Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a type of treatment in which a trained and certified medical professional manipulates the soft tissue of your body such as the muscle, tendons, skin, connective tissue, and ligaments.

The therapist uses varying degrees or movement and pressure. Massage is considered as part of integrative and complementary medicine.

Along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical situations and conditions, it is being offered increasingly. Massage is an effective treatment for pain, reducing stress and tension according to some studies.

Here are the most common reasons to receive a massage therapy.

Massage is divided into two types:

• Therapeutic massage – which is more geared towards addressing specific health conditions such as trigger point massage and sports massage.
• Relaxation massage – the goal is to encourage deep relaxation such as hot stone massage and aromatherapy massage.

Along with undergoing massage therapy comes potential risks.

Massage may not be an option for you if you have:

• Open or Healing wounds and burns
• Bleeding disorders or Using blood thinning medication
• Fractures
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Severe thrombocytopenia
• Severe osteoporosis

To prepare for the massage therapy you should shower first. Cover your wounds to prevent infection. Get your doctor’s’ clearance if you have open sores or a communicable condition.

Eat first before the session because massage stimulates your body’s digestive processes and might leave you feeling hungry and the relaxation massage can lower your blood sugar level. Avoid alcohol intake before the massage.

Here you can find out what to expect from your massage therapy.

At the session, you will first fill out a form about your health. You will then be introduced to your registered massage therapist who will lead you to the massage room.

The massage room will be warm and quiet or with soft music to set a relaxing mood. You will lie down on the massage table.

You will undress to your comfortable level. The massage is done with professional massage lotions or light oils that will be good for your skin and absorb easily.

The therapist will begin by stroking your body with slow, even strokes. He or she will ask you if the level of pressure is to your liking.

During a massage session, your therapist works with the muscles, soft tissues, and joints of the body in a variety of techniques in order to benefit your overall health and well-being.

If you do not understand your massage therapy results, consult with your doctor.

Most people will feel extremely relaxed and sometimes feel a little fatigued after the massage session.

A lot of people experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over weeks and months from tension or repetitive activities.

The detoxifying effect of the massage may leave you a little dehydrated so drink water.

Avoid any alcohol or caffeine after the massage session. Go home and relax and go to bed early.