Massage is often classified as a frivolous luxury. Appointments are often made for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries as a "go get spoiled" treat. People rarely choose to make appointments for themselves outside of special occasions. They feel other life commitments are a priority and underestimate how massage is an investment in long term health.
Of course an annual birthday massage feels great, but it is unlikely the full health benefits of massage will result from a single treatment. In my practice, clients will schedule weekly sessions for acute or condition specific treatments and will yield marked results. Then appointments are spread out bi-weekly as the client experiences further relief. For maintenance, clients will make an appointment every 4 weeks. This suggested schedule is common place for the majority of massage therapists to offer their clients.
The most common reason massage is sought out is for relaxation and stress management. It's a great reason considering 90% of disease is stress related. Bi-weekly sessions yield the greatest benefit such as a reduction in pain, inflammation, and fluid retention. Regular treatments also improve immune function, mental outlook, circulation, and flexibility.
Using various massage and bodywork therapies, in my practice I have witnessed incredible relief from pain and suffering in clients with frozen shoulders, Bell's palsy, pre/post-op spinal fusion, back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and emotional trauma. Most therapists offer a myriad of therapies and specialize in a chosen few.
This guide may be helpful when looking over a therapists menu of services:
Swedish Massage: General "feel food" full body massage for relaxation and stress management using lighter pressure.
Deep Tissue: Typically a full body massage that targets tight, trouble areas with deeper pressure to relieve tension.
Myofascial Release: Gentle pressure used to relieve restriction in the myofascial connective tissue which in turn alleviates pain and restores full range of motion.
Hot Stone Massage: Deeply relaxing session using heated stones that are placed on the body and used to warm, relax, and then massage the muscles and melt away tension.
Raindrop Technique: A series of essential oils used on the spine and feet to deeply relax and purify the body. Relaxes deeply as well as supports a healthy immune system.
Reiki: Not technically a massage. This treatment balances and improves flow of life force energy using hands on, no touch, and visualization techniques.
A few things can be expected during any of these treatments. Session duration can range from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. However, a typical massage session is about an hour. Most massage sessions do require clothing to be removed and the body is fully draped with a sheet and blanket. A therapist should never expose or touch a client in an inappropriate or suggestive manner. Most massage rates are around $1 per minute and may increase or decrease depending on the location, type of service, and experience of the therapist.
Be wary of any business that uses words like "masseuse" or "parlor", they may be promoting services of an inappropriate nature. Look for therapists who use words like "therapeutic massage" or "bodywork" in their promotional materials. In states where licensure is required, most therapists will openly display their credentials in their office.
The best way to find a massage therapist is to ask people you know for a referral of someone they've had experience with. Professional associations such as Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals http://www.abmp.com or the American Massage Therapy Association http://www.amtamassage.org can locate therapists by specialty and location also.
Partnering with a massage therapist that fits your needs coupled with frequent sessions will have a noticeable positive impact on your future health by looking younger, feeling energized and living pain free. The more massage you receive, the more it does for your health.
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