Things to Consider When Thinking About Massage…
Do I need a massage?
Do you have stress in your life? Do you suffer from muscle tension? Is your blood pressure high? Do you work out? Or are you a weekend warrior? Are headaches or body aches normal for you? Are you looking for ways to increase your health? Do you battle with puffy ankles? Do you have scar tissue from past surgeries or injuries? Do you feel like your arms, legs, or neck has limited range of motion? Do you sit or stand all day long? Are your work or hobbies tough on your body? If you answered yes to any of these, massage therapy can help.
How will it help?
Swedish massage is a healing modality which has been proven to lower blood pressure and decrease stress physically and mentally. Within an hour treatment, the stress of the day can be washed away, replaced by graceful relaxation. The gentle to firm kneading motion increases blood supply to muscles, which helps heal small tears in the fibers which aids in healing. This kneading also releases the lactic acid which causes the body aches, stiffness, and muscle soreness. Other strokes can break up scar tissue which will increase range of motion. When needed, passive stretching can increase your flexibility. Skilled fingers and hands can find the knots, relieve the tension, and bring the relief that you need.
What to expect?
It is recommended that you arrive at your appointment early to avoid feeling rushed, and to give time for filling out any paperwork. It is also recommended that you are showered and free from perfumes, as everything on your skin will be massaged in. While paperwork can seem daunting at any healthcare appointment, massage therapists consider past injuries and surgeries, pain patterns, work or hobby strains, and contraindications when coming up with a treatment plan. Remember when your therapist is focusing on an area beyond your specific area of complaint that everything in your body is connected through muscles, connective tissue, your circulatory and lymphatic systems. Stiffness or pain in one location can be caused by tight muscles elsewhere.
How do I get the best?
If you are looking for the best massage experience, look for a specially trained and licensed therapist. In New York, it takes 500 hours of massage specific courses and a passing grade on the state boards to receive a license. Once licensed, a NY massage therapist is required to take 40 continuing education credits every three years to renew their licensure. You can check with your state to see what their requirements are. You should vet your massage therapist the same way you would a doctor. Feel free to ask what types of classes they have taken, and what extra certifications they have. Some take spa credits, while others take medical massage, lymphatic drainage, ethics, or business courses. In the end, you may need to try a few therapists before you find one that has the right touch.
