Massage Therapy in Birmingham, AL & Beyond
You might be amazed at the amount of pain and tension you store up in your body over time. Our hectic lives take a toll on us, and as goes our physical health, so too goes our mental health. There’s hardly a better way to reset and reinvigorate both body and mind than massage therapy. At Infinity Med-I-Spa, our trained massage therapists are ready to tailor a method to your needs so you can pamper yourself while you recover from life’s daily stresses!
The Many Benefits of Massage
We’re always happy when clients can come into Infinity Med-I-Spa for a massage and leave feeling light on their feet and with a smile on their faces. But our clients can enjoy many more benefits from one of our specialized massage sessions than just a tiny slice of paradise.
Massages have long been known to reduce cramps and muscle spasms, exercise and loosen tight, weak, or underused muscles, and improve a person’s flexibility. Athletes have been receiving massage treatments for years for this very reason! But everyone can benefit from our experience working with many different clients to relieve stress, find peace of mind, and target and treat specific pains.
What Massage Can Help You Achieve
Know Before You Go: What to Expect from Massage
One hour of relaxation can work true wonders for the spirit. However, it’s important to be realistic about what one hour of massage can achieve for the body. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. But undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques, and a regular program of massage. At Infinity Med-I-Spa, our team is happy to recommend the perfect mode and frequency of massage to achieve your goals!
Your Massage Therapy Questions Answered
Massage therapy is proven to provide relief for common problems such as chronic pain, anxiety, lack of energy, hypertension, and sleeplessness. It has even been used to lessen medication dependence, kickstart the body’s immune system by stimulating lymph flow, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, relieve migraine pain, and treat lower back pain.
Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best-known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility, and create relaxation.
The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth movements over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called “draping.” One part of the body is uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.
Yes, with some very important caveats. Prenatal massage can relieve back pain and improve sleep and mood, as well as decrease stress and reduce labor complications. However, before you book an appointment, here are a few good things to know:
- Avoid contrast hydrotherapy (alternating hot and cold pools or rooms).
- Constant temperatures are best.
- Skip hot baths, steam rooms, and saunas (traditional and infrared).
- Heat and sweat cause decreased blood flow (and blood to pool in your feet), which means the baby gets less oxygen, says Joel Evans, M.D., author of The Whole Pregnancy Handbook.
- Say no to body wraps, which cause perspiration and raise the core body temperature.
- Detoxifying body scrubs are a don’t. It’s possible that scrubs release toxins into the bloodstream, which is not a good idea when a very tiny person is sharing it! Instead, try light body buffs for itchy and dry skin.
- Essential oils (concentrated plant extracts) are off-limits during the first trimester, according to Dr. Evans. It’s safe to reintroduce rose, lavender, and chamomile during the second trimester, as long as they’re diluted with twice the amount of carrier oil, but peppermint, rosemary, sage, and jasmine shouldn’t be used at all because they can trigger uterine contractions. Some scents can also trigger nausea, so many spas offer scent-free products.
- Listen to your body and let the therapist know if you’re uncomfortable.
- Some spas use tables with cutouts to accommodate a pregnant belly, but prenatal support pillows are more adjustable and generally more comfortable. Either way, if you aren’t comfortable, ask to switch positions or alter the treatment. Also, speak up if you have to use the bathroom, even mid-treatment.
- Drink plenty of water throughout and after your spa visit.
- If you’re high-risk, check with your doctor before booking.
Our Massage Therapy Menu
Swedish massage includes five different movements: long, gliding strokes; kneading individual muscles; friction; hacking or tapping; and vibration.
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots.
Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.
Blending Swedish and circulatory massage strokes, your therapist will gently knead your muscles to increase flexibility, stimulate circulation, and promote relaxation. This is the perfect way to relieve stress and tightness and return to your schedule refreshed and rejuvenated.
Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage, the recipient actively participates through deep breathing and identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
Our trained massage therapists understand the safest methods for performing massage during pregnancy. Prenatal massage is best given while you lie on your side propped up by pillows. Neck and shoulder massage is a safe sitting-up option, as well.
New moms, here’s the break you deserve. Enjoy relaxation, stress relief, relief from aches in the shoulders or neck, and hasten the reduction of fluid retention, which can help the uterus to shrink to its original size, reduce cellulite, and tone the body.
Treat Your Body Like the Temple It Is
Make time for yourself this week—you deserve it! At Infinity Med-I-Spa, we’re passionate about helping our clients relax, rejuvenate, and feel at home in their bodies. Whether you’re new to massage or it’s part of your regular routine, we’re ready to help you feel amazing inside and out. With spa locations in Hoover, Greystone, Homewood, Decatur, Anniston, and Huntsville, we’re Central Alabama’s relaxation destination.
Ready to learn more about our massage offerings or schedule an appointment? Find your nearest Infinity Med-I-Spa or reach out online today to get started.