Massage Therapy

The methods used today have both eastern and western origins. The first written records of massage date back 3000 years to early Chinese folk medicine. Modern western massage is credited primarily to Peter Henrik Ling, a 19th century Swedish athlete. His approach, which combines hands-on techniques with active and passive movements, became known as Swedish massage. This is still one of the most commonly used methods in the western world.

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A therapist should have a license to practice either from the State or from the local Board of Health if there is no state licensure. S/he should be able to document professional training in massage therapy at an institution accredited by the American Massage Therapy Association and/or offering the National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Most therapists should be able to show at least 500 hours of training and a certificate of graduation.

At your intake session, the therapist should ask about your reasons for getting a massage, your current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress level and specific areas of concern or pain. If undressing is necessary, it should take place in private and a sheet, towel or gown should be provided for draping during the massage. The therapist should undrape only the area of the body being treated, ensuring modesty at all times. The massage should take place on a comfortable padded massage table or futon (shiatsu).

It is the responsibility of a person receiving a massage to give the therapist accurate health information. A client should report discomfort of any kind, whether from the massage itself or due to room temperature, volume or type of music or any other distraction. The client’s safety and comfort are of the highest priority.

If you have a fever or an active infection, you should not be treated, otherwise massage will most likely be OK. Therapy may make your recovery shorter, but it could also temporarily make you feel worse as your body flushes out excess metabolic waste products stored in tight muscles.

Massage increases blood flow, thereby delivering necessary nutrients and oxygen to the soft tissues for muscle health. Massage also increases lymphatic flow, thereby reducing swelling and edema, flushing the tissues of toxins that irritate the nervous system, and strengthening the immune system. The techniques used provide a gentle stretching of connective tissue, releasing muscles from restrictions and adhesions and reducing subcutaneous scar tissue formation. The healing power of touch releases endorphins which relax muscles and reduce anxiety and stress. Deep tissue work increases circulation and relieves tension and adhesions in the larger and deeper muscles of the body, preventing athletic injury and increasing flexibility. It also decreases chronic pain by changing structural alignment and taking the pressure off muscles held out of balance by faulty postural and movement patterns.

Pregnancy massage reduces low back, buttock and lower limb pain caused by the increased pressures of birth weight. It increases the flow of blood and fluids in the tissues, decreases sleeplessness caused by the discomforts of pregnancy, and prepares the body for childbirth.

Sports massage gets the muscles ready for activity by increasing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen. It lengthens tight muscles so they can work more efficiently, increasing endurance. After a hard workout or event, it clears the soft tissues of toxins and waste products by increasing blood and lymph flow, reducing soreness from a hard workout or event.