Are you looking for the best massage therapy in Colorado Springs? If so, you are in the right place. At Thrive Health Systems, we offer massage therapy to relieve muscle tightness, soft-tissue discomfort, and stress, and to support relaxation, recovery, and overall physical well-being.
When you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, exercising at the gym, doing physical work, caring for your family, or dealing with everyday stress, you may build up muscle tension without even noticing. At Thrive Health Systems, we offer professional massage in Colorado Springs along with other services related to health and well-being, making it possible to customize the treatment to your needs.
While massages are relaxing, they can be much more than that. Depending on the type of massage, our massage service in Colorado Springs addresses superficial or deep soft tissues, muscle tension, trigger points, athletic recovery, or relaxation. Knowing the difference between different types of massage can help you choose the one that would best suit you.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of the muscles and other soft body tissues using varying pressures and movements. It may involve large, gliding movements for relaxing your body or applying pressure on specific areas where muscle tension and discomfort are concentrated.
The goal of massage treatment varies from person to person. The choice of different massage therapies is dictated by what you aim to accomplish from the massage treatment. If your goal is relaxation, a gentle massage may help you unwind and reduce feelings of stress.
This is why therapists usually start by learning your expectations for the session. Your objectives, areas of concern, your level of activity, past injuries, sensitivity to touch, as well as your health conditions could affect the choice of therapy.
Massage therapy can involve different techniques and approaches depending on the individual’s goals and needs. You can choose various body massage therapy methods to fit your needs.
A relaxation massage and a therapeutic massage have their own functions. In particular, relaxation massage focuses on your comfort, relaxation, and a calming effect. On the other hand, therapeutic massage can be goal-oriented and concentrate on muscles, tissue restriction, mobility, or certain areas of concern.
Types of Massage Therapy in Colorado Springs We Offer
There is no universal “best” massage modality that suits everyone. Some of the many massages we offer at Thrive Health Systems include sports massage, prenatal massage, and massage for couples, etc.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage utilizes pressure that is concentrated to target your muscles and connective tissues at deeper levels. You may consider deep tissue massage treatment when you are looking for more focused work on areas of persistent or significant muscle tension.
Even though deep tissue massage therapy techniques may seem to imply “as hard as possible,” it is important to remember that this type of massage is not all about applying pressure that hurts. Pressure is only effective within your tolerance range.
Deep muscle massage in Colorado Springs can be performed on your body where the buildup of muscular tension is common, such as in the back, shoulders, hips, legs, and other parts of the body. This technique can also help physically active individuals who suffer from muscle tightness due to repetitive exercise or physical activity.
For athletes, deep tissue massages can serve as part of their recovery process. Thrive Massage Service provides deep tissue massage for athletes and physically active individuals.
If you are considering deep tissue massage for athletic recovery, you can also consider sports massages as another form of massage designed for physically active people.
Deep tissue massage can be performed in different ways, based on the region of the body, such as deep tissue shoulder massage, deep tissue lower back massage, or deep tissue neck massage. The techniques and areas treated may be adjusted according to the individual’s needs and goals.
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is a more purposeful form of massage therapy that may be geared toward addressing your muscle tension, limited mobility, pain, or healing.
As opposed to the standard technique of applying uniform pressure to your whole body, a therapist may pay more attention to certain problem spots that are causing the issues. Thus, if you are suffering from considerable tension in your shoulders and upper back, you may benefit from additional massage in these problem areas.
At Thrive, we offer flexible therapeutic deep tissue massage in Colorado Springs that can be adjusted during the course of your treatment, as it depends on your body’s reaction to different pressure and positions. It is what distinguishes therapeutic massage from relaxation massage, although it can have a relaxing effect on your body.
Soft Tissue Massage
Soft tissue massage targets tissues including your muscles and fascia and can help treat issues involving tight muscles and restricted range of movement.
There are various soft tissue massage techniques that incorporate broad movements, kneading, compression, friction, or other manual work, and the specific technique used depends on the training of the soft tissue therapist and your condition.
Soft tissue massage is also important for rehabilitation because muscle stiffness and movement restrictions affect your overall movement. It can complement physical therapy or exercise rehabilitation, depending on the situation, rather than replace it.
You may confuse it with soft tissue massage physical therapy, but massage and physical therapy are different services and cannot be considered the same. Physical therapy involves assessment and interventions such as exercise and functional training.
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage uses specific techniques that target muscle groups and trigger points in areas of sensitivity. Neuromuscular massage therapy does not apply general strokes throughout the body but may concentrate on certain muscles or areas of discomfort.
Neuromuscular massage techniques are more specific than regular relaxation massage therapy. Techniques may include applying constant pressure or specific compression to certain parts of the body. The pressure must be adequate for your needs, especially if the area is sensitive.
However, there can be conceptual similarities between neuromuscular therapy massage and neuromuscular trigger point therapy and deep tissue therapies, although the treatment goals and the assessments done by the practitioner differ.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger points are specific muscle spots that can be very sensitive to pressure application. Trigger point massage includes pressure application and other approaches on such spots.
Trigger point therapy can be used as a part of a larger massage session if localized muscle tightness causes you pain and discomfort.
For instance, if you have tightness in the upper trapezius muscles, you will get massage treatment only around your shoulder and upper back regions instead of equal pressure applied to your whole body.
Nowadays, multiple manual treatments are available for myofascial trigger points, nowadays. In particular, deep tissue trigger point massage could have relieving effects in various situations.
Medical Massage
Medical massage therapy in Colorado Springs tends to have specific aims in addressing your problems, whereas relaxation does not necessarily have such specific purposes.
Medical massage can entail the manipulation of soft tissue based on your complaints, restrictions, or general program. At Thrive, therapeutic and deep tissue medical massage in Colorado Springs may be used to address muscular discomfort, soft-tissue tension, or recovery needs following certain injuries.
However, it is essential to set realistic expectations. There should not always be a belief that a massage would solve the underlying medical problem. For some problems, other medical treatments are needed along with massage.
Relaxation Massage
Relaxation massage therapy uses soft techniques meant to induce physical and mental relaxation. You may need a body relaxation massage to get rid of daily muscle tension, or for a little relaxation time.
Thus, relaxation massage may promote physical and mental relaxation and help people unwind. It could be quite appealing in cases where stress comes along with shoulder, neck, or muscle tension.
Massage for Different Areas of the Body
Massage does not necessarily have to follow the full-body routine all the time. The therapy can be customized in such a way that it focuses on a specific area.
Back, Lower Back, and Shoulder Massage
The back and shoulder muscles are the most common areas for muscular tension. Prolonged sitting, repetitive activities, lifting, training, and stress may cause feelings of muscle tightness.
Back massage therapy usually targets the muscles surrounding either your upper, middle, or lower back regions. The combination of broad massage and localized pressure would depend on your sensitivity.
If you are seeking back pain massage, it is important to understand whether your discomfort may be related to muscular tension or spasm. While deep tissue massage techniques for lower back pain may be appropriate for muscular tension and soft-tissue discomfort, neurological symptoms, significant injury, or unexplained pain may require clinical evaluation.
Lower back massage therapy targets your soft tissues around the area without making an assumption that lower-back pain is always due to muscular problems.
A massage for the shoulder region is also applicable if you experience shoulder muscle tightness due to computer use, driving, lifting, training, and stress. However, massage for shoulder pain needs individualized treatment, especially if there was trauma and other symptoms.
Neck and Head Massage
Tension in the neck and shoulder goes hand-in-hand. You can consider getting several treatments, including a massage for cervical muscles, upper shoulders, and upper back using appropriate pressure.
The neck massage in Colorado Springs treatment may prove ideal for you if you are dealing with muscle tension due to bad posture, extensive screen time, work stress, or general stress.
A therapist may apply different neck and head massage techniques based on the intended outcome. It is important to note that you should consider gentle techniques when looking for relaxation, while muscle tension may require more intense work.
However, neck pain is not always a straightforward issue involving the muscles. Cases of severe pain due to any form of injury, weakness, dizziness, fever, or anything else should seek medical advice first.
Foot, Hand, and Facial Massage
Repetitive strain injuries are common in hands and feet, especially if you are working while standing up, engaging in exercises, and performing repetitive manual actions.
Localized foot massage techniques can create a relaxing effect as well as alleviate the feeling of muscle exhaustion. Techniques for foot massages include compression, kneading, and manipulation of specific muscle areas.
Hand massage techniques can also relax people using keyboards, mobile phones, and other equipment during the day.
Facial massage techniques are generally gentler than body massages, as facial muscles tend to be delicate compared to body muscles.
TMJ Massage in Colorado Springs
Jaw tension doesn’t just limit itself to the jaw. Other facial muscles around the temples, neck, and shoulders could be tense as well, especially if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth.
As such, TMJ massage Colorado Springs treatments could be done by massaging the appropriate muscle tissues as well.
Remember that massaging should never take the place of proper diagnosis when it comes to treating jaw symptoms that are persistent and severe, or have any association with locking, major changes in bites, injury, or other worrying symptoms.
If your jaw problems need a more comprehensive approach, consider TMJ and jaw treatment as an option.
Massage Therapy for Pain Relief
Massage is commonly used to address muscle tension and discomfort. However, the evidence for pain relief varies depending on the type and cause of pain.
Massage therapy benefits for pain relief may vary depending on the condition, the type of pain, and the individual. Research suggests that massage may provide short-term relief for certain types of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort.
In other words, massage can be helpful for particular individuals and types of pain; however, it is not a universal remedy.
Massage therapy also works as a self-management tool for musculoskeletal pain and chronic diseases. The conditions in the included studies ranged from neck and back pain, arthritis, stress, and anxiety. The results indicate a practical solution in which massage therapy can be a part of your overall plan.
Possible reasons why you might need massage include:
- Post-workout muscular stiffness
- General upper back and shoulder stiffness
- Muscular tension due to stress
- Local soft tissue soreness
- Recovery from intense physical activities
- Relaxation and wellness
- Part of a larger rehabilitation program
However, if your symptoms indicate something that requires clinical care, massage therapy should be used in conjunction with it and not act as a replacement.
For sciatic back pain, sciatica treatment should go beyond massage alone. This is because sciatica may involve irritated nerves and may require clinical evaluation to diagnose rather than massage alone. Sciatic nerve release massage can help relieve tension on your sciatic nerve but may not completely reduce your pain.
Massage for Athletes and Active Individuals
Athletes place recurring stresses on their muscles, tendons, joints, and other connective tissues. This makes recovery an important factor in consistent performance.
A massage for athletes can be used as part of their overall recovery protocol. For athletes, massage can be done to achieve relaxation, mobility, reduce muscular tension, or prepare for physical activity depending on the timing and goal of the massage.
A massage therapist for professional athletes has a variety of techniques based on their training regimen and specific sport. Recreational athletes too can benefit from a more comprehensive analysis of their training volume, recovery time, injury history, and soreness.
Deep-tissue massage can be used in some instances, but increased pressure does not necessarily mean more benefits just before competitions or exercises.
At Thrive, our sports therapists offer sports massage therapy that helps athletes and active individuals with their recovery and performance.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
The advantage of massage therapy can differ depending on your requirements and the type of massage performed. Here are some benefits of the best body massage therapy.
Physical Benefits
Physical benefits include:
- Short-term alleviation of muscle tension
- Increased feeling of muscular relaxation
- Assistance with soft tissue mobility
- Relaxation following physical activity
- Better physical comfort perception
- Support for post-exercise recovery
It is necessary to differentiate between temporary relief of discomfort and treating the underlying problem. If your discomfort is caused by a structural or medical issue, massage might help to relieve it, but not to treat it.
Mental and Stress-Related Benefits
Another reason for choosing massage is that there is a desire to spend time relaxing.
A session of getting a massage in a relaxed atmosphere might lead to physical relaxation and may help you reduce tension due to busy days.
The effectiveness of massage on stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues is being studied further. There are systematic reviews available on the potential massage benefits for mental health in people with anxiety and stress, but evidence varies by different treatment protocols.
That is why it would be more accurate to state that massage could help to relax and reduce your stress rather than treating anxiety and depression.
Benefits for Pain and Muscle Tension
Evidence suggests a strong correlation between massage therapy and pain, though the level of evidence differs greatly depending on the disease type.
Research on massage therapy and pain relief suggests that benefits vary by condition, with some evidence supporting short-term improvements in pain and function.
Massage therapy may be a useful complementary approach for certain types of pain and muscular tension, depending on the individual and the underlying cause.
Which Type of Massage Is Right for You?
What makes a massage most effective depends on your goal for the experience. The table below can help you know which type is suitable for you.
| Goal | Potential Massage Type |
| General relaxation | Relaxation massage |
| Significant muscle tension | Deep tissue massage |
| Targeted muscular work | Neuromuscular or trigger point massage |
| Soft tissue concerns | Soft tissue massage |
| Therapeutic goals | Therapeutic massage |
| Athletic recovery | Sports massage |
| Pregnancy-related massage | Prenatal massage |
| Massage for two | Couple massage |
| General muscular relaxation | Full body massage |
What is crucial here is that the categories may be overlapping. A therapeutic massage can involve deep-tissue techniques. A sports massage can involve trigger-point work. A full-body massage in Colorado Springs has extra attention to a very tense shoulder. It all depends on the therapist’s evaluation and your objectives.
Our Massage Therapists in Colorado Springs
Selecting a massage therapist should be done on more criteria than just looking for “the best massage therapist in Colorado Springs.”
A professional massage therapist will ensure that they know what your intentions are, talk about pressure, and adjust accordingly.
Some things to consider when choosing a local massage therapist include:
- Does the massage therapist provide the kind of massage you need?
- Does the massage therapist ask about your intentions and health background?
- Are you able to communicate easily regarding pressure?
- Does the atmosphere seem professional and safe?
- Is there an opportunity to have massage services combined with other services where appropriate?
- Are the duration and price reasonable?
However, different locations and designations will have their own set of credential requirements, which is why you should not select a provider based on the presence of words like “licensed,” “registered,” or “certified” on the website.
Thrive Health Systems is a healthcare setting that offers many other healthcare services apart from massage, including chiropractic, spinal decompression, functional movement, and laser therapy.
Why Choose Thrive Health Systems for Massage Therapy?
At Thrive Health Systems, our therapists provide a holistic approach to wellness instead of looking at massage therapy in isolation.
Now, we offer massage therapy in Colorado Springs in two centers located: 4209 Centennial Blvd. and 5410 Powers Center Pointe, Ste. 100.
In addition, other features provided under the broader framework of Thrive include chiropractic care, spinal decompression, Class IV laser therapy, functional movement, and functional medicine. This can prove beneficial for you if you have more complex needs related to massage therapy in Colorado Springs.
Regarding the service itself, there are multiple variations, and you can opt for a certain method depending on what you wish to achieve, from relaxation and muscular work to post-workout recovery and pregnancy, etc.
Above all else, our process is always personalized. What worked well for one person does not necessarily mean that it will work just as well for another person.
Massage Therapy Sessions and Pricing
The prices of massages could be different from one provider to the other depending on the type of massage, the duration, the experience of the therapist, location, and whether the provider gives membership and introductory discounts.
At Thrive Health Systems, we currently charge $99 for an average 60-minute deep tissue massage in Colorado Springs. The practice also gives a first-time massage offer of $49. Since promotions tend to change often, it is wise to verify the pricing when booking.
We also have a Massage Club at a price of $79 per month that offers one massage each month at a convenient time depending on availability.
Instead of choosing a provider just because you want a “cheap massage Colorado Springs,” think of the overall value of the service. A quality massage experience can involve appropriate assessment, clear communication, therapist expertise, and techniques suited to your goals.
When searching for a 90-minute deep tissue massage in Colorado Springs, or any other special appointment, you should check the availability and pricing because session charges can vary.
Walk-In Massage vs. Scheduled Appointments
It’s not always the case that a massage is planned out weeks in advance. Some people just know that their shoulders are tight at the end of a difficult week and need an immediate appointment.
At Thrive, a cheap walk-in massage in Colorado Springs is available, depending on therapist availability.
Still, it may be better to schedule ahead of time if you require:
- Your preferred therapist
- A certain type of massage
- A longer session
- Your preferred appointment time
- Massages around a busy training or working schedule
When looking for the best massage places in Colorado Springs, comparing availability, services, locations, prices, and therapists can be more helpful than simply choosing the nearest massage business.
FAQs Related to Massage Therapy
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is defined as the manual manipulation of soft tissues, including the muscles. The type of massage performed depends on the purpose that the client wants to achieve.
What type of massage is best for muscle tension?
Deep tissue massage, therapeutic massage, neuromuscular massage, or trigger point massage can all be beneficial depending on the area and level of muscular tension. However, this does not mean that deep tissue massage is always the best choice.
Is massage therapy good for back or neck pain?
Yes, massage therapy can provide relief from muscular stress and particular kinds of back or neck pain. While there is an indication of the possible effectiveness of massage for pain relief, not all evidence is of high quality across different pain syndromes.
What is the difference between deep tissue and therapeutic massage?
Deep tissue massage concentrates on deeper tissues. On the other hand, therapeutic massage refers to a purposeful massage that could employ different kinds of techniques based on a person’s needs.
How long does a massage therapy session last?
The duration of sessions varies from provider to provider and type of therapy. Typically, it could last from 50 to 90 minutes depending on requirements.
How often should you get a massage?
It depends on your goals, how active you are, symptoms, cost, and reaction to the treatment. While some people need only sporadic appointments, for others, it is important to maintain a steady wellness regimen.
Can massage therapy help with stress and relaxation?
Yes, massage could facilitate relaxation and help lower your stress level. Massage therapy might offer some benefit in reducing stress or anxiety, but it cannot be seen as a substitute for professional treatment if required.
How do I choose the right massage therapist in Colorado Springs?
Consider your objective first. Ask if the professional performs the modality you want, if they ask about your medical background and preferences, and if they are able to vary the amount of pressure used throughout the session. Convenience, fees, qualifications, communication, and the clinical setting are also important considerations.
Schedule Massage Therapy in Colorado Springs
Looking for massage therapy in Colorado Springs? Thrive Health Systems offers several massage options, including therapeutic, medical, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, neuromuscular, and couples massage. Contact Thrive Health Systems to discuss your goals, choose the appropriate service, and schedule your appointment.
