Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissue by a massage therapist. Techniques employed can be passive movement and articulation of joints, application of pressure in smooth gliding strokes and or direct finger pressure, with the intent of releasing muscle tension, soreness or tightness. Massage therapy is also helpful in reducing stress and calming nerves. There are a wide variety of massage types and techniques, ranging from therapeutic to spiritual. The general goal for massage therapy is to help you feel more relaxed in your body.
This varies from therapist to therapist, most therapists will discuss with you, your medical history, your experience with massage, as well as what your goals are that session. Once your therapist has a firm idea of your needs, they will leave the room and allow you to disrobe to your level of comfort. There should be a drape of some sort on the massage table, typically a sheet or a large towel for you to cover yourself with. Your therapist will knock on the door; to be sure that you are ready and your massage will begin.
During your session, your therapist will undrape the body part being massaged. Depending on the type of massage, they may use lotion or oil to reduce friction and add a soothing quality. A good massage therapist will check in with you throughout the massage to be sure they are using an adequate amount of pressure.
When your massage is finished, your therapist will quietly exit the room; allowing you to get dressed. Once you are dressed your massage therapist will most likely ask how you are feeling. It is important, you are open and honest with your therapist, it is not uncommon to feel, thirsty, hungry or even dizzy after a massage. A massage therapist will ask how you feel because they care about how your body received the massage work.
Massage therapy can play a very large part in injury recovery, managing stress and easing everyday aches and pains.
Massage has been proven to:
Ease muscle pain and spasm
Increase circulation, blood and lymphatic flow
Increase delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles
Enhance skin condition
Release endorphins
Speed healing of soft-tissue injuries
Speed recovery between athletic performances
Massage therapists work on the soft tissues - muscles, tendons, and lymphatic systems. Chiropractors are doctors who treat the skeletal and nervous systems. Although different, chiropractic and massage are very complimentary.
This is a question I see all the time. In short there is no hard and fast rule. Because there are many factors involved, it is a good idea to discuss this with your massage therapist. Learn from them about your body. See what he or she notices and what you notice. The most important thing is that you get on a regular schedule, because many times your massage therapist will find muscle tension you weren't even aware of. By reducing the amount of muscle tension in your body, you are also reducing your risk of injury, should you take a fall.
My goal is to help rid the body of pain … without causing pain, without surgery, without drugs … and to produce lasting results. Please call me at (330) 801-3715 for the latest rates.
Absolutely. Speak with your doctor, if you have any medical condition or are on prescription medication. If you have problems with your skin, heart, liver, or circulatory system, be sure you have your doctor's permission before getting a massage.
Lactic acid is a byproduct of your body's use of oxygen and nutrients. During a massage, the lactic acid I pushed from your muscle into your blood stream. Where in severe cases it can cause temporary, abdominal cramping, head ache and nausea. Water helps flush your system of anything released during a massage.
Requirements vary from state to state. Currently 29 states have certification or licensing requirements, Florida, Nebraska, New York, Oregon and Washington, have strict licensing requirements. Some states leave the regulation process to county or city offices. Most common massage schools offer programs of 500 to 1000 hours, depending on state requirements. Students learn anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, evaluation and assessment skills, and a variety of massage techniques. Discuss with your therapist, what their skills and experience are.
First, talk to your doctor or midwife. Be sure your therapists has training and experience in prenatal massage. Ask for references. Be sure your therapist has a detailed understanding of prenatal massage, and experience in dealing with the issues you face.
You should never do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Some types of massage such as Shiatsu can be done with the client fully clothed. Talk to your therapist and address the issues that may make you feel uncomfortable.
More and more people, from
strained athletes to weary executives and overwhelmed homemakers, are turning to
massage to relieve pain, reduce stress, and to improve the body's immune system
to combat disease and illness.
Many people get massages for the simple reason that it feels good and it
increases their ability to relax.
Absolutely not! Many people get massages for a variety of reasons other than pain. Although massage is excellent for relieving aches and pains, there are many other reasons to get a massage:
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