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.
“It's about how the client feels after a massage — if range of motion gets better or if their muscle pain went away.” Tweet This. The right pressure is also crucial because it allows RMTs to know which technique to use.
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.
Massage therapy is meant to be therapeutic by providing relief from aches, pain, and stress. To best evaluate (or gauge) the progress of a treatment regimen, the therapist must consider ways to assess the client upon arrival AND during the session, and then document the client's reactions.
A massage should make you feel good and communication with your therapist is key. You can tell your therapist that you'd like more or less pressure, what areas you'd like to target, what might be causing you discomfort, and more. Your feedback will help them deliver the best experience possible.
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.
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.
Releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and diminish pain. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.
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.
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 preference for conversation during a massage can vary among massage therapists. While some may appreciate conversation as a means of building rapport and enhancing the therapeutic experience, others prioritize creating a serene environment for clients to fully relax and connect with their mind and body.
Choosing the Right Massage Therapist
Take the time to read reviews, ask for recommendations, and look for therapists or practices that specialize in your specific needs. A professional and caring environment, like the one provided by Massage Strong, can make all the difference in your massage experience.
Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
Crying during massage is a natural, healthy reaction. Recognizing and accepting this emotional release as part of your healing journey can enhance overall well-being.
“I take note of things like freedom of movement, symmetry, breathing patterns, and body language,” said massage therapist Cindy Williams. “I also notice things like how fast or loud someone is speaking, how they're gesturing, and whether they seem fatigued or depressed.”
Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible. Don't eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest your meal first. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.