Brush aside any thoughts you may
have that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the
contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health
and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for
some much-needed stress relief.
Today, massage therapy is recognized
by physicians and health practitioners as a valid form of treatment for many
conditions, including stress. It is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals,
and even airports, along with luxury spas and upscale health clubs. If you’ve
never tried massage, you’re missing out on all the possible health benefits.
Massage is a general term for
pressing, rubbing and manipulating the body’s skin, muscles, tendons, and
ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage,
but may also use their forearms, elbows and even their feet. Massage may range
from light stroking to deep pressure techniques.
There are many different kinds of
massage, and these are some common types:
- Swedish
massage. This is a gentle form of
massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements,
vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you. - Deep-tissue
massage. This massage technique uses
slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and
connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries. - Sports
massage. This is similar to Swedish
massage but is geared toward people involved in sport activities to help
prevent or treat injuries. - Trigger
point massage. This massage focuses on
trigger points, or sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in
your muscles after injuries or overuse. - Reflexology.
This type focuses attention on the feet, where most of the body’s nerve
endings terminate. Not only does it just feel good, stimulating particular
areas of the feet can benefit the internal organs and other areas of the
body.
Other types of massage are becoming popular,
including shiatsu, myofacial release, lymph drainage, and acupressure. There
are also versions of massage that involve the use of warm stones and
aromatherapy oils. You
can even learn how to do self-massage or to engage in massage with a partner.
Massage is generally considered part
of complementary and alternative medicine. It has been found to be helpful for:
- Stress relief
- Managing anxiety and depression
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Blood pressure control
- Infant growth
- Sports-related injuries
- Boosting immunity
- Cancer treatment
Beyond the benefits for specific
conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves
caring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with
their massage therapist.
Despite its benefits, massage isn’t
meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re
trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have. Massage is generally safe as long as it’s performed by a trained massage
therapist. But massage isn’t appropriate for everyone. Discuss massage with
your doctor first in cases of:
- Unexplained
pain or other symptoms - Burns or open
wounds - Cancer
- Blood clots
- Fractures
- Rheumatoid
arthritis - Severe
osteoporosis - Pregnancy
- Known
allergies to oils or skincare products
What you can expect during a massage
You don’t need any
special preparation for massage. Before a session starts, your massage
therapist should ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what
you’re hoping to get out of massage. Your massage therapist should explain the
kind of massage and techniques he or she will use. They may also perform an
evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how
much pressure to apply. You can also tell them how much pressure is comfortable
for you.
In a typical massage therapy
session, you undress to your comfort level or wear loose-fitting clothing. You will
most likely lie on a table, covered by a sheet. You can also get a massage
while sitting in a chair, fully clothed. If you want, your massage therapist
may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your massage
therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.
A massage session typically lasts
from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you
have. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and
relaxed during and after your massage. Pain that’s more significant than momentary discomfort could indicate that
something’s wrong-tell your therapist right away if this occurs.
If your therapist is pushing too
hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a
muscle that feels like a knot. It’s can be uncomfortable while the therapist
works it out. Again, if it becomes too painful, speak up. It’s also not
uncommon to be a bit sore the next day, especially if you have never had a
massage before.
Finding
a massage therapist
Most states
regulate massage therapists through licensing, registration or certification
requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist such
questions as:
· Are
you licensed, certified or registered?
· What
is your training and experience?
· How
many massage therapy sessions do you think I’ll need?
· What’s
the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
In Glens Falls, we have several great choices
for massage, including:
- The Spa Studio
- Journey- A Private Spa
- Total Eclips Salon and Spa
- Massage Works
- Tranquil Massage
- Jennifer Madsion, LMT, 744-2315
- Mindy Ryzuk, 307-6706
You can also ask your doctor or a
person you trust for a recommendation. Give massage therapy a try today, and
see what a difference it can make in your life!