subject: Massage Therapists Help Fight Chronic Pain [print this page] Massage therapy - or "touch" therapy - was designed by a massage therapist for a number of purposes. The procedure not only relieves pain and the effects of stress and tension, but it also helps to provide soothing relief to tired muscles, speed up the rehabilitation period after injury or surgery and enhances an overall feeling of well being. This very popular form of bodywork involves the expert manipulation of the body's tissue and muscles by a trained massage therapist.
The different techniques used by massage therapists - and there are over 80 - are called modalities. Some of these procedures utilize short, quick strokes, while others are administered with longer, smoother strokes by applying varying amounts of pressure. But all are designed to provide the ultimate in complete relaxation.
The time needed to feel the benefits of a massage can vary. Depending on the type of massage being administered by the massage therapist, the procedure can range anywhere from 5 or 10 minutes to up to 2 hours, depending on the client's needs and physical condition. Also, some forms of massage are given solely to one type of client, for example,
* Prenatal massage, which many massage therapists administer to pregnant women;
* Infant massage to address conditions of new motherhood;
* Sports massage which therapists use to address overextended muscles and ligaments and to keep an athlete's body in peak condition;
* Geriatric massages used by many massage therapists to treat the effects of aging.
So what steps should you take to pick the massage therapist who's right for you? Do your research and ask questions, as you would when choosing any health professional or anyone performing pain relief to your body. If you decide to go to a massage therapist who is not qualified, you - and more importantly - your body will be sorry! So ask questions ... don't be shy about it ... it's your right!
So how does it all work? Massage therapists work by appointment and usually before beginning your session, yours will have a discussion with you to review your overall medical health history and what your goals for improvement include. By knowing this, you and your massage therapist can decide together which techniques are the right fit for you.
As discussed before, there are many techniques - or modalities - used in massage therapy. If after the initial discussion with your massage therapist it is determined that you need a type of therapy other than what he or she is trained in, they may refer you to another specialist. If during your massage therapy session, you experience any type of discomfort, inform your massage therapist immediately.
Some massage therapists prefer to use oils or lotions while administering various techniques, but that's entirely up to you and him/her. Depending on the type of massage you choose, you may be asked to disrobe. You will then be given a blanket, sheet or towel to cover your body, so only the area being treated will be exposed at any given time.
Massage therapists administer their massages in a variety of different settings ... some public ... some private, but most are dimly lit. The use of incense and/or candles is common, as is the presence of soothing music in the background. Massage therapists use these to put their clients at ease, especially if it is their first time. Some may travel to their clients' home or office to provide the massage therapy, depending on the client's schedule and location.
