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TouchPro Institute Certified Practitioner for Seated-Chair Massage
Founder of Business Owner Building Business Group
BNI - Circle of Gold Member - Monroeville
Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce Member
Member of the Health & Safety Committee for MACC
Pittsburgh Professional Women Member
Network of Excellence Member
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IMPORTANT For Your Information Tips (We feel this is important as some of these unasked questions need to be answered so the client will feel more relaxed during treatment!)
Your First Appointment Massage and related bodywork techniques can release painful muscle tension, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, and reduce mental and physical fatigue. In addition, massage is among the most effective means available to combat stress. However, the question most people wanted answered before first trying this healthful and enjoyable experience is, “What will it actually be like?” What are some types of massage? There are too many to list in a short brochure. Swedish massage is what many people think of when massage is mentioned. It uses long, flowing strokes, deep kneading, surface friction, light tapping, and joint movement. Many therapists are trained in specialized types of bodywork, which they may use exclusively, or in some combination. For example, there are special techniques to relieve painful trigger points, relax contracted fascia (the muscles’ protective coverings), realign and heal injured tissue, aid lymph drainage, or restore the natural balance and flow of energy throughout the body. What is a Certified Massage Therapist? Massage therapists have completed many hours of education, which includes a variety of bodywork techniques, extensive anatomy and physiology, and knowledge of when massage is and is not appropriate. A growing number of states and provinces licensed massage therapists. Ask your therapist to explain his or her unique combination of specialized training. Some new research emerged this past year regarding the healing power of touch. Benefits such as reducing stress hormones and boosting immune responses are placing a new light on massage, an ancient practice enjoyed in cultures around the world. The public is embracing these new findings, moving massage to the forefront of complementary health care techniques. -American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 1998 What is the First appointment like?
Your massage therapist will begin by asking you general health
questions since there are some conditions
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust
your position, she or he will either move you (for instance, lift
your arm) or will tell you what is needed. Otherwise, change your
position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. How will a massage feel?
Massage on healthy tissue feels good. The normal response is to slow
down, breathe deeply, and relax. Proponents of integrative medicine are creating clinics at which a physician evaluates a patient, makes a medical diagnosis, and then recommends a combination of therapies that may include pharmaceuticals, herbs, acupuncture, or even a massage. -Journal of the American Medical Association, Resident Forum, November 11, 1998 How long is a session?
An
hour is a common session length. This gives time for a deeply,
relaxing, full-body massage, or more What should I expect afterwards?
Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your
body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly
getting up. For assembly lines to corporate headquarters, Americans are discovering the magic of massage. At Boeing and Reebok, headaches, back strain and fatigue have all fallen since the companies started bringing in massage therapists. Ballerina, Julie Kent of American Ballet Theatre in New York, calls her weekly sessions “as essential as stage makeup or Pointe shoes.” Doctors have started prescribing massage to help patients manage stress and pain, and a few HMOs have begun sharing in the cost. -Newsweek, April 6, 1998 How do I find out more? You may still have questions, and you are right to be careful. Any massage therapist will be happy to discuss your questions over the phone or in person before you book an appointment. However, in the end, the best answers will come from experiencing massage or bodywork first hand. Enjoy in good health. The idea that touch can heal is an old one…But in recent years massage has regained respectability and now enjoys unprecedented popularity…And science is confirming what we knew in our hearts—that, as psychiatrist James Gordon puts it, “massage is medicine.” -Reader’s Digest, February 1998
What to Expect during a massage or bodywork. Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm,
comfortable, quiet room. Soft music Who will perform the massage or bodywork? Your session will be conducted by a professional who has received proper training, often in a variety of techniques. Some massage and bodywork practitioners are licensed by the state, while others are locally regulated. Although, no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality. You may also request your preference as to a male or female therapist. Must I be completely undressed?
Most message and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed
with the client unclothed; however, Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto
the table, and cover yourself Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and
comfortable. Only the area being What parts of my body will be massaged?
You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your
session. This will determine which Will lubricant be used?
A
light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked
on without causing excessive What will the massage or bodywork feel like? It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and at ease exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of muscular tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of muscular tension. You should communicate with your practitioner immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting. Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork? There are numerous types of massage and bodywork. Various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement reeducation, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Ask the practitioner about the methods she or he uses. How long will the session last? The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back, or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60 to 90 minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas can assist in the relaxation process. What should I do during the massage or bodywork session? Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water afterward. What are the benefits of massage and bodywork? Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, and promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being. Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable? Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that before you begin your session, the practitioner ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Many practitioners may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.
A Brief History of Massage Massage is considered to be among the oldest of all treatments used by man. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years documented its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians used forms of massage for some ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has proven beneficial to many chronic conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, and bursitis. Massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living. Can massage, bodywork, or somatic therapies benefit me? Massage provides relief to people from all occupations & lifestyles—the weekend or competitive athlete, the home gardener, and the overstressed executive struggling to keep pace in today’s economy. Secretaries, laborers, servers—anyone can feel a need for massage at some point in time. The older population, as well, will benefit from massage, as it enhances flexibility and circulation. The bedridden can also be helped in this regard. There are some conditions where massage is not recommended, however. Your practitioner should ask for information regarding any specific health conditions from which you may be suffering in order to determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are contraindicated. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor’s permission before providing services. Will my insurance cover massage or bodywork services? If you are in a car accident or have a job-related injury covered by workers’ compensation, insurance may cover massage, bodywork, or somatic therapies when prescribed by a physician. If your insurance covers chiropractic or osteopathic services, the services of bodywork professional may be covered when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies provided as a part of the prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapists are often covered. The best thing to do is check with your insurance company to see exactly what is covered under what circumstances. Finding a Qualified Certified Massage Therapist Your massage, bodywork, or somatic therapy services should be provided by a professional who has received proper training. Do not hesitate to ask practitioners about their background, training, and experience. Referrals from friends can usually be relied upon. Members of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals have met stringent requirements regarding training and must adhere to a strict code of ethics in order to remain members. ABMP offers a referral service to the public and will provide you with a list of practitioners in your area. For information, call 800-458-2267, or visit our website at www.massagetherapy.com. Taking care of yourself
Care of your body should be at the top of your priority list. You
will feel and look better if you take the necessary steps regarding
health and nutrition in this age of increased longevity. Stress
relief alone Massage for pain and emotional problems
With many chronic ailments, massage can relieve the pain and help
heal. As with physical problems, emotional problems may also be
stimulated into self-healing with massage. In many cases, this helps
eliminate the need to take harmful, chemical drugs, which will
unnecessarily burden the liver, Types of Massage, Bodywork, and Somatic Therapies
There are a variety of bodywork techniques.
Swedish massage—the
most common form of massage, Swedish mainly relaxes the muscles and
Sports massage—for the athlete, sports massage techniques are utilized at all stages: pre-event, post-event, during training, and to expedite rehabilitation after injury. Shiatsu—Japanese acupressure massage that restores energy to the body. Trager—utilizes rhythmic rocking movements to relax the body and mind. Heller work—a combination of movement re-education and muscle and connective tissue therapy. Polarity—balances the energetic systems of the body. Reflexology—massages of the feet, hands, and/or ears, and stimulates corresponding areas in the body. There are more than 150 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy techniques. Many practitioners utilize an integration of techniques.
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Palms
Therapeutic Massage |
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