to assess you and best recommend a course of massage therapy treatment for your muscles. At Why Knot we offer completely specialized massage therapy treatments that are personalized for each client’s needs.
Let’s take a look at some of the more popular massage treatments that we offer, and explore the differences and benefits for each one.
Relaxation Massage
If you are looking to relax - this is the massage for you. A relaxation massage is just that - it’s designed for utter relaxation of your muscles. Are you feeling tense, stressed out, or anxious? Consider relaxation massage as a therapy for anything that may be nagging your mind. It’s incredible the bond between our mind and our body, and how even subconscious stresses can affect our muscles, and cause overall tension.
A relaxation massage can work absolute wonders on a tense mind.
Book Your Relaxation Massage Online
Deep Tissue Massage
We commonly get asked, “Will a deep tissue massage hurt?” The answer to that is to always let your massage therapist know if a massage is hurting. Massage therapy though may cause slight pressure, it is not designed to hurt you. Please inform your massage therapist if at any point you begin experiencing pain during your massage.
Deep tissue massage therapy is designed to break up any scarring within your muscle tissue, to improve blood flow and lower your overall blood pressure, and can help with painful arthritis symptoms. A deep tissue massage is a step up from your relaxation massage.
Book Your Deep Tissue Massage Online
Sport Therapy Massage
Sport therapy massage, or sports massage, is a routine regimen massage treatment specifically for athletes. Athletes are using their muscles constantly, and oftentimes straining muscles during particularly active workouts. While this isn’t a bad thing, sport therapy massage treatments can help stimulate positive muscle growth, and keep your muscles limber and healthy.
Highly active athletes will get a sports massage once a week, but even moderately active people should consider a sport therapy massage every other week to keep the muscles, bones and joints happy and healthy!
Book Your Sports Massage Online
Hot Stone Massage
Doesn’t a hot stone massage just sound relaxing? Well, it incorporates the relaxation aspect of a massage with some fairly incredible benefits from the hot stones.
Firstly - the stones themselves are a basalt stone, which is a smooth volcanic rock. And just a reminder, while it’s called a hot stone massage, if the stones are too hot for you - please tell your massage therapist immediately! The stones are heated to between 110 - 130 degrees, and designed to be comfortably warm.
By placing the hot stones on your body strategically, we promote blood flow and healing to the places where the stones are resting. The stones are designed to release toxins within your blood, and we recommend that you drink water before your hot stone massage therapy appointment, and drink plenty of water afterwards.
Book Your Hot Stone Massage Online
Which Massage is Right For Me?
Let’s find out! We will do a client intake assessment and together we will come up with a personalized massage therapy treatment plan that works for you. A few of the questions our team will ask before deciding on a treatment will include:
Where are you experiencing pain?
What concerns do you have?
Do you have mobility issues?
What is your goal with massage therapy treatment?
Do you have any medical issues we should know about?
And any other applicable questions that arise will be asked when assessing you thoroughly for your massage therapy treatment.
Book Your Calgary Massage Online
We are open from 9am - 9pm, Monday to Sunday, depending on appointment availability. We use an integrated online booking system so you can book your Calgary massage appointment online with Why Knot!
If you have any questions, contact us at 403.270.0854, or by email at hello@whyknot.ca
COVID-19 Policies
We are fully operational, and have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols for our staff, our guests, and our families. Please take a moment to read through our COVID-19 policies after booking your massage appointment.
Benefits of a Massage for the Body and Mind
If you’ve ever enjoyed a relaxation massage, you know just how therapeutic it can be physically, but do you know that massage therapy also benefits your mind? There’s a beautiful tandem between the body and mind, as many diseases, stresses and tensions affect both equally. Few practices are able to mend these two parts of us, but massage therapy brings great benefits for you - mentally, and physically.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a relaxation massage, you know just how therapeutic it can be physically, but do you know that massage therapy also benefits your mind? There’s a beautiful tandem between the body and mind, as many diseases, stresses and tensions affect both equally. Few practices are able to mend these two parts of us, but massage therapy brings great benefits for you - mentally, and physically.
Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy
We all know that a massage feels good. Have you ever enjoyed a massage before? If you haven’t, the sensation of utter relaxation is incomparable. More than just feeling good though, there are multiple physical benefits to massage therapy, or a relaxation massage as simply a treat for yourself.
Relaxes the Body
What happens when your body is full of tension and stress? Your shoulders are tight. Your jaw is locked. Each muscle in your body is connected, and the tension we feel in one part of our bodies may affect another in a way we can’t quite imagine. Massage therapy relaxes the body as a whole.
Improves Circulation
Especially in our bodies’ furthest extremities (feet, hands etc.), our circulation may become poor with factors like diet, age, weather, or any other causes. If you’ve been a sufferer of ‘cold feet’ or reached for fuzzy gloves in your life, you can likely relate to this. Massage therapy stimulates body circulation by increasing blood flow.
Reduces Stress
Stress manifests as physical symptoms brought on by generally a mental ailment. While we can take care emotionally of what’s troubling us, the damage that stress does to our bodies can be significant. We all wear our stresses physically. Relaxation massage reduces our overall stress, and helps to soothe our bodies when we don’t even acknowledge or see the pains.
Improves Blood Pressure
Do you know your blood pressure? Next time you’re in a pharmacy, try getting a self-test. If your blood pressure is high there can be many causes - diet is a factor, smoking, or high stress. When the cause is stress, relaxation massage can help safely lower your blood pressure.
Promotes Muscle Relaxation
A relaxation massage soothes aching muscles, improves flexibility, and repairs muscle damage, but it also increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, two ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters responsible for your overall happiness and health.
Strengthens the Body’s Immune System
One of the best things we can do for our bodies, especially during this time where keeping our immune systems in check is more important than ever. By providing our body with relaxation, decrease in stress, increase in good blood flow, and taking care of our physical needs with a simple massage, we can increase our immune systems.
Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy
Our mental, emotional, and physical bodies are connected in a way that we can’t always see or understand, but that connection is there. In fact, it’s all intertwined. So while you may think that a massage is great for your muscles, it actually provides these benefits for your mental health as well:
Decreases Anxiety
Anxiety is so common and so prevalent these days. While it’s becoming increasingly common, it doesn’t make the sensation any less bearable, enjoyable, or fun. Massage therapy can put your body into a relaxed state and help you shed some of the anxiety you may be feeling.
Helps You Rest
You know how it feels when you wake up after a good nights’ sleep, and how GOOD that sensation is? How at ease you feel, how your body feels, and how your mind feels? Massage therapy can help you get the rest that you need. Sometimes we can’t immediately tell a bad nights’ sleep - until we experience a great one.
Alleviates Mental Stresses
We carry our mental anguish, stress, and tension in our bodies. Some people feel tense in their shoulders. Others grit their teeth. Some tap their toes, or clench their jaws, tighten their stomachs, or wear their mental stress physically - whether we feel it or not, we all have a space in our bodies where our stress lives. Massage helps to locate our stressed out centers, provide relief for our muscles and bodies, and alleviate our stresses mentally.
Improves Relaxation Response
Most people find incredible difficulty in relaxing. It’s not something that we’re geared to do unless we train ourselves. This can be done through meditation, yoga, and other relaxation practices. When you enjoy massage therapy, it helps to improve our body and minds’ relaxation response time, and makes the process of relaxation more easier and natural.
Increases Serotonin
Serotonin is one of our feel-good brain chemicals that is produced when we’re happy - or conversely, creates happiness within us when it is produced. It’s been physically proven that massage therapy releases serotonin into our brains, therefore leading to more happiness as an overall.
Book Your Calgary Massage Therapy Today
While there are many mental and physical benefits of massage, there are also medical conditions (chronic/ongoing/recurring) that require routine massage therapy. Note that all types of massage are not the same! At Why Knot we offer a multitude of Calgary massage therapies such as:
Therapeutic Massage
Treatment Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Sports Massage
Hot Stone Massage
Trigger Point Therapy & Release
Swedish Massage
Myofascial Mobilization & Release
And more
Not sure which massage therapy is best for you? Contact our team today and we can walk you through the specifics of each massage treatment we offer in our Calgary massage therapy clinic. You can reach us by email, or telephone at 403-270-0854, or popping by our Calgary office at #203-2212 4th St SW. We’re open from 9:00am - 9:00pm every day, depending on appointment availability.
PS - we also offer gift cards!
Contact us today to book your massage.