Skip to main content

Tag: South Tampa Massage Therapy

Is There Anything to Do to Prepare for a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage…yes, please! With this type of massage, you get relaxation, relief, and recovery as just a few benefits. At Driven Fit, we want you to enhance the experience even further – it’s all about what you do before and after the massage.  

Our therapists offer tips on how you can prepare for your massage and what you can do after – both of which will allow you to fully maximize the benefits of a deep tissue massage! 

 

Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage 

At Driven Fit, we highly recommend massage therapy as part of our total wellness programs. In addition to recovery and maintenance, deep tissue massage therapy offers these benefits:  

  • Relieves conditions such as chronic back pain, arthritis, tennis elbow, sciatica, & fibromyalgia  
  • Heals injuries & scars 
  • Improves flexibility & mobility  
  • Improves posture 
  • Prevents injury 
  • Improves blood circulation 
  • Treats muscle spasms 
  • Releases stress & tension 

To fully reap the benefits of massage, we recommend one to four sessions per month. Get your recovery ON with a deep tissue massage; call/text (813) 440-3016 today to book your appointment!  

 

How to Prepare for Your Massage 

Because massage therapy is both an investment in time and money, it needs to be effective. The best way to get there is to prepare in advance. Here’s how…   


Stay hydrated.
  

Did you know a deep tissue massage releases toxins from your muscles? That’s why it is important that you are well hydrated before your appointment. This will make it easier for your body to flush out the toxins as quickly and efficiently as possible.  

Additionally, well-hydrated muscles are more pliable, which makes it easier for our massage therapist to work out those tough knots.  

Tip: At least 24 hours prior to your appointment, make sure to start on some heavy-duty hydrating (preferably with water).  


Take a shower.
  

Taking a nice, warm shower just before your appointment will make your massage that much more relaxing. Plus, the warm water will help loosen your muscles, which can reduce discomfort during your deep tissue massage.  


Wear comfortable clothes.
  

Who doesn’t love to just throw on a pair of sweats? Wearing comfortable clothes triggers relaxation, both physically and mentally. Plus, it’ll feel a lot better putting comfy clothes back on after your massage, especially if you have any muscle soreness!  

Tip: Rather than wearing tight workout tops and pants, opt for super softloose clothing.  


Identify what you want from the massage.
  

What is your end goal of getting a massage? Perhaps it’s tension relief in a specific area or healing support from an injury?  

Whatever it is, make sure you clearly communicate your goals with your massage therapist so he or she can properly address your concerns. Our South Tampa, FL massage therapists WANT you to tell them your areas of concern, so do not hold back. If you want more (or less) pressure, tell us! Proper communication is a necessity for an effective deep tissue massage.  

Prior to your deep tissue massage, our massage therapists, will discuss any problems areas you may have and will address all these concerns during your session. Call our massage therapy studio now for a specialty deep tissue massage.  

 

After Your Deep Tissue Massage 

Your post-massage instructions are pretty similar to what you would do prior to your massage. To fully extend the benefits, here’s what to do… 

  • Continue to hydrate. Drinking water after your massage will continue to help flush out the toxins that were released by the massage. Staying hydrated will also help with soreness and nausea. 

  • Have a healthy snack. While you want to avoid eating anything heavy, it is a good idea to eat a light lunch or a healthy snack.  
  • Get a good night’s rest. While your body is at rest, your muscles will recover from the “stress” of a massage.

 

Get a Deep Tissue Massage at Driven Fit South Tampa  

Our South Tampa wellness studio is your one-stop shop to total body wellness. As part of our wellness programs, Driven Fit offers a variety of specialty massage therapies, including deep tissue massage.  

Get more info or book an appointment, simply call or text Team Driven at (813) 440-3016!

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Many women ask if massage is safe to relieve their pregnancy pains and safe for their growing child. The women who have experienced it will tell you that prenatal massage is a lifesaver, especially during late pregnancy. Numerous scientific studies back up this sentiment and found that prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Here Dr. Sarah Sponaugle of our South Tampa gym and wellness studio takes a closer look at the many benefits of prenatal massage.

Reduction of Swelling

Swollen ankles and a belly getting heavier by the day…Reduced swelling is a major benefit to prenatal massage. Edema is the swelling of joints during pregnancy, often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the uterus.

Pregnancy massage therapy stimulates soft tissues and reduces the collection of fluids in swollen joints.

Hormone Regulation

Hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to a woman’s prenatal care routine.

Levels of bad hormones (norepinephrine and cortisol, a.k.a stress hormones) were reduced while levels of good hormones (dopamine and serotonin) levels were increased. These changes in hormone levels have been proven to improve moods, lower stress, improve cardiovascular health, reduce labor and delivery complications, and reduce newborn complications, such as low birth weight.

Improvement of Nerve Pain

One of the more common aches during pregnancy is sciatic nerve pain. This typically occurs in late pregnancy as the heavy uterus rests on muscles of the lower back and pelvic floor. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell. In turn, putting pressure on nearby nerves.

Massage therapy releases tension of these muscles to ease the pain of the inflamed nerves.

Shorter Labor & Newborn Health

Prenatal massage therapy has several benefits for both mom and her future child. Studies have shown massage helps increase chances for a shorter less painful labor. Plus, these babies tend to have higher Neonatal Behavioral Assessment scores. Those who add this as part of their prenatal care also showed less likelihood of premature birth.

Additionally, these studies indicated when a woman is depressed during pregnancy. Massage can help reduce depression (thanks, hormone regulation) by the time her baby is born. These moms were more likely to have reduced depression and cortisol levels postpartum.

Prenatal Massage in South Tampa, FL

Prenatal massage therapy has several benefits. Reduce swelling, improve and regulate your pregnancy hormones, and relieve lower back and sciatic nerve pain. Including massage therapy as part of your prenatal care plan, you can even improve labor outcomes and newborn health. We recommend at least receiving a session at least once a month.

Choose Driven Fit + Sponaugle Wellness Studio in Tampa, Florida for prenatal massage therapy. Our licensed professional massage therapist has received training beyond the national standards for prenatal massage. Make an appointment with the best massage therapists in South Tampa!

[hc-hmw snippet=”Contact-Us”]

Jessica Bull Testimonial

Jessica Bull


The physical and mental aspects, truly sets your coaching programs apart.

As runner now aiming for personal bests, Luis’s adaptive coaching has been a game-changer. The custom training plan, precision in pacing strategies, and innovative techniques have propelled me to new heights in my races. 

I've shattered performance plateaus, and each race feels like a triumph. 

What was not even a dream become a reality when 

“I qualified for Boston” showing me anything is possible ????????

Beyond the individual successes, the sense of community fostered by your coaching team is remarkable. 

The support, encouragement, and camaraderie among fellow runners create an inspiring environment that fuels everyone's journey.

Thank you, Luis, and the entire run adaptive coaching team, for the dedication, expertise, and unwavering support. Joining your Run coaching programs has truly been the best decision I've made for my running journey. I'm not just achieving my goals; I'm surpassing them with each stride.

Gratefully,

Jessica

This will close in 0 seconds

Andrew Brown Testimonial

Andrew Brown


I am writing this testimonial with immense gratitude and excitement about the incredible journey I've had with your Run coaching programs, particularly under the guidance of Luis, my run adaptive coach.

Before joining, I was a runner with aspirations of improvement but unsure of where to begin. Luis’s coaching not only provided a structured plan but also instilled confidence in me from day one. 

The personalized approach, tailored to my fitness level and goals, made all the difference.

One of the key benefits I've experienced is the significant improvement in my running technique. 

Luis’s attention to my run programming has not only prevented injuries but has also made my runs more efficient and enjoyable. 

The gradual progression in training ensured that I never felt overwhelmed, and each milestone achieved boosted my motivation.

The mental toughness training incorporated into the program has been transformative. Luis's guidance has not only helped me overcome mental barriers during runs but has also positively impacted various aspects of my life. 

I’m Looking forward to my next few blocks of run coaching leading up to my next marathon in Berlin where I will be looking to reach a sub 4hr marathon ????????

~Andrew Brown

This will close in 0 seconds

Jason Arnold Testimonial

Jason Arnold


The approach of sending workouts directly to my watch and the personalized support provided has been a game-changer in achieving my personal best at the half marathon distance.

The convenience of having my workouts seamlessly integrated with my watch has transformed the way I approach training. It's not just about the ease of access; it's the strategic planning and adaptability that make your coaching methods stand out. Each run felt purposeful, and the progression was noticeable from week to week.

What truly sets your coaching apart is the unwavering support I received. The encouragement, insights, and personalized feedback have been instrumental in my success. It's more than just a training plan; it's a collaborative journey where my goals are embraced and pursued with dedication.

I recently achieved a personal best at the half marathon, and I credit this accomplishment to the meticulous coaching and guidance I received. The precision in pacing, strategic advice on race-day tactics, and the mental resilience training have elevated my performance beyond my expectations.

Thank you, luis and the entire run adaptive team, for the commitment, expertise, and continuous support. Your coaching methods have not only improved my running but have also enriched my overall perspective on fitness and well-being.

~ Jason Arnold

This will close in 0 seconds