by Nate Widom
Experiencing soreness and tension? Here at HAC, we’re proud to offer both massage and stretch therapy services. Both can help propel your recovery, but they work your body in different ways. I sat down with Casey Carbine, who is both a licensed massage therapist and a certified stretch therapist at HAC, to learn more about the difference between massage and stretch therapy.
Casey is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Stretch Therapist at HAC. After experiencing injuries of his own, Casey discovered the impact massage can have on healing and performance. Today, he is passionate about helping others heal, gain confidence, and use their bodies to their full potential.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves applying hands-on pressure, kneading, and friction to your body to promote relaxation and relieve tension. “The therapist uses hands, forearms, or elbows to apply kneading or light to deep pressure,” Casey explains. “[It] calms the mind, drops stress hormones, flushes out waste products from hard workouts, and relaxes tight, overworked tissue passively while you rest.”
If you’re looking for ultimate relaxation, massages are wonderful. It’s a purely passive experience, and our therapists are dedicated to making each massage appointment feel serene. All you need to do is select your appointment type and duration and let your therapist do the rest.
Massage options include Swedish/Therapeutic, deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone, and reflexology. Optional add-ons include scraping, cupping, hand and foot treatments, and aromatherapy.
While massages are largely therapeutic, many clients experience soreness for 1-2 days following a massage appointment. This is normal.
Stretch Therapy
Stretch therapy is great if you want to improve flexibility, mobility, posture, and range of motion. Casey explains, “a stretch therapist guides your limbs through sustained holds, traction, and assisted stretching patterns, sometimes asking you to be a part of the movement.” By assisting with manual muscle manipulation and joint stabilization, a stretch therapist can help you experience a deeper stretch than you could achieve on your own. Of course, these movements will also ease tight muscles, too.
According to Casey, guided joint movements and lengthening techniques will lengthen muscle fibers and connective fascia. This will “open up joint mobility, improve posture, prepare the body for better athletic movement, and train your nervous system to allow a deeper range of motion.”
Knowing what’s causing your tight muscles can help you determine which type of appointment is best for you. Again, stretch therapy is best for lengthening muscle fibers and increasing range of motion long-term. Things like back stiffness from a sedentary desk job or chronically tight hamstrings from frequent distance running are usually best addressed with stretch therapy, though massage can also be effective. However, if your tightness is the result of an injury or strain, stretching can actually make things worse. In these cases, gentle massage can aid the healing process but should be approached cautiously; be sure to notify your therapist of any recent injuries or symptoms.
At HAC, our stretch staff consists of personal trainers and massage therapists. All have completed rigorous training to earn the certification in stretch therapy. Depending on your therapist, your appointment may take place in our Spa or personal training studio.
Your Appointment
Depending on what you choose, your experience may differ. At the start of a massage therapy session, you will be invited to undress to your comfort level. “People can expect a passive treatment where you lie face down or up on a heated table, usually undressed and draped under a sheet,” Casey describes. You will enjoy a serene experience in our Spa, which may include lotions and body oils.
However, those in stretch therapy will be fully clothed; we highly recommend dressing in athletic wear or other comfortable clothing that moves well and won’t limit your mobility. Lotions and body oils are not used during stretch therapy sessions. Clients will be asked to alternate between sitting and lying down on a cushioned therapy table and “can expect to have an interactive, movement-based session,” guided by their certified therapist’s expertise.
Want both massage and stretch therapy in the same appointment?
Our Spa offers 25-minute and 50-minute stretch therapy add-ons for any massage, available with select staff members. These services will also extend the length of your massage appointment.
Ready to Start?
If you’re looking to learn more about massage, visit the Mind/Body desk or call (302) 235-4928.
To learn more about stretch therapy, visit hachealthclub.com/stretch-therapy or stop by the Mind/Body or PT Desks.
