Massage Therapy

Idaho Joint and Spine is pleased to be able to offer therapeutic massage also known as massage therapy. Dr. Whitaker is a firm believer in the ability of massage to decrease pain and increase health. Massage can be a vital aspect in pain management. It is a fantastic non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive treatment for acute and chronic pain.

Massage can provide benefits such as:

• Reduced Stress
• Increased circulation
• Improved range of motion
• Decreased pain and muscle tightness
• Reduction in muscle spasms or cramping
• Release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine hormones
• Pain relief from muscle pain or headaches and migraines
• Increased relaxation and healing

Read more about benefits from massage at the American Massage Therapy Association’s website!

Idaho Joint and Spine offers expert therapeutic massage tailored to your individual needs. We understand that every body is unique, and we’re dedicated to providing personalized massage therapy treatments that address your specific concerns.

Our services include:

• Deep Tissue Massage: Release chronic tension and target deep muscle layers for lasting relief.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Pinpoint and alleviate painful knots to restore muscle function and reduce pain.
• Sports Massage: Enhance performance, prevent injuries, and accelerate recovery for athletes of all levels.
• Relaxation/Stress Relief Massage: Unwind and de-stress with a soothing massage designed to promote overall well-being and healing.
• Hot Stone or Hot Towel: Heat can help to relax muscles, increase blood flow, and promote healing.

Medical Conditions and How Massage Can Help:

• Chronic Headache and Migraines:
  • Understanding the Connection:
    • Muscle Tension:
      • Tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can contribute to headaches and migraines. Tight muscles can compress nerves and blood vessels, leading to pain.
      • The suboccipital muscles, located at the base of the skull, are often implicated in tension headaches and migraines.
    • Trigger Points:
      • These are hyperirritable spots in muscles that can refer pain to other areas, including the head.
      • Trigger points in the neck and shoulders can be significant contributors to migraine pain.
  • How Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Helps:
    • Releasing Muscle Tension:
      • Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue, helping to release chronic tension and knots.
      • By focusing on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, therapists can alleviate tension that contributes to migraines.
    • Reducing Trigger Points:
      • Therapists can apply focused pressure to trigger points, helping to release them and reduce referred pain.
    • Improving Circulation:
      • Massage can increase blood flow to the head and neck, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
    • Stress Reduction:
      • Stress is a common migraine trigger. Deep tissue massage promotes relaxation, which can help to reduce stress levels and the frequency of migraines.
• Chronic Pain:
  • Deep tissue massage is a specific type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It’s particularly effective for chronic pain because it targets the root causes of that pain, rather than just providing temporary surface-level relief. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and its benefits:  
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Targeted Pressure:
      • Deep tissue massage involves applying firm, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body. This pressure is designed to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia (connective tissue).  
    • Slower Strokes:
      • The strokes used in deep tissue massage are typically slower and more deliberate than those used in other types of massage, such as Swedish massage. This allows the therapist to work deeply into the muscle tissue.  
    • Focus on Adhesions:
      • Chronic pain often results from adhesions, which are bands of rigid, painful tissue that can form in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Deep tissue massage aims to break down these adhesions, restoring normal movement and reducing pain.  
    • Addressing Chronic Tension:
      • This type of massage is particularly helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas, such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
  • Benefits for Chronic Pain:
    • Pain Relief:
      • By releasing tension and breaking down adhesions, deep tissue massage can significantly reduce chronic pain.  
    • Improved Range of Motion:
      • Releasing tight muscles and connective tissue can improve flexibility and range of motion.  
    • Reduced Muscle Tension:
      • Deep tissue massage can help to alleviate chronic muscle tension, which is a common source of pain.  
    • Increased Blood Flow:
      • The deep pressure applied during the massage can increase blood flow to the affected areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.  
    • Stress Reduction:
      • While focused on deep muscle work, Deep tissue massage also promotes relaxation, which can help to reduce stress, a factor that can exacerbate chronic pain.

Reclaim your conform and health through massage therapy. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, migraines, headaches, healing from injury or accident, or looking to improve overall wellbeing, our therapeutic massage services can help you achieve your wellness goals.

To schedule a therapeutic massage call us today at (208)322-5922.

Learn more about our staff HERE!

Idaho Joint and Spine – Your Partner in Wellness in Boise, Meridian, Kuna, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, and more to service the greater Treasure Valley of Idaho and beyond.