Massage has many health benefits. Find out what the advantages and disadvantages are, when you should and should not get massages and what to expect from Swedish, Oriental, chair, deep tissue and therapeutic massages.
What to expect when receiving a massage:
*Expect clean equipment and fresh linens on the massage table.
For example, if you are receiving a Swedish massage you will begin by laying supine (on your back) on the massage table.Other massages may begin with you lying prone (on your stomach) on the massage table.
*Expect professionalism and courtesy.
*Expect proper draping techniques.
*Expect answers to ANY questions you may have about massage.
If at ANY time during the massage you are uncomfortable with the therapist you have the right to ask that the session be stopped immediately.
Some of the types of massage include chair massage, relaxation, athletic, therapeutic, aromatherapy, oriental, stone, and deep pressure.Massage may also incorporate reflexology of the feet and/or the hands.Here's a little information about some of the different types of massage.
Chair Massage:
You will be asked to sit in a specially designed chair to receive this massage.You are able to remain fully clothed for this type of massage.The massage therapist will concentrate on your back, neck, shoulders and arms during this massage.Some therapists offer hot packs to be placed on your back prior to the massage.This type of massage is extremely helpful to people with neck and shoulder problems as this massage concentrates on those areas.This type of massage usually lasts approximately 20 minutes.Often massage therapists will set up booths at trade fairs and offer chair massage and you can expect to pay at least $1 per minute for this type of massage.
Relaxation/Therapeutic Massage:
This massage is usually a full body massage that is approximately one hour long.You will be asked to undress (to the point of your comfort) after the massage therapist explains the procedure and leaves the room.You will then get onto the massage table.The therapist will have told you whether to lay on your front or your back.You will be able to cover up with the linens provided on the table.This type of massage will usually include both effleurage (long strokes) and Petri sage (small circular) strokes during the massage.The massage therapist will occasionally ask if the pressure he/she is using is okay.It is YOUR responsibility to let them know whether it is okay to use a deeper pressure or if they need to use less pressure.Stone massages are a great relaxation massage which can also help your therapist provide you with a deeper massage.You can expect a relaxation or stone type of massage to cost anywhere from $40 an hour to $200 an hour depending on which part of the country you live in.Exclusive spas tend to cost extra but usually provide clients with additional amenities to enjoy.
Sports/Athletic Massage:
This type of massage provides an excellent benefit to athletes.Whether you are an occasional golfer or an avid marathon runner this type of massage is excellent to receive PRIOR to any sporting event.The massage therapist is able to target and stretch specific muscle areas.These are gentle stretches to loosen up muscles prior to events.
Deep Tissue Massage:
Deep tissue massage is a lot like a relaxation massage except the therapist will use a much deeper pressure during the massage.The therapist will move and manipulate soft tissue and muscles.You will often feel sore after a deep tissue massage.You should not hurt.If you are bruised after a massage, you probably have had TISSUE DAMAGE and not a deep pressure massage.Many people request a really deep massage.It is the responsibility of the massage therapist to explain to their client that there is a fine line between tissue damage and deep pressure massage.While a deep pressure massage can make you sore, it should NOT cause tissue damage.Be sure and visit with your therapist about this PRIOR to receiving a deep tissue massage.
Oriental Massage:
Often oriental massage is referred to as bodywork.Shiatsu is just one of the many types of oriental massage.You will be asked to lay (fully clothed) on a mat on the floor.You will receive stretches and acupressure point massage by the therapist.This type of massage usually lasts approximately one hour.
Reflexology:
Reflexology can be incorporated into a massage or be requested independent of a massage.During a reflexology treatment or session, the therapist will use pressure on different parts of the hand and or foot.According to the reflexology charts, each point on your hand or foot correlates with a specific body part.An example of this would be that when the therapist works on the tip of your toes they are working your sinus area.If they are working on your big toe they might be working on your heart.Reflexology charts do differ, so be sure and review some of the available charts about reflexology.This is an especially great type of massage for sore feet.
As you can see there are numerous types of massage that are available.Most of the time massage is extremely beneficial.But, like with everything, there are exceptions to the rule.Yes, sometimes there are contraindications of massage.Some contraindications can include specific medical diagnosis such as cancer.So, be sure and check with your physician for his/her approval before receiving massage therapy.
If you have additional questions regarding massage contact a massage school.A massage school often has students that are perfecting their massage skills and offer massages at half the price a regular massage therapist does!Remember that a massage should NEVER hurt.Are you ready for a massage?Call today and schedule a massage.The cost may vary but the benefits of a helpful massage are priceless.
