{"id":9945,"date":"2012-04-05T10:37:48","date_gmt":"2012-04-05T14:37:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glensfalls.com\/hometownhealth\/2012\/04\/massage-therapy-get-in-touch-with-its-many-benefits.html"},"modified":"2018-07-10T15:16:46","modified_gmt":"2018-07-10T19:16:46","slug":"massage-therapy-get-in-touch-with-its-many-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glensfalls.com\/hometownhealth\/2012\/04\/massage-therapy-get-in-touch-with-its-many-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Massage Therapy: Get “In Touch” with Its Many Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n
Brush aside any thoughts you may
\nhave that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the
\ncontrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health
\nand well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for
\nsome much-needed stress relief.<\/p>\n
Today, massage therapy is recognized
\nby physicians and health practitioners as a valid form of treatment for many
\nconditions, including stress. It is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals,
\nand even airports, along with luxury spas and upscale health clubs. If you’ve
\nnever tried massage, you’re missing out on all the possible health benefits.<\/p>\n
Massage is a general term for
\npressing, rubbing and manipulating the body’s skin, muscles, tendons, and
\nligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage,
\nbut may also use their forearms, elbows and even their feet. Massage may range
\nfrom light stroking to deep pressure techniques.<\/p>\n
There are many different kinds of
\nmassage, and these are some common types:<\/p>\n
Other types of massage are becoming popular,
\nincluding shiatsu, myofacial release, lymph drainage, and acupressure. There
\nare also versions of massage that involve the use of warm stones and
\naromatherapy oils. You
\ncan even learn how to do self-massage or to engage in massage with a partner.<\/p>\n
Massage is generally considered part
\nof complementary and alternative medicine. It has been found to be helpful for:<\/p>\n
Beyond the benefits for specific
\nconditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves
\ncaring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with
\ntheir massage therapist.<\/p>\n
Despite its benefits, massage isn’t
\nmeant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re
\ntrying 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
\ntherapist. But massage isn’t appropriate for everyone. Discuss massage with
\nyour doctor first in cases of:<\/p>\n
What you can expect during a massage<\/b><\/p>\n
You don’t need any
\nspecial preparation for massage. Before a session starts, your massage
\ntherapist should ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what
\nyou’re hoping to get out of massage. Your massage therapist should explain the
\nkind of massage and techniques he or she will use. They may also perform an
\nevaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how
\nmuch pressure to apply. You can also tell them how much pressure is comfortable
\nfor you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In a typical massage therapy
\nsession, you undress to your comfort level or wear loose-fitting clothing. You will
\nmost likely lie on a table, covered by a sheet. You can also get a massage
\nwhile sitting in a chair, fully clothed. If you want, your massage therapist
\nmay use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your massage
\ntherapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.<\/p>\n
A massage session typically lasts
\nfrom 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you
\nhave. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and
\nrelaxed during and after your massage. Pain that’s more significant than momentary discomfort<\/b> could indicate that
\nsomething’s wrong\u00ad-tell your therapist right away if this occurs.<\/p>\n
If your therapist is pushing too
\nhard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a
\nmuscle that feels like a knot. It’s can be uncomfortable while the therapist
\nworks it out. Again, if it becomes too painful, speak up. It’s also not
\nuncommon to be a bit sore the next day, especially if you have never had a
\nmassage before.<\/p>\n
Finding
\na massage therapist<\/b>
\nMost states
\nregulate massage therapists through licensing, registration or certification
\nrequirements. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist such
\nquestions as:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Are
\nyou licensed, certified or registered?<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 What
\nis your training and experience?<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 How
\nmany massage therapy sessions do you think I’ll need?<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 What’s
\nthe cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
\n<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In Glens Falls, we have several great choices
\nfor massage, including:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
You can also ask your doctor or a
\nperson you trust for a recommendation. Give massage therapy a try today, and
\nsee what a difference it can make in your life!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":181,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n