What are benefits of massage and bodywork?
When should I get a massage?
What if I’m overweight or embarrassed about my body?
What does a massage therapist’s license or certification mean?
What happens during a massage?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
ADo I have to be completely undressed?
How often should I receive a massage?
How will I feel after the massage or body work session?
What are benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, and reduce mental/physical fatigue and stress. It also promotes faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improves posture, reduces blood pressure, promotes better sleep, improves concentration, reduces anxiety and creates an overall sense of well-being.
When should I get a massage?
Any time is a good time to get a massage. You don’t need to wait until you’re overstressed or injured. Massage works wonders as preventive care for your body and mind. Regular massages are a wonderful way to cope with stress, both physical and emotional.
What if I’m overweight or embarrassed about my body?
Reconnect with massage. Massage therapists have seen every imaginable shape and size, from young to old. Massage creates a sense of nurturing that is especially powerful when it comes to poor body image. Accepting the non-judgmental touch of a trained Therapist allows you to move one step forward to rebuilding and appreciating your own body.
What does a massage therapist’s license or certification mean?
A license means that a massage Therapist has met the requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in that area. In some places the massage is regulated by the state, others are regulated by the town or municipality. Many places have no licensing requirements. To get a license, a massage Therapist will usually have to have a minimum hours of training at an accredited or accepted school or training center. This varies widely, from 100 hours in some places to over 1000 hours in others. Certification means that the Therapist has successfully passed a specific course or test and been granted a certificate to bear out that fact. There is also a written national certification test for massage therapists.
What happens during a massage?
It depends on the techniques used. In a general swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system, and exterior muscle tension. As your body unwinds, pressure will gradually be increase aiding in muscular relief in specific areas. Always feel free to communicate with your Therapist immediately if you feel any discomfort. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
You and the Therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).
Do I have to be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped during the session.
How often should I receive a massage?
The answer here depends on the reasons for receiving the massage. If a client comes for some injury relief, and to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with their daily lives in some way, weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session’s improvement in their relief and healing. For those who use massage as preventive care and managing the daily stress in their lives, once a month is about the norm. They may shorten the time between massages during stressful periods. Some come more often just because they enjoy it that much. For most people, the frequency of the massages they receive is limited by their pocketbook. It’s an unfortunate fact, but once many people realize the benefits it provides them, and the pleasure they receive from it, they find a way to incorporate a regular session into their budget.
How will I feel after the massage or body work session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pain, increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity, which can last for days. Since toxins are released with palpitations of the soft tissue during a massage, it is recommended your drink plenty of water afterwards.
