Lactic Acid is Not Responsible for Muscle Soreness

One of my great passions is education. No matter my profession, I know I will always end up educating in one form or another. At this moment, I'm teaching about the body and the myth of lactic acid soreness. My first instructor in massage school (Dr. Quinn anatomy/physiology) made us promise to spread the word about two things, the lactic acid myth and the miracle that is ice (we will do the ice thing next month). So here goes....

Lactic acid is a part of the energy cycle. An important part, is that it helps slow you down in response to over-exertion. You know the burn! Lactic acid is partially responsible with the help of some other chemical friends. After exercise, the body reabsorbs lactic acid within 30 to 90 minutes. So you ask, what causes the soreness that we have incorrectly blamed on lactic acid? The precise chemical or cause of muscle soreness has yet to be determined but it looks like muscle cell damage (which is necessary to build up the muscle) and possibly the inflammation/healing process are the true culprits. For a more scientific explanation read http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-does-lactic-acid-buil. So don't not blame an innocent chemical on soreness, blame your trainer or your massage therapist!

Holiday Hours at Pregnancy Massage Center

Pregnancy Massage Center will be open until 3pm on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day and the following Monday (12/26). We will be open New Year's Eve until 3pm and closed New Year's Day. If you'd like to purchase a massage for yourself or as a present for someone else, please visit our Purchase Now page. Enjoy the holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2012.

When Faced with Labor Induction, Stay Relaxed with Prenatal Massage

Nowadays, most women are pulled into a conversation with their doctors about inducing labor, sometimes as early as 39 weeks but most certainly at 40 weeks. At Pregnancy Massage Center, we believe that most babies and women's bodies know exactly when to initiate labor but understand that you may feel your care provider has the ultimate say whether your labor will be induced or not. Medical inductions can bring on stress, which is completely counter-productive to what your body needs for labor, so get a much needed massage focusing on full-body relaxation and ease any stress associated with your upcoming hospital stay. While prenatal massage will not induce labor prematurely, when your estimated due date has passed and you are still waiting on the little soul to arrive, therapeutic touch can help you become more comfortable and relaxed by reducing muscle strain and tension. Complete relaxation is of the utmost importance when it pertains to labor! For more information on waiting for labor to begin on its own versus an induction, check out this great article. To purchase a prenatal massage or a gift certificate online, visit our Purchase Now page.

Holiday Gift Certificates: Buy Five Massages and Get the Sixth For Free!

The holidays are upon us and gift certificates are winging their way around the city as we speak! To ensure mail delivery before Christmas, we are taking orders for holiday gift certificates through Wednesday, December 21st. Last minute shoppers can visit Pregnancy Massage Center before 3pm on December 24th and use our self-serve kiosk and walk out with a gift certificate in hand. We have a great price on a package of three massages or you can buy five massages and get the sixth for free! Put it all together for one lucky recipient or spread the wealth to all your friends and family. Happy Holidays! 

We Love Our New Website Design by Sprinkle Sparkle

PregnancyMassage.com has a new website design that includes an online shopping cart to purchase massages and gift certificates, and a web blog that is designed to be shared easily via social media. Pregnancy Massage Center also offers a new email newsletter that includes sale and event information so be sure to sign up so you don't miss out on any freebies.  

Our new website was created by Sprinkle Sparkle, which serves as a one-stop-shop for doulas and other childbirth professionals that want to promote their birth business using the power of social media and internet marketing. With a simple template and clean design, our new website helps us nurture client relationships by distributing information about pregnancy and postpartum support, childbirth education and mother-friendly practices. Visit SprinkleSparkle.com or call 678-65-DOULA to discuss a custom website design for your doula or birth business. Sparkle away!

Specializing in Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage

Pregnancy massage focuses on giving the mother-to-be the special attention she needs, which helps to nurture the new life that is growing within her. Massage by a certified pregnancy massage therapist offers many benefits. Our therapists have specific knowledge to alleviate pain, understand all stages of your pregnancy, and lend emotional support. Please note that while we do specialize in pregnancy and postpartum, we strive to serve the whole family so men and non-pregnant women are always welcome. Purchase a massage for yourself or a gift certificate today.

Couples Instructional Massage Class for Pregnancy and Labor

One of the most rewarding things about being a massage therapist is sharing my knowledge and experience with people, a favorite is our Couples Instructional Massage Class for Pregnancy and Labor. This article sums it up better than I can, but in the end it is about couples communicating, nurturing, and supporting each other all for the good of their baby (and as a wonderful by product - their relationship). Purchase a class that works with your schedule and sign up today.