Benefits of getting a massage with organic jojoba wax

Has concern about greasy residue on your skin, clothes, or hair ever stopped you from getting a massage?

Highly processed, synthetic creams or lotions, and nut-based fatty oils may be less expensive, but they can leave behind an unpleasant, oily gunk that cheapens the massage experience.

At CityTouch, we use only organic jojoba wax to enhance your massage and leave your skin feeling conditioned and smooth. Extracted from the jojoba plant native to the southern US and northern Mexico, organic jojoba wax is a high-quality, scent-free medium that won't clog your pores or stain your clothing. Jojoba wax is chemically similar to your skin's natural oil, rich in vitamin E, is non-allergenic and naturally antibacterial. 

At CityTouch, we strive to provide the best massage experience for all our clients by equipping our massage therapists with the best tools.

Neck Pain Relief

Stretching levator scapula can help with neck pain.

This simple and quick self-care tip may help you reduce neck pain and improve neck mobility.

Let's focus on opening up levator scapula.  Levator scapula is an important muscle that affects neck and shoulder mobility.

If you are suffering from a stiff neck and have problems turning your neck, try this quick self-care tip:

• Place the hand of the affected side so it cradles the occipital ridge (base of skull).
• Rest your chin on he shoulder opposite the affected side.
• In a controlled manner, rotate your shoulder back and down for 12-15 repetitions.  

Massage therapy and yoga have similar benefits

The benefits of sports massage therapy and yoga are profound, when practiced correctly, flexibility and improved mental health are possible.

In yoga, you are actively moving and stretching joints and muscles.  In massage, you are passively receiving the benefits of stretching and moving joints.  Both yoga and massage can work together, or separately, providing many health benefits.

Benefits of massage and yoga:

• Helps control blood pressure
• Sports-related injuries
• Increased flexibility
• Increased lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons
• May help relieve lower back pain
• May provide neck pain relief

For expert holistic massage, book an appointment with Rob today.

Shoulder pain? Massage therapy can provide relief.

Shoulder pain?  Massage therapy can provide relief.

Therapeutic Massage Therapy can relive many painful symptoms. This self-care tip may provide some relief.

• Place a yoga mat or beach towel on the floor. Using a small tennis ball or lacrosse ball, lay on your back, over the ball.
• Try moving your back over the ball, in between your shoulder blades, so that specific areas are targeted. Allow gravity to do the massage for you!
• Apply trauma oil, arnica oil or your favorite over-the-counter pain relief cream.
• If your schedule and budget allows, book a massage.

For expert shoulder pain relief, book an appointment with Rob today.

Massage cupping can help alleviate muscle restrictions

Massage Cupping is a massage technique where the massage therapist places silicone cups on the clients skin - either gliding (moving) or leaving them be (static).  

If you have tight muscles (fascia) and restricted range of motion in your shoulders, arms or hips, cupping therapy may be a good technique to help loosen up your body. The negative pressure created by the cups, lifts the skin facilitating the release of underlying muscles and connective tissue. The cups can be left in place (static) or moved (dynamic).  Static cupping is useful in helping address trigger points and tight muscles. Dynamic cupping helps release tense muscles and the sheath of tissue (fascia) as well as adhesions from injuries and overuse.

By combining cupping therapy, with a deep massage, the massage therapist may work deeper, when the muscles and fascia become more relaxed and pliable after cupping has been applied.

Benefits of Adding Cupping Therapy to a Sports Massage in NYC

• Improved mobility

• Increase in circulation

• Increase in lymphatic flow

• Reduction in tightness

I use silicone cups which are a safe, yet effective method for cupping.  Harmless red spots may appear on your skin after cupping, but they will quickly disappear in a day or two.  Recently, cupping has become popular from the 2016 Summer Olympics where many athletes including Michael Phelps, took advantage of cupping's health and performance benefits.  Cupping therapy dates back to many ancient cultures.

If you would like to experience the benefits of cupping in NYC, simply book a sports massage and tell your therapist that you would like to experiencing cupping therapy.