Health Solutions Therapeutic Massage
What is a massage like?
First let me tell you what therapeutic massage is used for. Therapeutic massage helps to release chronic tension and pain in muscles, increases circulation, increases flexibility in joints and reduces mental and physical fatigue. Therapeutic massage has also been known to be the most effective means to combat stress. With all of that being said, why are people hesitant to schedule a massage? Perhaps they are afraid of the unknown or don’t fully understand what to expect from a massage. “What is a massage like?” That is a question a massage therapist hears all of the time and that brings us to the following article.
Who gives a massage?
Your massage should be given by a licensed massage therapist. These people will have gone to a credited school. They have had many hours of training on proper massage techniques, ethics, anatomy and muscled physiology. Because of so called “massage therapist of the exotic nature”, it is always wise to make sure that your massage therapist is licensed and specializes in therapeutic massage.
What is the first appointment like?
For your first appointment, please arrive 10 min. early. There is a very short consultation to be given. Massage is not always best for some medical conditions. This brief period is utilized to discuss any concerns you may have about massage and your health. You may want to take this opportunity to discuss your comfort level of undressing.
The massage therapist will then leave the room to wash their hands. This gives you time to undress and relax on the massage table, while covering yourself with a fresh sheet and blanket provided for you. Your massage therapist is required by law to practice proper draping techniques. This means your body will be covered and the only uncovered area will be, the area that is currently being worked on.
Your massage will take place on a massage table. These have been structured for stability and comfort. For comfort, the massage table comes with a face cradle and ankle bolster. The face cradle will be covered and has an opening for your nose and mouth. (so you can breathe while laying on your front side) The ankle/knee bolster is used to relieve pressure off your spine. Both of these can be adjusted for your comfort by the massage therapist. The room will be dimly lit, warm and quiet. There may be some soft music to set a relaxing mood. Your massage therapist will usually use some form of lubricant, a light oil or lotion. These can be easily absorbed by the skin. Some massages require no lubricant and you may remain clothed. If you are interested in this type of massage, please consult your massage therapist. Your comfort and well being is most important to us. If you have any discomfort, please communicate it to us.
Will a massage hurt?
“No pain, no gain” does not apply to massage. Massage on healthy tissue should feel good. Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular or Trigger Point techniques are most effective when working with the body’s natural responses, rather than against them. Let your massage therapist know if you are feeling any discomfort, so that they can adjust to a more appropriate level of pressure.
To maximize recovery time, massage is frequently used to address painful muscle injuries. This may cause some discomfort at first. This discomfort should noticeably diminish after the first few minutes. Let your massage therapist know what you are experiencing. We want to work carefully within what feels right to you.
How long is a massage?
An hour is the most common length for a massage. This gives the massage therapist time to give a relaxing full body massage. A half hour is a great way to introduce you to massage work. This is plenty of time to give a partial massage to the back, neck and shoulders. An hour and a half is the most beneficial. This would allow for a relaxing full body massage, with emphasis on specific problem areas of tension or muscle injury. A two hour massage is a luxury and a wonderful treat to the body and spirit.
What do I do after a massage?
When your massage is finished, your massage therapist will thank you and excuse themselves to wash the oil/lotion from their hands. Take this time to collect your thoughts and reorient yourself. Many times a massage will leave you in somewhat of an altered state. Slowly get up and get dressed. When you are ready, the massage therapist will be waiting for you in the lobby. We will have a glass of water waiting for you. It is important that you drink plenty of water after your massage. (2 to 4 glasses) Massage helps to release toxins out of your muscles. These toxins then enter your circulatory and lymph systems. Your body will use the water to flush these toxins out. If you do not drink plenty of water, these toxins will move back into the muscle tissue, causing and achy or sore feeling. You can never drink too much water.
In addition to water, there are two other things that you can do at home to enhance your massage. 1) Do a few stretches. Your massage therapist can point out a few that will be beneficial to your target areas. 2) Take a hot bath or shower. This will help to keep those muscles loosened up. You may purchase bath salts to help draw toxins out of your body. Ask your massage therapist for a recommendation.
This concludes your first visit with a massage therapist. Tips are appreciated but not required. A thank you, that feels great, is nice to hear. If you have any questions on what therapeutic massage can do for you, please feel free to contact BethAnn at 678.445.7055.
Thanks and have a splendid day!
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