Frequently Asked Questions About
Massage
Why get a massage?
Are you tired and stressed? Do stiff
joints or pain limit you from doing things you used to do? Do you feel
like you just need a break? Try a massage. Massage is a great stress
buster, one of the most effective therapies to alleviate stress.
Reducing stress increases your energy, and improves how you feel about
yourself and others.
Benefits of massage
Relaxes muscles
Relieves stress
Releases endorphins
Stimulates or sedates the nervous system
Increases blood circulation
Stimulates the lymph system
Assists reduction of edema
Breaks down scar tissue
Massage is soothing to the nervous
system while improving circulation, making you feel more energized.
Improved circulation is beneficial to the skin and increases nutrition
to ligaments and bones, helping recover from sprains and fractures.
Massage helps keep muscles flexible and pliable. Massage to the abdomen
can help relax the intestines, stimulate liver and kidney functions, and
assist in elimination of waste materials.
Is massage cost effective?
Massage stimulates the body’s natural defenses for healing by increased
circulation, avoiding problems that require costly conventional medical
care.
Conditions relieved by massage
-
Anxiety attacks
-
Arthritic relief
-
Asthma
-
Back pain
-
Bronchitis
-
Carpal Tunnel syndrome
-
Constipation
-
Diabetes
-
Depression
-
Emphysema
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Gait problems
-
Tight muscles
-
High blood pressure
-
Joint stiffness
-
Multiple Sclerosis
-
Paralysis
-
Parkinson's disease
-
Posture problems
-
Pre/postop amputation
-
Sleep disorders
-
Stroke rehab
-
Tendonitis
Headaches are often associated with
muscle tension at the base of the skull and back of the neck. Long hours
of computer work can contribute to both eyestrain and carpal tunnel
syndrome. Stress on the job or in general contributes to muscle
tightness, mental strain, anxiety, ulcer, and insomnia. These are only a
few of the many conditions that can be helped by massage, resulting in
better productivity, renewed confidence, and the feeling of being back
in control of your life. Geriatric clients can greatly benefit from
improved circulation and just being touched. Fibromyalgia clients live
with daily pain that can be helped to sleep better and experience less
pain.
Your first massage
Your massage therapist will have you
fill out a health information sheet indicating if there are any reasons
to not massage a certain area or not give a massage at all until your
doctor gives permission. There are certain conditions for which massage
is contraindicated and which could possibly be made worse if massaged.
Always keep your massage therapist informed of your continuing health
issues, even if it seems minor. This is also a good time to discuss sore
areas or limited range of motion in any joints. After you have discussed
your trouble areas, you may get ready for your massage. Your therapist
will give you instructions on where to get undressed and how to lie on
the table and will then leave the room while you undress to the point of
being comfortable. Typically people get on the table with no clothing
and cover up with a sheet. It is perfectly fine to wear underwear or a
swimsuit. You will always be covered by a sheet. Only the back, leg, or
arm being worked will be exposed. The sternum area would only be worked
if necessary and only if permission is given. For example, after a
mastectomy there can be pain, tightness, or edema. The hip and buttocks
are only worked with permission, if that area is painful, tight, or has
a hitch in the git-along. When you are completely covered you may tell
the therapist it’s all right to enter the room. Therapists generally
start the massage either with the feet or the back, and use a light
touch that is calming to the nerves. As your body releases surface
tension the strokes can become deeper as the body allows.
Will the massage be painful?
The massage should not be painful in
healthy tissue. Injured tissue will be more sensitive and might be
painful but within a few minutes it should be significantly less
painful. There is definitely a difference between “it hurts so good” and
“that really hurts.” Therapists don’t want to hurt anyone, so be sure to
say it’s too much pressure. Basically the massage should feel good and
not hurt. There are many techniques, so if one is too uncomfortable
another can be used.
What to do during a massage?
During the massage it is all right to
close your eyes, adjust yourself so you are comfortable, sigh, moan, or
laugh. These are signs that you are relaxed. Taking deep breaths during
the massage can be very beneficial. Deep breathing oxygenates the entire
body and helps you relax more deeply. It is especially important while
the therapist is working on a tight or sore area. Deep breathing helps
those muscles relax more quickly. Let your therapist move your body
while you stay relaxed, allowing the therapist to assess your joint’s
mobility.
Communication is important and your therapist will be asking if you are
comfortable, if the pressure is deep enough or is too deep. If you don’t
like what the therapist is doing it is all right to tell them. Your
therapist knows many techniques and can adjust what they are doing. You
may like a technique in one area of your body, but not in another.
Communicating with your therapist is important so you can work together
as a team.
What to do after a massage
When your massage is finished your
therapist will leave the room so that you may dress. Take a minute to
get up slowly as you might feel dizzy if you get up to quickly. Drink
plenty of water after a massage. This helps flush toxins that are
released during massage. You should even drink more than 8 glasses of
water on the day of your massage to help your body rid itself of toxins.
You may notice you have to use the restroom right after your massage,
and also more frequently, which is normal.
What is Geriatric Massage?
Geriatric massage is a modified version
of the usual therapeutic techniques. It is important to alter the
techniques to fit the older population's needs and anyone with decreased
circulation, decreased skin integrity, and complications of one or more
disease conditions. Geriatric massage is considerably shorter in length,
averaging 30 minutes a session once or twice weekly if the client so
desires. If 30 minutes is well tolerated, the length of the session may
be increased.
Choosing your massage
therapist
Many massage therapists are certified
by schools. Ask if they have passed the national board examination.
Maybe you know someone who has had a massage. Interview the therapist
over the phone or in person. It’s perfectly fine to shop around until
you find someone who suits you.
Insurance coverage
Private health insurance policies,
state worker’s compensation plans, and car insurance policies are
increasingly reimbursing clients for massage with a prescription from
your physician.
Home | About Me | Client History | FAQs | Photos
|
