Common Questions
What's the difference between bodywork and massage?
The two terms are essentially interchangeable, but bodywork can encompass the full realm of therapy that exists beyond simply hands-on massage. A massage therapist is a bodyworker, but a bodyworker can represent other modalities as well as incorporate different approaches towards the session.
The two terms are essentially interchangeable, but bodywork can encompass the full realm of therapy that exists beyond simply hands-on massage. A massage therapist is a bodyworker, but a bodyworker can represent other modalities as well as incorporate different approaches towards the session.
How often should I receive massage?
It depends on your circumstances and your goals. Weekly massages are most beneficial for stress reduction and preventative care. It's particularly recommended to receive weekly or bi-monthly massages if your job is physically intensive or emotionally taxing. If you live a more sedentary life, then bi-monthly or monthly massages might be right for you. The important thing is to make taking care of yourself a priority. Eating right, exercise, and preventative care all play into your overall health and well being. If you make it a routine - it will benefit you in the long run. Schedule in advance and put it on your calendar - you'll thank yourself later.
It depends on your circumstances and your goals. Weekly massages are most beneficial for stress reduction and preventative care. It's particularly recommended to receive weekly or bi-monthly massages if your job is physically intensive or emotionally taxing. If you live a more sedentary life, then bi-monthly or monthly massages might be right for you. The important thing is to make taking care of yourself a priority. Eating right, exercise, and preventative care all play into your overall health and well being. If you make it a routine - it will benefit you in the long run. Schedule in advance and put it on your calendar - you'll thank yourself later.
I've never received a massage; how is it structured?
If it's your first time, you'll fill out a short confidential form so that we have a jumping off point. Undress to your level of comfort - you'll be fully draped at all times and only the body part being worked on will be exposed. If you have any sensitivities let me know.
If it's your first time, you'll fill out a short confidential form so that we have a jumping off point. Undress to your level of comfort - you'll be fully draped at all times and only the body part being worked on will be exposed. If you have any sensitivities let me know.
What can I expect from my session?
The framework is similar, but the goals of each session depend on your needs that day. We'll talk ahead of the session about any issues you'd like to address during the massage, but the main thing to know is that this is your time. If you need to talk, we can talk; if you need to just zone out or sleep, I won't interrupt.
Let me know if the pressure is ever too much, not enough, or any other thoughts that may arise. I'm able to feel areas of tension, but not how they feel to you. If there's ever pain, we always want to stay on the good side of that. Let me know. The session is your time and I want you to get out of it what you need.
The framework is similar, but the goals of each session depend on your needs that day. We'll talk ahead of the session about any issues you'd like to address during the massage, but the main thing to know is that this is your time. If you need to talk, we can talk; if you need to just zone out or sleep, I won't interrupt.
Let me know if the pressure is ever too much, not enough, or any other thoughts that may arise. I'm able to feel areas of tension, but not how they feel to you. If there's ever pain, we always want to stay on the good side of that. Let me know. The session is your time and I want you to get out of it what you need.
Description of Massage Techniques
Swedish
The most commonly recognized form of massage; Swedish massage mainly relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains. It utilizes long, flowing strokes and gentle kneading.
The most commonly recognized form of massage; Swedish massage mainly relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains. It utilizes long, flowing strokes and gentle kneading.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction directed across the grain of the muscles. It is applied with greater pressure and to deeper layers of muscle than Swedish, hence its name and is effective for chronic muscular tension. Communication is very important with deep tissue therapy. Ideally the work should invoke little to no pain for the client. The therapeutic ideal is to be right on the edge of "good pain." Once it crosses over that border - the body will block which is counter-productive to the therapy.
Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction directed across the grain of the muscles. It is applied with greater pressure and to deeper layers of muscle than Swedish, hence its name and is effective for chronic muscular tension. Communication is very important with deep tissue therapy. Ideally the work should invoke little to no pain for the client. The therapeutic ideal is to be right on the edge of "good pain." Once it crosses over that border - the body will block which is counter-productive to the therapy.
Shiatsu
Japanese acupressure massage that restores energy to the body.
Japanese acupressure massage that restores energy to the body.
Polarity
Balances the energetic systems of the body.
Balances the energetic systems of the body.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
A system of soft tissue manipulation that addresses the underlying causes of pain, not just the symptoms. An accomplished neuromuscular therapist interprets the effects of the following internal and external factors, which often create irregular activity in the central nervous system that leads to pain and dysfunction:
A system of soft tissue manipulation that addresses the underlying causes of pain, not just the symptoms. An accomplished neuromuscular therapist interprets the effects of the following internal and external factors, which often create irregular activity in the central nervous system that leads to pain and dysfunction:
- Postural Distortion/Dysfunctional Biomechanics
- Reduced Circulation
- Trigger Points
- Nerve Impingement/Tension
- Somatovisceral/Viscerosomatic Reflexes
- Trauma
Trigger Points
Small knots which develop in a muscle when it is injured or overworked.
The identifying characteristic of a trigger point is that it refers pain to another place on the body. The muscle has contracted at some point and is unable to return to its relaxed state. Because of this contraction blood and lymph flow is hindered and becomes blocked in the area of dysfunction. Over time this build-up will irritate the trigger point enough to send out a pain signal. This signal can either resonate close to the trigger point or may refer to another area of the body.
Small knots which develop in a muscle when it is injured or overworked.
The identifying characteristic of a trigger point is that it refers pain to another place on the body. The muscle has contracted at some point and is unable to return to its relaxed state. Because of this contraction blood and lymph flow is hindered and becomes blocked in the area of dysfunction. Over time this build-up will irritate the trigger point enough to send out a pain signal. This signal can either resonate close to the trigger point or may refer to another area of the body.
Benefits of Massage
Generally, massage is delivered to improve the flow of blood and lymph (fluid in lymph glands, part of immune system), to reduce muscular tension or flaccidity, to affect the nervous system through stimulation or sedation, and to enhance tissue healing. Therapeutic massage may be recommended for children and adults to deliver benefits such as the following:
Massage therapy may also be recommended for its documented clinical benefits such as improving pulmonary function in young asthma patients, reducing psycho-emotional distress in individuals who suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel disease, helping with weight gain, improving motor development in premature infants, and enhancing immune system functioning.
- reducing muscle tension and stiffness
- relieving muscle spasms
- increasing joint and limb flexibility and range of motion
- increasing ease and efficiency of movement
- relieving points of tension and overall stress; inducing relaxation
- promoting deeper and easier breathing
- improving blood circulation and movement of lymph
- relieving tension-related headaches and eyestrain
- promoting faster healing of soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprained ligaments
- reducing pain and swelling related to injuries
- reducing the formation of scar tissue following soft tissue injuries
- enhancing health and nourishment of skin
- improving posture by changing tension patterns that affect posture
- reducing emotional or physical stress and reducing anxiety
- promoting feelings of well-being
- increasing awareness of the mind-body connection and improving mental awareness and alertness generally
Massage therapy may also be recommended for its documented clinical benefits such as improving pulmonary function in young asthma patients, reducing psycho-emotional distress in individuals who suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel disease, helping with weight gain, improving motor development in premature infants, and enhancing immune system functioning.
Body Sense Magazine
This is a quarterly magazine published by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals which features articles about healthy living and massage therapy.
View current and past issues here.
View current and past issues here.