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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go to a massage
therapist?
People today look to massage therapy for more than pampering. In
fact, preliminary results from AMTA’s annual consumer survey
suggest consumers seek massage for medical conditions more than
just because it feels good. And, other healthcare providers often
refer their patients to massage therapists.
Recent research shows that massage provides relief
for chronic low back pain, eases pain and muscle spasms following
bypass surgery, and is effective in treating lymphedema, a condition
common among mastectomy survivors.
What to expect from your
first massage
If you haven’t had much experience with massage therapy, you
might be wondering what to expect. If it’s your first time
seeing the massage therapist, the massage therapist might ask about
the reasons you are getting a massage, current physical condition,
medical history, life style and stress level, experiences with specific
areas of pain, and whether there is any specific need you want addressed
during the massage.
Next, you will be asked to remove your clothing.
The therapist will either leave the room or otherwise provide privacy
while you undress. You should take off only as much as you are comfortable
removing. A sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage.
The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged,
insuring that modesty is respected at all times. The draping also
keeps the person receiving the massage warm.
The massage takes place on a comfortable, padded massage table.
Expect a peaceful and comfortable environment for the massage. The
massage therapist may play music during the massage. The massage
therapist may use oil or lotion, which reduces drag on the skin
while performing the massage strokes. If you are allergic to some
oils or lotions, be sure to tell your massage therapist so you both
can make sure the ingredients in the oil or lotion do not bother
you.
Depending on your needs, the massage therapist
will massage either the full body or only specific areas that need
attention. If there is anything that does not feel comfortable or
right or you do not like, you have the right to ask the massage
therapist to stop.
After the massage is finished, you will once again
be provided with privacy in order to get dressed. If there is time
to do so, you may ask the massage therapist any questions you have.
The usual length of a session is an hour. A massage session on a
table generally should be a minimum of 30 minutes and maximum of
90 minutes.
Your first visit
We will ask you some health history questions, and discuss your
goals for the massage session including specific areas of pain or
discomfort. We’ll also explain our massage style, and make
sure you are comfortable in the treatment room. We encourage feedback
about anything from the depth of our pressure to the music we have
chosen. We want the massage experience to be 100% positive for you!
Benefits of massage
- Circulates blood, removing metabolic by-products
& bringing oxygen & nutrients to the tissues
- Stimulates lymphatic drainage
- Increases tissue elasticity & flexibility
- Increases range of motion
- Decreases adhesions
- Increases resistance to disease
- Increases energy
- Stimulates secretion of endorphins
- Increases relaxation
- Reduces anxiety
- Decreases recovery time from exercise
- Increases functioning of immune system
- Decreases muscle tension & discomfort
What does National Certification
mean?
National Certification is a credential therapeutic massage and bodywork
practitioners may hold by meeting certain eligibility criteria,
taking and passing an examination, upholding a national Code of
Ethics and Standards of Practice, and demonstrating continued education
in the field. |
