by urbansqueeze | Jun 15, 2021 | US
The Benefits of Massage for Relieving and Reducing Pain, Including Chronic Pain Conditions
Massage is a great way to relax the muscles and can leave you feeling refreshed. It used to be considered an indulgence, but now studies have shown that therapeutic massage is a way to legitimately reduce pain.
How It Helps Relieve Pain
Massage helps relieve pain through several mechanisms. These include:
- Relaxing painful muscles, tendons and joints
- Decreasing tension
- Relieving stress and anxiety (which have been shown to increase pain)
- And can possibly help to “close the pain gate” by stimulating competing nerve fibers and impeding pain messages to and from the brain.
Therapeutic massage has actually become an active area of research, studying its effect on pain in the back, hands, neck, knees and other areas of the body. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice showed a reduction in hand pain and an increased grip strength among people who had four weekly hand massage sessions and did self-massage at home. It also showed that participants slept better and had less anxiety and depression. Massage has also been shown to help with chronic pain as well.
Types of Massage Therapy for Pain Relief
A variety of massage types can be used to treat pain and chronic pain. These include:
- Sports Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Remedial Massage
- Therapeutic Massage
- Myofascial Release
It is important to note that massage does not have to be painful to be helpful. Some people may find some forms of massage, like deep tissue, painful. For example, people with certain chronic pain conditions, such as Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, may only be able to tolerate light pressure. So be sure to discuss with your massage therapist if you prefer a lighter touch, firm pressure or hard pressure.
The Benefits of Receiving Massage for Pain Relief
We’ve looked at how massage can help relieve pain, but let’s dive a little deeper into the benefits of massage therapy for pain relief. There are other benefits to massage besides reducing or relieving pain.
One of the other benefits is an increased range of movement. When you receive a massage, it increases blood flow to the treated areas, causing the muscle temperature to rise. This in turn helps to relax and loosen muscles helping you have greater range of movement. When range of movement is increased through a reduction in muscle tension and tightness, pain is also reduced!
Massage also helps to increase relaxation both physically and mentally. By physically relaxing the muscles, you’ll experience a reduction in pain and the restriction of movement. By emotionally relaxing you, you can experience a decrease in stress and anxiety while increasing positive hormones such as endorphins. Stress and anxiety have been shown to have negative physical effects on the body, not just our mental health.
Finally, massage helps to relieve muscle tightness. Muscle tightness can restrict our mobility and can cause further pain. Relieving that tightness by increasing blood flow improves tissue elasticity and thus, reduces pain and restriction of movement that can cause further pain and damage.
Massage at the US Wellness Collective
We believe in a holistic approach to your health, treating your mind, body and soul! We also believe in a fully customized approach to massage therapy because no two individuals are alike! We offer a blend of unique massage techniques to leave you feeling relaxed and more pain free, including these specialities that you can incorporate into your session:
- AromaTouch Technique
- Reiki
- Reflexology
- Cupping
- Hot Stone
- TMJ
Book your appointment today! We offer sessions from 30 minutes long to 120 minutes long.
by urbansqueeze | May 25, 2021 | US
The Optimal Diet for Weight Loss Plus How to Boost the Nutrients Your Body Craves!
There are a lot of things that can affect our weight and nutrition is one of them. Poor nutrition can keep us from losing weight despite exercise and it can also make us gain weight. While everyone is unique and responds to different types of diets, there is one constant for everyone: nutrient dense foods give you the nutrition and energy you need without weighing you down.
Start With a Healthy Diet
Weight loss is achieved through a combination of burning calories through exercise while also eating a healthier diet. When we eat healthier foods, your body gets what it needs, meaning you’ll also cut down on the snack attacks. Here are some general guidelines to optimize your diet for weight loss.
- Calories count, so cut back on them when you want to lose weight
- Portions matter; overeating can pack on the pounds, but undereating can put your body into survival mode. Make sure you eat the right portion size for you.
- Eat nutrient dense foods such as:
- Fresh fruits and veggies (try adding kale or avocado to that fruit smoothie for a boost of nutrients or snack on apples instead of cheese and crackers, but don’t top that broccoli with cheese or you’ll cancel out the iron and fiber it provides with too much bad fat)
- Brown rice (which offers more nutrients than white rice)
- Protein rich, unprocessed meats (keep red meat to a minimum)
- Salmon (which is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids that are good for you)
- Nuts (which are rich in protein and fiber and can help you feel fuller)
- Limit carbs, which are harder to burn off than other more nutritious foods
- Cut back on sugar, which offers no nutritional value and are high in calories
- Cut back on salt, which can cause bloating
- Keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum (studies have shown that light to moderate drinkers and non-drinkers gain less weight over time than those who drink more)
Nutrition and Weight Loss Services
Everyone is different and that means different diets will work for different people. To truly understand what your body needs to increase weight loss or just keep off unwanted pounds, work with our specialist who can help you manage your nutrition and weight. At The Wellness Collective, we offer nutrition and health management services to help you tailor your diet to your specific goals and needs.
Boost Your Nutrients and Metabolism
Besides our nutrition and health management services, The Urban Squeeze Wellness Collective offers several homeopathic weight loss options that boost the nutrients your body craves and gives your metabolism the jump start it needs to boost your weight loss efforts. Our very own RN is now offering these weight loss solutions along with other holistic medical beauty treatments to get you looking and feeling your best! Our newest treatments include:
- Weight Loss IV: This IV therapy treatment is designed to kickstart your metabolism and help you feel more energized by providing your body the nutrients it needs for optimal wellness and performance.
- Lipo B IM Injection: A supplement used to reduce excessive fats from specific areas on the body and has been shown to benefit in the removal of fats from the liver.
- Cryoskin Fat: If you are looking to reduce stubborn fat, this revolutionary non-invasive treatment permanently destroys fat cells through a process known as cryolipolysis.
- Zyto Therapy: This FDA approved biometric system measures the body’s energetic responses to help determine the best wellness options for each unique individual. This amazing weight loss treatment includes body composition, weight management, detoxification support, digestive health, hormone and endocrine support, immune support, mental and emotional support, metabolic health support, pain management and series symptom relief.
Start Working Toward the New You Today!
At The Wellness Collective, we believe in a holistic approach. While we’ll always be known for our relaxing massages and amazing facials, we also believe in helping you achieve all of your health and beauty goals! Are you ready to start working toward a healthier, happier you? Contact us today to learn more about our weight loss services.
by urbansqueeze | May 18, 2021 | US
What Each Service has to Offer and Who Benefits from Them
If you have ever experienced pain, soreness or stiffness of your muscles, you have probably considered massage therapy (particularly deep tissue massage) or myofascial release to help ease the pain. Both are hands-on techniques that help to manipulate the muscles and fascia (the connective tissues in your muscles) to help ease pain and increase mobility.
Both deep tissue massage and myofascial release can help treat a variety of conditions and symptoms including:
- Back and neck pain
- Migraines
- Scoliosis
- Shoulder pain or frozen shoulder
- Sleep disorders and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Slow metabolism
- Allergies and Asthma
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Disc Herniation
- Acid reflux/GERD
So What’s the Difference?
There are some differences between the two. General massage therapy involves stroking and kneading motions. Often, lotions and oils are used to make it easy for the massage therapist to slide their hands over your skin. Massage is ideal for anyone with tension or tired muscles that is caused by exercise, sleeping in an odd position or just daily stress. Massage sessions normally last between 30 and 120 minutes and often the entire body is worked. The sessions are very relaxing for both body and mind.
Myofascial release therapy can be done by a bodywork massage therapist in conjunction with a massage session; however, it can also be done by a physical therapist. Myofascial is ideal for people who are experiencing persistent pain in one part of the body or another. These sessions involve a specialized technique to targeted areas which helps to release the restriction in the connective tissue, increasing your range of motion. When done by a physical therapist, these sessions generally target the problem area and the sessions are not meant to be relaxing like a massage.
Who Benefits from Each Technique?
Massage therapy is great for everyday stress buildup or if you get a kink from sleeping in a funny position. It not only helps release tension in your muscles, but it can help to calm your mind. Massage is meant to be more of a holistic approach to releasing tension in the body and mind. In fact, massage therapy has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, making it ideal for people prone to the physical and mental effects of daily stress.
Myofascial release is perfect for those experiencing persistent pain in a particular spot that doesn’t dissipate after icing and rest. It is especially great for athletes who have experienced damage or trauma to the muscle tissue or for those who are recovering from an accident. The process is meant to help bring back your range of motion to the affected area.
Ease Your Pain and Soreness
Here at The US Wellness Collective, we offer customized massage to fit your specific massage therapy goals. We go the extra mile to make sure you feel relaxed and refreshed during and after each session. We offer sessions ranging from 30 minutes to 120 minutes. You can also bump your massage up a notch by incorporating one of the many specialties we offer, including myofascial release! Book your appointment today and we’ll knead your knots, soreness and stress away!
by urbansqueeze | May 11, 2021 | US
What the Differences are Between Cryoskin and CoolSculpting
By now you have probably heard the terms Cryoskin and CoolSculpting. But did you know that there are many differences between the two therapies? Both techniques are an effective means of reducing the appearance of fat within the body through what is called cryolipolysis. This is the freezing of fat cells, which causes these cells to die and then are subsequently flushed out of the body through natural processes. Both treatments are also non-invasive, making them safer and more convenient than plastic surgery, and side effects are minimal, including mild numbness, tingling and redness at the treated areas for a few hours or occasionally days.
What is Cryoskin?
Cryoskin was originally developed in France and is an umbrella term for the elimination of fat cells through the concentrated application of both cold and heat (apoptosis). The treatment involves using a wand-like instrument to glide over the areas being treated. However, there are actually three different Cryoskin treatments: CryoToning, CryoSlimming and CryoFacials.
CryoToning: This treatment is specifically used to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It uses a combination of alternating warm and cold temperatures to stimulate blood flow which increases collagen production, helping your skin look more youthful and supple. Multiple areas can be treated in a single session.
CryoSlimming: This treatment uses subzero temperatures to destroy fat cells. These dead fat cells are then flushed out of the body through the urinary system. One area is treated per session.
CryoFacials: This treatment is like a non-surgical face lift, using cold temperatures to increase collagen production which helps to tighten the face, neck and chin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting involves using a paddle-like instrument that stays stationary over the treated areas during the procedure to deliver cold temps. CoolSculpting can be used to treat the fat of the inner and outer thighs, upper and lower abdomen, love handles, arms, chin, back and underneath the buttocks, among other areas on the body.
The Differences
Now that we have taken a look at how the two treatments are similar and what each entails, let’s take a look at the main differences.
Number of Procedures + Speed of Results: Once fat cells have died due to the cold temperatures, it takes the lymphatic system about two weeks to flush those dead cells out of the body. However, there are some differences in the number of treatments and speed of results. To get optimal results from Cryoskin, it is recommended that you receive three to five treatments. With CoolSculpting, you generally only need one treatment.
As for the speed of results, Cryoskin can show measurable results in a single session and because it does more than just freeze fat, you can see an immediate toning effect due to the stimulation of collagen production. For CoolSculpting, it will take one to four months for results to show.
Comfort: Both procedures are non-invasive, making them painless. During a CoolSculpting procedure, you will feel some aching or perhaps cramping; however, this often dissipates soon after the treatment begins. You will also feel some pulling as suction is applied and then the area generally goes numb within 5 to 10 minutes. While Cryoskin is applied like a “cold massage”, you might notice some mild DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), but the treatment itself is non-painful and cold.
Side Effects: Side effects from both procedures are minimal in comparison to invasive procedures and you can get back to your daily life right after either treatment. With Cryoskin, you will experience some redness and numbness at the treatment areas for up to a few hours after the treatment. CoolSculpting can result in the same redness and numbness, but because it involves suction, it can have an additional side effect known as “shelving,” which is when fat collects in some areas.
Cost: When it comes to how much you’ll have to shell out for a treatment, CoolSculpting is more expensive. CoolSculpting can cost upwards of $2,000 depending on how many areas you want to treat while Cryoskin is generally several hundred dollars per treatment.
A Leaner, More Sculpted You!
Are you ready for a leaner, more sculpted you? At The US Wellness Collective, the possibilities are endless with Cryoskin! We’ll measure and track your success at each session. To learn more about how we can help you become the best version of yourself, book a Cryoskin Consultation appointment with us online today! Treatments are for aesthetic purposes only
by urbansqueeze | May 2, 2021 | US
Tips to Keep Your Skin Beautiful and Healthy All Year Long!
You change your wardrobe for the seasons and so should your skin care routine! As the weather warms and cools, humidity levels fluctuate and that can change how our skin feels and functions. During colder months, humidity drops and that can leave our skin feeling dry and dull. When the humidity increases during warmer months, that is when skin kicks up its oil production. To keep your skin looking good all year, here are our top tips for transitioning your skin care routine through the seasons.
Skin Care Routine Constants
There are a few parts of your skin care routine that should remain constant despite seasonal changes.
Sunscreen
No matter the season, the sun’s rays are always damaging. Choose a lightweight broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply daily in the morning.
Eye Cream
The delicate skin under and around our eyes needs a special boost. Choose a cream that fits your specific eye contour concerns (puffiness, dark circles or fine lines) and use it both day and night.
Facials
Get a monthly facial to keep your skin clear and healthy. Why once a month? Skin cells turn over every 28 days. Getting a facial more than once a month doesn’t give you any added benefit and could potentially be harmful to more sensitive skin. Be sure to work with your skincare specialist to find the right facial techniques and timing for your unique skin.
Masks
At-home masks can provide a variety of benefits by enriching your skin with the vitamins and minerals it needs to look healthy and beautiful. Incorporate a mask weekly into your skin care routine. Make sure that you choose a mask that works for your skin type, and consider consulting with your skin care specialist to find the right options for you.
Moisturizers
One thing everyone’s skin needs is moisture. Not moisturizing enough can lead to dryness which can increase your skin’s oil production to make up for the lack of moisture. When your skin overproduces oil, you can see an increase in acne. You might need to switch up the type of moisturizer you use throughout the year, but your daily routine should always include a day cream and a night cream.
Transitioning from Summer into Fall and Winter
As humidity drops heading into the cooler months of the year, you’ll want to put away the lightweight formulas and pull out your emollient-rich products focused on hydration.
Cleanse
Switch out your water-based cleansers for more gentle, creamy formulas that focus on hydrating the skin while cleansing it. For nights when you aren’t using retinol, consider using a gentle exfoliating cleanser that can buff away dead skin cells that look dull.
Serum
Choose a serum focused on adding hydration and is loaded with vitamin C, which can help brighten dull skin. Use retinal (Vitamin A) serum as well. During the colder months, your skin will be able to tolerate retinol better, so consider upping it from 2 days a week to 3 days a week.
Moisturize
If you have a tendency to get dry skin during cooler months, choose a heavier, more rich moisturizer.
Don’t Forget Your Hands and Lips!
When we think of skin care, we often think of our neck and face. But don’t forget to treat your hands to an ultra-rich cream and to apply lip balm with SPF to keep both feeling smooth and beautiful!
Transitioning from Winter and Spring into Summer
Humidity bumps up a notch during the summer, meaning it’s time to pull out light-weight skin care products and put away the heavier ones.
Cleanser
Use a light-weight cleanser to combat increased oil production due to increased humidity. These light-weight cleansers are often in gel or foam form and offer a more breathable formula than cream cleansers.
Serum
Choose a serum that combats aging brought on by the sun. These serums can also help to illuminate your skin tone, refine the look of pores and give a boost of hydration.
Moisturizer
Replace your heavier moisturizer with a more light-weight formula. Gel and water-based moisturizers offer a cooling touch but still give your skin the hydration it needs.
Take Care of Sunburns
If you do get a sunburn, make sure that you care for it properly by applying aloe to your burns. However, it’s best to just avoid getting burned in the first place, so make sure to apply your daily sunscreen and don’t sunbathe. If you notice any changes in your skin that don’t seem normal, be sure to get it checked by a dermatologist.
Work with a Skin Care Expert!
At The Wellness Collective, we understand that each person has unique skin care needs and goals! We offer a variety of services to keep your skin looking beautiful and healthy, from our relaxing facials by licensed estheticians to our expert acne treatment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you look and feel your best all year long!
