"We don't receive wisdom; we must

discover it for ourselves after a journey

that no one can take for us or spare us."

 Marcel Proust

 

 

MASSAGE FACTS

Many people think of massage therapy as a luxury, but is much more.

The therapeutic benefits of massage continue to be studied and research

has shown positive effects on the person as a whole. Because massage

and bodywork directly or indirectly affects every system of the body, it

promotes health, prevents illness and speeds recovery. Massage Therapy

has been proven effective in:

1. Relieving Back Pain
2. Boosting Immune System
3. Reducing Anxiety and Stress
4. Lowering Blood Pressure
5. Treating Migraines
6. Decreasing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
7. Easing Post Operative Pain
8. Alleviating Side Effects of Cancer
9. Decrease Pain
10. Improving Range of Motion
11. Reducing Muscle Soreness
12. Lessening Depression

 

*As reported by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)

and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and

Body Work (NCBTMB)

 

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage is believed to be one of the oldest forms of medical care. Today,

the term massage therapy is used to describe the manipulation of soft tissue,

muscles, skin, tendons, by hands, elbows, fists, even feet.

 

What Should You Look For in a Massage Therapist?

You want to be sure that he or she is skilled, knowledgeable and ethical.

Other qualities include:

1. Possess the ability to demonstrate mastery of core skills
2. Completion of 500+ Hours of massage education
3. Uphold Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics
4. Take part in Continuing Education

 

Massage therapy is not regulated in every state so it is important you make sure

you choose a competent and qualified practitioner.

 

I completed 500+ hours of massage education. I am a Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association and I am Nationally Certified through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

 Bev Oliver

 

Does massage therapy hurt?

In general, receiving massage work should not hurt. Most people find it to be very relaxing and enjoyable. In some cases the therapist may use deeper pressure on specific muscles to break up tissues that are adhered or "stuck." This work can cause some discomfort initially, but usually subsides as the tissues relax. In any case, you should let your therapist know immediately if you find any of the work is too painful or if she uses too much pressure on a sore muscle. Some people go by the "no pain, no gain" principle. Having said that, there can also be a sense of "hurt so good"  during a massage. The client needs to be able to discern the difference and communicate with the therapist.

 

What should I do to prepare for my massage appointment?

If you need to eat before your massage, plan to do so at least an hour before you arrive for your appointment. Be sure you are well hydrated because poorly hydrated tissues respond more slowly to massage work and can result in greater discomfort. You should plan on arriving several minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows a little time to meet with the therapist to update her on any changes in your condition and to set the intention for the massage session. You also need time to undress and get on the massage table.

 

Do I have to get undressed?

This depends on a few things: the area of the body affected, the type of massage work to be done, and the modesty level of the client. Massage work is most effective when the therapist can directly access the skin and muscles instead of working through clothing. For most massage work, particularly general relaxation massage, people usually undress completely, although you may choose to wear your underwear for comfort. You are given privacy to undress and you will remain draped with a sheet throughout the session except for any areas being worked. Private parts remain private. The genitals are never exposed or massaged.

 

Why is it recommended I drink water after a massage?

The human body consists of approximately 70% water. A decrease of even a percent or two can significantly affect how a person feels. Massage helps to increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow in the body and, as a result, helps move toxins out of sore muscle tissues. Drinking plenty of water after you receive massage work will help flush these toxins out of the body and prevent soreness and possible headaches. Think of massage as a kind of a passive workout -- you need to drink water after any workout!

 

When should I NOT receive a massage?

Massage is not recommended if you are sick, which includes having a fever, the flu, an upset stomach, seriously dehydrated or recovering from a serious illness. Because massage affects overall circulation in the body, receiving massage when you are sick can actually make you feel worse. Also you run the risk of exposing your therapist with whatever illness you may have.

Massage is not recommended for contagious skin disorders such as poison oak, poison ivy. Additionally skin disorders such as a sunburn or eczema may be painful to receive a massage. Several drugs and systemic (whole body) conditions also indicate caution. It is best to check with your therapist and/or physician if you have any questions.

 

Why do I need massage?

Research has shown that touch is critical for normal infant development; this need for touch continues throughout our lifetime. Massage work enhances body awareness and helps restore energy and a sense of well being. Massage therapy is frequently recommended as an adjunct to medical and chiropractic treatment. Muscles can become adhered, stuck and knotted up from injury, overuse, and postural distortions. This can result in restriction of movement and can lead to chronic painful conditions. Regular massage can soften these tissues and can assist the healing process through decreased pain and improved mobility. People with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, MS frequently find that massage therapy enhances their overall health by keeping their tissues soft and pliable.

 

What can I expect during the massage?

Although no two massages are alike, sessions generally take place in a quiet, comfortable room. It may be dimly lit and soothing music playing. The practitioner will begin by asking questions, such as the reason you are seeking massage, any injuries, restrictions, medical conditions, or anything else that may help her better serve you. The therapist will then leave the room to give you time to prepare for the massage.

You will remove your clothing in a private room and lie on the massage table under a sheet and blanket (if it's cool.) You will remain draped with a sheet throughout the massage except for the area that is being worked on. The massage therapist will enter the room and begin the massage. She will address the areas of concern, she may or may not apply massage lotion, cream or oil. She will use a variety of massage techniques, and she may ask for feedback as deemed necessary. If you are at all uncomfortable during the massage, you need to let your therapist know.

Massage should feel good! Your body should slow down, you'll breathe more deeply and fully, and you should feel relief from pain or stress. Give in and let go! Enjoy your time on the massage table and allow yourself to receive.

 

Can I talk during the massage or should I be quiet?

If you prefer to talk or ask questions, feel free to do so. In some cases the therapist will ask for your feedback about the location of any discomfort or pain level. You can also choose to remain quiet and simply enjoy the experience. Massage enhances relaxation and we encourage you to use this time to de-stress.

 

How often should I receive massage?

People frequently seek massage for pain relief, mobility issues, or stress relief. For clients with specific pain or mobility issues, massage therapy works best with intensive focus and a rigorous schedule; perhaps 1-2 times per week initially, then as the condition improves a weekly massage may be recommended to continue with the healing process. For people with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, MS or lupus, frequent massages seem to help manage the pain. Weekly or twice a month is a common recommendation. The frequency for stress reducing massage depends upon the stress level of the individual. Some people prefer weekly, bi-monthly, or once a month.

 

Will the therapist work my entire body or just certain areas?

In general, stress reduction is a full body massage, which includes back, shoulders, neck, hips, legs, feet, arms, hands, head and occasionally the abdomen. For massage that addresses a specific problem, the therapist will generally spend all or most of the time in the area of complaint. However, one thing to keep in mind, sometimes the area of complaint is not always the area of origin, meaning the pain may be in your neck, but the origin of the pain could be elsewhere on your body. This is where the therapist/client dialogue is important. There may be a "trail" from where you feel the pain to where the pain actually originates. As time will allow, you and your therapist may embark upon another journey.

 

 

Call

815-733-5282

or

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http://www.genbook.com/bookings/slot/reservation/30089161?bookingSourceId=1000