Massage during pregnancy can have powerful positive impacts on your well being. It can be incorporated into your regular prenatal care to relieve pain, reduce stress, and even manage hormones. Our spa offers prenatal massage in Breckenridge CO from professional and licensed massage therapists.

Improved Labor and Delivery Outcomes

One of the most significant results of prenatal massage is improved labor and delivery outcomes, as well as improved newborn health. The American Pregnancy Association claims that Swedish Massage is one type of massage that can have a positive impact on birth outcomes. 

Changed Hormones

It is possible that these outcomes are improved because of changed hormone levels. Parents Magazine cites studies that found prenatal massage reduced cortisol, a stress hormone, and increased serotonin and dopamine, two mood boosting hormones. Pregnancy can be a time riddled with stress and anxiety as your life changes to accommodate a new family member. Anxiety over labor and delivery can also take its toll on your body. Massage can help relieve some of this stress and anxiety so that you can enjoy your pregnancy.

Relieve Pain

In addition to emotional stress, your body also feels physical stress, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Many women often feel pain in their back, legs, and feet. Late in pregnancy, the sciatic nerve can be aggravated causing severe pain. Prenatal massage can help relax and loosen muscles that are working overtime and provide some relief to the everyday pain many pregnant women experience.

Reduce Swelling

Prenatal massage can also help reduce swelling. Swollen feet and ankles to varying degrees are a common pregnancy experience. Some women may even have swollen hands or fingers. Prenatal massage increases blood flow and prompts the lymphatic system to action. This increased movement of fluids can help reduce or eliminate uncomfortable swelling.

What to Expect

You should expect to have a prenatal massage positioned on your side with comfortable supports. You may also choose to include essential oils that are safe for pregnancy and can help you feel calm and relaxed. The technique most often used for prenatal massage is Swedish Massage, with special attention applied to areas of concern.

Talk to Your Doctor

Prenatal massage is generally regarded as safe and beneficial for pregnant mothers. However, if you have a high risk pregnancy you should talk with your prenatal care specialist about whether or not you should seek out prenatal massage.

Pamper Yourself

Pamper yourself and experience less stress, less pain, and more enjoyment throughout your pregnancy. Include massage as part of your regular prenatal care. Talk with us at The Spa at Breckenridge to see how our trained professionals can meet your pregnancy massage needs.

Stress is our body’s natural fight or flight system. It can prompt you to have the energy you need to complete a task, give a presentation, or even avoid an accident. It gets your adrenaline going, boosts cortisol and gives you what you need to push through big events. Not all stress is bad.

However, stress becomes bad when we don’t ever find relief from those moments. Stress is bad when it moves from powering through a single presentation and turning the steering wheel at just the right moment, to feeling constantly under pressure at work and having your blood boil through an entire hour commute. Constant stress can wreak havoc on your body. It will disturb your sleep, cause you to feel anxious, and it can even cause physical health problems. Mayo Clinic cites headaches, upset stomach and even chest pain as physical problems that can result from stress. It is important that you find ways to relieve stress so that you can feel well.

Managing Stress

There are many ways to manage stress. Getting physical exercise that you enjoy, sleeping enough at regular times during the night, and eating healthy foods can all help you feel better. Massage is another great way to relieve stress.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is a traditional style of massage and most likely to be used to relieve stress. When we are stressed, we often tense the muscles in our back and neck which can develop into hard knots. Hard knots cause pain, which in turn contributes to more stress. The gentle, yet penetrating strokes of Swedish massage can break up hard knots and loosen tension in muscles.

Head Massage

The Institute for Integrative Healthcare suggests that head massage can relieve stress. The article points to thin muscles around the scalp that hold tension. A carefully executed head massage can relieve this hidden tension and result in relief and relaxation.

Aromatherapy

You may want to request an aromatherapy massage to relieve stress. Many essential oils are known to promote calm and help you relax. A massage therapist can combine massage and oils to help wipe out stress.

The Science

Not only does massage relieve tension in muscles, but it also changes chemical components in our bodies and can make us feel happier and less stressed. The American Massage Therapy Association cites research that found massage can lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels. A study cited by Prevention found that massage increased levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that relieve depression and anxiety and boost the mood.

Try Massage

If you are feeling the effects of stress, try massage for relief from tension and anxiety. When you relieve a significant amount of stress you may find that you sleep better, perform better at work, desire healthier food, have fewer headaches and feel better in general. The better you feel, the less likely you are to feel stress about your health. Let massage help you break out of the vicious cycle of perpetual stress.

It is often assumed that massage is used only to relieve stress and tension that you carry with you in your muscles. However, including aromatherapy in your massage can help relax your mind and body, relieve pain, improve your energy levels, and have longer lasting effects than just massage alone. In a variety of clinical studies, aromatherapy has been shown to improve mental clarity, relieve anxiety and relieve pain.

Methods for Using Aromatherapy

Aromatherapies can be included in your massage in several different ways. A scent can be used by placing the oil in a diffuser while you are being massaged. This fills the room with inviting fragrance and allows you to experience the beneficial effects of the oil. Oils can also be applied directly to the body. Typically oils are diluted in an unscented carrier oil and worked into the skin as part of the massage. 

Benefits of Oils

Different oils offer different benefits. Lavender is especially known for its calming effects. Other oils that calm and relax include chamomile and ylang-ylang. Citrus oils have a tendency to energize and revitalize. Grapefruit, bergamot and tangerine oils can all work to boost your mood. Other oils promote mental clarity, boost your immune system, and offer relief from chronic pain.

An Aromatherapy Massage at The Spa at Breckenridge

When you choose the aromatherapy massage at The Spa at Breckenridge, our professionals will help tailor the massage to your specific needs. We will talk with you to see what you hope to achieve with the massage, such as relaxation, revitalization, or relief from stress or anxiety. We then administer an aroma test to determine the best oils to use for your mind and body. Each massage is unique to the individual.
Our aromatherapy massage includes traditional Swedish massage techniques, but also incorporates lymphatic massage. This massage helps your body eliminate harmful toxins and restores you to equilibrium. The aromatherapy massage is designed to address muscle tension, but also promotes mental, emotional, and physical wellness.

Beyond Massage

The practice of using aromatherapy can continue beyond your massage. You can use a diffuser in your home, use essential oils with bath salts, or apply them to your skin with a diluted solution. Using aromatherapy in your home can help extend the restorative benefits of a massage. 
While a traditional Swedish massage addresses tension and anxiety held in your muscles, an aromatherapy massage can address stress that is carried throughout your entire body. Aromatherapy can bring about health and wholeness in an entirely new way. If you enjoy massage, consider taking it to a new level of relaxation and wellness with aromatherapy.

Breckenridge is situated at 9,600 feet above sea level. If you adventure on the peaks, you will climb even higher. High altitudes can take its toll on your body but there are few things you can do to help your body adjust and avoid the extreme effects of altitude sickness.

Mild Symptoms

Typically altitude sickness symptoms are mild. They include headache, sleepiness, nausea, and dizziness. Some symptoms can become severe. If this occurs, see a doctor and get to a lower elevation as soon as possible. Essentially, your body has to work harder to get oxygen to your organs because there is less oxygen available in the atmosphere.

Medication

There are some prescription medications that combat altitude sickness. If you know you are prone to altitude sickness, talk to your doctor about medication before you leave. Some medications need to be started before you leave for higher altitudes. Many people prefer not to take medication because they often have other side effects.

Acclimate

Altitude.org informs that the best way to avoid altitude sickness is to get to higher elevations slowly. Plan for a day in Denver or Colorado Springs before coming all the way up to a high elevation. This will help your body adjust.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is another great way to stave off effects of high altitude. The environment is extremely dry and water evaporates faster at higher altitudes so it is easy to become dehydrated. Dehydration won’t necessarily cause altitude sickness, but it can exacerbate the symptoms. Drinking a lot of water can help prevent headaches and nausea.

Mild Exercise

High altitudes can make you feel sleepy. It might be tempting to lay down and rest, but laying down often makes it harder to take in oxygen. Mild exercise such as a brisk walk can help your body take in the oxygen it needs without overtaxing it. When you do sleep, try to sleep propped up so that it is easier to breathe. Try to avoid extreme exertion the first day or two at high altitude. Extreme physical activity requires a lot of oxygen to your muscles. If you are not acclimated, you may push your body beyond what it can handle.

Supplemental Oxygen

If you are struggling to catch your breath, can’t kick the headache, or you are having a hard time sleeping at night, you can use supplemental oxygen. You can buy cans of oxygen at the grocery store or in specialty stores. You can also visit an oxygen bar. A little extra boost of oxygen can often take the edge off and help you adjust to a higher elevation.

Sun Protection

Keep in mind that the sun is stronger at high altitude because there is less atmosphere blocking UV rays. Use sunscreen and protective clothing and eyewear in any season and any weather, cloudy or sunny. Sun exposure can add to exhaustion, headaches, and nausea.

Be Prepared

When you are prepared for the problems altitude can cause, altitude sickness will not get in the way of your vacation. Plan to acclimate, drink plenty of water, participate in mild activity until you have adjusted, and prevent too much sun exposure. These few precautions will help you have a safe and healthy vacation.

Weddings are no longer single day events. Instead, the festivities can stretch throughout the week or month as everyone involved prepares for this momentous occasion. A spa day with the bridal party offers the perfect opportunity for the bride to spend time with her best friends, prepare for the wedding and relieve pre-wedding stress.

Facials

Nothing will help a bride sparkle like a facial. A facial will help rejuvenate skin, making it look radiant. Eye treatments will eliminate dark circles and reduce visible fine lines. Unwind with a scalp, and hand and foot treatment. An added hair treatment will boost shine and volume. The bride’s natural beauty can take center stage when her skin is pampered with a custom designed facial.

Relax

A massage can help melt away all of the stress that can come from planning the details of a wedding and bringing two families together. Body treatments provide the ultimate in relaxation. These full body, relaxing skin treatments will help the bride and the bridesmaids look and feel radiant. Carefully chosen aromatherapies that accompany body treatments can relieve tension and invigorate the bride.

Quality Time

Quality time with friends is one of the most difficult things to squeeze in during all of the wedding festivities. It is also one of the most important things to do. Between massages, facials or body treatments you can relax and enjoy time together in our heated pools or conversation tubs. Soak in the relaxing heat of the water and the enchanting vistas while sharing cherished memories and hopes for the future with your best friends.

The Party

A spa day is the perfect prelude to a night on the town celebrating the bachelorette or the ideal way to relax and refresh after a memorable night.

Special Packages

The Spa at Breckenridge can offer special packages for wedding groups that can be customized to meet your needs, whether you want a facials, or a full body treatment. Food and drinks can even be provided to complete your day.

Pamper the Bride

This luxurious spa is the perfect way to pamper the bride, work in some quality girl time and ensure the bride is looking stunning and feeling relaxed on her wedding day. Coordinate the perfect day for your bachelorette so that she feels special as her significant day approaches.

You may be surprised to learn that in Sweden and most of Europe, Swedish massage is known as classic massage. In fact, Swedish message was not even invented by a Swede, as was commonly assumed. Peter Ling is typically credited with the development of Swedish massage. However, Massage Magazine points out that it was actually Johan Georg Mezger, a Dutch practitioner who originally systemized the massage and coined the French verbiage used to describe particular strokes used.

Popularizing Swedish Massage

Swedish massage was first used to improve circulation and reduce pain. Mezger formalized the system for the massage in the mid-1800s, but did not expect its popularity because it would require doctors to use intense physical exertion. However, in the 1890s it became a popular and useful therapy in sanitariums. Eventually, this useful practice would be employed by specialized massage therapists.

The Five Strokes

The five strokes attributed to Mezger are:

• Effleurage – long strokes
• Petrissage – kneading and squeezing of the muscles
• Friction – rubbing
• Tapotement – quick tapping
• Vibration/Nerve strokes – quick shaking

Today, Swedish massage is still the most commonly requested type of massage. Its techniques apply so generally and address a broad range of ailments, making it the ideal treatment for almost any client.

Stimulating Circulation

Swedish massage is particularly designed to stimulate circulation. This will improve blood flow to the muscles, relieving pain and even promoting brain function. Better blood flow means more oxygen to the places our bodies need it most, which ultimately means a better functioning body.

Relieving Stress and Tension

Swedish massage also uses techniques to relieve stress and tension in the muscles. People who experience chronic neck or back pain due to stress, anxiety or tension will benefit immensely from this type of massage. In addition, people who work at computers or in a single position will also feel relief from Swedish massage.

Try Swedish Massage

If you have not had a massage before, it is wise to start with Swedish massage. This massage will address all of your general concerns, while remaining gentle enough to promote stress relief and relaxation. At The Spa at Breckenridge we offer a Swedish massage and a variety of other massages. Don’t hesitate to talk with our professional massage therapists to determine the best massage to meet your needs.

Sources

“Swedish Massage Techniques” Massage School Notes

Time in the mountains demands a lot from your body. Exposure to intense UV rays from the sun can damage your skin. The thin air and lack of moisture can quickly dehydrate you and leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. Outdoor activity such as hiking and skiing can take its toll on your muscles. When you need to replenish your skin and recover from the ruggedness of adventures at 10,000 feet, stop in at the Spa at Breckenridge for a body treatment. Here are some of the benefits:

Rejuvenates Skin

Body treatments renew and refresh your skin. When sun exposure and a dry environment have left your skin feeling dry and dull, a body treatment will help your skin feel radiant and moist. Exfoliation removes damaged skin, while oils and lotions massaged into your body will transform your skin, making it feel smooth and soft. Body treatments can also stimulate circulation and encourage collagen production, helping your skin look and feel supple.

Relaxes Body and Mind

The gentle massage, application of oils, aromatherapy, and calm environment will restore your body and mind. Feel the tension melt from your body as our professional aestheticians apply carefully chosen treatments to your body. Not only will your muscles relax, alleviating pain from your neck or back, but you will also feel the mental benefits of relieved stress and anxiety. Face the world feeling fresh, calm and reenergized after a body treatment.

Removes Toxins

We are exposed to toxins everyday, either through food we eat or environmental toxins we are exposed to in daily life. Special massages and the application of body wraps can work to draw out toxins. Eliminating these toxins from your body will help you look and feel healthier.

Slimming Effects

The Early Show on CBS tried out four different body wraps on different women and found that each of the women involved dropped several inches from their frame. While these effects may not last forever, because they are often due to the elimination of excess fluids and toxins, they are certainly helpful when you want to slim down quickly for an impending event. You can drop an inch or two off of your figure for an upcoming wedding or gala with a body wrap.

Diverse Menu of Body Treatments

The Spa at Breckenridge offers a diverse menu of body treatments, so you can find the right one for your needs. Whether you want to relax, rehydrate your skin or eliminate toxins, a body treatment will leave you feeling refreshed and your skin looking radiant and healthy.

One of the most magical summer events in Breckenridge is WAVE: Light + Water + Sound. This event turns downtown Breckenridge into a canvas for interactive installations incorporating the theme of light, water and sound. This event, which takes place June 1-4, is a fantastic event for the whole family.

Recycled Rain

A featured installation this year is titled Recycled Rain. This installation will be produced in partnership with the High Country Conservation Center. Participants are invited to help build the installation throughout the weekend. It is intended to call attention to the plastic pollution problem throughout the globe. A round table will also be held on June 2nd to discuss the problem of plastic and possible solutions.

 More Installations

Micro, which consists of globes of light that make individual sounds when touched; Intrude, an installation of massive, glowing white rabbits; and Luminous, which explores the interaction of light and shadow using a variety of materials, are all installations that will be featured throughout downtown Breckenridge.

Events

Events will also take place throughout the weekend all centering on the theme of light, water and sound. Kick off the weekend on June 1st by decorating a bike with lights and riding in the LightCycles: Community Bike Ride. The whole family will love it! If you’d rather not ride, you can enjoy the lights and colors from the sidelines.

Take the kids on June 3rd or 4th to experience an exploration of Blue River presented by Keystone Science School. They will love hunting for water bugs and performing chemical tests on the water.

For the music lover in the family, music by cellist Russick Smith, will be performed on a tiny island surrounded by the rushing spring runoff. There will also be live music amongst the art installation of giant rabbits throughout the weekend.

Catch a nightly short film at the Old Masonic Hall Deck. They will include music videos, films with the theme of water and pollution, and waveforms.

After Dark

During this free festival there is something for everyone. While the installations are available for viewing all day, most of them are designed to be experienced after dark. You can attend events, go for a hike, or enjoy a day at the spa, during the day. Then, head out in the evening to take in these captivating works of art.

Going Deeper

Water is such a significant part of our daily life and impacts everything in Breckenridge, from the snow required for skiing, to the runoff in Blue River, to the summer rains and storms that keep alpine flowers in bloom. This festival invites us to take a closer look at our relationship with the world and delve into the beauty of light and sound and water.

Mark Your Calendar

Put June 1-4 on your calendar. Visit Breck Create for the full details on all of the installations, as well as dates, times and locations for specific events. This is one of the most spectacular weekends in Breckenridge, don’t miss it!

Did you know that The Spa at Breckenridge’s Deep tissue massage can be a powerful pain reliever? Our Deep Tissue Massage was developed to reach deep muscle and tissues to reduce chronic pain, stiffness, and persistent pain in areas such as the neck or lower back.

VeryWell cites a survey by Consumer Reports that found “34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine, and over-the-counter drugs.” After a light warm up of your muscles, a message therapist uses deep pressure to target muscles and fascia, relieving knots and breaking up scar tissue.

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your deep tissue massage and enjoy all of the benefits.

Drink Water

After your massage is done you should drink plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated to replenish your muscles and eliminate metabolic waste.

Talk About Pain

If you are experiencing pain during the massage, tell your massage therapist. It is often assumed that a deep tissue massage should induce pain. You will experience strong pressure, but pain is not necessarily a good sign. Pain can cause your muscles to tense up which is the opposite of what deep tissue massage is trying to accomplish. When they know you are experiencing pain, a therapist can adjust so that the massage will be effective without pain.

Wait to Work Out

Your muscles are getting a workout during the massage, they need time to rest. If you exercise right away, you may undo the work your massage therapist did, or worse sustain an injury. Experts interviewed by Women’s Health suggest waiting 12-24 hours after a deep tissue massage before working out.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before you have a deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage can provide relief for many different chronic problems, but it is important to check with your doctor to make sure it is right for you. You should also tell your massage therapist if there are any concerns they should be aware of.

Deep tissue massage can transform how you feel. Relieving pain and stress can give you more energy, better range of motion and improve your daily living. Work with your massage therapist to get the most out of your massages.

With winter right around the corner, it is the perfect time to get a massage in Breck. Whether you’re a tourist or a local to Breckenridge, you’re surrounded by a lot of people during winter season. This makes you more susceptible to cold and flu viruses.

You can get a flu shot, but there is something else you can do to really combat these viruses: get a massage.

Not many people know this, but a massage actually profoundly boosts your immune system and can help you survive the Colorado winter. It’s proven by scientific research.

How does it work exactly?

A massage naturally increases the activity level of important virus killers called lymphocytes.

A lymphocyte is one of the three subtypes of white blood cells in your immune system. Widely regarded as the first line of defense in your immune system, lymphocytes basically identify foreign material (such as bacteria or viruses) in your body and immediately produce chemicals to destroy it. The more lymphocytes your immune system has, the quicker it can combat viruses.

Not only that, but also massage therapy reduces your levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that increases stress. Cortisol directly affects your immune system, as high levels of it hinder the production of natural virus killer cells in your body. The lower your cortisol count, the stronger your immune system.

A bonus benefit of receiving a massage is the fact that it automatically decreases the amount of cytokines in your immune system. Cytokines are small protein cells that help trigger inflammation. The lower your inflammatory cytokine count, the less inflammation you will experience.

How does a massage increase the activity level of lymphocytes?

A massage warms up your muscles and increases lymphatic circulation. The more stimulated your lymphatic circulation, the more the lymphocytes are encouraged to multiply and spread all over your body.

What scientific research backs this up?

A 2010 study conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles revealed that each of their 29 participants showed an increased number of lymphocytes after receiving a single 45-minute massage.

An earlier study that was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed the same thing. Researchers at Touch Research Institute in Miami discovered that their participants, all of whom were HIV-positive adolescents, showed a significant increase in their immune systems after receiving 20-minute massages twice a week for 12 weeks.

Since a massage helps improve your immune system, it also naturally reduces pain and stress. Visit the Spa at Breckenridge for a massage to help boost the immune system.

Getting a massage is a fantastic way to heal sore muscles after a long day of skiing or hiking at Breckenridge.

The right massage will do wonders and can actually heal your muscles.

Massaging muscles the right way at the right pressure will reduce inflammation and warm up your muscles by increasing oxygen and blood flow to the area, relieving the soreness. Secondly, a massage will trigger the release of opioids in the brain. Opioids are nervous system modulators acting as painkillers that make you feel good and less focused on the pain in your muscles.

Because of the release of opioids, a massage can relieve anxiety-related symptoms such as nausea and pain by 50 percent, as proven by a recent study of at least 1,200 patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Since sore and tense muscles are sometimes caused by anxiety, a massage might be just what the doctor ordered.

Anybody can give a massage, but it requires training and skill to give a massage that will manage pain and soreness.

What makes a great massage?

It all begins with listening. A skilled massage therapist listens to the client and customizes her treatment based on the client’s needs. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Each client comes with different needs and preferences.

Confidence is another key factor of being a great massage therapist. If your massage therapist seems uncertain and insecure through his/her touch, you are likely to feel uncomfortable. You won’t be able to relax and open up. When your massage therapist hits the ground running with continuous touch, complete strokes, and addressing the pain areas with the right speed and pressure, you will be able to relax and get optimal results.

Here at The Spa at Breckenridge, we know that a great massage therapist continually pays attention to your body language and is able to know when you tense up or feel uncomfortable for one reason or another. She also makes a point to communicate with you verbally to ensure that the treatment meets your standards.

All in all, communication, confidence, and a keen understanding of the muscular system creates a great massage therapist who has what it takes to heal your muscles after a long day of exercise.