Independent Massage Therapists Near Me

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FAQs:

What is an Independent Massage Therapist?

Independent massage therapists can get to know their clientele better and offer personalized service. They often don’t have their own premises, meaning they offer massage therapy in the homes of their clients. This can be good or bad, depending on your individual opinion. On one hand, it is extremely convenient, making it easier for you to fit massage into a busy schedule. You may also feel more comfortable being massaged in your own home than in an unfamiliar place. Other people, however, may feel less comfortable doing this in their own homes. They may also find it less relaxing, particularly if you have kids or pets running around the house while you’re getting massaged.

How Long is a Swedish Massage?

In Swedish massage, you are lying on a massage table draped with a towel or sheet. This is usually a full-body massage unless you specify otherwise. Each session generally lasts 60 minutes using essential oils, massage gels, lotions, or unscented oils to facilitate the sliding movements of the different techniques.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Swedish Massage?

The average cost for a Swedish massage is $60 an hour. Hiring a Swedish massage therapist for a one-hour massage will likely spend between $50 and $75. The price of a massage can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code). A specialized type of therapeutic body session, a Swedish massage is administered by a licensed massage therapist. Offering a range of benefits, including greater flexibility, a reduction in stress levels, and total relaxation, this form of therapy has a positive impact on your blood flow, pain management, and immune function. Typically offered in 30-minute to 120-minute sessions, there are many factors that impact the final cost of a Swedish massage.

Is Hot Stone Massage Safe During Pregnancy?

Hot stone massage involves the use of heated rocks; either as an extension of the massage therapist’s hands or having the massage therapist place the rocks on the body of a client.

Hot stone massage therapy on a pregnant woman should only be performed by a trained therapist as placing them on certain spots in a pregnant woman’s body could result in preterm labor.

Hot stone massage can only be used during the early stages of the pregnancy when the woman will be able to lie on her back without causing any harm to the unborn child.

In the advanced stages of pregnancy, hot stone massage will not be possible as the woman will not be able to lie on her back or on her stomach. There are health complications that are associated with lying on the back or on the belly in the advanced stages like the disruption of the flow of blood to the fetus. It may also lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure that may put the life of the mother and the fetus at risk.

The use of massage tables is not also safe for the woman to lie on her belly as it will be unsupported on the hollow left in the middle of the massage table. Even when a sling is put on the hollow to support the belly, it will press the belly and the pressure that was being avoided will end up harming the baby.

Instead of engaging in a massage technique that will put the life of the unborn child and the pregnant mother at risk, the best option will be to get a professional massage therapist to conduct safe massage techniques.

Ensure that you inquire if the spa you wish to have the massage has a qualified pregnancy massage therapist before booking a massage appointment. This is the only way that your safety and the safety of the unborn child can be guaranteed. It may be more expensive but your safety should be the first priority.

How Much are Pregnancy Massages?

Most insurance plans don’t cover prenatal massage, but some offer discounts — a good thing considering the cost of a prenatal massage session can cost between $60 and $100 or more for a 30- to a 60-minute massage, depending on your location and the facility.

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage technique that uses deep pressure. Combining slow strokes and notable finger pressure, the purpose is to release the tension and tightness held deeply in your muscles and your connective tissues.  A deep tissue massage will typically focus on your primary areas of discomfort. This will typically be the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and legs. However, it is also used on the arms, for example in the case of tennis elbow, or the feet, such as with plantar fasciitis. The increased pressure helps to alleviate any soreness or imbalance caused by injury or tenseness. If you have anxiety or are suffering from stress, a deep tissue massage will help to release the tension you are carrying in your body as a result. A deep tissue massage typically lasts for 60 minutes to 90 minutes. It is an intense massage technique, but you shouldn’t experience any pain.

What is the Purpose of a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage centers on realigning the deeper layers of connective and muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the tense areas, either following or going across the fibers of the muscles, tendons, and fascia. It is particularly helpful for continually tight and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Deep tissue massage is much more than just a hard massage. In contrast to only relaxing muscles, the specific lengthening of fascia, muscles, and tendons offers many benefits such as increased joint movement, quicker injury recovery, better posture, as well as feelings of well-being.

Deep tissue massage is often used to treat:

- Chronic Pain

- Limited Mobility

- Recovery from Injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, and sports injuries)

- Repetitive Strain Injury (carpal tunnel syndrome)

- Postural Problems

- Osteoarthritis Pain

- Muscle Tension or Spasm

What is the Difference Between a Deep Tissue Massage And A Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage forms the basis of deep tissue massage. However, there are some distinct differences between the two massage therapies. These include:

Swedish massage uses a series of light, long strokes to ease surface tension and stimulate circulation in the muscles. While a deep tissue massage may include strokes similar to those of Swedish massage, the therapist will apply the strokes more forcefully.

Swedish massage involves long strokes using light-to-firm pressure. This style generally provides a more relaxing experience, but the pressure may not be enough for some people. In contrast, deep tissue massage applies much more pressure to release tension deep within the muscles and fascia. It may be too strong for people who simply want a relaxing massage.

Swedish massage is a popular massage for relaxation. The light-to-moderate pressure is good for relieving light muscle tension and stress. It can leave a person feeling rejuvenated. While deep tissue massage is mainly for working out deep muscle tension or aiding recovery from a muscle strain. To achieve this, the therapist must apply greater pressure, and this can cause some discomfort. As a result, deep tissue massage is typically not for relaxation or stress relief.

Can You Have Massages while Pregnant?

You can get a massage while pregnant, but it is very important to let your massage therapist know that you are expecting. Ideally, go to a masseuse who specializes in neonatal massage. They should be familiar with pregnancy-safe practices, and if they are not, it's best to seek out someone who is. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends lying on your side during a massage, to avoid compressing your uterus and baby. You can also use a massage table with a special cutout that enables a massage to be carried out in the traditional face-down. Be sure not to lay flat on your back. There are also certain types of massage that should be avoided at different times during pregnancy. Deep tissue massage should not be performed during the first trimester, and pressure should be avoided on the abdomen.

What is a Traditional Thai Massage?

Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage. Instead of a massage table, you lie on a mat on the floor while the provider manipulates your body in certain ways to stimulate organs and improve flexibility. Thai massage is part of traditional Thai medicine. Similar to Chinese medicine, it works with the body's energetic pathways. These are also called sen.

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

Massage Therapists are generally employed at massage clinics, spas, and salons to provide rejuvenating and relaxing massages to clients. Massage Therapists maintain knowledge of human anatomy and the musculoskeletal system so they can effectively target points of tension in a client’s body and ease the symptoms of physical stress. They use varying amounts of pressure to improve circulation and target tense or knotted muscles. Massage Therapists communicate with clients about their comfort level and what areas they would like to focus on, setting clear expectations for what areas of muscle and tissue they plan to address.

What is Massage Therapy?

Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements, and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With the goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries, and support wellness.

6 Things to Know About Massage Therapy for Health Purposes

A lot of the scientific research on massage therapy is preliminary or conflicting, but much of the evidence points toward beneficial effects on pain and other symptoms associated with a number of different conditions. Here are six things you should know about massage therapy for health purposes.

1. Evidence suggests that massage therapy may be useful for some pain conditions such as low-back pain and chronic neck pain. However, research on massage for headaches is preliminary and only somewhat promising.

2. Research has suggested that at least for the short-term, massage therapy for cancer patients may reduce pain. Evidence has suggested that massage therapy may also promote relaxation and boost mood in people with cancer.

3. A recent review of the scientific literature concluded that massage therapy may help to reduce depression. However, a 2013 review found there is not enough evidence to determine if massage helps pregnant mothers with depression.

4. A 2010 review concluded that massage therapy may help temporarily reduce pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, but the evidence is not definitive. The authors of the review noted that it is important that the massage therapist not cause pain.

5. Several studies on massage therapy in preterm infants have been conducted to determine if therapeutic massage provides any benefits. A 2010 review of the scientific literature suggested that massaging preterm infants using moderate pressure may improve weight gain. However, a 2013 review determined that there is not enough evidence to know if massage benefits healthy infants who are developing normally.

6. Massage therapy appears to have few risks when performed by a trained practitioner. However, massage therapists should take some precautions for certain health conditions. You should talk with your healthcare providers to determine if massage therapy is safe for you.

Types of Massage Therapy

Massages come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the offerings you might find on a massage therapy menu.

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is a classic go-to for major relaxation. Swedish massage is typically a full-body massage that uses a gentle touch. It’s a good pick for people new to massages. It can help calm your nervous system. Swedish massage is also a good avenue for encouraging a relaxed emotional state of mind which can directly impact your muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to release that tightness. It’s good for people with injuries, general muscle tightness, and chronic muscle pain.

Sports Massage

Sports massages are similar to deep-tissue massages, but they zero in on the muscles that take a beating when you play sports or do another repetitive physical activity. “Athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person. A massage therapist with experience in sports massage can get in there to break up muscle tightness and address sports injuries.

Trigger Point Massage

A knot in your neck or a tight spot in your back is known as a trigger point. A trigger point is a tiny muscle spasm or tight spot in the tissue. In a trigger-point massage, the massage therapist uses focused and direct pressure to target those spots. This increases blood flow to the areas, helping them release. This type of massage can also be helpful for people with chronic pain.

Myofascial Release

The fascia is a web of connective tissue under the skin. “It supports the muscles and allows us to move freely. When you get a myofascial release, your massage therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and fascia to work out tension and tightness. It’s a form of deep stretching often used together with other therapeutic massage techniques. It’s great for opening up the tightness in your neck, shoulders, and upper and lower back.

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic fluid has several important functions, including maintaining fluid levels and removing waste products from the body. Lymphatic massage uses a gentle touch to help lymphatic fluid flow more freely through the body. Lymphatic massage is great for people with inflammation — including people with illnesses like arthritis, as well as people who have had mastectomies, which often involve removing the lymph nodes.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massages are great for helping moms-to-be relax and can help address the aches and pains of growing a baby. Prenatal massages are wonderful for taking pressure off the hips and can help with swelling in the feet and legs. And when the mom is relaxed and feeling well, the baby benefits, too.

Some Specific Conditions That Massage Can Help With

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Digestive disorders

- Fibromyalgia

- Headache

- Insomnia

- Nerve pain

- Postoperative care

- Scar tissue

- Soft tissue strains and injuries

- Sports injuries

- Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders

Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but has been noted to help those who have various conditions like cancer, heart disease, stomach problems, and fibromyalgia. You should make sure you talk to your therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session. Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety

That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a study found. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of anxiety.

2. Improves sleep

Getting a massage can decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that are known to stabilize your mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to menopause and congestive heart failure.

3. It Lessens pain and muscle tension

A variety of studies have looked into how massage may help lessen pain like acute back pain, neck pain, headaches, and knee pain. The results show that relief may be short-term, rather than long-term, and in some cases receiving a 60-minute massage multiple times per week had better results than fewer or shorter massages.

4. Improves immune function

A study suggests that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood cells, which work to combat viruses.

5. Relieves constipation

A study shows that for those dealing with constipation after surgery, an abdominal massage may help with bowel movements.

6. Lessens fibromyalgia symptoms

From sleep, memory, and mood, studies have shown that using massage over the course of five weeks may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue.

7. Relieves cancer pain

For people undergoing cancer treatments, the physical and emotional toll is great. Many have turned to massage to help lessen cancer pain, increase relaxation, and improve quality of life. There have been a variety of studies, some that say massage therapy doesn’t improve cancer pain and others that show a positive impact.

Reasons to Seek Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is generally thought of as a way to pamper yourself and relax after a busy week. However, the scope of treatment that massage offers is much greater than just a luxury pampering session! There are numerous other benefits to massage therapy – here are a few of the top reasons people seek massage.

1. Relaxation

One of the most common reasons for massage is to relax; for most people who have a jam-packed, busy schedule, massage is a great way to take some time for themselves to de-stress and take a break. Not only is it the perfect way to unwind, but incorporating massage into your busy lifestyle is incredibly important for your overall mental and physical health.

2. Health and Structure

Many people book a massage appointment to treat injuries or aches and pains. Whether you are an athlete, a person who suffers from arthritis, or someone who has a stiff neck from working at a computer, massage is commonly sought after as treatment. There are specific massage techniques that can help a multitude of injuries and medical conditions. There are also clients who stick to a strictly healthy lifestyle that are in need of a way to detox and energize their bodies. The massage will allow blocked energy to flow freely through the body and stimulate the body into detoxifying toxins and wastes.

3. Recharge, Rejuvenate, and Re-energize

Another typical reason a person seeks massage is that they are just exhausted. Mentally, physically, due to illness, stress, or just daily life, it doesn’t matter – they are completely drained of energy and are searching for a way to renew themselves. Massage allows the client to rebuild their natural energy and boost them back up to normal.

4. Connection and Reconnection

Massage offers a very personal and close experience with another human, which is what many people crave. In today’s world of technology, human connection is seriously lacking. Massage is all about touch, and touch is the fastest way to connect with others.

5. A New You

It is no secret that after a massage, you leave feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to tackle anything. Many clients are seeking this sort of mental and physical change from treatment. Massage transforms the person’s physical being and mental state, which will spill over into a transformation for the rest of their life.

What to Expect from a Massage Therapy

Before you go for a massage, make sure you drink plenty of water and do not eat too soon before the massage. Try to give yourself plenty of time to get to the appointment so it is easier for you to relax. The massage therapist will talk to you about your health history and any problems you are experiencing. Make sure you tell them about any conditions you have or medicines you are taking. Your therapist will discuss how they are going to treat you. They will leave the room while you undress — keeping your underwear on — and you will lie down on the massage table. The therapist will knock before they come back in. You will be covered with a drape or towel during the massage, and music or aromatherapy may be used to help you relax. It is important to tell the therapist if you feel uncomfortable at any time during the massage. A professional massage therapist will never expose your breasts, genitals or other areas you ask to keep covered.

What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy

Here is a checklist of the things you should not do after getting massage therapy. Doing these things after a massage cannot prevent you from getting the maximum benefits from massage therapy. We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. Massage therapy can help to detoxify and rehydrates your skin. You must drink enough water to assist the hydration and detoxification process.

2. Take A Shower Immediately

By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells. It is best to shower after an hour of your massage therapy session. Let the message oil sit and absorbed your skin cells within an hour.

3. Taking a Hot Shower

After your massage therapy, we know that taking a hot shower is tempting. However, if you are suffering from a muscle injury, it will increase inflammation. You have to skip first taking a hot shower. It is better to use cold water for pain relief. Moreover, it is ideal to use warm water when taking a shower. This can help to relax your body.

4. Eating A Large Meal

After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body systems function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic. It is best to eat a light and healthy snack to feel more energized after a massage.

5. Drinking Coffee

After relaxing massage therapy, you may be in the mood to take a great cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee after a massage is not a good idea. You cannot maximize the detoxification and rehydration process. You need to wait a few hours after your message before drinking a cup of coffee. This can help you avoid dehydration. Moreover, it is best to drink your coffee the next day and rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water.

6. Drinking Alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot encourage the hydration and detox process. It can cause dehydration. You have to avoid drinking alcohol for a day. It is best to drink enough water to promote hydration and to help flush toxins. Moreover, by avoiding alcohol, you can prevent next-day soreness.

7. Doing Strenuous Exercises or Activities

After a relaxing massage, you may feel energized to go to a gym and do some strenuous exercise. However, this can lead to muscle soreness. Moreover, doing some strenuous activities can injure your muscles. Avoid doing some strenuous activities after your massage therapy. It is best for your body and mind to relax. You can do some light activities – watch some movies or read some good books – chill and relax! Moreover, after a massage is the best time to hibernate. You can nap for a while.

8. Stressing Yourself Out

One of the main benefits of massage therapy is helping you manage your stress. It aims to reduce your stress. However, not avoiding things that cause you to stress can make you feel anxious, which cannot help your body and mind to continue the relaxation mode. After massage therapy, you should create a plan for the day. You have to make enough ‘me-time’ or self-care time. Moreover, you have to schedule your day as a low-stress one. For example, make sure not to have any other meetings or errands after a massage. Take a rest!

9. Forget to Stretch

You may feel that your body is so relaxed after a massage. It also helps to loosen your stiff muscles and knots. However, if you forget to stretch after a massage therapy session, you can’t prolong this effect. After a relaxing massage session, make sure that before you get off the massage table, do some moderate stretches within a minute or two. You can do some lunges, shoulder, and torso rotations, and toe touches. You may also continue doing some moderate stretches at home.

10. Not Doing the Homework Assigned by the Therapist

If you forget to follow the advice of a massage therapist, you will decrease the benefits that you can get from massage therapy. Follow the advice and instructions of your massage therapist to get the most out of your massage therapy session. If your therapist assigned some stretching, stretching, or some movement-based exercises – don’t forget to do them! You have to do your homework to gain the long-lasting effects of massage.

How to Find a Massage Therapist

Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's important to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.

Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:

- Are you licensed, certified, or registered?

- What are your training and experience?

- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?

- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?

A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.

Sources:

Spa Mobile

TMC Life

What to Expect

Secret Spa

Austin Massage Clinic

Medical News Today

Very Well Mind

WebMD

Thervo

Moonstone Massage Therapy

Indeed

Cleveland Clinic

NIH

Mayo Clinic

DIMS

Health Direct

Evergreen

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.