Why I LOVE Massage Envy at Pleasant Grove!!

"I have been getting massages at Massage Envy at Pleasant Grove for three years almost on a weekly basis. They are all fabulous, the location is convenient and the it's cost effective for me! Thank you Massage Envy!!" ~ Kathy

Stress Relief and Relaxation

Massage Therapy Relieves Stress

Stress management is a key component for anyone striving to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Massage therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective methods for achieving stress relief. Research studies show massage therapy actually boosts the body’s immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress.

Enrolling in a reputable massage therapy program leads to significantly increased energy levels, the reduction of nagging pains, and the improvement of our overall physical and mental performance.

Let It Linger

Aahhh. That hit the spot.

Like an ice cream cone on a hot day or a steaming cup of cocoa on a cold one, a well-timed massage can satisfy both physical and emotional needs. But how frustrating it can be to feel your tension return the moment you step outside the treatment room.

So, when you invest in your next massage, take steps to make that post-massage feeling last as long as possible.

1. Schedule smartly. While getting a massage can be a great way to spend a lunch hour, sometimes the beneficial effects of a midday massage are instantly erased by a hectic workday. “I realize sometimes you just have to fit one in when you can,” says Laura Allen, a massage therapist and author of A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Business and Plain and Simple Guide to Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examinations. “But I try to schedule my massage at the end of the day so I can go home and rest.” Allen suggests making your appointment for after work or on your day off-when a noontime appointment is perfect. “That way, you don’t have to fall right back into your busy life,” she says.

2. Pump down the volume. When you get into your car after a massage, avoid loud rock music and opt for relaxing tunes, Allen suggests. Skip the news, too. Stories about the economy can raise your blood pressure – which you just spent an hour bringing down.

February Pleasant Grove Therapist Spolight - Angel Lerch

February Pleasant Grove Therapist Spotlight -
Angel Lerch, LMT

Angel has been at the Pleasant Grove location for two years and has done 1,590 hours of massage!

Angel enjoys doing deep tissue, prenatal and reflexology massages.  She is known for giving wonderful deep pressure!

What sparked her interest in massage came when she was in high school and she would give classmates shoulder massages to and from basketball games as well as in Bible class. 

Her favorite quote is, "You can hate me now, but you'll thank me later."

Outside of massage, she enjoys any outdoor activities with her kids such as camping, hiking, and fishing.

She says that the best part of being a therapist is getting to see improvements in her clients' muscle conditions over time.  It's a very rewarding profession to be in!

It's a Stretch

Muscle injuries are more common now than they were 50 years ago. That’s not because we’re exercising harder. It’s because we’re more sedentary.

As a result, stretching is more important than ever, says Erin McGill, a certified personal trainer and training and development manager for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. A lot of people think, ‘Oh, I should stretch because I don’t want to pull muscles or be injured,’ she says. But stretching is also one of the best ways to undo the damage caused by inactivity.

Stretching has benefits similar to massage’s. It gets the blood flowing to overactive muscles that have contracted because of stress or immobility. Without a good stretch, these muscles can spasm and shut down-and then show up as the marblelike knots that get extra attention from your massage therapist.

In fact, regular massage can improve your flexibility and range of motion, keeping your joints more fluid and making them less injury prone. McGill recommends 10 to 15 minutes of stretching before each workout to rebalance your body. And if you don’t exercise, stretch anyway. “It’s hard on your body to sit at a desk all day,” McGill says, “so stretch anytime you can.”

Here are three stretches you can do anytime:

S - T - R - E - S - S = America's #1 Killer

It's everywhere and all around us, whether at home or on the go. It affects our family, friends, and countless others across the world.  Whether we realize it or not, stress takes a high toll on our bodies and if we don't become active in the way we manage it, the results can be negatively life altering.  

According to WebMD, 43% of adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.  Seventy to 90% of doctor visits are for stress related ailments and conditions.  Stress costs the American industry more than $300 billion annually.

Unmanaged stress can lead to a condition called distress.  Distress can lead to several health complications and ailments such as headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, insomnia, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression and anxiety.  Stress also decreases the body's ability to fight disease and can leave one open and susceptible to getting sick easier.

Because life isn't presenting any promises of the stress levels going down, we have to find ways to manage it so we can continue to live a healthy life. Here are a few tips to think about and try:

1) Look on the bright side...think positive! Scientific studies have linked healthier brains to positive thinking where negative thinkers were found to have toxidity from memories and attitudes that pollute the brain causing memory lapse and possible disease later in life.

2) Watch your emotional response. We can't change people or situations, but we can certainly control our own reactions. Think through situations ahead of time and prepare yourself to handle it with a positive response. Or if something takes you by surprise, ask yourself this question, "In the light of eternity, is this something worth fighting for?"  Most of the time, you'll end up answering no.

3) Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.  If you've had a bad day at work, call up one of your besties and go out for coffee or a walk in the park.  Join a group or club with a fun common interest such as scrapbooking or cooking.  For the guys, go out to a field and shoot targets.  After awhile, you'll find that whatever bothered you that day doesn't really matter because you're having fun with people you love.

4) Get a massage!!!  Yes, mark it in your calendar to schedule yourself a massage at your local Massage Envy clinic.  You need "me" time!  Massage helps release serotonin, a good feeling hormone that helps to combat the stress and bring a more balanced feeling to the body.  It also helps increase circulation, metabolism, immunity, lowers blood pressure as well as detoxifies the body of lactic acid build up which causes muscles to feel tight and sore.  It's time well spent!

Remember, a less stressful you means a healthier you!!

Tandee Phillips, LMT
Lead Therapist
Rogers, Arkansas