Massage

What to expect on your first massage

Your massage will be given by a trained massage therapist with many hours of training and practice. On your first session your therapist will ask you a few general health questions, and have you fill out a client information form. Your massage therapist will then leave the room while you undress and relax on the table, covering yourself with a clean sheet. Your massage will take place on a table designed especially for your comfort. During the massage, the massage room will be warm, quite, and private. There may be soft music to help you achieve a more relaxing mood.

For a full body massage, most people choose to undress completely, but you may leave on any amount of clothing necesary to maintain your comfort level. You are warmly draped at all times, except for the area being massaged. Your modesty is respected and professionalism is maintained at all times. Your massage therapist will use a light oil, which is good for your skin, to make the massage smoother and more enjoyable.

During your massage take deep natural breaths, it helps you to more easily relax. Some people just close their eyes and drift away during a massage, others prefer to talk. Do what feels natural to you. Never be afraid to ask any questions you might have during a massage session. Good feedback is important; let your therapist know what feels good to you. A massage generally last about an hour but it can be longer or shorter depending on the client's needs. After the massage the therapist will leave the room while you get dressed. Before you leave the therapist will discuss with you the need to drink a lot of water. You will be asked if you would like to set up another appointment. Many clients have an increased energy and better relaxation over the next few days.

Enjoy Your Massage !

MASSAGE

What does a massage therapist do?

A trained therapist uses oil, lotion or aromatherapy as she or he strokes, kneads, rolls, pummels, taps and stretches the muscles and soft tissues while you lie warm and covered with a sheet or blanket on a padded table.

There are as many types of massage as there are nationalities. Common types in the United States include:

Swedish massage: Employs gliding, stroking and friction techniques as well as passive movements, including foot rotation and leg bends. Swedish massage approaches the body from an anatomical, physiological point of view.

Deep-tissue massage: A type that works deeper into the body's tissues. This kind of massage can feel less relaxing, but is well-suited for relieving chronic pain and helping rehabilitate the body after injuries.

Ayurvedic massage: Detoxifies and rejuvenates the body through vigorous massage using warm, herbal oils. In one technique, shirodhara, the therapist pours a steady stream of warm oil over the forehead to calm and balance the nervous system.

Japanese massage: Called anma, Japanese massage is based on the 5,000-year-old principles of Chinese medicine and features choreographed movements that emphasize rhythm, pacing, precision and form.

Thai massage: Is influenced by yoga and incorporates stretching facilitated by the therapist.

Key principles of massage

Stimulation of the body's tissues enhances its ability to heal and relax. Much of this is due to the power of touch. Gentle massage has been shown to trigger the release of endorphins, natural pain-killers, to bring about a feeling of well-being.

In addition to the soothing effect of massage, this holistic form of health care also stimulates circulation, muscle relaxation and lymphatic flow. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, which studies the effects of massage, found that premature infants who were stroked daily gained more weight faster and were more active.

Which types of conditions are best treated by massage?

A host of mind-body benefits can be attributed to the ages-old and multi-national practice of therapeutic massage. Depending on the style and focus, massage can increase circulation, reduce muscular tension and emotional stress, enhance flexibility and athletic performance, correct posture, stimulate lymph drainage, control musculoskeletal pain, increase alertness and energy levels, and boost feelings of well-being.

Massage is commonly used to help with:

stress

back pain, neck pain, whiplash

insomnia

chronic headaches

arthritis stiffness

high blood pressure

digestive disorders

depression and anxiety

rehabilitation after a musculoskeletal injury

Training/education required

There are more than 900 massage schools across the country with training periods that range from a month to two years. The nationwide standard is typically 500 hours for a massage therapist and most states administer a written or practical exam in addition to the educational requirement. Typically, a well-trained massage therapist is schooled in several types of massage and has an excellent knowledge of anatomy and physiology. More than half of the states regulate massage therapists, requiring them to be either licensed, registered or certified in that state.

What to look for when choosing a massage therapist

The best way to find a good therapist is to check whether she or he is registered/certified and is a member of an organization such as the American Massage Therapy Association or the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. Check www.amtamassage.org to locate a member therapist near you.

After determining a therapist's credentials, try a session or ask if they offer a free 10-minute "test" massage. You should feel comfortable and relaxed with the therapist. Here are some other criteria:

Allows you privacy while you disrobe

Covers your body with a sheet or blanket for modesty and warmth

Inquires before beginning about what parts of the body to focus on during the massage.

Asks for feedback regarding the quality of touch whether it's too hard or too gentle.

Immediately accommodates your requests for less or more intense pressure.

Questions to ask a massage therapist

Are you certified to practice massage?

How long have you been practicing?

What types of massage do you specialize in?

What types of massage do you recommend for my condition?

How many massage sessions will I need for my condition?

What kinds of oils or lotions do you use?

Will there be any after-effects from the massage?

Do I need to check with my medical doctor before having massage?

How much does a massage cost?

Can I claim this session on my medical insurance?