by 3loomi.4ulike
Massage Therapist – Trained Professionals – Article by Blake Wilson
A massage therapist is trained in the art of “touch” therapy, which was designed to provide relief from pain, to sooth overworked, tired muscles, to reduce stress and tension, assist with the rehabilitation process after surgery or injury and promote an overall feeling of well-being. This is accomplished this by the expert manipulation of the soft tissue muscles of the body, in this very popular form of bodywork.There are over 80 different massage techniques, referred to as modalities. The main differences are the types of strokes used and the amount of pressured applied during the massage. For some techniques, a massage therapist may use short, fast strokes while others are administered using shorter, choppier strokes. The amount of pressure used will differ, but all are designed to relax and heal the body.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.Most massage therapists are trained in a certain number of modalities. If the massage therapist you’re considering isn’t properly trained in the one that best suits your needs, you may want to ask for a referral to a different therapist who can better help you meet your goals. If you feel pain or discomfort at any time during your session, advise your massage therapist right away, as this is not normal.Many massage therapists prefer to use some type of lubricant such as lotions and oils to soften the skin and reduce friction during the procedure. For many types of therapy, your massage therapist may ask that you remove some or all of your clothing. You will then be given a towel or sheet to cover with, exposing only those areas being massaged.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.
