FAQs:
What is a Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic massage is a mobilization of the soft tissues in order to induce relaxation. Therapeutic massage combines specific massage techniques to produce a therapeutic effect. Therapeutic massage can be used to reduce stress, decrease pain and increase feelings of calmness and well-being. Therapeutic massage can also produce many physiological results, which benefit the body. Physiological effects such as reduced heart rate, increased blood circulation, increased temperature, and stimulation of sensory receptors. Techniques used within a therapeutic massage can also help to stretch and loosen soft tissues allowing more movement around joints.
What is the Difference Between a Therapeutic Massage and a Regular Massage?
A therapeutic massage is intended to affect certain areas whereas a relaxation massage generally covers most areas of the body. Many therapists use specific neuromuscular therapy and connective tissue release techniques during a therapeutic massage. With that said, Swedish massage is the most common protocol for a relaxation massage. In a therapeutic massage, it is essential for the client to be an active participant and give the therapist feedback on pressure, sensation, and changes. In many relaxation massages, the client does not have to be active and can feel free to fall asleep. A massage does not have to be either a therapeutic massage or a relaxation massage. Your massage sessions are most likely a combination of both.
When Should a Person Seek a Therapeutic Massage?
Generally, people seek out massage therapy in a medical setting when they’re looking for a particular modality or certified specialization, specifically when referred by a physician.
Common examples of conditions that might warrant prescription massage therapy include:
- Neck pain, lower back pain, or chronic pain
- Migraines
- Anxiety or stress
- Plantar fasciitis
- Joint pain
- Muscle spasms
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.
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.
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 if you want 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.
How Much Do You Tip a Massage Therapist?
In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you’re wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you’d want to tip $20. If you’re considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you’d still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated. You’re really paying for your health and wellness, so (tipping) becomes a bigger conversation. As you’re considering how much to tip massage therapists, it’s also good to keep in mind the vast range of rates that different massage therapists might charge. For instance, a 90-minute massage at a high-end spa might be $300, whereas the same service at a popular massage chain might be $150. In that scenario, the massage therapist at the chain would get $30 less of a tip.
What Therapeutic Massage Can Help With
Therapeutic massage is often used to help relieve muscle tension and pain. It may be used on its own, but it is also often used in conjunction with other traditional pain treatments. Therapeutic massage may also be helpful for helping people deal with symptoms of conditions including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Panic disorder
- Stress
Therapeutic massage can help reduce muscle tension, which is why it may help relieve some symptoms that are associated with stress and anxiety.
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.
Types of Therapeutic Massage
The term “therapeutic massage” is an umbrella term for all massage therapy techniques that focus on treating specific injuries or conditions. The goals of therapeutic massages may range from loosening stiff joints to improving range of motion, or correcting posture and promoting healing from injuries To that end, specific types of therapeutic massage techniques include:
1. Sports Massage
A sports massage is often prescribed to people who have suffered an overuse injury. Sports massage helps to stimulate circulation which can expedite recovery times. Sports massages can also soften scar tissue, keeping muscles healthy and preventing future injuries.
2. Trigger Point Therapy (Trigger Point Massage)
Chronic pain and specific injuries can lead to stiffness and tightness in areas of the muscles known as trigger points. Trigger point therapy focuses on applying varying degrees of pressure on the trigger point to release tension and stiffness.
3. Craniosacral Massage
Craniosacral massage involves gentle manipulation of the bones in the spine, pelvis, and skull. Patients who suffer from gastrointestinal conditions including constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome may find relief from this type of massage. It is also recommended for headaches, generalized pain, and pain stemming from scoliosis.
4. Myofascial Release
The connective tissue that contains the muscles is called the fascia. Patients suffering from stiffness, including those who work out regularly, often benefit from myofascial release, which focuses on stretching tight areas in the muscles.
5. Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular massage therapy aims to correct pain due to a neurological, nerve, or circulatory problem. It is commonly prescribed to patients to treat back pain.
6. Myoskeletal Alignment Technique
This type of massage identifies problems with posture and uses myofascial techniques to improve range of motion, release trapped nerves, and help to reduce pain from joint and tendon pain.
Therapeutic Massage Techniques
Massage therapy involves manipulating the muscles by kneading, rubbing, pressing, or patting different muscle groups. Some of the techniques used include:
1. Effleurage: This involves light or deep strokes intended to help relieve tension and induce relaxation.
2. Petrissage: This technique involves kneading muscles and can be helpful for relieving muscle tightness or spasms.
3. Tapotement: This involves tapping or cupping the skin to create a percussion effect.
4. Friction: In this technique, the massage therapist applies small, circular, focused pressure to specific points on the body.
Massage therapists use their hands, forearms, and even elbows to work through various groups of muscles. Some massage therapists will also include aromatherapy oils and tranquil music to help create a peaceful and deeply relaxing experience.
The Many Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Massage is among the most relaxing and soothing sensations one can experience. However, the benefits of a good rubdown go beyond relaxation and run deeper than you might think.
A recent study that appeared in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) publication indicates that 50% of adults who saw a professional massage therapist in the past year did so for medical or health reasons. In contrast, only 28% of massage consumers sought massage for relaxation or stress reduction during the same period. So why are so many patients turning to massage therapy? Let’s review the health benefits to find out.
1. Stress Relief
Clinical studies show that massage therapy increases the production of endorphins (natural chemicals that make you feel good), serotonin, and dopamine; while it reduces cortisol levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption; factors typically associated with stress.
2. Reduces Anxiety
That heightened sense of elation after a massage isn’t just in your head. In fact, several recent studies confirm that researchers can actually measure the impact that massage has on individuals experiencing emotional trauma. Likewise, massage has also been shown to bring about a corrective effect for those suffering from deep anxiety.
3. Eases Muscle Tension
The complexities of modern suburban life have made Americans more tense than ever—both psychologically and physically. As a result, back injuries, joint stiffness, and muscle tension are ever on the rise. Unfortunately, this is a trend that medical experts don’t see changing. However, one factor that could soften the impact of muscle stiffness is therapeutic massage.
4. Improves Overall Sleep Quality
Maintaining good health is impossible without adequate sleep. The good news is that researchers have confirmed that massage therapy may significantly reduce the incidence of sleep insomnia. Furthermore, the effect of massage therapy on sleep isn’t limited to any one age group. These studies have also confirmed that massage promotes better sleep because it aids in the release of serotonin, which helps the body achieve a state of restfulness.
5. Promotes Greater Relaxation
Massage helps you rest by reducing the cortisol level and triggering several brain chemistry responses which translate into extended periods of deep relaxation. In a study of the “effects of massage therapy on the immune, hematological, and psychological state of adult subjects,” researchers found that “massage is capable of inducing psychological relaxation.”
6. Provides Muscle and Joint Pain Relief
The body of evidence that supports using massage for the treatment of pain in the muscles and joints is rock solid. Whether it’s chronic back pain, knee osteoarthritis, hand arthritis, or any other form of rheumatism; evidence suggests that massage not only reduces pain but improves range of motion and overall function.
7. Strengthens the Lower Back
There was a time when adults were highly mobile throughout the day. However, given the amount of time that we spend straining our necks and backs using mobile devices or sitting at our desks those days are long gone. Sadly, many adults have lower back pain for life in the information age. However, all is not lost. Therapeutic massage has been shown to alleviate back pain. In fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, back pain sufferers experienced more comfort from therapeutic massage than those who were given a placebo.
8. Helps Fight Depression
Massage has long been thought to reduce depression. But several recent studies provide conclusive proof that therapeutic touch relieves those who suffer from depression. Furthermore, there is research which validates the impact of massage therapy in alleviating perceived pain and anger. reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of anxiety attacks and mood swings.
9. Enhances Blood Flow and Circulation
Therapeutic massage facilitates blood circulation by directing oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to and from our muscles and internal organs. In turn, this improved blood flow leads to growth, recovery, and healing throughout the body. A 2014 study that appeared in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that massage therapy improved general blood flow. An earlier study published in Medical Science Monitor by Japanese researchers offered a similar conclusion.
10. Relieves Sports Injuries
Before massage therapy began making inroads in the medical sector, pro athletes and coaches had already adopted massage therapy as part of their fitness regimens. While evidence was initially scant, new studies backed by reputable sources are firming up the effectiveness of massage therapy in sports, thanks to its proven impact on medical test subjects.
The Many Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Massage is among the most relaxing and soothing sensations one can experience. However, the benefits of a good rubdown go beyond relaxation and run deeper than you might think.
1. Stress Relief
Clinical studies show that massage therapy increases production of endorphins (natural chemicals that make you feel good), serotonin, and dopamine; while it reduces cortisol levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption; factors typically associated with stress.
2. Reduces Anxiety
That heightened sense of elation after a massage isn’t just in your head. In fact, several recent studies confirm that researchers can actually measure the impact that massage has on individuals experiencing emotional trauma. Likewise, massage has also been shown to bring about a corrective effect for those suffering from deep anxiety.
3. Eases Muscle Tension
The complexities of modern suburban life has made Americans more tense than ever—both psychologically and physically. As a result, back injuries, joint stiffness, and muscle tension are ever on the rise. Unfortunately, this is a trend that medical experts don’t see changing. However, one factor that could soften the impact of muscle stiffness is therapeutic massage.
4. Improves Overall Sleep Quality
Maintaining good health is impossible without adequate sleep. The good news is that researchers have confirmed that massage therapy may significantly reduce the incidence of sleep insomnia. Furthermore, the effect of massage therapy on sleep isn’t limited to any one age group.
5. Promotes Greater Relaxation
Massage helps you rest by reducing the cortisol level and triggering several brain chemistry responses which translate into extended periods of deep relaxation.
6. Provides Muscle and Joint Pain Relief
The body of evidence that supports using massage for the treatment of pain at the muscles and joints is rock solid. Whether it’s chronic back pain, knee osteoarthritis, hand arthritis, or any other form of rheumatism; evidence suggests that massage not only reduces pain but improves range of motion and overall function.
7. Strengthens the Lower Back
Given the amount of time that we spend straining our necks and backs using mobile devices or sitting at our desks those days are long gone. Sadly, many adults have lower back pain for life in the information age. However, all is not lost. Therapeutic massage has been shown to alleviate back pain. In fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, back pain sufferers experienced more comfort from therapeutic massage than those who were given a placebo.
8. Helps Fight Depression
Massage has long been thought to reduce depression. But several recent studies provide conclusive proof that therapeutic touch relieves those who suffer from depression. Furthermore, there is research which validates the impact of massage therapy in alleviating perceived pain and anger. reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of anxiety attacks and mood swings.
9. Enhances Blood Flow and Circulation
Therapeutic massage facilitates blood circulation by directing oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to and from our muscles and internal organs. In turn, this improved blood flow leads to growth, recovery, and healing throughout the body.
10. Relieves Sports Injuries
Before massage therapy began making inroads in the medical sector, pro athletes and coaches had already adopted massage therapy as part of their fitness regimens. While evidence was initially scant, new studies backed by reputable sources are firming up the effectiveness of massage therapy in sports, thanks to its proven impact on medical test subjects.
What to Expect from a Therapeutic Massage
A therapeutic massage can be a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience. Depending on the type of massage you choose and the techniques used, you can expect to feel a variety of sensations. Therapeutic massage can help to reduce tension, improve circulation, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation.
During a therapeutic massage, your massage therapist will use a variety of massage techniques designed to target specific areas of the body. These techniques may include kneading, tapping, friction, and stretching. Your massage therapist may also use oils, lotions, and other products to help reduce friction and ensure a smooth massage experience.
Most people who receive a therapeutic massage report feeling very relaxed and at ease during and after the session. Some people may be slightly sore after a massage, but this is normal and should dissipate within a few hours. You should expect to feel “Delicious Pain, not Scary Pain.”
Your massage therapist may also provide advice on how to best take care of yourself after the massage, such as drinking plenty of water, taking a warm bath, or applying ice packs to sore areas. It is important to follow your massage therapist’s advice so that you can get the most out of your massage experience.
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.
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
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.
How to Find a Massage Therapist
Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's essential 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.
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