English
Coming Soon
FAQs:
What is a Massage?
Massage is the manipulation of the body's soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a device. The purpose of massage is generally for the treatment of body stress or pain. In European countries, a person professionally trained to give massages is traditionally known as a masseur (male) or a masseuse (female). In the United States, these individuals are often referred to as massage therapists, because they must be certified and licensed as "licensed massage therapists". In some provinces of Canada, they are called “Registered massage therapists”, as they are regulated health professionals.
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 Used For?
Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.
How Do Massages Make You Feel Better?
This is because your brain releases feel-good chemicals and pain diminishes. The therapist’s touch causes an immediate reaction in your brain. As soon as your skin’s nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high. As a result, stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline begin to decrease and the overall effect is one of euphoria and bliss. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins will help diminish them by blocking pain signals from the brain. And if your muscles are sore after a rigorous workout, a good rubdown will actually help them heal faster. Researchers found that massage decreases the inflammation caused by exercise and increases the occurrence of cell repair.
How Effective is Massage?
One Australian study found that a 10-minute muscle massage after a workout could reduce soreness by 30%. A separate review study on massage found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped 31% following a rubdown, while levels of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin increased roughly 30%.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
A massage is a great tool for relieving stress, improving mood, and increasing the overall quality of life and productivity. You’ll often feel better for a full week before you’ll start to notice the need for a return visit unless you are dealing with pain or injury. Your tension headaches will disappear, your energy will increase, and your mental health will improve. Is there such a thing as too many massages when you have benefits like this?
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you’ll be able to determine the best frequency because your body’s response is a large part of this determination.
You should go at least once per month, but as often as twice per week in severe pain situations. The longer you wait though, the more often you’ll start the process of loosening up your muscles because they tense up if you don’t go often enough. Try different techniques, such as deep tissue massage and stress massage depending on your needs.
When your body starts to feel stiff and sore, it’s telling you that it’s time for a massage again, but the type of massage you may need could vary depending on your body’s needs.
Is Massage Therapy for Everyone?
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.
Why Do Massages Relax You?
Massage triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin. These are natural chemicals produced by your body that improve your mood, reduce pain, and ease stress and anxiety.
What Should I Wear to a Massage?
It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothing to your treatment. Wear gym clothing, as it’s easy to slip on and off and is super comfortable. It’s best not to wear anything tight-fitted as when you put your clothes back on, there may still be some residual massage oil on your skin which could transfer onto your clothing and make you uncomfortable after your treatment. Another way to prepare for a massage is to tie up your hair or put it into a bun out of the way. This will stop your hair from going oily and won’t get in the therapist’s way.
How Long Do The Benefits of Massage Last?
Everyone has a different body type making it difficult to predict how long the benefits of massage will last. However, there are some external factors that could help us determine how long the benefits will last. The benefits last differently for different people depending on the life they live and the type of massage they get.
For example, if you live a stressful and hectic life, then the benefits won’t last long as compared to someone who lives a relatively stress-free life.
On average, the benefits of massage can last up to a month or as little as 1 day. On average, most people notice the benefits for about a week. This is one of the reasons it’s recommended that you get a massage on a regular basis.
If you are trying to treat a medical condition through massage, then regular massage can go a long way. A study revealed that for patients with osteoarthritis, regular massages can not only reduce pain but also aid in its treatment.
How Much Does a Massage Cost?
Prices vary greatly for massages in the United States. A 60-minute massage is usually $60 to $150. Most therapists will expect a 15 to 20 percent tip on top of this. However, some places don’t accept gratuity.
These types of massages may cost more than a basic massage:
- aromatherapy
- hot stone
- prenatal
- sports
- therapeutic, like craniosacral and myofascial release
You can check out a massage school in your area or find a massage therapist who works at home to find massages at a more reasonable cost.
Insurance sometimes covers massage therapy if you can show it’s being used to treat a medical condition. Sometimes, insurance companies will cover massage therapy if it’s part of chiropractic care.
5 Fun Facts about Massage Therapy
Here are some fun facts about massage therapy that you should know.
1. Our pets can benefit from massages too!
Like humans, our pets respond in a positive way to massage therapy. Massaging our pets can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and encourage an all-over sense of well-being for our animals. If you can get that back leg twitching, you are doing a great job!
2. A one-hour massage is equal to 7-8 hours of sleep.
Studies have shown that a one-hour massage equates to about 7-8 hours of sleep for your body. So if you are feeling run down and exhausted, perhaps your body is just begging you for a massage.
3. Massage may be one of the oldest forms of medical treatment.
Various massage techniques have been around and documented for centuries. There are pictures in Egyptian tombs of people receiving massages.
4. There are around 350 different massage modalities.
Not all massages are created the same. There are over 350 different modalities, techniques, and styles of massage therapy. Roughly 75 of them are commonly used. Depending on the ailment, a massage therapist can choose from a variety of techniques to treat a client. General Swedish massage techniques are often the ones taught in North America.
5. Yes we do Legs!
Have you ever wondered if there were any other areas of the body you could have treated other than your back and neck? Although those are likely the most common areas we treat, massage therapists can work virtually anywhere you have muscle (as long as it’s indicated of course). Legs, feet, arms, hands, scalp, jaw, and face or glutes are all areas you could have worked on at your next visit.
Massage for Treatment of Some Disorders
Research indicates that massage and myotherapy are effective in managing:
- subacute/chronic low back pain
- delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- anxiety
- stress
- soft tissue injuries
- high blood pressure
- insomnia.
They can also be effectively used to support people with:
- a chronic disease
- a life-threatening illness such as cancer
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 a 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.
Different Types of Massage
Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, a trained massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension. Read on to learn about the different types of massage and which type might be right for you.
1. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s great for people who are new to massage, want to release tension, and desire gentle touch. It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.
2. Hot Stone Massage
The hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands.
3. Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who enjoy the scent and want to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, relieve muscle tension, and relieve pain. Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.
4. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, imbalance, tightness, and chronic muscle pain. The massage will last 60 to 90 minutes. While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness.
5. Sports Massage
Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent them. A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or on specific parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes, depending on your needs.
6. Trigger Point Massage
Trigger point massage is best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes, areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain. This type of massage will usually last 60 to 90 minutes.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. It’s best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option for those who aren’t comfortable being touched on the entire body.
8. Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation, helps relieve pain, may relieve headaches, reduces muscle tension, improves sleep and fatigue, and may improve mood. Shiatsu massages typically last 60 to 90 minutes.
9. Thai Massage
Thai massage is best for people who want a more active form of massage and want to reduce and relieve pain and stress. It can also help improve flexibility, circulation, and energy levels. A Thai massage lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
10. Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage can be a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help reduce pregnancy body aches, reduce stress, and ease muscle tension. The massage will usually last 45 to 60 minutes.
11. Couples Massage
A couples massage is a massage that you do with your partner, friend, or family member in the same room. It brings all the benefits of a regular massage plus the chance to enjoy a relaxing experience with a partner.
12. Chair Massage
A chair massage is best for people who want a quick massage that focuses on the neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can be a comfortable introduction to massage if you’ve never had one before. Chair massage also helps relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage uses light to medium pressure.
13. Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a type of gentle massage that encourages the lymph fluids to circulate through the body. The lymphatic system helps remove toxins, and improved circulation can help with a number of conditions, including lymphedema, fibromyalgia, edema, skin disorders, fatigue, insomnia, stress, digestive problems, arthritis, and migraine.
14. Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial sacral therapy or craniosacral massage is a type of bodywork that helps release compression in the bones of the head, low back, and spine. The idea behind cranial sacral therapy is that gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, can help the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system. It can also produce deeply relaxing results.
15. Abhyanga Oil Massage
Abhyanga is a type of oil massage from the system of Ayurvedic medicine. The oil is warmed and gently massaged all over the body. This type of massage focuses on nourishing the skin rather than deeply massaging the muscles.
16. Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release therapy is another type of bodywork that involves releasing stiffness in the fascia, the connective tissue system that contains each muscle in the body. Your therapist will massage and stretch any areas that feel tense with light pressure. Specific conditions that may benefit from myofascial therapy include myofascial pain syndrome, headaches, and venous insufficiency. These massages usually last 60 minutes or longer.
Benefits of Massage
One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of well-being. Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol, and norepinephrine, are also reduced. Studies indicate that high levels of stress hormones impair the immune system.
Some of the physical benefits of massage and myotherapy include:
- reduced muscle tension
- improved circulation
- stimulation of the lymphatic system
- reduction of stress hormones
- relaxation
- increased joint mobility and flexibility
- improved skin tone
- improved recovery of soft tissue injuries
- heightened mental alertness
- reduced anxiety and depression
What Happens During a Massage
The therapist will leave the room and allow you to undress to your level of comfort and get snug underneath the cover, face down on the massage table. The therapist will always knock before they enter, and leave plenty of time for you to get comfortable and prepare for the massage, so try not to rush. Rushing will increase stress levels and your muscles will tense, so it is important to try to relax as much as possible before your massage.
The therapist will uncover the sections of your body they are massaging, leaving the rest covered, so you are warm and comfortable. A good massage therapist will never leave you feeling exposed. The therapist may ask you if the pressure of your massage is alright. Do not feel worried about telling the therapist that it is too much or too little pressure, as every person is different and a good massage therapist will not take offense and will try to get the massage perfect for you.
Most people like to close their eyes and relax, but if you prefer to chat or have any questions to ask then feel free to ask them. It’s all about your relaxation and you should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
What Happens After a Massage
Your massage therapist will let you know the massage is complete (or gently wake you if you were lucky enough to nod off!) and then leave the room to allow you to redress. Try not to sit or stand up too quickly, as you may feel dizzy or lightheaded after a massage, especially if the room is dark and warm. Sit up slowly, and take your time when you stand up and dress.
Make sure to drink lots of water after your massage as this should help with the dizziness if you have any, and flush out any toxins released during the massage.
Most people feel extremely relaxed. You may feel the freedom from long-term aches and pains and increased energy which may last for days afterward. If you have gone for a deep tissue massage, you may feel slightly tender to start with, but after your muscles get used to the relaxed state, you should feel much better.
Contraindication for Massage
While massage has many benefits, some caution needs to be taken since there can be certain medical issues involved with giving a massage. First, vigorous massage strokes should be avoided when working with people who have a bleeding disorder or those who may be taking a blood thinner.
Second, a massage shouldn't be done in any area of the body where there may be blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, and healing from a recent surgery.
Third, although massage therapy is generally safe for cancer patients, it's best to have the patient consult with their oncologist prior to receiving a massage.
And fourth, pregnant women should also consult their healthcare provider prior to using massage therapy and then should seek a therapist who is specially trained in massage therapy during pregnancy.
A contraindication in a massage is a reason why a massage therapist or practitioner would not give a massage to a client because it may cause harm in some way. Contraindications in massage can be broken down into two categories. A local contraindication in a massage is when a massage can't be performed over a certain area. Oftentimes a massage can be done to the rest of the body, but not to the area that is contraindicated.
A total contraindication in a massage is when a massage shouldn't be performed under any circumstance.
Local Contraindication in Massage
Contraindications for a massage can be discovered when the massage therapist is doing his/her assessment and intake. Some examples of areas of local contraindications include:
- Varicose veins
- Lumps or bumps that are undiagnosed, or haven't been cleared by a medical profession
- Severe bruising
- Deep or open cuts
- Frostbite
- Sunburn
- Areas of recent local surgery
Total Contraindications in Massage
For those with certain medical conditions, massage should be entirely avoided. Some examples of total contraindications include:
- Having significant fever
- Contagious diseases such as the cold or the flu
- Recent operations or acute injuries
- Severe, unstable hypertension
- Local contagious or irritable skin conditions
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 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:
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.
Apple
Google (online)
Office 365 (online)
Outlook
Outlook.com (online)
Yahoo! (online)