Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy
Q. | Does deep tissue massage offer stress relief? |
A. | When a client feels stressed out due to demands at work, home or both, deep tissue massage can help ease this stress in a healthy manner. This is important, as unresolved stress can do major damage to mental and physical health. An estimated 60 to 80 percent of doctor’s office visits are stress-related. That was noted in a 2003 study in the Journal of the National Medical Association. |
Q | Does deep tissue massage eases pain? |
A. | Deep tissue massage may be able to lessen pain. For example, research published in an April 2014 issue of Manual Therapy That found that deep tissue massage to posterior calf muscles, along with self-stretching exercises, helped reduce participants’ pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Deep tissue massage can be used for other conditions as well, such as fibromyalgia, tennis elbow or low-back pain, potentially providing some much-needed relief. According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs. Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain. People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage. |
Q. | Does deep tissue massage makes movement easier? |
A. | Scar tissue adhesions form when an area of the body is injured and heals. Although the most common scars seen are those that result from a visible cut, sometimes they occur deeper in the body. Such as when you damage muscles, ligaments or tendons. It is this type of scarring that deep tissue massage can help resolve, making it easier to move and promoting greater range of motion. |
Q. | Does deep tissue massage lower heart rate and blood pressure? |
A. | A study published in 2008 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed this. It involved 263 participants who reported muscle spasm or strain. Each individual’s blood pressure and heart rate was assessed prior to a 45 to 60-minute deep tissue massage, as well as after. The result was lower systolic and diastolic pressure, as well as heart rates around 10 beats less per minute. |
Q. | Will deep tissue massage hurt? |
A. | At certain points during the massage, most people find there is some minor discomfort and pain. It is important to communicate with your massage therapist during the session when things hurt too much. Your therapist will not be offended since they have to adjust their pressure to the individual and you can help to that end. As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort. It is not harmful. Discomfort usually diminishes and the therapist will work to the client’s tolerance level. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time. Massage therapists will modify their techniques to meet their client’s needs. |
Q. | How can massage help me? |
A. | Massage therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages and conditions. Massage is widely used to help obtain relief from many specific problems, including: · Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis · Stress relief and associated conditions · Headaches and migraines · Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains · Back pain · Repetitive strain injury, carpel tunnel, TMJ, foot pain, shoulder and neck pain. · Circulatory and Respiratory problems · Pregnancy and labour discomfort · Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation |
Q. | Do I have to remove all my clothing for massage therapy? |
A. | No. Your comfort as a client is of the utmost to all Licensed Massage Therapists. Whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. Massage Therapists can provide important treatment whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your clothing. All LMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that you are completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment. Licensed Massage Therapists may also describe the treatments to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them. If you are uncomfortable, your LMT wants you to let them know immediately. That is true whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience. |
Q. | What is Massage Therapy? |
A. | Massage Therapy is manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. Employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning. |
Q. | How often should I have massage therapy? |
A. | Some people believe that one treatment is enough. Massage therapy also can be most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments. Any massage may also then be followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments. Massage Therapists can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle. |
Q. | How will I feel after my massage treatment? |
A. | Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days. If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day – much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness. After your session you might increase your water intake a bit. Just keep your body’s tissues fully hydrated in those ways usually considered healthy after a workout for example. |
