What is massage?
Massage therapy is hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It may include kneading, stroking, compression, tapping, and rocking. A massage session may also include active or passive movement and techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. How massage can benefit you For many years massage was considered to be merely a luxury or a special treat. Massage therapy is now recognized also as a valuable health care option. Here are just a few of the ways massage can benefit you.
Massage:
· reduces the effects of stress, helping your ability to cope with stress.
· rejuvenates and energizes the body.
· speeds recovery of tired and sore muscles.
· relaxes and loosens tight and painful muscles.
· improves joint flexibility and range of motion.
· assist in relieving common pain such as headaches and backaches.
· improves immune system functioning.
· improves focus and concentration.
· satisfies the need for safe and nurturing touch.
· increases the feeling of well being.
Many people who experience the relaxing, healing benefits of massage choose it as their first course of treatment for a variety of wellness needs and objectives. Massage offers an inviting, safe, healing refuge from our fast-paced lives.
Your First Massage
If you have never experienced a professional massage you may have questions or concerns about what happens during a massage session, or you may simply be curious. This information will give you a brief description of a typical first massage session.
Arrival
When you first arrive the receptionist will ask you to fill out a short information sheet. Using the information sheet we can identify your specific needs and patterns of stress, injuries, or muscle tension that will benefit from massage.
Your massage therapist will review your information form with you. (Please note that any information that you share with your massage therapist is strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone without your written permission.) Once you have discussed your information form and your needs/expectations are defined your massage therapist will explain to you that you may undress to your comfort level once he/she leaves the room.
Many people when receiving massage will totally disrobe and others prefer to leave on an undergarment. This is up to you and your modesty level. You will be covered at all times except for the area being massaged. If your leg is being massaged only the leg will be exposed and the sheet will be secured carefully not to expose any other part of your body. Also realize even if you are not a modest person perhaps your massage therapist is and their level of comfort should be respected as well. Your massage therapist will direct you either to lie face down or face up on the massage table lying between the sheets covering yourself completely.
Once your therapist leaves the room to wash their hands you will privately get ready in the massage room. Your massage therapist will knock prior to re-entering the room to ensure you are ready for him/her to enter.
During the massage you will be comfortably supported by the padded massage table, pillows and bolsters. The table has a heating pad to help keep you warm.
The Massage
Massage sessions typically last either 1hour or 1 and 1/2 hours, depending on your preference and the goals for that session. Usually there is soft music playing during your massage to help create a peaceful, soothing atmosphere.
The massage techniques used most are Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, and Myofacial release. These techniques are a reliable means of reducing the effects of stress, relaxing and loosening tight muscles, reducing painful muscle spasms and chronic muscle tension, and relaxing and rejuvenating the entire body. Jo Ann offers a Therapuetic Massage that incorporates Swedish, Deep Tissue and Myofacial massage. Most of the time clients benefit most from the combination since not all parts of the body need the same techniques.
Please remember when receiving a massage it is about your comfort, you are encouraged to let your massage therapist know if the pressure is to strong or if you would like a deeper pressure also if you are to hot or to cold. Your comfort and your experience with your massage should always be the most important focus at all times during your massage session. Hope you have found this information helpful and that you always have wonderful massage experiences.
