The Order of Body Parts Massaged This sequence may vary depending on your needs and preferences, but it generally starts with the back and shoulders, moves down to the legs and feet, then onto the arms and hands. Finally, the therapist may focus on the neck, head, and face.
These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.
Every technique serves its own purpose but they work in combination to produce a complete healing experience. Halfway through the massage, you will be asked to turn over onto your back so your massage therapist can target the front side of your arms and legs, your chest, and your face.
Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
No worries, your therapist can easily work over the sheet to get to these pesky problem areas. Groin & pelvic pain can stick around for quite some time, so I would always suggest at least three or more sessions of massage to make a difference.
Points on the body that we do not massage are: The spine, as it can be irreparably injured. The abdomen, especially when it comes to pregnant women or people with stomach and abdominal diseases. The head, when there is an injury or other factors including inflammation and swelling.
During your massage, your therapist will typically begin by massaging your back and shoulders; for this, you'll need to be laying down comfortably on your stomach. Then, the therapist will massage your legs and feet, (and your glutes if this has been agreed to) before proceeding to massage the arms.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
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.
A typical full body massage covers all areas of the body, including your head (scalp, crown, temples, forehead), neck (sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, trapezius), shoulders (rhomboid, rotator cuff muscles), arms and hands, back (upper, middle, lower), hips (glutes, piriformis)legs (calves, hamstrings, quadriceps), and ...
For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff.
One of the first red flags in a massage session is a lack of communication. If the therapist doesn't take the time to ask about your pain points or preferences before starting, that's a sign of trouble.
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.
The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.
You should never be expected to be fully nude for a massage. Depending on the type of massage you are receiving, you may be asked to take off some of your clothing. However, you will always be given the choice of what you would like to keep on and what you would like to remove.
A traditional Lomilomi body massage will be an hour or more and will involve long flowing strokes all over your body. Your massage therapist will also use gentle stretches to release tension and improve flexibility. The goal is to create an environment where your body, mind and soul can be in sync and relaxed.
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.
Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.
Check credentials.
Make sure the massage therapist you are considering has the proper credentials. He or she should be certified or licensed by a recognized organization. Check to see if the organization requires continuing education or if it has a code of ethics.