A good massage should leave you feeling better than before. If there's no relief in the areas you sought help for, or if you feel the same or worse, it's a sign that the massage didn't meet the standard of what makes a good massage.
Reputation: Positive reviews and recommendations from others can be a strong indicator. Look for testimonials or ask friends and family for referrals. Follow-up Care: A good therapist may provide advice on self-care techniques or follow-up sessions to help you maintain the benefits of the massage.
Swedish massages are the most common form of bodywork – and for good reason. This 'best all around' rubdown helps with a host of healing properties from improved circulation and relaxation to decreased muscle tension and joint pain. This is best experienced as a “full body” massage to dissolve your built up tension.
An increase in circulation in your muscles will mean better mobility and range of motion a decrease in pain, stress and tension and also promote a good night's sleep.
An ideal massage pressure should feel meaningful and beneficial. It should feel like it is having a positive effect on the tissue. The pressure should not cause the muscles to tense up. If the muscles can't relax, they can't receive the benefits of the treatment.
Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.
Statements like “you're really tight” are almost a verbal tic, something automatic — even expected — that massage therapists say to pass the time and make conversation with clients. In this context, it is mostly trivial and harmless.
In conclusion, yes, massage therapists can indeed feel knots in your muscles. Through their extensive training and experience, they have honed their ability to detect areas of tension and release them effectively.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
There are a few reasons why you might feel disoriented after a massage. One of the main reasons is that massage can help release toxins from your body. When toxins are released, they can cause temporary feelings of dizziness, nausea, or disorientation.
So if you really want specific work AND full body relaxation, it may be worth considering a 90-min session. General relaxation can be achieved in a 60-min session, but if you just want general relaxation in half of the body (front/back or upper/lower) then a 45-min appointment can also work.
Massage is also known for its positive effect on the body's vital signs. That is, if you have better numbers on that health chart, then your massage therapy is working out the way it is supposed to be (like keeping your blood pressure and heart rate at normal levels).
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
Talking during a massage is a personal preference. Some people find that light conversation helps them relax, while others prefer silence to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Let your therapist know what makes you feel most comfortable.
The duration of massage effects varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the type of massage, individual response, and the purpose of the session. Generally, the benefits of a massage can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Standard Tip Percentage Guidelines for a Massage
A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry.
Physical benefits of massage include:
Improved circulation. Decreased muscle stiffness. Decreased joint inflammation. Better quality of sleep.
A good massage should leave you feeling better than before. If there's no relief in the areas you sought help for, or if you feel the same or worse, it's a sign that the massage didn't meet the standard of what makes a good massage.
Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.
Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.
A hug with your therapist may be beneficial if it is non-sexual and provides comfort. Hugging is not forbidden, according to the different therapist ethics codes. However, some clients, such as those who have experienced sexual abuse, may be uncomfortable with a hug.
Yes, massage therapists are trained to identify muscle tension through touch and experience. They use their knowledge of anatomy to pinpoint problem areas effectively.
Massage and Emotional Release: It's Totally Normal! When you think of massage, common assumptions would be that it's relaxing, peaceful and restful. And these are all true, but there are other emotional releases you might experience - and they're totally normal.