A:
Massage therapy defined, is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to
gain a therapeutic response.
Soft
tissue includes muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments. Swedish
massage is the most common form of massage therapy in use today. However,
massage therapists use a variety of techniques, depending on the clients
needs and the specialty of the therapist. This can include trigger point
therapy, muscular therapy, sports therapy, and so on. The important thing is to
find a therapist that understands your needs as an individual and has specific
training in that field.
Q: What are the benefits of massage?
A: Physical Level
•Deep relaxation and stress reduction
•Relief of muscle tension and stiffness
•Reduced muscle spasm and tension
•Relief from entrapment of nerves in muscle
•Greater joint flexibility and range of motion
•Increased ease and efficiency of movement
•Promoted deeper and easier breathing
•Better circulation of both blood and lymph fluids
•Reduced blood pressure
•Relief of tension-related or eye-strain headaches
•Healthier, better nourished skin
•Improved posture
•Faster healing from pulled muscles and sprained ligaments
•Reduces pain, swelling, and formation of scar tissue following injury
•General health maintenance
Mental Level
•Relaxed state of alertness
•Reduced mental stress: a calmer mind
•Greater ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
•Increased capability for clearer thinking
Emotional Level
•Feeling of well-being
•Enhanced Self image
•A sense of being unified and in harmony
•Reduced levels of anxiety
Q: What do I need to do for my first visit?
A:
We ask that all first time clients come into the office approximately
10 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment. This will allow you time
to complete a client history form. All initial visits begin with a
consultation and client assessment to insure the effectiveness of
treatment. Depending on the reason for the visit, this may include
posture assessment, range of motion or strength testing.
Based on your health needs, you and your therapist will design a personalized treatment and follow up plan.
Q: Do I need to undress for a massage?
A:
“Undress only to your comfort level”. With that said, keep in mind,
depending on the areas of the body being worked, the therapist will need
access to the tissue for an effective therapeutic response. You will
have complete privacy while undressing and you will be properly draped
through out your session. Only the part of the body that is being
worked on will be exposed.
Q: What does a massage feel like? Does it hurt?
A:
Most clients find massage to be a relaxing and calming experience. If a
client is seeing a therapist for muscular therapy, there may be areas
of tension, tenderness or trigger points. An experienced therapist
understands how to work these tender areas within the client’s comfort
range. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so
that pressure can be adjusted.
Q: What should I do during the massage?
A:
Simply relax. This is your time! Your therapist will gently guide you
through the massage. If you seek a massage for medical reasons, you
will want to advise your therapist as to certain areas of tenderness
during the massage.
Q: Is there anything I need to do after a massage?
A: Yes, drink plenty of water! During a massage, toxins
trapped in your muscles are being released into the blood stream.
Massage increases oxygen flow in the blood and flushes these toxins
(known as lactic acid) from the muscle tissue, where they are then
removed naturally through the body’s own cleansing process.
There maybe additional directions for you to follow depending on the type of massage received.
Q: How often should I get a massage?
A:
This varies depending on why a person gets a massage. If it is for
tension or simple relaxation, once or twice a month is advised. If it
is for medical or muscular therapy, then you and your therapist will
best design a plan for you that fits your schedule and wellness goals. A
standard of practice is one to two sessions a week to give maximum
benefits. (Every massage session builds upon the previous session). Then
after reassessment, about once a month seems to be the most beneficial
in order to keep its positive effects.
Q: Are there any medical conditions which massage may not be appropriate?
A:
Yes. It is important before any session, that the therapist reviews the
medical history questionnaire and further asks general health question.
Even the medicine you are on can contraindicate a massage. If you are
currently under the care of a physician, it is important to let your
therapist know before any session.
Feel free to contact us should you have any additional questions.
