11 Reasons to Get a Massage this Month

Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent flyer, this is the time of year to prioritize self-care! The holiday season has a way of cranking up the stress levels, and your body tends to hold onto that tension like it’s clinging to the last gingerbread cookie on the plate. Prioritizing your mental health and your body can take the edge off the holiday madness. In case you need a little extra convincing to carve out 30, 60, or even 90 minutes just for yourself, here are 9 reasons to book a deep tissue massage this month:



1. Improved Mobility

You’re wrapping gifts on the floor at 2 a.m. or reaching for that last box of ornaments on the top shelf—holiday activities demand a certain level of flexibility. Luckily, deep tissue massage can help increase your range of motion and keep your joints and muscles moving more freely. Studies show this type of massage works deep into the muscles to release adhesions and reduce stiffness, so you’ll be bending, lifting, and stretching with ease this season.



2. Pain Relief

Is your back sore from shoveling snow or are your shoulders tight from carrying heavy shopping bags? A deep tissue massage is your holiday miracle worker. Chronic pain, sports injuries, or even flare-ups from new seasonal activities (hello, ice skating tumbles!) can all benefit from this targeted therapy. Our licensed massage therapists in Buffalo, NY, specialize in relieving discomfort and addressing the root causes of muscle tension. Don't wait—gift yourself some relief!



3. Reduced Inflammation

Sure, red is the color of the season, but inflamed joints and muscles aren’t quite as festive. Deep tissue massage enhances blood flow, which helps to flush out toxins and reduce inflammation. This improved circulation promotes faster healing and less stiffness. Whether you’re recovering from a tough workout or simply trying to feel more comfortable in your winter coat, reduced inflammation means a healthier, happier you.



4. Stress Relief

We all love the holidays, but let’s be real—they’re a lot. From navigating mall parking lots to hosting family gatherings, stress levels can skyrocket. Deep tissue massage works wonders in reducing cortisol (your stress hormone) while boosting serotonin and dopamine, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. It's the perfect way to reset both your body and mind amidst the chaos.



5. Improved Circulation

Deep tissue massage doesn’t just target sore muscles—it helps your entire body by increasing blood flow. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to your tissues, which aids in recovery and boosts overall wellness. Plus, when your body is functioning at its best, you’re more likely to enjoy all those holiday activities like sledding, snowball fights, or marathon cookie baking sessions.



6. A Boost of Holiday Cheer (aka Improved Mood)

Want to be the person exuding festive vibes instead of barely holding it together by the tinsel? A deep tissue massage can lift your mood by triggering the release of feel-good endorphins. Whether you’re tackling a mile-long to-do list or bracing yourself for another round of family debates, this mood boost might be your secret weapon for holiday happiness.



7. Some Much-Needed Alone Time

Between the endless holiday parties and family get-togethers, finding a moment for yourself can feel like a pipe dream. A deep tissue massage offers the ultimate escape—a quiet room, soothing music, and no one asking you for anything. It’s the perfect way to recharge so you can go back to being your fabulous holiday self.



8. Better Sleep

If visions of sugarplums aren’t dancing in your head because you’re too stressed to sleep, a deep tissue massage might be just the thing. Massage therapy helps calm the nervous system and can improve the quality of your sleep. Better rest means more energy to enjoy all the festivities, from gift wrapping to midnight toast clinking.



9. Better Sports Performance (Even in Holiday Activities)

You don’t have to be training for a marathon to want your body performing at its best. Even holiday fun—like sledding, ice skating, or building snowmen—requires functional strength and flexibility. Deep tissue massage helps loosen tight muscles, improve balance, and reduce the likelihood of injury. Whether you’re the family champion at snowball fights or just trying to keep up with the kids, you’ll be ready for action.



10. Lower Blood Pressure (Because, Family)

Let’s face it: holiday gatherings can sometimes come with a side of stress. Massage therapy has been shown to lower blood pressure, helping you stay calm even when the in-laws are debating politics at the dinner table. By improving circulation and reducing cortisol, a deep tissue massage can make you feel like the calmest person in the room—no matter what’s happening around you.



11. It's the Ultimate Holiday Gift to Yourself

Why should everyone else get the gifts? A deep tissue massage isn’t just a treat; it’s an investment in your physical and mental well-being. It’s the gift of feeling your best during the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year.



Ready to Feel Amazing?

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that massage, consider this it. Our licensed massage therapists here in Buffalo, NY, are experts in helping you feel your best—whether that’s loosening up those stubborn knots, easing chronic pain, or just giving you some peace and quiet this holiday season. Call today to schedule your session and make this month a little brighter for your body and mind!


Bethany Wolcott 

By Jun Sanchez September 22, 2025
If you’ve ever had nagging elbow pain after a long weekend of yard work, or your Achilles tendon screaming at you after ramping up your mileage too quickly, you may have heard the term “tendinitis” tossed around. It’s the go-to explanation for tendon pain—but here’s the plot twist: not all tendon pain is actually tendinitis. Sometimes, it’s tendinosis. While the names sound almost identical, these conditions are very different. Understanding which one you’re dealing with is key to proper treatment, preventing reinjury, and speeding up recovery. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense (no medical degree required). 
By S21 GMB September 15, 2025
The start of the Buffalo Bills football season is one of the best times of the year in Western New York. Whether you’re in the stands at Highmark Stadium or packed into a living room with family and friends, there’s nothing quite like the energy of game day. But let’s be honest—football watching usually comes with hours of sitting, bottomless snacks, and more than a few high-calorie treats. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice your health to enjoy the game. With a few smart tweaks, you can cheer on Josh Allen and the team while also supporting your own body. Below are fun, evidence-based tips for staying active and healthy all football season long.
By Design Team September 8, 2025
When most people picture a chiropractic adjustment, they imagine a manual adjustment—the quick, precise movement of a chiropractor’s hands creating that signature “pop.” But there’s another technique that’s just as effective, and in many cases, even more comfortable for patients: the Activator. This method uses a small handheld tool called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver safe, gentle, and targeted adjustments. While it might look simple, this little spring-loaded device packs a powerful punch when it comes to improving spinal health and reducing pain. In this post, we’ll break down what the Activator is, why chiropractors use it, how it works, and who can benefit most from this technique.
By S21 GMB September 1, 2025
When you hear the word kyphosis , you might picture someone hunched over with poor posture. But this spinal condition is a lot more interesting—and more common—than most people realize. Kyphosis happens when there’s an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back. While a little rounding is normal, too much can cause pain, stiffness, and even affect breathing in severe cases. The good news? With the right awareness and care, many people can manage it effectively. Here are six things you may not have known about kyphosis: 
By Jun Sanchez August 25, 2025
When most people think about massage, they picture sore shoulders, tight hamstrings, or a knot in the middle of their back. But did you know massage can also target areas inside the body? We’re not talking about bones or muscles this time—we’re talking about your organs. Visceral massage, sometimes called visceral manipulation, is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on releasing restrictions around the organs in your abdomen and chest. This technique may sound a little different than what you’re used to, but it has been shown to help with everything from digestion to chronic pain. Let’s break down what visceral massage is, why it works, and who may benefit. 
By S21 GMB August 18, 2025
“Oh, I could have played D1 baseball if I hadn’t torn my rotator cuff in high school.” Right. We’ve all heard this line — sometimes from former athletes, sometimes from the guy at the office who played two years of JV. But what is your rotator cuff? Is a tear really that serious? And is every shoulder ache a career-ending injury? Let’s dig into what’s really going on with this important group of muscles and what you can do to keep them in top form. 
By S21 GMB August 11, 2025
7 Best Low-Impact Activities for Lifelong Joint Health and Wellness
By S21 GMB August 4, 2025
Chiropractic care is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions, some of which may lead people to shy away from seeking care or fully understanding its benefits. From concerns about safety to doubts about its effectiveness, many misconceptions persist about chiropractic care. However, as the field of chiropractic continues to grow, research and evidence-based practices help to dispel these myths. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common misconceptions about chiropractic care, and provide evidence to clarify the truths behind them.
By S21 GMB July 28, 2025
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a casual competitor, or someone who sits at a desk all day, foam rolling is a simple, effective way to show your muscles some love. It's like giving your body a do-it-yourself massage—no appointment necessary. In just ten minutes a day, you can reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and help your body recover faster. At Peak Performance, we often recommend foam rolling to our patients as part of their home care, especially when paired with regular chiropractic and massage therapy. Here's everything you need to know to start rolling your way to a healthier, happier body.
By S21 GMB July 21, 2025
If you’ve ever trained for a marathon, ramped up your squat routine, or taken your weekend hikes a little too seriously, chances are you’ve had a run-in with IT Band Syndrome. That nagging pain on the outside of your knee that shows up halfway through your run and sticks around longer than you'd like? That’s your iliotibial (IT) band screaming for help. At our chiropractic and massage office here in Buffalo, NY, we see this common overuse injury all the time—especially among runners, cyclists, lifters, and anyone who moves with purpose. The good news? IT Band Syndrome is treatable, manageable, and preventable. You just need the right game plan—and maybe a chiropractor and massage therapist in your corner.
Show More