History of Massage Therapy & the Benefits of it
Posted by on Jan 15, 2011
Massage has been an important part of medicine for over five
thousand years. It is also a major topic in the first medical
texts printed. The first medical texts were used by early
physicians who were primarily men. These men commonly practiced
the art of massage therapy when treating and caring for their
patients. I only mention this because I have spoke to many
people who find it surprising in today’s world, that there are
men who are professional Massage Therapists. Today Massage
therapy is primarily a career chosen by women. Whether your
therapist is male or female should not be of importance, unless
you have a specific reason that makes you uncomfortable getting
a massage from a female or male therapist. What is important is
that your therapist is licensed or certified in the type of
massage that will help you most.
The massage therapy profession has been severely abused by
prostitutes that use massage therapy as a cover up for illegal
sexual activities. The places where they work are often referred
to as “Massage Parlors”. That is why massage licensing and many
city ordinances were put into effect. Professional licensing
requires people who want to pursue a career as a massage
therapist to get a specified number training hours from a school
or college of massage. Most states also require that these
students pass a national certification exam that shows that that
person has the ability to identify specific pathologies and has
a good understanding of the human anatomy. This helps to make it
more difficult for illegal parlors to exist and helps to protect
you as a consumer. In recent history the profession has been
abused and still is in some places. If you are interested in
getting a professional, non-sexual massage you should not only
ask if that person is licensed or certified, but also be sure to
ask if they have had any specific training in the area you are
wanting massage for.
Hippocrates, who is considered “The Father of Medicine” was
highly respected in his findings. He is probably the most
respected man in medical history. That is why he is known as
“The Father of Medicine”. I have read many historical books that
stated that Hippocrates said, “The physician must be acquainted
with many things and assuredly with rubbing” (Massage Therapy).
Hippocrates had an oath for Medical Doctors to take. I
personally feel that this oath is ignored often when it comes to
the use of Massage Therapy and other fine sources of alternative
health. One version of the Hippocratic oath is printed below if
you are interested in reading it. The first few lines of the
oath seem to be conveniently avoided or forgotten by many of
todays Physicians. I have asked many of my clients if their
physician has ever recommended they get a massage without being
asked about it specifically. Very few of them have ever told me
yes. I have had a few clients that asked their physician
specifically about the benefits of getting a massage in order to
help them with their specific condition or problem. My
experiennce has been that less than half of these people report
that they were ever told by their Physician to pursue treatment
by a Professional Massage Therapist. On the other side of the
argument, I have several Physicians and Nurses that are clients
of mine and they have told me that they often refer patients to
get Massages. Most of these Physicians and Nurses have told me
they feel the reason that their patients do not always pursue
their recommendation is because massage is seldom covered by
medical insurance. Over the past years there have been many
studies providing an abundance of proof that certain kinds of
massage therapy are very effective for treating many conditions
when used as either a primary or secondary type of care. Many
insurance companies have put an end to paying for massage
therapy because of a few massage therapists that have billed the
insurance companies for massages that were not considered the
appropriate type of massage for that patient or clients
particular condition. Insurance companies expect hard evidence
from clinical studies that have shown that a particular massage
modality or technique has helped with a specific condition,
before they want to reimburse anyone for it. I can’t say that I
blame them for that because I would not want to pay for gasoline
if I was given a tank of water. Giving someone a simple
relaxation massage or Reiki treatment may be helpful, but isn’t
necessarily the best type of massage treatment for someone with
a specific condition such as low back pain, frozen shoulder,
carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, lymph drainage, migraines, sciatica
and many other conditions. Whereas a professional Massage
Therapist with proper training in one or more of these areas
would be much more effective in treating a specific condition
that they have been trained for.
Most of todays society has been conditioned to believe that
drugs are the fastest and best way to get better. Our society
today wants and expects a drug or procedure that can be
prescribed and can quickly cure whatever is bothering them. I am
not against the use of medical drugs or Physicians. In fact I
highly recommend that you find a Physician who is knowledgeable
about the use of certain drugs and when it is appropriate to use
them. Find a Physician that will take the time to really listen
to you and explain what is wrong, what drugs or other treatment
or procedures you may need, and why it will be of benefit to
you. I say this because I have had several clients that have
come to see me about muscular pain that they have been having.
Muscular pain that they have often seen more than one Physician
or other professional about. These clients tell me that they
still have no idea what is wrong with them or why they have the
pain. Many of them come to see me as a last resort, because they
have exhausted all of their other options. I often ask what they
were told or how they were treated for the pain that they are
having. I often hear them reply that they were given a
prescription for some type of pain reliever and told to rest.
Most of these pain relievers will either help to relax the
muscles because of the effect on the central nervous system or
help to reduce inflammation. These pain relievers often help to
reduce pain and that is about it. What I have found with these
clients is that they have been taking pain relievers for a long
time and have tried many different therapies, rest, heat, cold,
traction, ultra sound, etc… without any lasting results. Many
of those treatments can be helpful for many people but do not
always solve the problem. Massage doesn’t always solve the
problem either, but it has been my personal experience that many
of my clients have told me that it did do the trick for them and
that they are very thankful that they gave massage a try.
Sometimes, regardless of all they have tried, the pain continues
because the injury may have an excess of painful scar tissue or
keeps getting re-injured because of their daily activities. It
can even be because of swelling or tension in the muscle that
has caused a lack of blood flow to the area that causes it to
become ischemic (lack of blood flow). Blood flow is needed to
carry the cells that help to heal an area. Without good blood
flow it is unlikely to heal properly. Ischemic tissue may
collect toxins from the slow moving blood around it. Many of
those toxins cause trigger points to develop and cause pain in
the muscle.
So what can a professional Massage Therapist do that is
different for this type of muscular pain? The proper massage
given by a professional with knowledge of how to treat your
specific type of muscular pain may use friction and compression
to help reduce the amount of scar tissue in that area. Scar
tissue is not very flexible, but with massage it can be made to
be more flexible, thus reducing the amount of pain you may have
in that area. A good Massage therapist will be able to tell you
what muscle or muscles are likely to be causing your pain. They
should also be able to tell you what actions or movements these
muscles are responsible for making. This is important to know if
you need to rest the area, so that you do not re-injur it by
doing the same activities or movements that may have caused the
pain or aggravated an old injury. Massage will also help to
increase the blood flow in the affected area, allowing your own
blood to circulate better in the area of injury. This increase
in blood flow will carry cells that your body already uses to
heal injuries. These cells can then get to work on helping you
heal faster. The increase in blood flow will also help to carry
away any toxins from the affected area and help your body to
naturally dispose of them. In almost every case massage will
result in more flexibility, less formation of scar tissue, and
also help the area to heal properly.
So you see, pain relievers more often help to relieve the
symptoms and do not always treat the cause. Very few medical
drugs made will help your body to heal. They mostly cover up the
symptoms you are having. Although I have been told there are a
handful of drugs today that are used for specific conditions,
and I’m told that they can help the body to heal. Mostly they
are newer drugs and not commonly prescribed for everyday
conditions due to the expense and newness of them. Maybe in the
future we will have more medicines that will help the body heal
and can also be used on everyday conditions. But for now I
suggest that you have both a good Physician and a good Licensed
or Certified Massage Therapist on your side. Both that are
willing to work together to help you recover from whatever
conditions you may have. Your Massage Therapist as well as your
Physician should be willing to let you know if you have a
condition that requires someone else’s expertise or a
combination of therapies and treatment. Massage is not always
appropriate for all conditions and Massage Therapists do not
diagnose or treat disease. Massage Therapists do not heal you
because they simply use their skills to help facilitate your own
bodies ability to heal itself. Massage therapists are not
Doctors, but a good Licensed or Certified Massage Therapist will
have the training and skills to know when it may be necessary to
refer you to see someone else.
Article by Dwayne Crandall, LMT Visit [http://www.massagevillage.com] for more original content like this. Reprinting this article is permitted with this footer included.
Author: Dwayne Crandall
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Ripple Massage – Baby and Infant Massage
Posted by on Jan 8, 2011
Benefits of Infant Massage
o Massage releases both oxytocin and endorphins and therefore can assist in relieving discomfort from teething, congestion, colic and emotional stress.
o The abdominal stroking you will learn today can help relieve and prevent colic in babies.
o Some babies will sleep for longer periods of time following a massage (similar to adults experiencing sleepiness after relaxing Swedish style massage).
o Touch is a basic human need, like eating or drinking, and massage when done correctly can provide a reassuring and nurturing touch to infants.
o Aids growth
o Enhances the bonding process between parent and child
o Enhances body awareness and ability to say no to people touching their body.
Tips for Infant Massage
o Ensure before starting the massage that it’s a good time for you and your baby. If your baby is very resistant to massage, stop and try again at another time.
o Do not massage infants less than 5 months in conjunction with bath time. This will be too stimulating for the infant, try to space these activities apart.
o There is no need to watch the clock. Let the massage go for as long as you and your baby are happy doing it, this could be two minutes it could be thirty. Go by your intuition. If you can see that your baby has had enough, stop. Allow your baby to say “no” to you and perhaps try again later that day or next day.
o Always begin by massaging the legs. This is a good way to introduce your touch to them.
o Use long firm strokes. Light feathery strokes can be irritating, just as they are for most adults.
o Never massage your baby while he/she is crying. (The only exception for this should be with colic and painful gas). Any arm movements going in and out from the chest indicate that you should stop the massage.
o Do not use normal massage blends with aromatherapy oils as these will be too strong for your baby. Ripple has a special infants and babies blend that is safe to use.
o Always use natural based oil such as sweet almond, never baby oil or other petroleum based products. These will nurture and nourish your baby’s skin as well as providing the “slip” needed to massage gently. Olive oil is too rich and thick to be effective.
Contraindications for Massage
o Open or weeping wounds
o Infected skin irritations
o Fractures or other acute injuries
o Bleeding
o No massage over an unhealed navel
o Burns, including sun burn
o Undiagnosed lumps
o No abdominal massage if the infant has hiccups or has just been fed
The Massage
Choose a room that is warm and draft-free where you can sit on the floor or a bed with the baby in front of you on a padded pillow or blanket. Choose a moment in which you and your child are relaxed and calm. A half hour after the baby has eaten is recommended.
Take a few deep breaths to relax before you begin. Stretch and shake the tension from your body. Feel free to speak to your baby, do not inhibit yourself.
If the baby wants to change position let them do so. Do not force your baby to keep a position; you can go back to these areas later
Make sure your hands are clean and warm, remove jewelry and be sure to rub in a way that your nails don’t scratch the baby’s skin.
Warm the oil in your hands, enough to allow you to easily let your hands flow on the infant’s skin.
Begin with the legs and feet using slow gentle strokes. If your baby avoids your gaze, looks away or splays her fingers or toes your touch maybe too firm. If your baby clenches her fists in front of her chest she is not ready to be massaged there. Observe your baby’s body language.
Start at the thighs and use long strokes down the legs to the feet. Think of the massage as a gentle, warm communication. Go slowly at the beginning so your baby can get used to the new sensations gradually. Stop if your baby cries.
“Milking”. Start at the top of the thigh and very gently squeezing the leg in a milking motion down to the heel. Reverse and go back up the leg. Try to be symmetrical in your massage, repeat on opposite leg the same number of times.
On the sole of her foot, use a thumb-over-thumb motion to massage from heel to toes.
Use your whole hand to stroke the bottom of her foot from heel to toes.
Stroke the top of her foot. Gently squeeze and pull each toe.
Massage around her ankle using small circles.
Stomach – Note: Avoid massaging tummy if the cord hasn’t completely healed. Massage gently in clockwise direction (this is important to follow the colon and large intestine). This will help expel gas and help with colic. Follow up with small circles with your finger tips in a similar clock wise direction.
Walk your fingers around her navel, clockwise.
Hold knees and feet together and gently press knees up toward her abdomen. Rotate baby’s hips around a few times to the right. (This often helps expel gas.)
Place hand on tummy horizontally and rock your hand from side to side a few times.
Chest- With both hands together at the center of your baby’s chest, push out to the sides, following the rib cage, as if smoothing out the pages of a book. Without lifting your hands from your baby’s body, bring them around in a heart-shaped motion to the center again.
Arms – do some long strokes from the shoulder down the arms and to the palms. This is a shiatsu stroke often used on infants and is very relaxing.
Hold her wrist with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape around baby’s upper arm; stroke from her shoulder down to her wrist.
Massage her palm, moving thumb over thumb from heel of her hand to her fingers.
Face – With your thumbs, stroke across the upper lip and then across the lower lip and into the cheek as if drawing a smile on your baby’s face. This helps soothe the muscles used for sucking
Cradling your baby’s head in both hands, massage the scalp with your fingertips, as if you’re shampooing. (Avoid the fontanel, the soft spot on top of baby’s head.)
Massage her ears between your thumb and index finger.
Trace a heart shape on your baby’s face, bringing your hands together at the chin.
Place your thumbs between your baby’s eyebrows, and stroke out.
Again with your thumbs, stroke gently out over baby’s closed eyelids.
Stroke from the bridge of the nose out over the cheeks.
Using your fingertips, massage the jaw in small circle
Back –
Place baby on tummy horizontally in front of you, or lay her across your outstretched legs. Keep her hands in front of her, not at her sides.
With both of your hands on baby’s back, move each hand back and forth (keeping them going in opposite directions) from the base of the neck to her buttocks.
Hold your baby’s buttocks with one hand and use the other to stroke down from her neck to her buttocks.
Using your fingertips, massage in small circles down one side of baby’s spine and up the other. Avoid pressing on her spine directly.
Massage her shoulders with small circular motions.
Massage her buttocks with big circular motions.
Holding your fingers like a rake, stroke down her back.
Call today to book or organise a gift certificate
Infant Massage – Ripple Massage holds regular infant massage classes on Tamborine Mountain. If you are interested in further information or in having a class held in your area, please contact Alison on info@ripplemassage.com.au Ripple has available oils suitable for Infant Massage. Please contact us by email. Ripple is a member of the Australian Assoc of Massage Therapists.
Author: Alison Shaw
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Massage Treatments in Massage Chairs
Posted by on Jan 1, 2011
Massage chairs continue to keep pace with technology. Massage chairs use sophisticated software to precisely control mechanical systems delivering the perfect massage. The science and art of massage is advancing rapidly with these massage recliners. This sophisticated technology enables manufacturers to provide a variety of different massage treatments in their massage chairs.
Acupressure: An acupressure massage is a derivative of acupuncture but without the needles. Acupressure applies a thumb like pressure to different trigger points in your body. Your trigger points are thought to enable the opening of energy flow in the body. The stimulation of these trigger points is an important part of the acupressure massage. Massage chairs incorporate body scanning technology to locate these trigger points and target them with the massage rollers.
Shiatsu: The development of these shiatsu massage technique is a Japanese version of acupressure. Shiatsu uses a number of different movements to both relax and invigorate the body. It is similar to acupressure and it is used to unblock the flow of energy in the body. Shiatsu target different points in the back and neck for relieving tension and providing relief.
Reflexology: The development of reflexology massage can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. A number of different points have been identified on the soles of the feet which relate to major organs in the body. Reflexology is believed to reverse the build up of stress. When your body comes under stress it mobilizes the major organs in your feet. Reflexology is believed to reverse this process to help you unwind. Specialized reflexology plates have been developed and integrated into the foot wells of massage chairs.
Junetsu: Some specialized techniques have also been developed because of the technology in massage chairs. The Junetsu massage technique is an ultra fine kneading massage. It was developed to more effectively target not and stiffness in the back. It uses a fine circular motion with increasing pressure to relieve these stiffer areas.
Hawaiian: The Hawaiian massage technique is also known as the lomi lomi massage. Hawaiian and uses a side to side motion which is like a wavelike movement. This helps to loosen up these stiffer and the larger muscles of the back and shoulders. The motion performed in the Hawaiian technique moves the rollers in parallel from side to side.
Swedish: The Swedish massage technique is also known as classic massage. This technique uses a variety of different stroking, squeezing and holding motions. It is used to reduce stiffness in the body and also to relieve discomfort and pain. It is a good massage for improving flexibility of the muscle and soft tissue areas.
Compression: A compression massage uses a squeeze, hold and release action. This type of massage targets stiffness in the larger muscles of the body. The most effective methods and providing a compression massage is with an air massage system. The air massage system uses different levels of air pressure to provide a squeezing and holding action. This helps to reduce stiffness and fatigue.
Kneading: This is a side to side motion performed by the squeezing between the rollers. This pinching motion is a great way to relieve tension in the back, neck and shoulders. The kneading can usually be controlled in 3 to 4 different levels of speed.
Tapping: A rapid tapping action is a typical type of massage action to invigorate the muscles and soft tissues. This rapid tapping can be 60 to 200 beats per minute. This helps to break down lactic acid, reduce stiffness and also fatigue. The tapping action can normally be controlled and three or four different rates of beats per minute.
Rolling: The roller mechanism in massage chairs can perform a rolling massage. The rolling massage allows you to adjust the width of the rollers while the rollers move up and down your spine. Most massage chairs have a stroke length between 25 to 30 inches. This enables you to cover most of your spine for the roller action. This is a great way to loosen up stiffness in the spine.
These are the main massage techniques which have been developed in massage chairs. There are known to be over 200 different massage techniques. Most of these are commonly taught to specialized students in massage therapy schools. Massage chairs continue to integrate more and more of these techniques into their recliners. We foresee that this trend will continue indefinitely for massage chairs.
You will be pleasantly surprised to find hundreds of Massage Chair Techniques in today’s massaging recliners. The top manufacturers integrate advanced mechanics and software to provide you relief. Massage Chair Therapy is an excellent method to receive your choice of massage when you want.
Author: Steve Esquire
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Get Effective Relief With a Massage Chair
Posted by on Dec 25, 2010
Do you come home tired after a long day at work? Maybe after a long day, your feet are tired and sore? Or perhaps you’re under a little more stress and need some relief from body aches? Most people these days simply do not have enough time to relax and get the relief that they need. Well, now massage chairs offer you all the advantages of massage but in the convenience of your own home.
Massage chairs now incorporate many new technologies which are designed to provide relief for many different types of aches and pains. Today, massage recliners are able to provide full body massage capability. They can massage you from your head all the way down to your toes.
Relaxation is an important element of receiving any massage. Typically, soft music is played to help to soothe you and help you release the tension being held in your body. This tension is what typically causes stiffness.
Massage chairs come with MP3 players which allow you to load in your favorite music. Just slip on the provided headphones and let your massage session begin. The music helps to relax your mind while the massage recliner begins to relieve your body.
You can find massage treatments like Swedish massage therapy. This famous massage technique has been duplicated in massage chairs. The massage recliner will coordinate different parts of the chair to provide you with a Swedish massage.
Why not try a shiatsu massage? Yes, you can find a shiatsu massage duplicated in a massage chair as well. The shiatsu massage is known for its increasing pressure and deep relief.
Massage chairs also come with a compression style massage. There are specially designed airbags which are formed to squeeze different parts of the body. This squeezing, holding and releasing helps to relieve the stiffness in different muscles and other soft tissue areas.
If your feet are aching, take off your shoes and slip them into the foot wells. Activate the reflexology foot massage. The reflexology foot massage stimulates the 7200 nerve endings located on the soles of your feet. This provides great relief for someone on their feet all day.
Massage chairs come with specific of movements that are designed to stretch out, pull and elongate your muscles. Massage movements such as kneading are excellent for relieving tension and the back and shoulders.
Massage chairs also are equipped with stretching systems. These stretching systems are able to elongate the lower body. They effectively stretch you from the hips to the ankles. This provides great relief for the lower body.
Massage chairs also are equipped with heaters. The heaters have individual controls and allow you to target just a specific area. This allows you to apply heat where you most needed. Heat is effective in reducing swelling and helping to improve circulation.
Massage recliners provide effective massage treatments. There are many other massage techniques that are also programmed into today’s massage chairs. It is common to find reflexology, acupressure, deep tissue and other sports related massage techniques.
Massage chairs are the most convenient and practical method to receive frequent massage therapy. Locate one in your home or office and you can receive daily massage treatments. Get the effective relief you need, when you need it with your own massage chair.
Get effective Massage Chair Therapy everytime with your own massage chair. Why not have the convenience of massage therapy when you need it most. Don’t depend on other people to get your massage. Massage Chairs provide you effective and consistent massage treatments. Locate one in your home or office and get a massage everyday.
Author: James Knolan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Massage Tables – Essential Furniture of Massage Therapists
Posted by on Dec 18, 2010
Although massage chairs continue to be a popular option among massage therapists, massage tables are the standard operating tool. Not only are they the most comfortable surface for clients, but they offer a massage therapist a greater range of movement and grant access to almost all the major muscle groups.
Types of Massage Tables
Most massage tables are designed to accommodate different massage techniques. Adjustable and removable parts (typically in the upper torso region for sitting up, the leg region for creating a recliner-like seat, or in the abdomen area to make room for pregnant clients) are offered in a variety of combinations, depending on which model is used. For example, if you often perform leg and foot massages, you might benefit from a table with a lowered foot rest, which will allow you to be seated while you work.
Other massage table options include:
o “Wet” massage tables, which can undergo heavy humidity or even water treatments for spa use.
o Facial massage tables, with raised platform to grant massage therapists easy access to the head area.
o Flat-top massage tables, which are typically sturdy in structure and add a visual appeal to a spa or parlor.
o Shiatsu massage tables, with an additional expandable platform for the massage therapist to kneel.
o Portable massage tables, which fold up much like massage chairs for easy transportation.
Most massage therapists only need to invest in one type of massage table depending on their primary focus. For example, a pregnancy massage specialist can use prenatal massage table with removable panels. In this way, the table provides a flat surface for regular clients, but the panels can be removed for use with expectant mothers. Because the table will be covered with a sheet during use, most clients will never even know the difference.
How to Choose the Right Massage Table
When choosing a massage table, it is important to keep an eye to your unique business. Do you work at a single facility, or will you be traveling to client locations? Do you need a specialty table for your particular type of massage therapy, or will a standard table be sufficient? How you run your business will be the primary influence on the choice you make.
Another quality to consider in a massage table includes the thickness of the padding you want to use. Plush padding feels great for clients, but it typically has to be replaced more often and is not used for sports massage. Thick, more durable foam will stand up to wear and tear, but it may come at the sacrifice of comfort.
The composition of the table’s base is a consideration, as well. Hard woods (like maple) tend to hold more weight and are very durable, but they are also more costly. You might be able to get away with an eco-friendly bamboo frame or a lightweight aluminum, but excessive force on your part or a heavier client might reduce its overall strength.
Additional Massage Table Considerations
Although clients’ shapes and sizes vary, most tables are able to accommodate just about everyone. However, as with most things, there are few exceptions to this. For example, portable tables, which are typically composed of a lightweight metal, may have weight and/or height restrictions. To get around this, it is best to look for tables that have “cable-lock” systems to provide additional weight support as well as the ability to withstand rocking or excessive movement.
In addition to client size, massage therapist size is also a factor. Most massage tables come in a variety of widths. While wider tables typically provide more comfort to clients, a massage therapist who is shorter than 5’4″ might have a difficult time reaching all the way across a 32-inch table. As a general rule, the height of the table should never exceed the massage therapist’s hip area. A table that can be raised or lowered with hydraulics or an electric component might provide an ideal solution for massage offices with more than one practitioner.
Keeping Massage Tables Clean
No matter what kind of massage table you use, the primary concern for most clients and massage therapists is how to keep a massage table sanitary for repeated use. Most of the time, tables should be cleaned with some sort of mild, non-abrasive solution that doesn’t contain any harsh additives or allergens. Specialty massage table cleaners are often best, since they remove any massage oils from the surface and provide great hygiene without adding any chemicals that might not be beneficial to clients with sensitive skin.
Because repeated cleaning can be tough on surfaces, today’s massage tables typically offer a higher-quality padding and padding cover than was used in the past. They also offer more variety than ever before in terms of the materials they are made of, their adjustable parts, and even how nice they look in a spa setting. No matter where you work or what type of massage you practice, there is a table perfect for you – and your clients.
J. Terrence (Terry) McDermott is the administrator of MassageSchoolsGuide.com at a website offering resources for prospective massage therapists. The website is also a comprehensive directory of massage schools including a complete list of massage schools in California and the rest of the U.S.
Author: Terry McDermott
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger
Massage Terminology
Posted by on Dec 11, 2010
How many times have been to a massage therapist, a doctors office, even your local mechanic and been told something in a language you don’t understand. Even though English was spoken, the words just made no sense to you. Like most people you politely smile, nod your head in agreement and leave wondering just exactly what he meant.
You may have done this because you did not want to look “stupid” in front of the person who was talking to you. You have probably heard this before, but it needs saying again – “There are no stupid questions!” Especially when it comes to your health. If you don’t understand what you are being told, ask for it to be repeated in a way that you can understand.
Professional people use a language all their own. Depending on what profession the person belongs to, dictates the language they use. When the professional is dealing with the general public, they sometimes forget that they need to use “laymans” terms in order to be understood. A good professional will take the time to make sure you understand what you are being told. They have to, if they want your business. If they are unwilling to make themselves clear to you, then it might be a good time to seek another opinion.
In the massage profession, a therapist is taught the specific terms used in massage. Once a massage therapist learns these terms, they tend to use them. One reason is so that there can be no confusion as to exactly what they are talking about. That is of course if they are talking to another massage therapist. Sometimes they forget that they are not always talking to someone who understands massage terminology.
In this age of the Internet and the Information Super Highway a lot of people are educating themselves. I believe this is an excellent thing to practice. The massage terminology I am going to list is not definitive, but only some of the more common terms. I will attempt to explain each one in plain English.
Massage Terminology:
Types Of Massage
Different Strokes For Different Folks
All Knotted Up
There are different terms for the different conditions of a muscle. These can vary wildly and mean different things to different people. You might hear your therapist say “That’s a ropey knot.” What he may be referring to is a long tight band of muscle. Two forms of knots that have definitive meanings are trigger points and tender points.
Some Miscellaneous Terms
As stated earlier, this is not a definitive list of massage terminology. These are some of the more common terms used by most massage therapists. The next time your massage therapist uses any of these terms; you will know what he is talking about. You can be proud that the power of educating yourself has payed off!
Daniel J. Brownell, LMT
Full Throttle Massage, Inc.
Chattanooga, TN
http://www.fullthrottlemassage.com
Do you need a massage? Are you looking for someone to come to your sporting event to provide massage? Visit our website for details on how we can help you.
Author: Daniel Brownell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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