What does a Massage Therapist do?

A massage therapist assesses and treats the soft tissues and joints of the body in order to improve circulation, treat pain from injuries, and maintain good health. This manual type of therapy includes manipulating and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

Massage therapists typically do the following:

-Talk with clients about symptoms, medical history, and desired results

-Evaluate clients to locate painful or tense areas of the body

-Manipulate muscles or other soft tissues of the body

-Provide clients with guidance on how to improve posture, stretching, strengthening, and overall relaxation

-Massage therapists use their hands, fingers, forearms, elbows, and sometimes feet to knead muscles and soft tissue of the body in order to treat injuries and to promote general wellness. A massage can be as short as fifteen minutes or could last for more than an hour.

Massage therapists may use lotions and oils, massage tables or chairs, and medical heat lamps when treating a client. They may offer clients information about additional relaxation techniques or exercises to practice between sessions.

Massage therapists can specialize in many different types of massage, called modalities. Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, and sports massage are just a few examples of modalities. Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different techniques.

Usually, the type of massage given depends on the client’s needs and physical condition. For example, therapists may use a special technique for elderly clients that they would not use for athletes. Some forms of massage are given solely to one type of client; for example, prenatal massage is given to pregnant women.

What is the workplace of a Massage Therapist like?

Because massage therapists work by appointment in most cases, their schedules and the number of hours worked each week vary considerably. In addition to the hours spent giving massages, therapists may also spend time recording patient notes, marketing, booking clients, washing linens, and other general business tasks.

Massage therapists work in an array of settings, both private and public, such as private offices, spas, hospitals, fitness centres, and shopping malls. Some massage therapists also travel to clients’ homes or offices to give a massage. Most massage therapists, especially those who are self-employed, provide their own table or chair, sheets, pillows, and body lotions or oils.

A massage therapist's working conditions depend heavily on the location and what the client wants. For example, a massage meant to help rehabilitate an injury may be conducted in a well-lit setting with several other clients receiving treatment in the same room. But when giving a massage to help clients relax, massage therapists generally work in dimly lit settings and use candles, incense, and calm, soothing music. 휴게텔

Because massage is physically demanding, massage therapists can injure themselves if they do not use the proper techniques. Repetitive-motion problems and fatigue from standing for extended periods are most common. Therapists can limit these risks by using good techniques, spacing sessions properly, exercising, and receiving a massage themselves regularly.

Conditions Treated

Research has shown that massage can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and increase blood circulation and lymph flow. It also relaxes muscles, improves range of motion and increases endorphins, which all can enhance medical treatment.

Therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, although it can stimulate weak and inactive muscles, which helps compensate for lack of exercise and inactivity caused by illness or injury.

Massage can help treat stress-related physical conditions, including:

-Anxiety and depression

-Fatigue

-Headaches and migraines

-Pain, including muscle tension, back, shoulder and neck pain

-Repetitive stress injuries

-Evaluation

At your initial session, your massage therapist will ask questions about your health and what symptoms you're experiencing to determine how to best treat you. Please let your massage therapist know of any health problems you have and medications you're taking. He or she will discuss the parts of your body you would like massaged.

Treatment

Your massage will take place in a massage room. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible. You'll decide how much to undress for your massage. Your massage therapist will leave the room while you undress. You'll cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.

Acupressure massage can be given through clothing.

After your massage, you may feel relaxed and a little sleepy, or you may experience a surge of energy, awareness and concentration.

Massage helps release toxins from your soft tissues, so we recommend that you drink plenty of water after to flush toxins out of your system.