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Alluring benefits of hands and feet massage

The total body experience from a hands and feet massage

If you’re a New Yorker one thing is for certain, you spend a lot of time on your feet which means they take quite a beating. With the on the go fast pace the city promises you also probably spend a lot of time in shoes that are restrictive and uncomfortable. If you’re like most of the general population you also spend a lot of time typing or texting on your phone leading to cramping and pain in your hands. Just like with any other part of your body overuse of your hands and feet leads to tension knots, muscle aches, cramping, pain or worse yet injury. A good hands and feet massage can be just the soothing touch that you need to feel brand new again!

Interestingly your hands and feet each contain nine pressure points (also known as trigger points) with each one linked to a different region of the body. By applying pressure to each of these points on your hands and feet you’re able to address pain, stress and anxiety that resides in your hands and feet, but also in the rest of your body too! Common areas include your stomach, head, jaw, sinuses, back and neck. Recent studies have even proven it effective with reducing chronic pain in ICU and post-operative patients. Now your trigger point massage isn’t just about having happy hands and feet, it’s about cultivating a state of total body relaxation and overall well-being.

Hands and feet massage goes beyond pain management

This reflexology approach to hands and feet massage releases feel-good hormones in the brain known as serotonin and melatonin, which helps with more than just pain. Here are 4 other benefits of hands and feet massage that you may not know about:

Helps sleep sufferers with insomnia finally get the restfulness their body needs. Foot massages have been shown to help induce sleep and improve sleep quality by shutting off your body’s flight or flight response to stress allowing for relaxation on a systemic level. Improved sleep quality is important to support healthy brain function and physical health. Read more about how a relaxation massage can relieve stress.
Removes toxins from the body by applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet. This promotes increased blood flow to the whole body aiding in lymphatic drainage. This is vital for bringing your body back to a state of homeostasis where your energy levels are restored and your body feels rejuvenated. Detox symptoms can include dizziness, moodiness, fatigue, temporary rash, increased urination or bowl movements and lightheadedness.
Reduces anxiety and depression in the body through the power of human touch which lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol levels, boosts circulation and triggers the release of the “love hormone” oxytocin and serotonin.
Stimulates better digestion by reducing the stress hormone cortisol, which leads to excessive stress and digestion issues. Applying pressure to certain pressure points on your hands and feet is said to correspond with your digestive organs, which can also help with better digestive functioning.

The healing effect on menstrual cramps

Studies reveal that 1 and 4 women experience menstrual pain that is so severe that over-the-counter medication is needed. Fortunately, hand and foot massage is a better treatment option that is proven to be more effective! By applying pressure to certain trigger points in the hand and foot that correspond with a woman’s reproductive organs, massage is able to promote better blood flow to these areas. This helps reduce inflammation that causes bloating and cramping. This type of trigger point massage can finally give you the relief you’re after without the need for pain meds or bed rest. You shouldn’t have to alter your life around your period and now you don’t have to.

Pressure points for foot massage

There are 9 unique pressure points on your foot. Applying pressure to these points is believed to reduce pain and enhance overall health. This practice is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and scientific evidence supporting the specific health benefits from these pressure points is limited. Below is a list of these different points and the areas of the body they are believed to effect:

Top of the foot between the big toe and second toe. Pressure here can help with easing migraines and headaches as well as low back pain and stress.
Inner sole on the medial side of the big toe. Pressure here is believed to help with digestive issues.
Inside of the ankle between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon. This point is used for low back pain, coughing, wheezing, insomnia, and frequent urination.
The corner of the big toe is beneficial for reproductive system problems. It helps with irregular menstrual cycles by regulating the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood throughout the body.
Sole below the ball of the foot is used to treat headaches, blurred vision and vertigo, sore throat and loss of voice.
Just above the ankle on the inner side. Pressure here is thought to help with the natural development of the fetus in pregnancy.
Above the ankle on the inner side. Helps with pain management from menstruation. It is also a point used to help with relieving pain during labor. Learn more about the benefits of a massage during pregnancy.
Positioned on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes. Used to treat painful swelling and reddening of the eyes as well as sore throat and headaches.
Outside of the ankle. This spot is associated with treating migraine headaches, toothaches and other types of pain.

Pressure points for hand massage

There are 8 unique pressure points on your hand. Applying pressure to these points is believed to help with pain relief, stress reduction and improved circulation. This form of alternative therapy has been utilized for centuries and is rooted in traditional medicine. However, it’s important to note that the scientific evidence supporting the specific health benefits from pressure point hand massage is limited. Below is a list of these different points and the areas of the body they are believed to effect:

Center of the palm. This acupressure point helps with easing anxiety and stimulating the release of endorphins. It is also thought to promote heart health.
Between the thumb and index finger. Helps with a range of issues in the face including toothache, jaw ache, allergies, hay fever and headaches.
Between the index finger and thumb. This point is thought to help reduce stress and anxiety as well as help with symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory disorders.
Inner wrist. Thought to help relieve wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, chest pain, and nausea/vomiting.
Inner forearm. This area might help relieve motion sickness.
Back of the hand between the thumb and index finger. Firm pressure here can help eliminate digestive issues.
Back of the hand, in line with the pinky finger. Pressure here can help relieve pain and discomfort, including headaches, earaches, neck pain, and upper back pain.
At the center of the palm, just below the ring finger. This point is thought to help with heart health and with clearing the mind.

Booking a hand or foot massage in NYC

At Leading Edge we understand how unforgiving NYC streets are on your feet and the wear and tear desk life takes on your hands. We have just the care you need to treat your tired hands and feet with our in-home massage and stretch therapy service.

All of our massage techniques can be tailored to your specific needs and applied to your hands and feet. Call or email us to book your in-home hands and foot massage and let us help you get back on your feet again.

Explore various types of massages offered at Leading Edge

Why a massage is just what you need

Whether you’re a NYC dweller or an out of town visitor you’re all too familiar with the anxious energy that co-exists with the vibrancy this city offers. The fast pace can quickly weigh on you leaving your body feeling stressed and depleted. The types of massages offered at Leading Edge bring a renewed sense of peace and calm to your day that you so desperately crave while helping you restore a feeling of homeostasis in your body.

If you’re experiencing pain or tension that needs to be resolved or you’re just simply looking to de-stress and be pampered you’ve come to the right place. Our uniquely crafted blend of massage and stretch therapy will put you on the path to healing and self-discovery bringing you an increased feeling of relief and satisfaction.

Explore our most popular massage types

At Leading Edge we offer a variety of massage techniques that we combine with our assisted stretching to appeal to everyone’s needs and preferences. It’s important to note that every massage style can also be personalized by adjusting the intensity to your liking so you can’t go wrong with your selection. However, here are some of our more popular massage techniques:

Pressure Point Massage is also known as a trigger point massage and involves applying pressure to various pressure points on the body to stimulate healing energy and promote relaxation in the region of the body each point corresponds to. This concept of each pressure point connecting to different organs and areas of the body is the practice of reflexology. Pressure points are specific areas on the body that are known to be sensitive to the touch and when pressure is applied to these areas, it can help release tension, stimulate circulation and decrease pain. This type of massage can be particularly helpful for relieving pain from chronic headaches, sciatica, menstrual cramps and even labor pain before birth. It’s also beneficial for posture, promoting better sleep, increasing energy and improving mobility and flexibility.

Deep Tissue Massage is a type of massage often used to treat musculoskeletal pain-points in the body including muscle spasms or knots and chronic pain from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia or carpel tunnel. It is also used for improving mobility and tightness in the body. It involves applying sustained pressure with the hands, arms or elbows using slow deep strokes. It’s a more intense form of massage because firm pressure is required to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia.

Swedish Massage is very popular for promoting relaxation, improving circulation and relieving stress that can manifest in the body through depression and anxiety, headaches, muscle tension and cramping. It involves using light and gentle circular strokes, kneading and tapping for a soothing and calming experience.

Myofascial Massage focuses on the connective tissue known as fascia, which surrounds the muscles, bones and organs. It helps with your body’s natural recovery process by stretching and manipulating the fascia. It’s great for treating chronic pain, improving circulation and managing stress in the body. It involves applying firm pressure by hand to myofascial areas on the body that are tight and stiff to the touch to improve elasticity.

Other types of massages we offer

If you are a woman who is pregnant or looking to become pregnant you would benefit from our Pre and Postnatal Massage. This therapeutic massage is designed to support women during and after pregnancy by providing relaxation, reducing stress and managing pain. It can also help with the physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy and child birth creating a better bonding experience between mother and baby. Recent studies have also linked prenatal massage to shorter labors and a better birthing experience.

If you are an athlete or you participate in regular physical activity we recommend you try our Sports Massage. It helps with muscle repair and recovery, injury rehab and prevention and better athletic performance. This technique uses stretching and deep tissue work that involves kneading. It is most comparable to a deep tissue massage.

Choosing the best type of massage for you

With so many types of massages it can be hard to decipher which massage type is right for you. This is where consulting with our licensed massage therapists comes in handy. You can convey your needs and desired outcome and our trained and licensed masseuse can help guide you towards the right choice for you! You can also personalize each massage to your liking by communicating with your masseuse before and during the session the exact level of tension you need and any areas you would like us to focus on.

Looking for types of massages not currently listed on our site? Be sure to inquire with us to see if we can accommodate what you are looking for. There are many other slight variations beyond the ones we’ve listed that our masseuse is trained to do. With our massage therapists’ trained eye and professionalism we always aim to exceed your expectations so that you’ll want to tell all your friends about us!

How NYC at-home massage therapy works

At Leading Edge we understand how stressful it can be getting around NYC’s crowded streets and the last thing we want is for you to arrive to your massage appointment late and feeling tense and overwhelmed. With our mobile service, we take all that stress away by allowing you to relax in the comfort of being in your own home.

Once you’ve booked your appointment with us your work is done. We take care of everything else. Our licensed and professional massage therapist will arrive at your home 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so he has time to greet you, set-up, answer any health related questions he has for you and assess your needs and expectations. We will take care of all the supplies including linens, oils and lotions and even a massage table if requested prior. You then get to forget about time and stress and for the next 60 minutes get swept away into a state of bliss melting away all your pain and discomfort.

When your session is complete you’ll immediately feel lighter and calmer and wonder why you hadn’t done this sooner. Our payment – process is quite simple. Following your session you’ll receive a link for easy check-out where you can pay with a credit or debit card. You’ll also have the option when booking to sign-up for our monthly discounted membership program.

To not take away from your experience we encourage you to silence your cell phone during your massage. This will help free you from distractions. We also encourage you to wear loose fitting comfortable clothing.

Following your session we will reach out to you to make sure we exceeded your expectations and to schedule your next appointment if desired.

Want to explore the different types of massages we offer! And book an appointment? Contact us so we can get you feeling so much better!

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Why does massage feel good: Top 8 reasons

The therapeutic effects of massage on our Central Nervous System

A good massage is soothing and relaxing leaving you in a state of calm or euphoria. That tension headache or those tight nagging muscles that were once cramping and uncomfortable are now a distant memory. You’re left with a heightened sense of ease and mental clarity. So why is this? Why does massage feel good?

You actually have your Central Nervous System (CNS) to thank for this. Everything we experience in the body starts with the CNS. The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. Massage affects the CNS in various ways, influencing both physiological and psychological responses, that make you feel good after a massage. Here are some key aspects of the CNS’s role in massage:

Pain Modulation: Massage can influence the perception of pain through mechanisms in the CNS. The pressure and manipulation applied during a massage stimulate sensory receptors, sending signals to the brain. This input competes with pain signals, leading to a reduction in the perception of pain. Additionally, the release of endorphins during massage acts as a natural pain reliever.
Relaxation Response: Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system that promotes a “rest and digest” state. This response is characterized by a decrease in heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and overall relaxation. The CNS plays a key role in coordinating this physiological response.
Stress Reduction: Massage has a calming effect on the CNS, leading to a reduction in the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This shift from the “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system activity to parasympathetic activity contributes to a sense of relaxation and well-being. Read more about how a massage can be an ultimate stress-buster experience
Improved sleep: The relaxation induced by massage influences the CNS, promoting better sleep. Massage helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and contributes to improved sleep quality, in part by reducing stress and anxiety.
Sensory Input and Integration: The touch and pressure applied during a massage provide sensory input to the CNS. This input is processed and integrated, influencing the body’s awareness and promoting a sense of connection between the mind and body.
Release of Neurotransmitters: Massage has been shown to influence the release of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals play a role in mood regulation, and their release contributes to the positive emotional effects of massage.
Muscle Reflexes: Certain massage techniques can stimulate muscle reflexes and proprioceptors, which are sensory receptors that provide information about the body’s position in space. This stimulation influences the CNS, leading to improved muscle function, coordination, and flexibility. That plays a crucial role in post-workout muscle recovery for athletes, gym-goers, or anyone with an active lifestyle. Read more about the power of post-workout recovery for athletes.
CNS-Mediated Changes in Blood Circulation: The CNS regulates blood flow throughout the body. Massage can influence vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), improving blood circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues. This can have positive effects on tissue healing and overall well-being.

The CNS plays a multifaceted role in mediating the effects of massage. It regulates pain perception, orchestrates the relaxation response, influences emotional states, and integrates sensory information. The interaction between the massage stimulus and the CNS contributes to the overall therapeutic benefits of massage on both physical and mental well-being.

The feel good effect of massage on tight muscles

Due to factors like poor posture, lifestyle, overuse, stress and exercise certain muscles in the body are more prone to tension, tightness, and discomfort, making them prime candidates for massage. Targeting these muscles can enhance the feel good effect of massage and have lasting positive effects on your body:

Upper Trapezius: Located in the upper back and neck, the trapezius muscles often carry tension due to stress, poor posture, or prolonged periods of sitting at a desk. Our clients often complain of tightness here. Massage can help release tension in this area, which also helps to reduce neck and shoulder pain.
Erector Spinae: These muscles run along the spine and are responsible for maintaining an upright posture. Poor posture, sitting for long periods, or lifting heavy objects can cause these muscles to become tense. Massage can alleviate tension and improve flexibility in the spine. Women during pregnancy can also suffer from these muscles becoming tense because as the baby grows in the womb the mother’s center of gravity changes, putting increased pressure on the spine and potentially leading to occasional back pain. While focusing on maintaining good posture is recommended, massage can also help reduce the pain. Read more about the benefits of massage during pregnancy.
Rhomboids: Found between the shoulder blades, the rhomboid muscles can become tight due to activities that involve hunching forward, such as sitting at a computer. Massage helps release tension in this area and improves upper back mobility.
Latissimus Dorsi: The lats, located in the mid to lower back, can become tight from activities like lifting or pulling. Massage can aid in relieving tightness in the lats and improving overall back flexibility.
Quadratus Lumborum: Situated in the lower back, the quadratus lumborum muscles can tighten due to poor posture, sitting, or repetitive movements. Massage can help reduce tension and discomfort in this area.
Hamstrings: The muscles at the back of the thigh, hamstrings often become tight due to activities like sitting for extended periods or engaging in sports. Massage can improve flexibility, reduce tightness, and alleviate discomfort.
Iliotibial (IT) Band: Running along the outside of the thigh, the IT band can become tight, especially in athletes or individuals engaging in repetitive activities like running. Massage can help release tension in the IT band, contributing to improved leg function.
Calf Muscles: Tight calf muscles are common, particularly in individuals who wear high heels, engage in running, or spend long periods on their feet. Massage can reduce tightness in the calves and improve overall leg discomfort.
Neck Muscles: Due to factors like stress, poor ergonomics, and excessive screen time, neck muscles can become tense and contribute to headaches and discomfort. Massage can target these muscles to promote relaxation and relieve tension.
Forearm and Hand Muscles: Repetitive activities such as typing or gripping can lead to tension in the forearm and hand muscles. Massage can help release tightness, reduce discomfort, and improve range of motion.

The sensation of feeling good during and after a massage in these areas is largely due to the release of muscle tension, improved blood circulation, and the activation of the body’s natural relaxation response. As the massage therapist applies pressure and manipulates the muscles, it stimulates blood flow, reduces muscle knots, and triggers the release of endorphins, contributing to a sense of physical and mental well-being.

Why does massage feel good at Leading Edge? Hear from our clients

At Leading Edge, we value recovery work just as much as our training program with our unique blend of at home massage and stretch therapy, which offers long-term benefits of muscle recovery beyond what just massage alone offers. Our team of functional exercise specialists and licensed massage therapists understand the physiological, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular effects of exercise and stress on the body. With this expertise we are able to pinpoint the origin of your pain and manipulate the soft tissues and effected muscles to resolve tightness and discomfort and improve form, posture. mobility and flexibility.

Here’s what our clients are saying about our unique approach to massage therapy.

“He’s super pro! I felt lighter and looser immediately after. He’s definitely very clinical in his approach.” – Thomas Howell
“He was great! After my session he even was able to work on my husband after me and resolve his migraine.” – Ayla Richards
“Kurush was great! He was so good I decided to sign up for your monthly membership along with my husband! Highly recommend!” – Ashita Gupta

Our client’s needs always come first. After all, your wellbeing is our top priority. We value you putting your care into our hands and understand there’s not one massage type for everyone. At Leading Edge you get to choose between our diverse variety of massage and stretch therapy techniques to customize your experience.

Wondering why does massage feel good? Book your massage appointment with us today and see for yourself!

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Unlocking the power of post-workout recovery for athletes

Why exercise recovery is important and not just for athletes

The truth is exercise recovery is important for everyone, not just for athletes. Every workout, regardless of its intensity or duration induces stress on the body. When you engage in physical activity, especially strenuous or high-intensity workouts whether it is during a game, at a gym or, even during a virtual workout session, you subject your muscles, joints, and various physiological systems to stress and strain. Recovery is essential to allow your body to adapt and respond to this stress positively.

The difference for athletes is that the stakes are even higher because they depend on their bodies to perform at the highest level requiring peak physical condition. Any physical limitation can greatly alter their athletic potential. Proper rest and recovery is equally as important as their training to allow their body to heal, repair and come back stronger. Recovery for athletes is essential to avoiding injury, overtraining and enhancing performance.

Types of exercise recovery for athletes

Athletes employ various types of recovery strategies to optimize their performance, prevent injuries, and support overall well-being. These recovery methods aim to address different aspects of the body’s response to training and competition. Here are some common types of recovery for athletes:

Active Recovery involves engaging in low-intensity exercise or activities, such as light jogging, swimming, or cycling, to promote blood flow and aid in the removal of metabolic byproducts from the muscles. The benefit is that it facilitates recovery by promoting circulation without adding significant stress to the body.
Passive Recovery involves complete rest or minimal physical activity. This allows the body to recover by reducing the overall physical load and stress on muscles and joints.
Nutritional Recovery focuses on consuming the right nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, to replenish energy stores and support muscle repair. This aids in glycogen replenishment, muscle protein synthesis, and overall recovery. Consulting a nutrition coach for better results is recommended.
Hydration involves maintaining proper fluid balance by drinking enough water and electrolytes to support optimal physiological function, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation.
Quality sleep is critical for hormone regulation, muscle repair, and overall physical and mental recovery.
Stretching and Flexibility Training includes static, dynamic and assisted stretching to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. This is critical for improving range of motion, reducing muscle stiffness, and helping prevent injuries.
Foam Rolling and Self-Myofascial Release involves using tools like foam rollers or massage sticks to apply pressure to muscles, release tension and promote blood flow. This helps alleviate muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and enhance recovery.
Cold Water Immersion (Cryotherapy) involves exposure to cold water or ice baths. This technique helps with resolving inflammation, minimizing muscle soreness, and accelerating recovery by constricting blood vessels and decreasing metabolic activity.
Compression Therapy involves wearing compression garments or using compression devices to apply pressure to limbs. This aids in reducing swelling, improving blood circulation, and minimizing muscle soreness.
Massage Therapy is a technique that involves hands-on manipulation of soft tissues by a massage therapist. It works by enhancing blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation.
Heat Therapy involves the application of heat through methods like hot baths, saunas, or heat packs, which is designed to increase blood flow, promote muscle relaxation, and aid in recovery.
Mental Recovery using techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and visualization to promote mental relaxation and reduce stress. This supports mental well-being, enhances focus, and helps manage performance-related stress.

Athletes often combine several of these post-work recovery strategies in their overall training and competition regimens. The effectiveness of each method can vary among individuals and sports, and it’s essential for athletes to tailor their recovery approaches based on their specific needs and preferences.

Choosing the best exercise recovery plan

There’s no one size fits all in choosing which recovery techniques to use. Deciding on the right recovery plan for you will depend on your available time, resources and needs. However, studies that compared these different recovery techniques found massage therapy to be the most effective for DOMS, inflammation, perceived fatigue and muscle damage. These findings indicate that massage therapy is the best choice for faster muscle recovery. Cold exposure such as water immersion and cryotherapy were found to be just as effective for inflammation. Compression garments were also found to have a significant positive impact on DOMS and perceived fatigue although not as pronounced.

Leading Edge sports massage for athlete recovery

Sports massage is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to enhance athletic performance, promote faster recovery, and prevent injuries. Here’s how our sports massage at Leading Edge addresses each of these 3 key areas:

At Leading Edge our sports massage enhances athletic performance by manipulating soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to address specific issues related to physical activity. Doing so allows athletes to maintain a higher training frequency without compromising performance or risking overtraining.

This technique accelerates recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and fatigue by increasing blood flow to the muscles promoting better circulation. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removes waste products, such as lactic acid, more efficiently.

By identifying areas of potential injury or muscular imbalance, our sports massage can address issues early on reducing the risk of injuries that may result from overuse or improper training techniques.

Our sports massage technique is unique in that it involves deep tissue work that combines both massage and assisted stretching. The stretching technique we use known as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is important because it helps improve flexibility, alignment, mobility and blood circulation promoting better posture, movement patterns and athletic performance.

Experience our hand-crafted sports massage for yourself and witness the power of deep tissue massage and stretching. Better yet, experience it right from your home with Leading Edge! Book your massage today and let us get you feeling rejuvenated again!