Getting your first massage in Breckenridge, or anywhere else for that matter, can be a daunting experience for the novice, to say the least. There are so many questions and concerns floating around in your head in anticipation of your first massage that you might not be able to make sense of them all. So, we are here to help calm those fears. The following is a list of some of the most common questions we get from first-time clients and their answers. Just remember, however, if you question is not listed here, please do not hesitate to ask our staff prior to or during your visit.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit?

Your massage therapist will typically ask that you fill out a health history form before asking you what areas need to be worked on, any conditions that need to be addressed and if a massage is appropriate for you. Make sure to list all medications and health concerns so the therapist can tailor your session to your specific needs without doing any damage. It is also a good idea to list any allergies that you have so they won’t conflict with any oils or lotions used during your massage.

Where Will My Massage Take Place?

At our spa, we are pleased to offer a relaxing, tranquil environment that draws its inspiration from Breckenridge’s surrounding mountains and lodgewood pine forests with natural wood frames and deep red and chocolate walls. Each room is catered towards your relaxation with a table designed for your comfort and soft music if you would like.

Is Clothing Optional?

Depending on the technique of the specific massage to be administered, you may or may not need to be undressed. With that being said, a full body massage is best done when completely undressed. If you feel more comfortable leaving your underwear on, then undress to the level you are comfortable with …. If you are unable to relax because of removing clothing, then that defeats the entire purpose of the massage. Your massage therapist will give you the needed privacy to undress and will provide you with the necessary draping for areas not being worked on and/or the genital area(s).

What Do I Do During My Massage Treatment?

Be comfortable. It’s ultimately up to you what you do … some prefer to close their eyes and relax while others prefer to chat it up. It’s your massage, so whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Don’t worry about the rest, as your therapist will either move you or ask you to move if you need an adjustment in your position.

What if I Get an Erection During My Massage?

This is the most common reason why men may avoid getting a massage. Well, sometimes it happens and there is no reason to be embarrassed. Your therapist has seen it all, believe me. It is perfectly normal for this to happen as touch administered to any part of the human body can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system and can result in a partial or complete erection. If you are still concerned about this, you can wear a more fitted underwear to provide more support than traditional boxers. Our educated and professional massage therapists understand this and it will not be an issue for him or her.

How Long Will My Massage Last?

For optimal relaxation, a 60 or 90-minute session is preferable. Our Summit County spa offers both lengths, but also has additional 30-minute add-ons that are only partial sessions such as upper or lower body specific. While these times are adhered to, you should always allow for some relaxation time before and after your treatment.

Will My Massage Hurt?

The answer to this is as varied as the many types of massages available. The most typical massage – the Swedish Massage – usually starts with broad strokes to relax the nervous system and ease muscle tension. As you become more and more relaxed, the therapist will gradually increase pressure to relax specific areas and to relieve other areas of muscle tension. With this being said, there are different types of “hurt” … a “feels good” hurt and an “ouch, stop it” hurt. Any massage done properly – even a deep tissue massage – should lie within the “feels good” hurt range. The most successful massage will work with your body’s natural response, not against it. Oils and lotions are widely used to allow your muscles to be massaged without producing excessive friction to the skin. Just remember to communicate with your therapist about your level of pain.

Can I Talk During My Massage?

If you would like to talk, go right ahead. Your treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience, so if talking helps you to relax then do it. However, many therapists recommend not talking in hopes that you will relax a bit more and let your mind float free and live in the moment. Ultimately, however, it is sometimes important that you do speak up if the therapist is doing anything to make you feel uncomfortable. Let them know if their pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper), if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright or too dark, or if something just isn’t working for you. Don’t feel like you have to entertain your therapist … they are there to help you relax and rejuvenate.

Will the Massage Oils Affect My Skin?

Our spa in Breckenridge uses only the highest quality products and will administer hypoallergenic massage oils and lotions to your skin to avoid a break-out. However, we do have an assortment of other oils and lotions should you have a sensitivity to certain types of products. Please bring this to your therapist’s attention of that is the case.

How Will I Feel After the Treatment?

Once again, depending on the administered treatment, this will vary. With most massages you will feel very relaxed afterwards, but with a deep tissue massage, for example, you may be slightly sore the day after. Expect to feel a significant decrease in aches and pains, and after an initial period of feeling extremely relaxed you may experience a heightened awareness, increased energy and greater productivity for days after your treatment. Make sure to keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy by increasing your water intake after your session … toxins are released from your soft tissues during the massage and this will encourage the full release. Sometimes it is recommended that you take a hot Epsom salt bath to encourage the process a bit.

Conclusion

Now that we have tackled some of the most common questions regarding your upcoming massage in Breckenridge, hopefully we have calmed your fears and hesitations. Please contact us at any time if you have any other questions for us so you can enjoy your massage experience to the fullest.

Images courtesy of stockimages & imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

While it used to be taboo, thankfully the days of men cringing at the thought of going to a spa are over. And actually, it seems to be quite the opposite as men are now heading to spas in record numbers. But, just because this unthinkable social practice seems to have gone by the wayside, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the male species is at ease with the confusing etiquette at our Breckenridge day spa and health spas in general. So, here are some tips for those guys out there that might be a little hesitant to show their face at a spa.

Tipping is OK

If, at the end of the treatment, you are happy with what was accomplished, feel free to tip your massage therapist. Instead of inviting them to your locker room to grab your wallet, however, just ask for their name and leave your tip for them at the front desk.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Going to a spa is not like getting a haircut … you can’t show up on time and expect it to start right away. Since the entire point of your spa visit is to ultimately get into a state of relaxation, you will want to arrive early to fill out the necessary forms, de-robe and relax before your treatment. This is not likely to happen if you show up a stressed out mess because you have been rushing to get there on time. Plan your time wisely and your will reap the awards.

Take Advantage of the Facilities

For must of us, spas are not cheap by any means. So, if you are going to be spending upwards of $100 on a massage, why not make the most of it by taking advantage of all the facility has to offer. Our Summit County spa just so happens to be located in BlueSky Breckenridge Resort so the amenities are second to none. Enjoy an outdoor heated pool, one of three hot tubs with mountain views, steam rooms a state-of-the-art fitness center and ski-in/ski-out ability to Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 8. These niceties are here to help you relax your mind and muscles and make the most of your treatment.

Communication is Key

Now that we’ve gotten over the notion that men are too manly to go to a spa, there is no reason to be too manly to let your massage therapist know about how hard or soft you would like your treatment to be. Hey, if you want to be beaten black and blue, go for it. But, remember that the masseuse will not judge you (or care) about how hard or soft you want the pressure, but it is ultimately up to you to let them know.

Napping is OK

Falling asleep during a Breckenridge massage is totally fine. Don’t feel like you’re being rude to your masseuse … they might actually enjoy the peace and quiet just like you! Remember, you are going to our spa to relax/unwind, and if a little nap helps you accomplish this, then go for it. Just try not to drool, though, it is still super awkward.

Conclusion

So, gentlemen, we hope this helps you show your man card the next time you visit our spa in Breckenridge. Don’t worry, a trip to the spa does not diminish your manliness. And, if you have any other questions about your upcoming treatment, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

The most common and widely known massage in the West is technically referred to as a Swedish massage. This is the modality that comes to mind most often when people think about massage and if you are looking to get a massage in Breckenridge for the first time, a Swedish massage would be the best place to start. Why? This type of therapeutic massage is performed by our trained and licensed massage therapists with its primary goal being that of relaxing the entire body. Read on for more information about this classic massage.

What is a Swedish Massage?

As I already mentioned, the primary goal of a Swedish massage is for overall relaxation … hence it being the most popular service offered and requested at our Breckenridge spa. But, this massage technique does go beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is also extraordinarily beneficial for decreasing toxins in the muscles, increasing the level of oxygen in the blood and improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

The technique is rather simple – the massage therapist rubs the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But, the massage can be performed in a variety of ways … slow and gentle or vigorous and bracing, all depending on the therapist’s style and what she is trying to accomplish. Typically, the therapist will lubricate the skin with oil and perform strokes that warm up the muscle tissue and release tension by breaking up muscle knots and other adhered tissues or adhesions. Other techniques can include percussion-like tapping, pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, bending and stretching.

Prior to your session, your massage therapist will ask you about injuries or any other conditions that they should know about such as allergies, special conditions like pregnancy and tightness or pain. It is a good idea to also let your therapist know your preference for light or firm pressure, but you will always have the chance to communicate your needs during your massage so that it is customized to your specific needs.

After your initial consultation you will undress and drape yourself under a towel or sheet. You usually start laying face down before the therapist moves to the front of your body, but each therapist has their own style and technique so it may be different each time. A Swedish massage usually includes deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension, so make sure to ask them to spend more time on those certain areas. If you want firmer pressure or more intensive work, you might be better suited for a deep tissue massage. Our Breckenridge spa offers both a 60-minute and 90-minute session for your choosing.

Why a Swedish Massage?

Besides the obvious factors such as relaxation, stress reduction, improved blood circulation and pain management, Swedish massages have been shown to achieve some other pretty important benefits. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a study that found those who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of cortisol (stress hormone) as well as arginine vasopressin, a hormone that can cause an increase in cortisol levels. These same volunteers also saw an increase in the body’s number of lymphocytes – white blood cells that are part of the immune system – and a boost in the immune cells that can help fight colds and the flu.

Why is it Called a Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage has its foundation in the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology as opposed to Asian massage systems that base the concepts on energy work on “meridiens” or sen lines. This concept is referred to as Swedish massage because of its pioneering by Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) at the University of Stockholm. In the early 19^th century, Ling created a system called “Medical Gymnastics” that included movements performed by a therapist, and eventually became known as “Swedish movements” when it came to the United States in 1858. Now it simply known as Swedish massage and became the foundation for other types of Western massage that includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage.

Did you know that the skin of the average human covers an area of about 20 square feet, making it the body’s largest and most visible organ? Our skin helps us to feel touch and regulate body temperature, but it has a much greater importance in protecting us from the outside world. However, in sort of a Catch-22, our skin also makes us vulnerable to the outside world and that is why we need to take measures to protect and heal this vital organ. Enter the detoxifying body wrap from our Breckenridge spa.

On a daily basis our bodies are exposed to toxic substances through what we wear, what we eat, the cleaning supplies we expose ourselves to and the air we breath, so it is important to not only eliminate some of these damaging toxins from your skin, but to replenish those essential vitamins and minerals in the process.

Body Wraps Explained

Here, at our spa in Breckenridge we offer two different styles of body wraps … one is a Detox Wrap and the other is the Body Refiner (anti cellulite) treatment. The Detox Wrap uses a clay base, certified fair trade organic oil and lotion while the Body Refiner utilizes a freshwater mud base and an oil gel combination that includes citrus, rosemary, juniper and pine ingredients. The one you ultimately choose is up to you and the condition that you are trying to treat, but just know that as dirty as the process sounds, each of these ingredients is ultimately helpful in eradicating toxins from your body in one way or another … and everything will come off afterwards with soap and water, I promise.

What to Expect

With the Detoxifying Body Wrap your therapist will first start with a dry brushing technique that promotes stimulation in the skin and nerve endings before you are covered in clay and wrapped in a heating blanket. The clay base pulls the toxins out of your skin and the heating blanket helps the body to sweat. While you are sweating out the toxins for approximately 20 minutes, you will receive a relaxing scalp and foot massage and a rose hydrating face mask for cooling your face. Once the procedure is through, you will be unwrapped, rinse off and finish up with a hydration application.

Our Body Refiner starts with dry brushing before your therapist starts a massage technique that targets the upper thighs and abdomen area before applying the mud base and 20-minute wrap. After showering, you will return for an oil/gel application that helps to tighten the skin. The ingredients in this treatment help to energize mind and body while aiding the body in eliminating excess fluid after the service is over. The Body Refiner is not recommended for guests with seizure disorders.

Healthier Skin

As previously mentioned, the greatest benefit of body wraps is to improve the health and appearance of your skin, but remember that these treatments are only skin deep and typically do not extract toxins from your body. For those results, you will want to try a detox diet or a whole body cleanse.

Is it Worth the Effort?

Our bodies are designed to innately break down toxins through the liver and kidneys, enabling us to sweat and urinate these contagions out of our system. However, a detoxifying body wrap can help to eliminate toxins from the skin as well as reduce stress, make your body more relaxed and improve your circulation … all of which improve your body’s natural health.

So, if you are looking for additional ways to aid your body’s natural detoxification process (besides your healthy lifestyle choices), one of these two detox wraps might be right for you. Contact us today to learn more or to set up your appointment.

Want to feel closer to your mountain surroundings while getting a massage? If so, a hot stone massage from our Summit County spa might just do the trick! Why? I’m glad you asked. A hot stone massage in Breckenridge uses warmed stones that are positioned on parts of the body to maximize the therapeutic benefit – warmed stones of which a good deal of come from the local Blue River which just so happens to run right through our “backyard.” Be one with nature with a hot stone massage from The Spa at Breckenridge!

What is a Hot Stone Massage?

This variation on classic massage therapy uses heated smooth, flat stones that are strategically placed on key points of the body to maximize its benefits. The stones are typically river rocks or other smoothed out stones made of basalt that are heated in sanitizing water before their use. Why river rocks? Well, that is easy. River rocks are usually smooth because they have been smoothed over time by the river’s current. Why basalt? The high iron content in these types of rocks helps the stones to retain their heat during the massage.

In this procedure, the stones are first immersed in water and heated by electric heater until they have reached a certain temperature range. Then the stones are strategically placed on points of the body that include specific locations on the back, palms of the hand, or between the toes, but will vary sometimes depending on the client’s condition. While the physical benefits should seem obvious (pain relief, muscle relaxation & improved circulation), hot stone massages can also have psychological remunerations as well. In fact, some massage therapists believe that certain points of emphasis with the hot stones can be energy centers that help the body to rebalance body and mind. This technique of using hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, so you know something that has been around that long is sure to work! You be the judge.

Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage

How do you know if a hot stone massage is right for you? One of the most common questions we get is whether to get a hot stone massage versus a Swedish massage or a regular massage etc. While other massages will help relieve pain caused by tense muscles, stiff joints or injuries, a hot stone massage typically provides much greater pain relief because of the intense nature of the massage. The hot stones allow the therapist to penetrate deeper, leaving you feeling physically better than a different type of massage that doesn’t combine heat.

If your muscles are overly tense, a hot stone massage is also a great method for muscle relaxation. The heat from the stones aids your muscles in relaxing, which allows the therapist to manipulate the deep tissue more effectively without using deep pressure. Typically, overly tense muscles will hinder the benefits of a massage procedure, so here the heated stones will provide the extra relaxation you need for the massage to be beneficial in easing those sore muscles and releasing tension.

Are you suffering from poor circulation? Well, your deprived circulation can lead to fatigue, which in turn tenses the muscles and leads to a buildup of lactic acid and fluid. A hot stone massage can help improve circulation by resting the stones on trigger points before starting the actual massage. As the heat penetrates into your deeper body tissue, your blood vessels will open and improve your circulation. As a result, this increase in circulation will deliver more oxygen to the muscles which will help ease those aches and pains in the process. People who tend to feel chilly and have cold feet and hands can benefit from a hot stone massage as well.

I mentioned earlier that a hot stone massage can also help rebalance your body and mind. Well, for many people this is true. The deep sense of relaxation that this type of massage brings on can help ease some of your mental stress and tension, leading to some positive mental benefits. Anxiety disorders and depression can also be combatted as a result. Remember, however, that massage therapy is not meant to be a substitute for traditional medical care, but is a valuable addition to your overall treatment plan.

In addition to the aforementioned, other conditions that people might consider getting a hot stone massage for include, arthritis, osteoarthritis and insomnia.

What Can I Expect During my Hot Stone Massage?

While laying face down, your massage therapist will often begin by applying oil to your body allowing the stones to glide smoothly along your muscles. After the stones are placed on the strategic locations and have relaxed the muscles, your therapist may put down the stones and use their hands to directly massage the skin. But, sometimes the stones themselves are used to massage certain areas of the body. Either way, however, the hot stones are often placed back onto the body and left for a short period of time. You may then be asked to turn over onto your back (depending on your condition) where small stones are placed between your toes or in the palm of your hand while the above sequence is then repeated.

Our spa in Breckenridge offers two options for hot stone massages – 60 and 90 minute varieties. The choice is up to you, but typically depends on the severity of your condition.

Caveats

First off, the information contained here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice, diagnosis and treatment you will get from a licensed physician. With that being said, a hot stone massage is not recommended for those that have an infectious skin disease or open wounds, immediately after surgery, after chemotherapy or radiation, and for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Pregnant women should also check with their doctor before considering a hot stone massage, as during pregnancy you core body temperature should not be raised during treatment.

If this all sounds good to you, and you feel it might benefit you mentally and physically, contact us today to book your hot stone massage.

It can be tricky business to achieve glowing, gorgeous skin, but that’s what we all want don’t we?! Well, there are a plethora of things to consider when trying to achieve beautiful skin, but the most important item to think about is your skin type. Every different skin type has specific needs that not only need to be taken into consideration when getting a facial, but when doing simple everyday tasks like buying a cleanser or moisturizer as well. We are not going to go into choosing products at the store, but what we are going to talk about is the best spa treatments to give your skin a much-needed boost. How do you choose what kind of facial to get, though? Well, our massage therapists in Breckenridge will ask you questions about your skin conditions so they can create a blend that is tailored just for you. But, it is good to know the best facial treatments for each skin type before you head into our Summit County spa for your next facial.

Dry Skin

One of the most common conditions we see in the Colorado high country is dry skin that lacks natural lipids or oils, making it prone to dehydration. Yes, skin can get dehydrated! Because of this lack of water, your skin’s natural exfoliating cycle slows down, resulting in the need for a variety of treatments such as exfoliation and facial masks. Gentle exfoliation is the most obvious method as the enzymes are a great way to take your skin from flakey to fabulous. But, a facial mask over a penetrating product will help penetrate the said product into the skin. As the mask hardens, the product will be pushed into the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is described as skin that produces more oil than it needs. This becomes a problem as the oil becomes a magnet for debris such as makeup, skin cells and pollution, which then cause congestion inside the pores. And, just like plaque on your teeth, this congestion becomes hardened and creates a mess. So, you want to look for facials that penetrate these clogged pores and get rid of the congestion … facials that include a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid are great methods to exfoliate. At our spa in Breckenridge, our therapists are also trained at extractions to remove the hardened debris within the pores.

Combination Skin

Sometimes skin has both oily and dry areas that need to be treated separately. So, we recommend enzyme, chemical or even microdermabrasion exfoliants before implementing extractions to remove congestion. Typically, we then add a professional treatment mask to replenish lost water and soothe the skin.

Mature Skin

Mature skin can be challenging to say the least. But, we are up for the challenge. Mature skin can be oily, dry or a multitude of different skin combinations, so your esthetician will need to first treat the type of skin. Then, because mature skin slows down (cell production, circulation) we will need to focus on increasing circulation by saturating the skin with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for healthier, younger looking skin.

Sensitive Skin

All skin needs exfoliation to remove built-up dead skin, but with sensitive skin this needs to be done very gently. Facials that use enzymes to exfoliate tend to work the best because they don’t irritate the skin. When looking for products for sensitive skin, search for ones that don’t have excessive fragrances or other irritants in them.

Keeping Your Skin Looking Healthy

• Some simple at-home tips for keeping your skin looking the best:
• Cleanse your skin daily to remove debris that has accumulated during the day.
• Rehydrate your skin with a toner after cleansing. This will also help your moisturizer to penetrate better.
• Help your skin’s natural cycle of shedding dry skin by exfoliating daily.
• Replenish your skin with moisturizer after cleansing, rehydrating and exfoliating.

Kathryn Serviss, lead esthetician at the Bliss in Los Angeles says, “everyone should be doing these steps. They stay the same for every skin type, but the products you use to complete the steps will be different for everyone.”

If you are unsure about what to do and what products to use, talk to one of the estheticians at our spa about what facials and products are best for your skin type.

One of our Breckenridge spa’s offerings, a Deep Tissue Massage – or deep muscle massage – is a massage technique that aims to stimulate the muscles and soft tissues that are deeper and further away from the surface of your skin. Compared to the more general relaxation specific massage techniques, deep tissue massages are more intense in pressure with slower movements and are typically more focused on specific areas of the body to be able to reach the sub-layer of muscles and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles).

So, what exactly happens and during a deep tissue massage and how do you know if you should get one at our Summit County spa. Read on to find out.

Why a Deep Tissue Massage?

Many people get a deep tissue massage to help alleviate chronic aches and pains, especially when looking to decrease lower back pain, or to free tension in a stiff neck, sore shoulders, upper back or to loosen tight muscles in their arms and legs. So, if any of this pertains to you, then you might want to entertain the idea of visiting The Spa at Breckenridge to give it a try.

Not everyone should receive a deep tissue massage, though. Someone who has never had a massage before may not want to go for the gusto right away, but it will ultimately be the responsibility of the massage therapist to determine if it is right for you.

How Does it Work?

Chronic muscle tension or injury shows up in bands of painful and rigid tissue in your muscles, tendons and ligaments. These adhesions can result in blocked circulation and cause pain, inflammation and limited movement. A deep tissue massage will help to physically break down these adhesions to relieve the pain and restore movement back to its normal state. Warm massage oil and direct deep pressure on relaxed muscles help to achieve this result.

• Deep tissue massages have many benefits, but here are the most typical reasons we use deep tissue massages on clients:
• Reduced mobility / Reduced muscle movement
• Chronic muscle pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Injury from repetition (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
• Poor Posture
• Injury Recovery (after an accident)
• Increased levels of muscle tension

Deep Tissue Massage Pain

The old adage “No pain, no gain” does not necessarily pertain to this type of treatment as many people often fall into a deep state of relaxation during a deep tissue massage. However, during a deep muscle massage “discomfort” is normal and will often be felt when there are variations within the tissues. But, the discomfort that is felt is usually described as a “good hurt” rather than pain. Because of the fact that people have different tolerances to pain, however, therapists are advised to work within that client’s comfort level knowing that it will take several more treatments to achieve the same results for someone with a lower threshold for pain. Results will occur, just at a slower rate. Just make sure to alert the therapist when things hurt and any pain or soreness is out of your comfort range. After your massage you will often feel some stiffness or pain, but it should subside in a day or two.

So, if this sounds like something that you want to try, check out our website and book your appointment today.

10 Tips to Make the Most of Your Massage

Are you the type of person that feels frivolous about spending money on a professional massage? If so, you probably have not had one done before. I say this because of the wealth of research out there that points to the various health benefits of getting a massage, not to mention the spiritual lift you can get out of it. So, if you are worried about spending the money or are a little shy about disrobing in front of a stranger, here are some guidelines from our Breckenridge spa to help you get the most out of your professional Breckenridge massage.

1. Drink Plenty of Water – It is not only imperative that you drink plenty of water after your massage, but before you have the treatment done as well. Why? Well, the short answer is that you need to flush out the toxins as the pressure from your therapist’s hands pushes the lactic acid out of your muscle tissue and into your bloodstream. Water consumption will help your blood to flow more freely so the toxins are flushed effectively.

2. Get the Most Out of Your Massage – By mentioning your concerns to your massage therapist – expressing your needs and expectations before you start – you will be sure to get the most out of your massage. Make sure to note problem areas that you would like the therapist to concentrate on. In the end, this will help both of you to get the most out of the experience.

3. Don’t be shy – Our certified Breckenridge massage therapists are licensed and trained on professional decorum. Don’t be bashful about what they might think of your body either. Rest comfortably in knowing that your therapist is well trained in sheep-draping techniques that will ensure your modesty is protected at all times. In fact, the therapist will leave you alone to disrobe and slide under the sheets before your massage.

4. Relax and Stop Thinking so Much – If you take your stress and worries into the massage, you will not reap the full benefits. Try and use rhythmic breathing to prepare both your brain and body for what is to come. Inhale while gathering all your thoughts and release your tensions on the exhale to expel them from your body. Repeat for five or so cycles until you feel relaxed.

5. Relax Your Body – Engaging your muscles to help your therapist maneuver a part of your body is ultimately counterproductive. You just end up tensing those muscles, therefore making the therapist’s work more difficult. He/she will give you direction to ensure a proper technique.

6. Breathe Through the Pain – Holding your breath when your therapist begins working on a muscular knot is a no-no. Holding your breath will ultimately keep the tension in the muscle, the exact opposite effect of what you are looking for. Instead, narrow your focus to a deep, rhythmic pattern as you visualize the tension leaving your body while exhaling … allowing your body to relax more and more with each breath.

7. Keep the Chitchat to a Minimum – You may feel like you have to converse during your massage, but if you are talking away during the treatment then you’re not really concentrating on your body as much as you should be. You do, however, want to talk to your therapist to give them instructions – if you are feeling chilly, you would like them to work on a specific area of your body or the pressure is too soft or too hard.

8. Take Time to Recover – When it is all said and done, take a minute or so to revel in your newly relaxed body. Don’t jump of the table and high tail it out of there once your therapist has left the room, but maybe roll slowly to your side, push yourself up gently to a seated position and sit on the edge of the table for a few minutes. At our Breckenridge spa, you will receive a glass of water after the treatment, so make sure to slowly drink the entire glass.

9. More and More Water – Continue to drink more water throughout the rest of the day and evening to finish flushing those nasty toxins out of your body. You don’t want to end up with sore muscles and nausea, do you? While there is no magic number on how much water you should consume, the more you drink, the better you’ll feel!

10. Take it Easy – You have now just spent valuable time and money on a professional massage, so why wouldn’t you want to reap the benefits for as long as possible? Help your body hold on to this feeling by treating yourself to a relaxing evening, eating a light dinner, soaking in a warm aromatherapy bath and curling up in bed for a deep, restorative sleep.

Now that you are armed and ready to make the most out of your next massage, why not contact us today to book any number of our massage services. Just remember that this off-season (Fall 2015) we will only be open from 10am to 4pm Sunday through Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday. After hour appointments are available by request from 8am to 8pm daily.

If you are one of the 1.6 million annual skier visits to Breckenridge, chances are you will be traveling to our mountain town via airplane. And what happens when you travel by plane, especially to those who across the International Date Line? You may experience something called jet lag. Otherwise known as time zone change syndrome, jet lag disrupts the usual body rhythms that can cause a variety of symptoms including; fatigue, body aches, insomnia and nausea to name just a few. Don’t fret, however, as your ski vacation doesn’t have to be ruined by this nasty little ailment because there are ways to tackle jet lag … one such method being our 90-minute well being treatment aptly named the Jetlag Cure.

But, before we delve into the Jetlag Cure from our Breckenridge spa, just know that there are many other unproven treatments for this modern condition that often do no real healing. Melatonin is one such product that many claim will help with Jetlag, and although there have been some positive results, it isn’t always a cure for the symptoms. Since the medical field has not had much luck with treating the symptoms of Jetlag, alternative means of treatment (such as massage) have been very promising and are now being widely used. Enter the Jetlag Cure massage from our spa in Breckenridge.

With the overall goal of a massage to loosen and relax the muscles of the body, it only seems natural that a massage will help the whole body relax and aid you in sleeping better afterwards. A massage tackles two issues that many jetlagged individuals feel: insomnia and body pain. So, why do massages work so well in combatting jetlag? It’s simple … a massage rests and restores the natural rhythms of the body, cutting the recovery time down to a fraction of what it would have been otherwise. But, keep in mind that a jetlag massage may not cure all of your symptoms as individuals vary in body type, body size and personality … contributing to how bad your case of jetlag is and how much a massage may help. There, however, are some things you can do before and after imbibing in your massage.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to jet lag and a bad massage. It is important to drink plenty of water before and after your massage. Also be prepared to feel immensely relaxed after your treatment, so make sure to hire a taxi or get a ride home from our Summit County spa.

Jetlag is a real issue, but due to it being a particularly modern malady there has not been much research done nor effective treatments. So, just know that a holistic approach –  such as a massage – can ultimately be the difference between a successful or miserable ski vacation in Breckenridge.

Contact us today to book your Jetlag Cure.

The holidays are almost over. Now is the time to treat yourself to a massage in Breckenridge. The best gift for the New year is a massage. The Spa at Breckenridge offers a variety of massage services to help every one in your group to recover from the Christmas holidays stress or the Christmas holiday skiing. It is a proven fact the massage can significantly reduce stress and re leave aching muscle. Try a massage today in Breckenridge while on vacation. Your body will thank you.

October specials in Breckenridge can be found all over the town. From restaurant deals, lodging specials and spa discounts you can treat yourself to an amazing discounted vacation in Breckenridge for the month of October. The Spa at Breckenridge is the perfect spa to indulge in some well deserved pampering. Warm yourself in our large stream room before enjoying one of our many special massage treatments. Or try something new and experience all the bonuses of an Anti Aging facial or a Detoxifying body treatment.

For the month of October The Spa at Breckenridge is offering some great massage and spa service specials. Keep checking our specials tabs for the latest spa specials.

The leafs are changing in Breckenridge Colorado and words can not describe how beautiful it is outside. This week will be the BEST week to see all the fall colors changing. When you are visiting Breckenridge during this beautiful time of year and need to unwind after a long day of hiking or biking make sure you stop in The Spa at Breckenridge. The Spa at Breckenridge will customize any massage to your personal needs. Our team of amazingly talent therapists will help your body and mind recover from all of the physical activity you may have been involved in. Don’t forget to give yourself enough time to enjoy our outdoor pool and hot tub area. This where the views are breath taking. Make sue to check our specials tab for any running Autumn specials and be sure to mention them when booking your Breckenridge massage.

Breckenridge Oktoberfest starts tomorrow Friday September 12th and goes until Sunday September 14th. Are you planning on attending? If not we highly recommend this is one festival not to miss. This is by far the BIGGEST Oktoberfest celebration in the Rockies.  With Poka bands, German beer and unlimited supplies of pretzels along with a variety of different vendors this can entertain you for the whole day. The weather is predicted to be in our favor this weekend too. Check out www.gobreck.com for detailed information on Oktoberfest 2014 and a list of great lodging options.  The spa at Breckenridge will be open all weekend to help all attendees of Oktoberfest who may have indulged a little more then attended. The spa will be offering specials on all massages while the Oktoberfest festivities are happening this weekend. Call and ask about our special Breckenridge massages today.

In honor of the start of September treat yourself to the best massage in Breckenridge. Ask when booking what specials we our offering on massage treatments this week and make plans to relax. The Spa at Breckenridge is the perfect place to pamper yourself or a group of friends on any day. With access to our outdoor pool and hot tubs it make for the perfect setting to enjoy the colors while unwinding from all your activities that the mountains bring. Celebrate September this week and book your spa day today.

#massagebreckenridge #spabreckenridge #massage #breckenridgevacation