Massage Therapy Specialist Serving Santa Cruz, Aptos CA
Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, a trained massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension. It can have various health benefits including stress reduction, pain relief, and improved circulation. April Umek, PA-C, along with her compassionate team offers massage therapy at Pacific Coast Aesthetics. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 28 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA 95003.




Table of Contents:
What is the purpose of massage therapy?
How often should you get massages?
How long do the effects of a massage last?
What are the massages that Pacific Coast Aesthetics offers?
When is the best time to get a massage?
The primary purpose of massage therapy is to alleviate musculoskeletal tension. Massage therapists target areas of tightness, stiffness, and discomfort to help you feel your best. There are various techniques used by practitioners to manipulate soft tissues and release painful muscle tension skillfully. After a massage, people report enhanced flexibility, improved range of motion, and less muscular pain.
Massage therapy also plays a role in improving your circulation by enhancing blood flow throughout the body. Increased circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells more efficiently, supporting tissue health and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products.
In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy is great for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The rhythmic and soothing motions of a massage stimulate the body’s relaxation response. This results in a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in the production of feel-good neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Massage is a holistic approach to stress management that has positive effects on mental wellness.
While massage is not a substitute for medical treatment, it can be used to complement traditional healthcare approaches. Massage therapy is often incorporated into pain management treatment for conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, and migraines. In addition, massage is recommended for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances.
The ideal frequency of massages is different for each person. If you are seeing a massage therapist for general wellness purposes or stress management, it’s recommended to come in for treatment at least once a month. This allows the massage therapist to resolve any muscle tension or knots that may have formed.
On the other hand, if you are dealing with a specific health concern or chronic condition, you will benefit from more frequent sessions. For those managing persistent pain, injuries, or diseases like arthritis, it’s recommended to get a massage weekly or bi-weekly. It’s important to stay consistent to comprehensively address specific issues and enjoy ongoing relief.
If you are an athlete or have a physically demanding lifestyle, it’s recommended to come in for a massage once or twice a month. This schedule is great for preventing injuries, promoting faster recovery between workouts, and maintaining performance-ready muscles.
The immediate benefits of your massage typically last for several days after your session. If the massage therapist was specifically targeting muscle tension or minor aches, the positive effects can last even longer. People report that improved flexibility and reduced muscle tightness usually last for a week or so after their treatment, especially if they receive regular massages.
It’s important to understand that regular massage sessions are needed for ongoing pain management. Massage is highly beneficial for those living with chronic pain. If you incorporate regular massages into your wellness routine, you can enjoy improved sleep quality, stress reduction, better muscle function, and enhanced mood over time.
At Pacific Coast Aesthetics, we provide the following massages:
• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Trigger point massage
• Prenatal massage
Many people find that scheduling a massage during the late afternoon or evening is preferable, especially if they seek relaxation as the primary benefit. An evening massage can ease tension accumulated throughout the day and contribute to a better night’s sleep.
If you want to manage stress or alleviate muscle tension, scheduling your massage during your break or at the end of your workday is recommended. In addition, some people prefer morning massages to kickstart their day with a sense of rejuvenation and increased energy. Morning sessions can improve focus and concentration as well as set a positive tone for the day ahead.
In summary, the best time for your massage depends on your goals and preferences. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to get a massage after you’ve exercised. If you have any questions on the best time to plan your visit, our friendly staff is here to help. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 28 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA 95003. We serve clients from Santa Cruz CA, Aptos CA, Capitola CA, Soquel CA, Live Oak Santa Cruz CA, Rio Del Mar CA, and surrounding areas.