Sep 21, 2022 | The Rub Blog

Massage is good for you (and perhaps more than you know)!
We all know how good a massage can feel after a long day/week/vacation-that-wasn’t. But did you know that there are actual health benefits to getting regular massages? Not only does it feel amazing, but there are actual health benefits to getting regular massages. Here’s how 10 different conditions can be improved by having a professional give their hands to you an hour or two every week:
1. You Deserve It
Let’s get to the obvious one first! You work hard day in and day out. You deserve to treat yourself to a massage! A massage can help you relax and de-stress, and it is a great way to pamper yourself. Whether you book an appointment at a spa or purchase a massager for home use, getting a massage is a great way to unwind after a long week. Massages can help to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce stress levels. If you have never had a massage before, you may be wondering what to expect. Typically, a massage therapist will use their hands and forearms to apply pressure and knead the muscles. The pressure can be light or deep, depending on your preferences. Many people find that massages are incredibly relaxing, and they often report feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after their session. So why not give yourself the gift of relaxation today? You deserve it!
2. It Helps Relieve Pain
When it comes to chronic pain, there are a lot of different things that can help relieve it. For some people, massages are a great way to help reduce the pain. Massages can help improve circulation and flexibility, as well as release endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers that can help to reduce the amount of pain you’re feeling. If you’re looking for a way to help relieve chronic pain, massages might be something worth considering.
3. It Can Reduce Stress
In today’s world, it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress. One way to do this is through massage. Massages can help to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improve your mood. They can also help to promote relaxation by increasing circulation and releasing muscle tension. There are many different types of massages, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Whether you opt for a Swedish massage or a Deep Tissue massage, you’re sure to feel more relaxed and refreshed after your session. So why not book an appointment today? Your body (and mind) will thank you.
4. It Can Boost Your Immunity
If you’re looking for a way to boost your immune system, you might want to consider getting a massage. Massages can help increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection. This can be a great way to keep yourself healthy during cold and flu season. In addition to boosting your immunity, massages can also help to improve circulation, relieve stress, and reduce pain. So if you’re looking for a path to relaxation and boost your health, consider getting a massage.
5. It Can Improve Your Sleep
If you’re having trouble sleeping, a massage can be a great way to get the rest you need. Massages can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. While there are many different types of massages, Swedish massage is one of the most popular and is known for its gentle, flowing strokes. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Swedish massage may be effective in improving sleep quality in people with insomnia. The study participants who received massage therapy reported better sleep quality and less daytime fatigue than those who didn’t receive massage therapy. If you’re interested in trying massage therapy for better sleep, be sure to talk to your doctor or a qualified massage therapist to see if it’s right for you.
6. It Can Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is no joke. Also known as hypertension, it’s a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other problems. If you have high blood pressure, massages can help. How? By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Massages can also help to lower blood pressure by improving circulation and increasing the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to relax blood vessels. So if you’re looking for a way to help lower your blood pressure, book yourself a massage. It just might help!
7. It Can Enhance Your Mental Health
Massages aren’t just good for your physical health, they can also do wonders for your mental health. A massage can help to improve your mood and promote relaxation, which can be a great way to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression. If you’re feeling stressed out, a massage can be a great way to help you relax and unwind. And if you suffer from chronic pain, a massage can help to relieve some of the pain and improve your range of motion. There are many different types of massages, so you can find one that’s right for you. Whether you want a relaxing Swedish massage or a more invigorating deep tissue massage, there’s a type of massage that can help you feel your best.
8. It Can Help With Digestion
For anyone who’s ever suffered from digestive issues, the concept of a massage probably doesn’t sound all that appealing. However, recent research has shown that massages can be quite helpful for people with digestive problems. Massages can help to stimulate the digestive system and promote regularity. In addition, they can also help to relieve pain and relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. If you’re struggling with constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, consider giving massages a try. You may be surprised at how much they can help.
9. It Can Detoxify the Body
If you’re looking for a way to detox your body, you might want to consider getting a massage. Massages can help stimulate lymphatic drainage, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body. This can be a great way to cleanse your system and improve your overall health. In addition to detoxification, massages can also offer other benefits such as stress relief, pain relief, and improved circulation. So if you’re looking for a way to relax and improve your health, a massage might be just what you need.
10. It Can Help With Pregnancy
Going to get a massage when you’re pregnant is honestly one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Not only does it feel amazing, but it also has tons of benefits. It can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve circulation. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your baby. If you’re pregnant, be sure to consult with your doctor before booking a massage then give us a call (or hit this link) and set up a regular schedule for both prepartum and post-partum care with our amazing, highly skilled therapists.
So go ahead and book that massage today. You know you deserve it! Not only will it make you feel amazing, but there are some great health benefits to be had as well. Massages can help relieve pain, reduce stress, boost your immunity, improve your sleep, lower blood pressure, and more. If you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, look no further than a customized, tailored for you and your goals massage. Schedule one today at That’s the Rub!
Sep 6, 2022 | The Rub Blog

You work hard. You don’t get enough sleep. You’re always on the go. It’s no wonder you’re feeling a little (or a lot) stressed out. But did you know that massage therapy can help reduce stress and promote overall health? Massage therapy is more than just a way to relax; it’s a critical component of your health care regimen. Here’s why you should consider adding massage therapy to your health care routine.
Reduce Stress
The benefits of massage therapy for reducing stress
Massage therapy is one of the oldest and most natural forms of healing. It has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being.
Today, massage therapy is more popular than ever. People are realizing the many benefits that come with regular massage sessions. If you’re feeling stressed out, overworked, or just generally unhealthy, consider adding massage therapy to your health care routine. You won’t regret it!
Massage therapy relaxes the body and mind.
There are many benefits to massage therapy when it comes to reducing stress. One of the most important is that it relaxes the body and mind, which in turn can help to reduce tension and anxiety. Massage therapy can also help to improve sleep quality, which is essential for overall health and well-being. Additionally, massage therapy can help to boost the immune system and increase energy levels. All of these benefits can work together to help reduce stress levels and improve overall health. If you’re feeling stressed out, consider adding a few massage sessions to your weekly routine. You won’t regret it!
It helps release tension in the muscles.
One of the primary benefits of massage therapy is that it helps to release tension in the muscles. When you’re stressed out, your muscles tend to tense up, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Massage therapy can help to loosen those muscles and promote relaxation. This can be extremely beneficial for overall health and well-being.
Massage therapy also helps to improve circulation. When you’re stressed out, your body produces more cortisol, which can have a negative effect on blood flow. Massage therapy can help to improve circulation and reduce the amount of cortisol in the body. This can help to improve overall health and well-being.
Finally, massage therapy is a great way to reduce stress levels. When you’re stressed out, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which can have a number of negative consequences for overall health. Massage therapy can help to calm the body and mind, and promote a sense of peace and well-being.
It can improve circulation and energy flow.
One of the primary benefits of massage therapy is that it helps to improve circulation. When you’re stressed out, your body produces more cortisol, which can have a negative effect on blood flow. Massage therapy can help to improve circulation and reduce the amount of cortisol in the body. This can help to improve overall health and well-being.
Additionally, massage therapy can help to boost the immune system and increase energy levels. All of these benefits can work together to help improve circulation and promote overall health. If you’re feeling sluggish or run down, consider adding a few massage sessions to your weekly routine.
Massage therapy provides a sense of calm and peace.
Calm is important because it allows the body and mind to relax and rejuvenate. When you’re stressed out, your body is in a constant state of fight or flight mode, which can be harmful to overall health. Massage therapy can help to calm the body and mind, and promote a sense of peace and well-being. This can be extremely beneficial for overall health and well-being.
It supports self-healing and helps the body to rebalance itself.
The body has an amazing ability to heal itself. It does this through a number of different techniques, and can be aided by massage therapy and aromatherapy which can help reduce stress levels as well improve circulation in the muscles by increasing blood flow or strengthening them with exercise if they’re too relaxed due to lackadaisical stretching habits! Your body wants to be in a balanced state, and when it’s not, massage can help encourage balance by providing deep tissue pressure that releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) which have a pain-relieving effect as well! This one-two punch can speed healing throughout the body long after the massage itself is finished.
Promote Muscle Relaxation
Massage therapy isn’t just good for your mind; it’s also good for your muscles (while obvious on the surface, there’s depth to this idea). When you’re stressed, your muscles tend to tense up, leading to pain and stiffness due to waste-product build-up in the tissues. Massage therapy helps to promote muscle relaxation and improve range of motion, which in turn will improve the elimination of stress hormones like cortisol. As a result, you’ll feel less pain and be able to move more easily, which in turn will continue the cycle of stress reduction.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and promote overall health, consider adding regular massage therapy to your health care routine. Massage therapy has numerous benefits, including reducing stress levels, promoting muscle relaxation, and improving circulation. So what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with a licensed massage therapist at That’s the Rub today!
Sep 5, 2022 | The Rub Blog

Getting Back to Normal after COVID-19
Massage therapy has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In times of high stress, such as during a pandemic, massage can be a vital tool for helping people recover and stay healthy. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of massage for recovering from COVID-19 and provide some tips for how to get the most out of your massage sessions.
There are many benefits to massage therapy, but some of the most important for recovering from COVID-19 include:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This can help to promote relaxation and ease anxiety.
- Improving sleep: Massage can help to improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
- Boosting immunity: Massage has been shown to boost immunity by increasing levels of white blood cells. This can help your body fight off infection and speed up recovery.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of massage therapy for recovering from COVID-19:
- Schedule regular sessions: To get the most benefit from massage, it is important to schedule regular sessions. This will help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
- Find a qualified therapist: Make sure to find a qualified massage therapist who has experience working with people recovering from COVID-19. Therapists at That’s the Rub Massage Therapy Center have been on the frontlines of the pandemic and massage since the beginning, constantly updating our practices and procedures based on current research and techniques.
- Communicate with your therapist: Be sure to communicate with your massage therapist about your goals for the session. This will help them tailor the massage to meet your needs.
We hope that these tips have been helpful in understanding how massage can help you recover from the stress of COVID-19. If you have any questions or want to schedule your next treatment, please contact us at 812-333-3393 or online 24/7 at www.thatstherub.com (or by clicking here, of course). We are here to help you on your journey to recovery!
Sep 2, 2022 | The Rub Blog

If you’re looking for a way to jumpstart your weight loss journey, you might want to consider adding deep tissue massage to your routine. That’s right – massage isn’t just for relaxation; it can also be a powerful tool in your weight loss arsenal. Studies have shown that deep tissue massage can help the body burn calories, reduce cellulite, and even boon athletic performance. Here’s a closer look at how deep tissue massage can help you lose weight and keep it off for good.
How Deep Tissue Massage Can Help You Lose Weight
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that targets the deepest layers of muscle tissue. This type of massage is typically slower and more intense than other types of massages, but it can be extremely effective in promoting weight loss. One study found that participants who received deep tissue massages burned more calories in the 24 hours after their treatment than those who didn’t receive massages. What’s more, the participants who received massages also had reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to increased appetite and cravings.
Another study looked at the effects of deep tissue massage on cellulite. Cellulite is a type of fat that tends to deposit in areas like the thighs and buttocks. It’s often difficult to get rid of, but the good news is that deep tissue massage can help. The study found that participants who received regular deep tissue massages experienced reduced cellulite deposition in their thighs over the course of eight weeks.
Finally, deep tissue massage can also help improve athletic performance. One study looked at the effects of deep tissue massage on cyclists who were training for a race. The study found that those who received regular massages improved their power output by an average of 3%.
If you’re looking for a way to jumpstart your weight loss journey, consider adding deep tissue massage to your routine. Studies have shown that this type of massage can help burn calories, reduce cellulite, and even improve athletic performance. So if you’re ready to start losing weight and keeping it off for good, book a session with a licensed masseuse today!
May 27, 2021 | Articles, Classes, The Rub Blog

This story begins on a somber note: my father passed away recently — and to be candid, some might say he died when he retired. He was a very passionate cook his entire life and it’s all he loved to do. Shortly after he retired he had a stroke and his health, slowly at times and quickly in others, declined, until he was no longer able to cook or taste things of which he was once a master. I learned a lot from my father; how to be passionate about the work I do, a good work ethic, and not living my life in fear of living. The last one by omission as my father never pursued what he really wanted: to own his own restaurant out of fear it would fail. From watching his trepidation growing up, I worked on building my resistance to fear and the skills for something I was passionate about.
Finding that passion took a lot of twists and turns, but eventually, I landed on the thing I knew I was meant to do. I have always (even as a child) been interested in the human body and anatomy, especially the way the body works.
As condensed as possible, my story:
While living in South Korea in the mid-1990s, I studied to become a group fitness instructor and entrepreneurially began a fitness program for the military children after school as a volunteer, while also teaching aerobics at Yongsan AIN, and conversational English at a nearby university – my education passion was sparked. After we moved (off to Germany that time) the volunteer position I’d created became a paid position, which proved there was demand in the market for what I wanted to teach. When we moved to Frankfort (Rhein-Main AFB), I added personal training to the mix and managed even more after-school programs for kids (this time a paid position, modeled on the one I created in Seoul), with, of course, a focus on physical fitness. More sparks.
The irony of that position was how excited I was to have my own office with a desk (not exactly physical fitness), which I didn’t use much as I was always playing with the kids. While in Germany a friend of mine, an occupational therapist, suggested she thought I would make a good massage therapist and the idea just stayed in the back of my head. Once I returned stateside — we were living in Utah in a small town on the south side of the Great Salt Lake – an hour away, Salt Lake City (at the time) was the capital of massage training (I don’t know if it is any longer) and after a tour of the Utah College of Massage Therapy campus, I was so excited I signed up for the program on a Friday, paid for my parking pass, quit my job and started classes that next Monday. As anyone who has been through massage school can tell you, it’s rigorous training and it changes your life, from the inside out — The very first day, I was hooked. I chose massage because it’s a vast field of change, opportunity, and many modalities to choose from so I knew I would never be bored with this job. That’s right! I’d found what I was passionate about.
I was also right that I would never be bored. My massage career in 21 years has had a lot of twists and turns, but I’m still doing bodywork and have really created my own style, which I introduced with That’s the Rub 12 years ago in our wonderful little burg of Bloomington. For the last five years, I’ve been teaching in the massage program I helped found at Ivy Tech some of my style and now I’m bringing it to our own school with the opening of Keplinger Institute of Massage and Wellness (website coming soon). Not only will be teaching massage professionals continuing education, we will be introducing wellness classes to the community while also working on our trade school curriculum to soon be able to train people for licensure.
Every day I choose to live through my passion for the anatomy of the human body that has followed me since my early childhood. Each time I strayed something brought me back to it. Anatomy, massage, fitness, nutrition, teaching, growing, and wellness, the options are endless, and I am most passionate about sharing them with YOU!
I invite you to join me for our FIST community offering: Ki for Stretch and Relax, and very soon for Guided Couples Massage, or any of the classes my passion leads us to. Sparks are flying, I’m excited about the adventure, I can’t wait to meet you!
That’s the Rub,
Lisa
Mar 12, 2020 | Articles, The Rub Blog

MAY 21, 2021 UPDATE: Yup! We’re almost back to normalcy. Almost. Group classes have started again (YOU should come!) and we also offer facials, couple’s services, and more. But masks are still required until the medical board (who we fall under as massage therapy) declares it safe for medical practices to ensure safety for all). We thank you for your understanding as we move a little closer to normal…in a very relaxed way.
[June 3, 2020 UPDATE: We ARE OPEN after 2.5 months and we’re thrilled! This blog post has some good information in it so I’m not removing it, but for an update on our specific actions and plans, please visit our COVID-19 Response Page.]
Dear Friends:
Today’s blog is brought to you by the Letter C and the Number 19. There’s no way to make light of such an important topic as COVID-19, but this a That’s the Rub email, so I’ll try to keep it informative and fun as a possible. That said, let me hit the highpoints and then dig in more:
TLDR: Yes, we’re OPEN! Massage is GREAT for moving lymph and helping to strengthen your immune system. We are taking our already extraordinary precautions to an even higher level (we’re clean freaks anyway). We’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
If you’ve been with That’s the Rub for any length of time, you know we take our client’s health VERY seriously. Likewise, we take our team’s health just as seriously. COVID-19 (the novel corona virus) is scaring a lot of people, and for a very good reason. We’ve always been a bit more than germophobic around here, but we’ve been increasing our disinfecting across the board…and knobs…and shelves…and anyplace that has a chance of being touched by one of us or you (honestly, we were pretty fastidious already, but more can’t hurt).
Massage therapists and estheticians (by training, law, and OSHA) wash their hands (for at least 30 seconds) BEFORE AND AFTER every service. Always. Every time. The only change is we may be doing it EVEN MORE. But you can rest assured we are doing a LOT (and I mean a LOT)!
Next, after a long and hard think, we have changed our sheet process. In the past we have used (or owned) a cleaning service to launder our sheets. In no small part to the current viral concerns we have switched to a certified medical-grade cleaning service who provides linens to hospitals. This might be overkill and is above and beyond state and federal OSHA standards for a day spa, but we think we’re all worth it — we’re not playing games with anyone’s health. Our sheets have always been single-client use, but now they are being fully sanitized, not just cleaned. The quality of the new linens is just as high as we’ve always had, but you can rest assured they are the cleanest it is possible to clean them.
The fuzzy blankets are still around but are no longer the default in making the tables. They’re not really needed, the new top-sheets we use are extra thick and when combined with the table warmers (on ALL our tables) are more than sufficient (If you get cold during a service, PLEASE ask your therapist to turn up the table, they will happily do so!).
We have always provided equipment for our Yomassage, breathwork, couple’s massage training and other classes, and we will continue to do so. While we do disinfect all equipment between classes, you are always welcome to bring your own, and single-use pillowcases will be available upon request for bolsters, etc.
Our 24-hour cancellation policy remains in place (e.g. if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment you will be charged full price), HOWEVER, we have ALWAYS had an exception for illness which is certainly not changing. If you are sick, PLEASE call us as soon as possible and stay home, drink bone broth, binge watch something insipid, and get healthy. We don’t want it either.
Likewise, we have always empowered our staff to turn away any client for any reason whether it is health, cleanliness, safety, or otherwise. If you show up sick, and we are concerned, you will be asked to reschedule (did I mention we don’t want it either?).
However, should one of our staff come down sick, we also will ask them to stay home. This could become inconvenient at the last minute before an appointment, and we will do everything we can to keep you informed. Where possible, we will simply move you to another of our fantastic therapists and you won’t miss a step (did you know we take EXTENSIVE notes after each and every appointment for just such an occasion? Yup! Always have, always will).
But as there is a lot (A LOT!) of confusion as to what is allergy, cold, flu, or COVID-19 The chart at the top of this blog is for your reference. If you’ve only got allergies, may I recommend our signature Allergy Relief Rub? It’s awesome!
Friends, we’re all in this together, and you can be assured we are watching, reading, and listening to everything and will absolutely operate within the law, common sense, and needs of the health of our community.
That’s the Rub!
Jim, Lisa, and Team Rub
PS – If you have ANY questions, please don’t hesitate to write me directly: jim@thatstherub.com
