Meet Your Nervous System
Before we talk about how massage affects the nervous system, it helps to understand what the nervous system is and what it does.
Your nervous system has two major parts:
- The Central Nervous System (CNS): made up of the brain and spinal cord. This is your body’s control tower.
- The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): a network of nerves that branches out from your spine and reaches the rest of your body. It’s how your brain and body communicate.
From sensing pain to regulating your heart rate, controlling movement to influencing digestion, your nervous system is always working behind the scenes. It’s also responsible for interpreting stress, responding to injury, and maintaining balance in the body.
The PNS is further broken down into two main branches:
The Somatic Nervous System: controls voluntary movements.
- The Somatic Nervous System: controls voluntary movements.
- The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): handles involuntary functions like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion. The ANS has two parts of its own:
- The Sympathetic Nervous System (fight or flight)
- The Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and digest)
Massage therapy interacts most directly with the autonomic nervous system—and that’s where the magic begins.
Massage and the Fight-or-Flight Response
Let’s talk stress. Whether it’s looming deadlines, traffic jams, or life’s unpredictabilities, stress activates your sympathetic nervous system. Your body responds with increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and a surge of cortisol and adrenaline—great if you’re running from danger, not so great if you’re trying to fall asleep or digest lunch.
Massage acts like a brake on that stress response. Research shows that therapeutic touch can help:
- Lower cortisol levels
- Reduce heart rate and blood pressure
- Activate the parasympathetic nervous system
This shift encourages your body to enter a state of relaxation, allowing you to breathe deeper, sleep better, and recover faster. In short, massage helps flip the switch from “fight or flight” to “rest and restore.”
Sensory Pathways and the Power of Touch
Another way massage interacts with the nervous system is through touch receptors in the skin and muscles. These receptors send signals to the brain via the spinal cord, providing real-time updates on pressure, temperature, and position.
Deep pressure from massage stimulates mechanoreceptors, which can override pain signals carried by nociceptors (pain receptors). This is part of the “gate control theory” of pain—essentially, the nervous system can only process so much input at once. When pleasant touch competes with pain signals, pain perception can decrease.
Additionally, gentle, rhythmic strokes can activate C-tactile afferent fibers, a type of nerve fiber specifically tuned to slow, soothing touch. These fibers are linked to emotional regulation, social bonding, and reduced anxiety. That’s why certain types of massage can feel emotionally grounding as well as physically relaxing.
Benefits of Massage for the Nervous System
So, what does all this science mean for you? A calmer, more regulated nervous system can lead to real improvements in how you feel day-to-day. Here are some of the key benefits:
What Types of Massage Best Support the Nervous System?
Different styles of massage affect the nervous system in different ways. Here’s a quick overview:
- Swedish Massage: Light to moderate pressure with long strokes, ideal for relaxation and nervous system regulation.
- Cranial Sacral Therapy: Focuses on gentle manipulation of the head, spine, and pelvis to influence the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and balance the nervous system.
- Neuromuscular Therapy: Targets specific areas of tension that may be compressing nerves, offering relief from referred pain.
- Myofascial Release: Slow, sustained pressure on connective tissue that can help free up restricted nerve pathways
Not sure what’s right for you? That’s where we come in.
Talk to Your Provider
At Peak Performance, our team of licensed massage therapists works closely with our chiropractors to ensure your care supports your entire system—including your nervous system. Whether you're seeking stress relief, injury recovery, or just a moment of peace in a busy week, your nervous system has everything to gain from therapeutic massage.
Have questions? Curious if massage therapy could help with a specific condition or symptom? Let’s chat. Your body has a lot to say—and we’re here to help it feel better, move better, and function at its best.
Book your next massage with Peak Performance in Buffalo, NY today, and let your nervous system exhale.
Bethany Wolcott
D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
Children are constantly growing, learning, and exploring the world around them. From their first steps to their time spent in school and on the playground, their bodies undergo continuous physical stress and development. While pediatric health often focuses on nutrition, vaccinations, and regular checkups, spinal health is sometimes overlooked. Chiropractic care offers a safe, effective way to support proper growth, posture, and overall well-being in children.
Best Chiropractor Therapy Buffalo
Two of our talented massage therapists, Jerardo & Jesse, had the pleasure of participating in the Mother Like No Other Retreat provided by Hope Rises & the New Era Cap Foundation. Providing Therapeutic massage to 25 incredible women was a gift!
Arthritis is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people across the world. While it’s often associated with aging, arthritis doesn’t discriminate — it can impact people of all ages, from children to seniors. Living with arthritis can mean dealing with pain, stiffness, and a decreased ability to move comfortably. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage arthritis and improve your quality of life, including chiropractic and massage care. Here are 10 essential things you need to know about arthritis, including the role our team in Buffalo, NY can play in helping you feel better and stay active.
If you’ve ever felt nagging lower back pain, persistent tightness in your hips, or a sense of imbalance between your core and legs, you might be dealing with something called Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS). While it sounds complex, LCS is actually a common muscular imbalance that many people—especially those with sedentary jobs or intense training routines—experience. The good news? It’s manageable, preventable, and treatable. And Peak Performance, your local chiropractic and massage therapy team, can be part of the solution.
As we age, maintaining good mobility and quality of life becomes a top priority. While physical changes like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and decreased flexibility are a natural part of the aging process, there are ways to manage these changes and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle. Chiropractic care for seniors can play a vital role in enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of chiropractic care for seniors and how it can help you age gracefully while maintaining your independence. 1. Understanding Chiropractic Care Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, emphasizing manual adjustments to the spine and joints to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support overall health. Chiropractors are highly trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and soft tissues. For seniors, chiropractic care is not just about alleviating pain; it's also about improving function, preserving mobility, and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, non-invasive way to promote spinal health, improve posture, and help manage the discomfort that often comes with aging. 2. The Aging Body: Common Challenges for Seniors As we age, the body undergoes several natural changes that can impact mobility and quality of life. These changes often include: Decreased Flexibility: As muscles and connective tissues lose elasticity, seniors often experience joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. This can make simple tasks like bending, reaching, and walking more difficult. Osteoarthritis: This common condition involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased function. It can affect various areas of the body, including the knees, hips, and spine. Postural Changes: Over time, poor posture habits can lead to misalignments in the spine, contributing to back pain, muscle tension, and limited mobility. Falls and Balance Issues: As the body’s balance system weakens with age, seniors are at higher risk of falls. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls by promoting proper spinal alignment and improving joint function. 3. How Chiropractic Care Benefits Seniors Chiropractic care offers a variety of benefits for seniors looking to maintain mobility and quality of life. Below are some of the key advantages: Pain Relief One of the most common reasons seniors seek chiropractic care is to address chronic pain. Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, arthritis, or headaches, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate discomfort by restoring proper alignment to the spine and joints. This helps to reduce pressure on nerves, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Improved Mobility and Flexibility Chiropractic adjustments can improve joint mobility, helping seniors regain flexibility and increase their range of motion. This is especially beneficial for individuals suffering from arthritis or age-related stiffness. By restoring alignment and function to the joints, chiropractic care can reduce pain and improve overall movement, making it easier to perform daily activities and enjoy recreational pursuits. Enhanced Posture As we age, our posture tends to decline, leading to slumping, rounded shoulders, or forward head posture. This can result in back and neck pain, muscle fatigue, and limited mobility. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and improve posture, reducing strain on the muscles and joints. Better posture can also increase energy levels and reduce discomfort, allowing seniors to feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives. Injury Prevention and Fall Risk Reduction Chiropractic care can help improve balance, coordination, and overall physical function. This is especially important for seniors who may have an increased risk of falls. Through regular adjustments, chiropractic care helps keep the nervous system functioning optimally, enhancing balance and coordination. Additionally, chiropractic care can identify and treat musculoskeletal imbalances that may contribute to falls, such as hip misalignments or weakened muscles. Stress Relief and Better Sleep Chronic pain and tension can increase stress and make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. Chiropractic care can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain, leading to a greater sense of relaxation and reduced stress. By improving spinal alignment and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, chiropractic adjustments can promote better sleep and improve overall emotional well-being. Support for Other Health Conditions Chiropractors don’t just treat musculoskeletal issues. They can also help seniors manage a variety of other health conditions, such as: Headaches: Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches and migraines by improving spinal alignment and reducing muscle tension. Digestive Issues: Misalignments in the spine can affect nerve function, leading to digestive issues like constipation. Chiropractic care can help improve nerve communication, promoting healthy digestion. Sciatica: Many seniors experience sciatica, which is a sharp pain that radiates down the leg. Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain. 4. Safety and Considerations for Seniors Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for seniors, but as with any medical treatment, it’s important to consider individual health conditions. Before beginning chiropractic care, seniors should consult with their primary care provider to ensure that chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for their specific needs. Some seniors may have certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, severe arthritis, or recent surgeries, that require modifications to their chiropractic treatment plan. Chiropractors are skilled at tailoring their techniques to accommodate these conditions and ensure that the care provided is safe and effective. Additionally, seniors should choose a chiropractor who is experienced in working with older adults. A knowledgeable chiropractor will understand the unique needs and concerns of seniors and will be able to develop a treatment plan that supports their health goals. 5. The Importance of Regular Care For seniors, chiropractic care is most effective when it is part of a regular maintenance routine. While one or two adjustments may provide temporary relief, regular visits to the chiropractor can help sustain improvements in mobility, pain levels, and overall health. Chiropractic care can complement other health practices such as physical therapy, exercise, and a healthy diet, allowing seniors to maintain an active and independent lifestyle for years to come. Conclusion Chiropractic care is an excellent option for seniors looking to maintain mobility, manage pain, and enhance their overall quality of life. With its emphasis on spinal health, mobility, and pain relief, chiropractic care can help seniors stay active, improve their posture, reduce the risk of falls, and support their overall well-being. By working closely with a chiropractor who understands the unique needs of older adults, seniors can enjoy greater mobility, independence, and vitality well into their golden years. If you’re a senior looking to improve your mobility or address age-related discomfort, consider reaching out to a chiropractor to learn how chiropractic care can support your health and enhance your quality of life. Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, summer sports enthusiasts take to the fields, courts, and waters to enjoy their favorite activities. Whether you’re playing soccer, swimming, cycling, or engaging in outdoor workouts, preparing your body for the unique physical demands of summer sports is crucial for performance and injury prevention. A targeted approach to conditioning, hydration, and recovery can help you stay active and injury-free throughout the season. The Physical Demands of Summer Sports Summer sports often involve high-intensity movement, endurance, and exposure to environmental factors like heat and humidity. Common physical challenges include: Cardiovascular Endurance: Many summer activities, such as running, cycling, and swimming, require sustained energy and stamina. Agility and Speed: Sports like soccer, tennis, and basketball demand quick movements and rapid directional changes. Strength and Power: Activities like beach volleyball and wakeboarding require muscular strength to generate force and maintain control. Heat Adaptation: Exercising in hot weather adds stress to the body, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Understanding these factors helps you tailor your training and recovery strategies to maximize performance and safety. Pre-Season Conditioning: Building Strength and Endurance To prepare your body for the demands of summer sports, focus on a well-rounded training program that includes: 1. Cardiovascular Training Boosting your endurance ensures that you can sustain activity over extended periods. Consider: Interval Training: Alternating between high-intensity bursts and low-intensity recovery improves stamina. Cross-Training: Mixing activities like cycling, swimming, and running helps build overall cardiovascular fitness while preventing overuse injuries. Heat Acclimatization: Gradually increasing outdoor workout time allows your body to adapt to higher temperatures. 2. Strength Training Strengthening muscles reduces the risk of injury and enhances performance. Key areas to target include: Lower Body: Squats, lunges, and calf raises improve power and stability. Core Strength: Planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball exercises enhance balance and coordination. Upper Body: Push-ups, pull-ups, and shoulder presses support sports that require upper-body endurance, such as swimming and tennis. 3. Flexibility and Mobility Work Flexibility and mobility exercises help prevent muscle tightness and improve range of motion. Incorporate: Dynamic Stretching: Before activity, perform movements like leg swings and arm circles to warm up muscles. Static Stretching: After workouts, hold stretches for 20-30 seconds to release tension and improve flexibility. Foam Rolling: Helps reduce muscle tightness and improve circulation. 4. Sport-Specific Drills Practicing movements specific to your sport enhances performance and reduces the likelihood of injury. Examples include: Lateral drills for soccer and basketball Plyometric exercises for explosive movements in tennis and volleyball Stroke drills for swimming efficiency Preventing Common Summer Sports Injuries Increased activity levels and warm weather conditions raise the risk of sports-related injuries, including: Muscle Strains: Overuse or inadequate warm-ups can lead to strains in the hamstrings, quadriceps, or shoulders. Heat-Related Illnesses: Dehydration and prolonged sun exposure can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Joint Injuries: High-impact activities may result in knee, ankle, or wrist injuries. Sunburn and Skin Damage: Outdoor sports increase exposure to harmful UV rays, leading to burns and long-term skin damage. Injury Prevention Strategies: Hydrate Adequately: Drink water throughout the day and replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Wear Proper Gear: Choose footwear and protective equipment suited to your sport. Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Listen to Your Body: Rest when needed to avoid overtraining and fatigue. Recovery and Post-Activity Care Recovery and Post-Activity Care A proper recovery routine ensures that your muscles heal and your energy levels stay optimal. Key components of recovery include: 1. Active Recovery Engaging in light activity, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, promotes circulation and reduces muscle soreness. 2. Nutrition for Recovery Eating nutrient-dense foods helps replenish energy stores and repair muscles. Focus on: Protein: Supports muscle repair and growth (e.g., lean meats, fish, tofu, eggs). Carbohydrates: Restore glycogen levels for sustained energy (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables). Healthy Fats: Reduce inflammation and support recovery (e.g., avocados, nuts, olive oil). 3. Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Chiropractic adjustments help maintain spinal alignment and joint mobility, reducing strain and enhancing performance. Sports massage aids muscle relaxation and reduces the risk of overuse injuries. 4. Sleep and Rest Final Thoughts Summer sports provide an exciting way to stay active, but proper preparation is key to preventing injuries and maximizing enjoyment. By focusing on pre-season conditioning, adopting injury prevention strategies, and prioritizing recovery, you can perform at your best all summer long. If you’re looking to enhance your athletic performance and prevent injuries, schedule a visit with Peak Performance Chiropractic. Our team can help with mobility, strength, and injury prevention strategies tailored to your summer sports activities. Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative journey, but it can also bring significant physical challenges. As a mother-to-be, your body undergoes rapid changes to accommodate the growing baby, often leading to discomfort, aches, and postural shifts. Chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to manage these changes, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prepare the body for a smoother delivery. How Pregnancy Affects the Spine and Pelvis During pregnancy, the body experiences a range of physiological changes, including: Postural Adjustments – As the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts forward, increasing stress on the lower back and pelvis. Hormonal Changes – The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments in preparation for childbirth, which can sometimes lead to instability and discomfort in the spine and joints. Increased Spinal Curvature – The natural curve of the lower back becomes more pronounced, which can contribute to pain and muscle tightness. Pelvic Misalignment – Changes in pelvic alignment can affect the baby’s positioning and potentially lead to a more challenging labor and delivery. Chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to managing these changes, ensuring the spine and pelvis remain properly aligned for a more comfortable pregnancy. Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy 1. Relieves Back, Hip, and Pelvic Pain Many pregnant women experience lower back and hip pain due to the extra weight and shifting posture. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and relieve pressure on the joints and nerves, providing much-needed relief. 2. Improves Pelvic Balance and Baby Positioning Pelvic misalignment can restrict the amount of space available for the baby to move into the ideal head-down position for birth. Chiropractors trained in the Webster Technique specialize in adjusting the pelvis to create optimal alignment, reducing the likelihood of breech positioning and promoting a smoother delivery. 3. Reduces the Risk of Sciatic Nerve Pain As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to sharp, radiating pain down the lower back, hips, and legs. Chiropractic adjustments help relieve this pressure, reducing discomfort and improving mobility. 4. Enhances Nervous System Function The nervous system controls nearly every function in the body, including those crucial for pregnancy and childbirth. By ensuring proper spinal alignment, chiropractic care helps the nervous system communicate more effectively, supporting overall well-being for both mother and baby. 5. Promotes Better Posture and Balance The additional weight and shifting center of gravity can lead to postural imbalances. Regular chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper posture, reducing strain on muscles and joints. 6. May Contribute to an Easier Labor and Delivery A properly aligned pelvis allows for a smoother labor process by ensuring that the baby has ample space to descend. Studies suggest that chiropractic care may help reduce labor times and the need for medical interventions during delivery. Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy? Yes! Chiropractic care is considered safe for most pregnant women when performed by a qualified practitioner. Chiropractors use gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques that avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. Many offices also provide specialized tables and pillows to accommodate the growing belly comfortably. It is always a good idea to consult with your obstetrician or midwife before beginning chiropractic care, especially if you have any pregnancy complications or high-risk factors. When Should You Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy? There is no wrong time to start chiropractic care during pregnancy. Some women begin care in the first trimester to help with early postural changes, while others seek treatment later on to address discomfort as their pregnancy progresses. Regular adjustments throughout pregnancy can provide ongoing relief and support. Additional Ways to Support a Healthy Pregnancy Chiropractic care works best when combined with other wellness strategies, including: Prenatal Exercise – Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga help maintain strength and flexibility. Proper Hydration – Staying hydrated supports spinal health and reduces muscle stiffness. Supportive Footwear – Wearing shoes with proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly and reduces lower back pain. Prenatal Massage – Massage therapy can complement chiropractic adjustments by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. Preparing for Postpartum Recovery Chiropractic care doesn’t stop after delivery. Postpartum adjustments can help realign the spine, support recovery, and address any lingering discomfort from pregnancy and labor. Many new mothers find that chiropractic care helps them regain mobility and energy, making it easier to care for their newborns. Final Thoughts Pregnancy is a time of immense physical change, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Chiropractic care offers a safe and natural way to support your body as it adapts to pregnancy, helping to relieve pain, improve pelvic alignment, and even contribute to an easier delivery. At Peak Performance, our chiropractors have experience working with expecting mothers and use gentle, pregnancy-friendly techniques to provide the best care possible. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, schedule a consultation with us today! Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
Tips for Deep Tissue Massage in Buffalo
Massage therapy is widely known for its relaxation benefits, but there are many misconceptions that can cause confusion and prevent people from fully enjoying its therapeutic effects. As a medical massage office, we focus on evidence-based practices that can aid in pain relief, mobility, and overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll clear up some common myths about massage therapy to help you better understand its real benefits. Myth 1: Massage Is Only for Relaxation While many people associate massage with a day at the spa or a way to unwind after a stressful week, the truth is, massage therapy has a wide range of therapeutic benefits beyond relaxation. Medical massage techniques are often used to target specific issues like muscle tension, joint pain, sports injuries, and chronic conditions like arthritis. Trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release can provide pain relief and promote healing in a way that goes beyond mere relaxation. In fact, massage therapy can be an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan for conditions such as sciatica, tendonitis, and TMJ disorder. Whether you're recovering from an injury or managing ongoing discomfort, therapeutic massage can be a key tool in improving your quality of life. Myth 2: Massage Hurts, So It Must Be Working A common misconception is that if a massage isn’t painful, it isn’t effective. Many people assume that deep pressure is the only way to treat muscle tightness and tension. While deep tissue massage can indeed provide relief for some, it doesn't have to be a painful experience to be effective. Massage therapy should always be tailored to the individual. Some people may need deeper pressure to target tight muscles, while others may find that a gentler technique is more effective. It’s important to communicate with your massage therapist about your comfort level. The right massage should provide relief without unnecessary discomfort. Painful massage can lead to muscle bruising or aggravate existing injuries, so always inform your therapist about any discomfort during the session. Myth 3: Massage Is Just for Muscles While massage therapy is commonly thought of as a way to work on muscles, it also benefits other parts of the body, including the nervous system, fascia, and connective tissues. Fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs, can become tight and restricted due to stress or injury. A skilled massage therapist can help release these restrictions and improve mobility. Additionally, massage can help reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation, contributing to overall health beyond the muscles. Furthermore, massage therapy can have a positive impact on the nervous system. It has been shown to reduce the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increased production of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. Myth 4: Massage Is a One-Time Fix for Pain Another myth is that a single massage will completely eliminate pain or stiffness. While massage therapy can offer significant relief, especially for acute muscle tension, it’s not always a one-time fix for chronic conditions. In most cases, regular massage therapy sessions can help maintain progress and manage ongoing issues. For instance, if you suffer from lower back pain, a single massage may provide some relief, but regular treatments over time are often necessary to keep the muscles relaxed and prevent the pain from returning. This is why massage therapy is often combined with other treatments, like chiropractic care and physical therapy, to create a more comprehensive approach to managing pain and improving function. Additionally, it’s important to follow any recommendations from your licensed massage therapist, such as stretching or strengthening exercises, to maintain the benefits of your massage. Proper self-care and a consistent routine can help keep pain at bay. Myth 5: Massage Is Only for Luxurious Settings While it’s true that many people think of massages as something reserved for spas or luxury hotels, medical massage is available in various settings, including chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics, and wellness centers. These massages are specifically tailored to address therapeutic needs and focus on improving health outcomes. In a medical massage setting, the goal is not only to relax but to target specific problem areas and treat musculoskeletal issues in a clinical environment. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, recovering from surgery, or managing a chronic condition, a medical massage therapist can work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Myth 6: Massage Is Only for People with Pain or Injuries Many people think massage therapy is only for those experiencing pain or recovering from an injury. While massage is certainly beneficial for these conditions, it can also be helpful for people who don’t have any immediate discomfort. Massage can be a great way to maintain overall health and well-being. It can reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase circulation, even for individuals who are not in pain. Regular massage therapy can also enhance flexibility and promote relaxation, making it an excellent addition to anyone’s self-care routine. Myth 7: You Don’t Need to Talk to Your Therapist During Your Massage While it’s common to think that you should just lay back and relax in silence, communicating with your massage therapist during the session is crucial for achieving the best results. Every person’s body is different, and it’s important to discuss your preferences, comfort level, and any areas of tension or discomfort. If you experience any pain during the massage, let your therapist know so they can adjust their technique. Similarly, if you prefer a lighter touch or deeper pressure, this should be communicated as well. The more information your therapist has, the better they can customize the treatment to suit your needs. Myth 8: Massage Should Always Be Done After Exercise Although many people associate massage with post-workout recovery, it’s not always necessary to wait until after exercise to book a session. While post-exercise massage can help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery, massage therapy can also be beneficial before a workout. A pre-workout massage can help warm up the muscles, increase blood flow, and improve flexibility, which can reduce the risk of injury during physical activity. If you're preparing for a long run, heavy lifting, or any other strenuous activity, a massage can help loosen up tight muscles and get your body ready for action. Myth 9: Massage Is Too Expensive Some people may avoid massage therapy because they assume it’s too expensive. While the cost of massage can vary depending on the type of therapy and the length of the session, it typically ranges from $50-$150. Additionally, some insurance plans may cover massage therapy or offer discounts. When you consider the long-term benefits of massage therapy, such as improved mobility, reduced pain, and a better quality of life, the cost becomes more of an investment in your overall health. Conclusion Massage therapy is a powerful tool in the realm of pain management, injury recovery, and general wellness. By debunking these common myths, we hope to help you gain a better understanding of what massage therapy can really offer. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or simply want to improve your overall well-being, massage therapy can be an effective and valuable part of your health care routine. At Peak Performance here in Buffalo, NY, we focus on evidence-based treatments tailored to your individual needs. If you’re curious about how massage therapy can benefit you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office! Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
