Frequently Asked Questions about Therapeutic Massage
Will a massage hurt?
This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A Swedish or relaxation massage doesn't use very deep pressure into the muscles and shouldn't hurt because it isn’t working out any stress that's deep within those muscles. Muscle that are relaxed will be pliant and will not hurt when they are being worked on, but muscles that have been tight for a long time may have that "good hurt" feeling with a deeper massage (deep tissue massage). Think of that "good hurt" as the feeling you get when you stretch a sore muscle during exercise. A deep tissue massage with tight muscles may leave some residual soreness the next day.
Everyone has a different pain tolerance. Pressure that may not be deep enough for one person could be too deep for another. Don’t be afraid to talk to your therapist. A therapeutic massage is all about you. Telling the therapist whether you want more or less pressure will tell him/her what kind of pain tolerance you have.
Why am I sore after my massage?
There are two possible reasons for feeling sore after a massage:
- During a massage, blood flow (circulation) is increased, causing toxins to be released from your muscles into your body. These toxins can be caused by several different things (stress, exercise, your occupation, etc.). Your therapist will advise you to drink lots of water after a massage in order to flush the toxins out of your body. If you do not drink enough water to eliminate the toxins or there are too many toxins to flush with water, the toxins may return to the muscles, causing soreness.
- The other possible cause for soreness is bruising. If you have a deep tissue massage and you feel bruised even after drinking a good amount of water, you should tell your massage therapist to lighten up the next time you have a massage. When you communicate with your massage therapist you’ll get the best results.
How often should I receive a massage?
This answer depends on the situation. If you have an old injury that has not been adequately treated and you need relief from muscle tension that is interfering with daily activities, a once-a-week massage may be necessary to help your body heal before you can be weaned to maintenance massage.
Some have a massage only when they feel tense. Once a month is common if you have been in or anticipate being in a tense situation.
Sometimes clients determine the frequency of massage by their budget. However, once you realize how a massage benefits you, you may choose to find a way to fit it into your healthy lifestyle.
Will massage enhance my performance as an athlete?
Massage has been proven to greatly improve performance for athletes. Massage therapy also helps lower the risk for injury, speeds recovery, reduces soreness, assists rehabilitation if an injury occurs and may extend the length of your athletic career. Many famous athletes trust in massage to help them stay in “tip-top” shape.
• Michael Phelps
"I have been getting two massages a day and ice baths," Phelps said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080812/lf_afp/oly2008swimusaphelpsfuel
• Dara Torres
"Torres books a massage three times a week..."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/magazine/29torres-t.html
• Kerri Walsh
"Drink lots of water, use ice/heat treatments, and body work. I am a big believer in massage to help get circulation to injured areas."
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/athletes/qt/KerriWalshQA.htm
• Lolo Jones
"A businessman needs a laptop. Athletes need massages and the right diet."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/NEWS/808120374
Do I have to take my clothes off?
Your therapist usually asks you to remove all clothing with the exception of your underpants, although you may choose to undress completely. It is completely up to you and your comfort level. Throughout the whole massage you will be covered by a sheet and will be undraped only at the area that is being worked on.
Should I tip?
Tipping is entirely up to you. Many clients do tip; the average percentage is 15-20%
What is not included in a therapeutic massage?
Sex is absolutely NOT included in your massage session. There will be no sexual advances, questioning or innuendo. It is the therapist’s right to end a session at any time if he/she feels threatened or uncomfortable in any way. The client has the same right.
If you are looking for “that type” of massage, you have entered the wrong Website.
If you have any other questions about massage therapy or about the therapist, don’t hesitate to ask.