Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (D.O.M.S.) is a phenomenon not entirely understood but exceedingly well known in the fitness world.  While there are different theories about what actually causes DOMS (ranging from lactic acid buildup to micro-tears in the muscle tissues), it is generally recognized as a post-activity muscle soreness that is brought on by exercise which either requires extreme exertion or simply by participation in any physical activity that an individual is unaccustomed too.  DOMS typically appears between 24 and 72 hours after the associated exertion and can last up to 7 days depending upon the intensity of the activity as well as other factors (such as dehydration, improper nutrition, et cetera).  Without a precise understanding of the primary factors that contribute to the DOMS effect, it can be confusing trying to determine methods to effectively curb this post-workout problem, but this is not to say there is little hope of relief. 

For those who suffer DOMS, symptoms can range from mildly irritating to nearly debilitating causing extreme discomfort during common activities such as walking, standing or even raising an arm.  Individuals wishing to avoid DOMS altogether, it is generally thought that exercises and activities which focus on isometric and concentric contractions pose very little threat to the musculature and therefore greatly reduce the risk of DOMS occurrence.  Those who enjoy a more vigorous workout routine (and the associated cardiovascular benefits) may find that DOMS is simply an expected, yet unfortunate reality with every workout. 

​Experienced personal trainers and athletes have come to find that the severity and likelihood of DOMS can be reduced or prevented by slowly increasing the intensity of an exercise over a period of time, but this may not always be the case, and for those who suffer noticeably, or have no say over the intensity of their workout or work load, massage therapy may be of significant benefit.  How so?  Experts agree that due to massage therapy's effect on the body's circulatory system, DOMS symptoms can be significantly reduced, if not alleviated altogether. Although the exact reasons behind the effectiveness of this treatment aren't completely clear, the underlying reality centers on massage's influence on circulation throughout the body.  Trainers and therapists far and wide understand the significant impact that improved circulation has on the body's recovery system.  Improving circulation means that the body can begin driving wastes and toxins from the body tissues while bringing in nutrients and other restorative elements, in turn speeding healing and recovery from strain or injury.  Just as other conditions which indicate massage for general tissue recovery, you may just find relief from your DOMS symptoms in the hands of a capable and well-trained therapist. 

If you or someone you know suffers with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), try setting up a series of regular post-workout massage sessions and experience the beneficial effects for yourself.  Give us a call at The Great Escape Massage & Wellness Center LLC in Chadron today 308.432.4558 and schedule your sessions now.  If you have questions or concerns, we'll be happy to help you find the answers you need.  We look forward to hearing from you soon. 

​Have you been diagnosed with "hammertoes" or have you noticed your toes starting to curl up into an unnatural position similar to the image here?  Massage therapy has been shown to be beneficial for alleviating the myofascial restrictions associated with this troublesome toe deformity.  Most often caused as a result of improperly fitting shoes (much like bunions), hammer toes can often be improved or repaired entirely by a combination of foot exercises, stretches and manual therapies which focus on lengthening shortened tissues, strengthening weak muscle groups and restoring healthy alignment via soft-tissue mobilization.  It is important to catch this dysfunction early in order to avoid complications such as bone degeneration or permanent fascial deformity.  If you are suffering with hammer toe (or similar disorders), we may be able to help improve your condition with successive massage therapy sessions in order that you may avoid surgery further down the road.  Give us a call at The Great Escape Massage & Wellness Center LLC in Chadron today (308) 432-4558, and let us help you put your best foot forward tomorrow!

Those who celebrate know that Christmas is a time for holiday cheer, but not everyone finds it easy to find joy and gladness this time of the year.  The benefits of serving others are well known, and because of that we wanted to challenge you to a "gift" giving challenge these twelve days before Christmas, to help spread a little extra kindness around the community this year.  A gift doesn't have to be big, or expensive to make an impact -- a simple smile and a kind word can go a long way towards brightening someone else's day.  Unexpected flowers, a home-baked loaf of bread, or an extra story before bed; a leisurely walk, conversation over tea, taking time to be present and show interest in a life few people see.  Notice the unnoticeable people around you.  There is good to be done to stranger and to family and to friend.  So spread a little extra kindness and ​everybody ​wins! 

​​The scientifically backed benefits of professional therapeutic massage techniques have been in the limelight now for several decades, but only in recent years has the business world truly begun to recognize its benefits for the workplace, and it isn't merely about promoting "fluff-time" for your employees.  While professional therapeutic massage is known for its ability to induce relaxation and mental calm, it has a myriad of other benefits that can help form the foundation of a well prepared work group, even improving your bottom line in the process!  How so?  Professional therapeutic massage can help boost your business by ensuring employees better cope with stress (often over an 80% reduction!), which in turn can help: 

​All of these benefits are intrinsically linked to the overall health and wellness of your business.  It is a well known fact that employees are more willing to go the extra mile for businesses that take good care of them.  More than that, happier, healthier employees typically produce higher customer service ratings which in turn translates into repeat business.  Best of all, showing your employees that you really care about their wellness beyond the job can significantly boost office morale.  
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​Offering your employees the option of taking a "stress recess" once a month by scheduling a professional therapeutic massage might just be as effective an investment as any, with a higher ROI than other comparable offerings.  Whether you opt to cover the cost of the treatment, either in whole or in part, or simply allow your employees a one to two hour window (for a one hour massage session plus commute) is up to you.  While your financial contribution certainly would be added incentive for employees to partake of the offer (remember the ROI), many times simply allowing them the ability to take the time off during the work week without penalty to schedule a massage will persuade them well enough.  Additionally, professional massage therapists are usually willing to offer group or corporate discounts for businesses or their employees who commit to regular sessions throughout the coarse of a year. 

​You may be thinking, "Why do my employees have to miss work to get a massage?"  Though it's true, some massage therapists take appointments in the evenings or weekends, many have families and obligations of their own and are not able to provide treatments apart from the standard workweek.  By allowing your employees to take their ​stress recess ​during the workweek, you help ensure therapist availability, and provide employees their own family time during their off hours. 

​We encourage you to consider making this investment in your team members, it truly is a win-win for you and your employees alike.  In our stress-filled world, even adults need recess​ too -- including YOU! 

To find out more about our offerings and appointment availability, please contact us at:

​The Great Escape
Massage & Wellness Center LLC
​308.432.4558  •  Chadron, NE 69337
www.thegreatescape4u.com
​Facebook:  @thegreatescape4u