Massage Therapy versus “Massages”
I have the greatest respect for trained professional massage therapists and their ability to use their hands to manipulate your muscles into relaxation. Of course, there’s a big difference between a therapeutic massage and a relaxing spa massage, but both have their place.
It’s interesting though, because just at the corner of my new home is a “Massage” place. You know, the kind with the neon lights that just say “Massage” and curtained windows. Something tells me that if I want a relaxation massage, a massage parlor isn’t quite the place to go – for me.
Massage therapists, the real ones, are trained in specialized techniques, depending on the type of massage they do. For therapeutic massages, training in the United States can vary between 500 hours to 1000 hours, leading to a certificate, diploma or a degree. A certified massage therapist understands not only massage techniques, but how the body functions, the anatomy and physiology, ethics, first aid, and even legalities of the profession.
When seeing a massage therapist for the first time, he or she should be asking you a list of questions regarding your health. It is important to be completely open about your medical history because the information you provide will do two things:
- tell the therapist what may be contributing to your problem.
- tell the therapist if you have a condition that would make it dangerous for you to have a massage.
Massages for health reasons can be uncomfortable but should never be painful. The discomfort comes from the muscles being pushed, prodded, pressed and kneaded. Ultimately, this does cause relaxation, but while it’s being done, the muscles may respond by becoming inflamed and sore for a day after.
Although some discomfort is expected, be sure to speak up if the massage really begins to hurt. This shouldn’t be part of the treatment.
Relaxation or spa massages are a different approach to massage but can be just as beneficial. Whether they are done in a posh expensive spa or a small office, the results can be fantastic – a great pick me up.
Spa masseurs and masseuses should have special training in their particular style of massage. These massages can range in time from 45 minutes to almost two hours. You can have a massage alone or, in some cases, as a couple if you and your partner want to relax together.
Many spas put together packages that combine massages with other services.
Some people don’t like the idea of a stranger touching them in such an intimate way. If it helps, you can request a masseur or masseuse according to your preference, to help you feel more comfortable. If you are uncomfortable but are game to try a massage anyway, be sure to tell the therapist so he or she can made accommodations for this.
Contrary to what you may see on television or in the movies, you don’t have to strip down and lie naked on the table. Reputable massage places have sheets and blankets to cover the parts of the body that are not being massaged. Of course, if you prefer going to a massage parlor, this information is completely not necessary.
Have you ever had a massage? I’ve had both types: relaxation and therapeutic. I wish I could afford to have more of them, that’s how much I like them.
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Images: PhotoXpress.com
Post from: Healthbolt