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FAQs:
What is a Mobile Massage?
Mobile massage is massage on the move. Practitioners will travel to the client (their home, office, or otherwise) and provide everything needed for treatment:
- massage table or mat
- clean linens
- massage oil or lotion
- music (optional)
- any other required supplies
While mobile massage most often takes place in a home setting, the practitioner may also travel to other environments.
What is a Mobile Massage Therapist?
A mobile massage therapist provides massage services for clients at their home or place of business. As a mobile massage therapist, your job duties include driving to the client’s location, helping clients choose the best type of massage technique for their needs, and transporting equipment during each session. Some professionals practice massage therapy at a permanent location, such as a wellness center, along with offering mobile services to clients. If you are self-employed, you may also perform business-related tasks, such as marketing your services, bookkeeping, and maintaining a professional website.
How Does Mobile Massage Work?
Mobile massage is often performed on the client seated and fully clothed. However, there are instances where the client may request a portable massage table. The massage therapist employs different massage techniques, focusing on the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands. The most common strokes used in a mobile massage service are effleurage, circular friction, and tapotement. Effleurage is a rubbing motion performed at the beginning and end of the massage with the palm and fingertips to loosen up the muscles. Circular friction involves the application of deep pressure with the fingertips or thumbs while moving the tissues in a circular motion. Tapotement consists of a series of percussive, rhythmic hand movements that aim to revitalize the muscle tissues.
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 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.
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.
Is Getting a Mobile Massage Worth It?
With the increasing stress with busy routines of people getting a Mobile Massage is a must for every other person. It is not only cheaper than a spa or clinical massage therapy; it also is the best way to relax from your all-day stress within the comfort of your home. Whether you need a massage at your home or any other place, the choice of a therapist and place entirely depends upon your preference. It is probably the best way to keep you relaxed and calm at home even after your hectic outdoor day routine.
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.
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.
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
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.
Reasons to Choose Mobile Massage
There are many reasons someone may want to choose mobile massage. Here are a few possible reasons:
1. Comfort: People may feel most relaxed in their own home environment or may also be more anxious in outside environments.
2. Convenience: Schedules can get busy!
3. Customization: There is a greater potential to create and control the environment in which they receive a message, such as using their own candles, lights, or essential oil diffuser.
4. Lack of transportation: Helpful for those who are not able to commute or find it difficult.
5. Mobility or health-related reasons: For some, leaving the house could increase the chances of tripping and falling, or perhaps they want to limit exposure to the outside world if their health is compromised in a particular way.
6. Caretakers: Leaving the home may not be easy if they have dependents to care for.
7. Simply because they want to!
While there are many reasons someone may choose mobile massage over a massage in a clinic or spa setting, there is no "better" choice between the two. Massage therapy can significantly and positively impact overall health, and what matters most is the client's comfort and well-being.
5 Benefits of Mobile Massage
Getting a massage can feel like the ultimate luxury when in reality, it’s something many of us can benefit from having more regularly. Helping to ease tense muscles, improve circulation and support the body’s natural healing abilities, massage is known for promoting relaxation and easing pain.
For those of us sitting at a desk for hours on end for work, massage can counteract some of the damage being caused. Something that can put people off when it comes to booking a massage is visiting a clinic. It may not be convenient or even accessible for some, so we want to share an alternative – mobile massage.
Also referred to as at-home massage, this is when a masseuse comes to you with their table and equipment, to massage you in the comfort of your own home. Not sure if this sounds right for you? Here are some of the benefits of this approach.
1. Convenience
There are many reasons why attending a clinic to get a massage may not be convenient for you. Perhaps you don’t drive, can’t find a local clinic right for you, or simply don’t have the time to travel. With mobile massage, this complication is removed. The masseuse will come to you at a pre-arranged time slot, negating any need to travel. This may make it easier to slot into your schedule.
2. Deeper relaxation
This will depend on your personal preferences, however, some people find the relaxing effects of relaxation don’t last as long as they’d like when visiting a clinic. This may be because they then need to travel home. With mobile massage, you have the option of simply slipping into your pajamas after your massage and totally switching off. Some people also find it stressful interacting with several people (a receptionist, people in the waiting area, etc.) and may feel more relaxed being alone with the masseuse.
3. More Accessible
As well as being more convenient for some people, mobile massage is more accessible too. Those with a disability, chronic illness, and older people may struggle to travel easily and therefore may find it easier to have an at-home massage. As you’ll be in your own environment, you can also ensure you have anything you need to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
4. More Privacy
Some people may enjoy the extra layer of privacy of an at-home massage. The environment will be quiet and it’ll just be you and the massage therapist in the building, which may help you feel more comfortable.
5. Opportunity to customize the experience
Your massage therapist will bring along any equipment they need, including aromatherapy oils and music, however as you are having the treatment at home, you have the chance to customize the experience more. Perhaps you have a particular playlist you’d like to listen to, or a certain scent that always relaxes you. Chat with your massage therapist about what customizations you can make and what they can offer, to get a truly tailored experience.
What to Expect from a Mobile Massage
Therapists who practice mobile massage services should be fully qualified in remedial massage. Generally, they bring their own portable massage tables, essential oils, and towels. They will also advise their client beforehand on the other requirements like a warm room. Clients are usually advised to take a hot shower before the massage as this can help relax their muscles before the session starts and improve muscle recovery after the session. The client should be dressed appropriately for the massage style that they booked. Upon arriving at the client's place, the therapist will set up their equipment, including a portable massage table if one was requested. Once done, they will sit down with the client, take their health history and discuss what the latter hopes to achieve from the treatment session. The massage session can take 50 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the service that the client booked. Apart from relieving pain, stress, and tension, the manipulation techniques eliminate the toxins accumulated in the tissues, so the client is advised to drink plenty of water to hydrate their body right after the session.
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.
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.
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
How to Find Mobile Massage Therapists
When it comes to finding a mobile massage therapist, the process can seem overwhelming at first. But don't worry! I've got you covered with some helpful tips on how to find the right therapist for you.
1. Search Online for the Keywords "Massage Your City"
To find mobile massage therapists in your city, you may search online with the appropriate keywords. By typing "search online for keywords 'massage your city,'" a list of reputable massage businesses that offer mobile services will appear. You can browse through the websites and read reviews and ratings to find a qualified therapist that fits your needs. Moreover, checking local directories or asking for referrals from friends and family members can also help in identifying reliable mobile massage therapists. Doing so ensures that you get quality services from licensed professionals who provide exceptional care while prioritizing your physical and emotional comfort.
2. Check Reviews and Ratings
In order to ensure that you have chosen the right mobile massage therapist for your needs, it is important to perform a thorough evaluation of their reviews and ratings.
- Check online platforms that allow clients to rate and provide feedback about their experiences with therapists. Some examples include Google Reviews or Yelp.
- Additionally, read through any testimonials or reviews on the therapist's website or social media pages, as these can provide valuable insights into the quality of their services.
- Consider asking for referrals from friends or family members who may have used a mobile massage service in the past. This personal recommendation can give you greater confidence in your choice of therapist.
It is crucial to note that reviewing and rating a therapist can be highly subjective based on individual preferences and expectations. However, taking the time to evaluate multiple sources of feedback can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the mobile massage therapist's overall performance.
3. Ask for Referrals
When looking for a reputable mobile massage therapist, there are many factors to consider. One effective way to find a reliable therapist is by using the semantic variation "Request for Recommendations". Here are three key points to keep in mind when seeking referrals:
- Referrals from trusted sources: Ask friends, family, and co-workers for their recommendations. You may also want to inquire with your doctor or chiropractor.
- Online reviews: Check social media platforms and review sites like Yelp or Google My Business to see what past clients have said about their experiences.
- Professional associations: Look up professional massage organizations in your area, like AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) or NCBTMB (National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork). These associations have directories of licensed therapists in good standing.
It is important to note that personal recommendations may vary based on individual preferences. For instance, if you like deep tissue massages, ask someone who shares this preference for a therapist's recommendation.
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.
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