Shaving Legs Before Massage? Trust The Answer

The first thing taught during our training program here at the Orem Center for Massage is that our work is about people, not bodies.

Therapists work with individuals and approach their goals in unique ways depending on each client’s needs, such as relaxation or health benefits.

Many positive aspects of massage therapy, including the beneficial effects of touch, also work in the same way for overweight people.

It can even be said that many treatments, such as lymphatic drainage and compression massage, benefit people with edema in the feet or legs even more if the person undergoing the particular regimen is overweight.

Don’t fall into traps! Obesity can be quite misleading: many people think that those who are heavier than average avoid exercise, but obese people also exercise and take care of their own bodies.

It is important to relieve stress on joints and muscles (caused by lighter or harder exercise such as walking or running) with massage therapy.

Overall, the whole world is getting bigger and bigger. America, in particular, has only four states with an obesity rate of less than 20 percent.

You can be sure that massage therapists around the world are used to working with extra pounds, so you should not worry about such a pleasant activity. The only thing you should worry about is your own comfort.

Overweight people carry more pressure in their bodies – knees, hips, neck, you name it.

All of these specific parts are prone to pain and if you don’t treat these symptoms you can end up with edema or reduced range of motion over time.

Of course, all of these conditions can get better with the help of massage therapy.

For example, if you’re struggling to achieve your full range of motion, a concept known as ROM, you can greatly benefit from mobility training and resistance stretching for joints and muscles. This way you can do everything without outside help.

Feeling under pressure? Therapists don’t necessarily have to apply a lot of deep pressure to penetrate the fatty tissue of obese people.

Massage affects the muscle even when you can’t feel the muscle or bony landmarks—and many people choose to have shallower massages, a free choice for anyone seeking massage therapy.

Even so, the extra pounds are a vessel and professionals always need to warm up the tissues very well, with light strokes or using Swedish techniques, to ensure your body is poised and ready to relax during the process.

If you are inexperienced with massage, you are welcome to speak to your therapists if you are uncomfortable or wish to focus on different parts of the body.

Remember that therapy is about you and your own body.

It’s All About You Many obese clients experience mild pain that’s so constant they don’t even realize it because the stitches are so constant.

Professionals need to work gently and apply lighter strokes to check for mistakes.

Larger people can experience chronic pain from the extra weight. This pain usually manifests itself in aching joints or in an enormous general tiredness.

Professionals won’t ignore your struggle and will be ready to understand the connection between your body and your pain and gain an additional perspective especially for overweight people.

Do you still feel conscious that you are overweight?

Remember that massage therapy works the same way for obese people, thin people, old people and young people.

Professionals don’t expect to treat just one body type. It is their job to make sure every customer is happy and it is also their job to help you figure out what is the best possible treatment for any issue you may be facing.

Massage therapy only takes care of you, without any prejudice.

The entire treatment focuses on making sure you are comfortable not only with yourself but also with your own skin and bones, and improving your body so that after meeting your professional therapist you can live a more fulfilling and relaxed life be able.

Don’t forget to have an open dialogue with your massage therapist should you decide to begin a treatment.

It is important that you feel comfortable and at peace with yourself during the process.

Fact: Whether you’re doing it for pain relief or to improve your sleep quality, a massage can really hit the mark. Sit back and let someone knead your worries away seems like the perfect way to unwind — until you consider certain pre-massage questions. What kind of underwear should you wear? Which massage suits you? How much tip?! All that uncertainty can make you anxious enough to skip it altogether, which is pretty much the definition of counterproductive. Here, two licensed massage therapists will explain how to properly prepare for the experience.

Don’t wear granny panties. Or just don’t wear underwear.

“Because you’re covered with a sheet except for the part of the body that the massage therapist is working on, underwear is optional,” says Michelle Trigona-Gaine, licensed masseuse and owner of Bodies in Balance Therapeutic Massage & Wellness in Hopewell Junction. New York. You may be offered disposable underwear to avoid oil stains, which you can accept or decline based on personal preference. Remember, thong underwear is ideal when you want to wear your skivvies but do glute work, says Daria Waluga, a licensed massage therapist and esthetician in New York and New Jersey. As for your bra? Consider pulling it off to avoid getting in the way, says Waluga. Massage therapists see countless bodies every day and they are there to work, not judge yours!

Tipping is rarely included

Your therapist doesn’t just earn a tip to make you feel luxurious when you step off, he or she does it through physical contact. “The restaurant or service rule of tipping 15 to 20 percent is usually fair,” says Waluga, who explains that while tipping is customary, it’s optional at the end of the day. In states like New York, massage therapists are licensed under nursing and are considered healthcare professionals, she says. That said, if you’re getting a massage somewhere like a physical therapy office rather than a spa, they might not expect a tip (but would still appreciate it!).

Choose the right masseur

No matter what type of massage you’re looking for, it’s best to get someone who is licensed in practice. “A good way to find a therapist is through a massage organization like the American Massage Therapy Association,” says Trigona-Gaine. You can customize your search based on your location as well as the techniques you prefer. After you’ve narrowed that down, check out the reviews on Yelp to make sure you’re on your way to a good place.

Don’t eat before you get to the table

All that pressure on your body can help aid digestion (and make you gas,) so use caution before you head into town for a big dinner, says Waluga. “A small snack is fine, but don’t eat a proper meal less than an hour before your massage. That way, your body has time to digest whatever food is in your system,” says Waluga. The same goes for drinking fluids: hydration is always a priority, but give yourself time to drink it all up before the massage begins.

Use your words

Whether your therapist is using too little or not enough pressure, voice your concern if the massage doesn’t go as you hoped. “You should always say if something doesn’t feel right, and a professional and experienced therapist should ask how comfortable you are during the session,” says Waluga. If you need a nudge, remember that you are paying for a service, so you deserve to get what you ask for.

Do these three things before you arrive

First, take a shower if you can. “Make sure you’re clean before you come in for a massage,” says Waluga. Really, it’s only polite to consider the comfort of the person who is going to take care of your business. If you can’t do a quick rinse, at least try wiping yourself with non-medicated, chemical-free wipes. Next, make sure the office accepts your usual method of payment and that you have cash for the tip. Finally, ask if you need to be there earlier to fill out paperwork, says Trigona-Gaine. After that, you can get started and relax!

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Let’s face it, getting a massage takes a lot of vulnerability. You let your therapist see parts of your body that most people can’t see. Your stretch marks, scars, cellulite and moles are exposed and you trust us to respect your boundaries and treat you with the utmost honor and respect.

While some people have an unlimited supply of confidence that allows them to feel comfortable in almost any situation, others put themselves under a microscope and criticize every inch of their bodies. We often forget that every mark is a reminder or a lesson. Your stretch marks can mark an incredible journey from the time you welcomed a child into the world, the time you decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle and shed excess pounds, or the time you made a decision Obsessively counting calories or restricting yourself to enjoy life and be happy with who you are instead. Your scars may be from an accident that taught you how precious life was, or from refusing to listen to your mother when you were 5 and learning a valuable life lesson . Your cellulite shows that your skin isn’t absolutely perfect, just like all those people who use Photoshop and filters to fool the world. Your birthmarks show you live that you are unique and that there is no one else like you. But there is another common concern that many clients have, especially women.

Imagine: You’ve been waiting for this day for a long time … an hour of relaxation from everyday stress. Nothing can stop your excitement. You’re finally making time for yourself and putting yourself first, even if it’s just for an hour. You rush to your appointment. Traffic was bad, and although you planned to be early, life happened and early didn’t. You greet your therapist, catch up for a minute, and then prepare for the lesson you look forward to each month. You are preparing to lie down on the table when you suddenly realize that you forgot to shave this morning. You had so much on your mind getting the kids ready while they were fighting like it was their daily chore, rushing to the pot for dinner before you walked out the door, and thinking about all the things that you had to do today. You look everywhere for a quick fix as if you could find a razor paired with shaving cream and a nice tub. You panic. What will my therapist think? Your mind is racing… “I always make sure I’m ready for a massage. Maybe I should cancel so they don’t think I’m barbaric. I’m a walking threat, ready to sting at first touch. Is it too late to make a new appointment? Great, now the whole massage makes me joke about how I was going to help them exfoliate my leg hair or how I did a move called No Shave January. What will they think of me?”

Now, while this scenario may be very extreme, let’s face it, some of you have been in this boat at some point. But I want to let you in on a little secret… your massage therapist doesn’t care if you’re shaved or not! You know you lead a busy life and you have more to worry about than making sure you shave right before your appointment. You know that realistically if you have time to shave you are lucky and that your time is very limited. When they massage you, they’re not thinking about how awful you are for not shaving, they’re thinking about how exhausted you are from your travel schedule. They don’t think you’re lazy, they notice you’re tighter than normal in your shoulders. You find yourself preferring one arm over the other. Shaving your legs is the last thing on your massage therapist’s mind. Don’t let your fear of what they think of your leg hair take away from this special time you’re taking for yourself. They know you’re alive, and not shaving shows that you give so much of yourself to everyone else that you don’t take much time for yourself. Also, many massage clients are men with hairy legs, arms, and backs. If that doesn’t bother your massage therapist, your prickly legs certainly won’t either. I promise!

Sit back, relax and enjoy your massage. Let us take care of you. This is your time! Enjoy it!

If you’re ever put off from a massage for fear of embarrassment, it can greatly ease your anxiety — or make it worse

Masseuse Reveals 9 Things Her Clients Are Embarrassed About From Body Hair To Erections

If you’ve ever had the luxury of having a massage, you know that it can be one of the most uncomfortable experiences of your life.

If you’re not totally fine with being naked and being touched by a stranger, you become painfully aware of your lack of clothing and hyper-conscious of what’s happening to your body.

A masseuse has posted a list of all the embarrassing things that can happen when clients are on the table and shared her thoughts on them to allay concerns.

Have an embarrassing story to tell about the massage table? Email [email protected].

1. Erections occur

If you’re male and worried about getting a little “over-excited” on the massage table, don’t. Apparently it’s very common and won’t bother your masseuse.

She said: “We just cover it with a blanket and ignore it. Don’t make it weird.”

Image: Getty)

2. Farts too

It’s natural for us humans, but there’s a time and a place — and you don’t want it to happen on the massage table.

This professional understands but asks that customers try to prevent the worst from happening. She says: “It’s almost always okay, but we’re human.

3. We don’t mind if you’re hairy

Worried about all that back hair? No reason… to be. According to the masseuse, professionals simply use extra lotion so they don’t tug or tug at your skin.

Image: Getty)

4. What about acne?

If you have acne on your back — or “bakne,” as it can also be called, you should steer clear of massage for fear of making the pimples worse.

But that is not necessary. She says, “Don’t worry about it. I just use hypoallergenic lotion and avoid the inflamed area.”

5. Don’t worry about your weight

Are you slightly overweight and unsure you won’t be the “typical” customer? Don’t let that stop you from getting a massage. “If you can roll over, you should be fine,” she says.

Image: Getty)

6. Eczema and psoriasis shouldn’t stop you

According to the professional, eczema and psoriasis can be stress-related and massage can actually help. If you tell your masseuse about your problems, she can put a hypoallergenic lotion on you.

7. Pregnancy is not a problem

“If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to get a massage,” she advises. “You’re swollen, uncomfortable, and you deserve it. I massage you on your side with pillows between your knees and arms – and it’s heavenly.”

Image: Getty)

8. During your period? Be prepared

The masseuse says she had to throw out “contaminated” linens after clients visited her while she was on her period. She advises “staying prepared” — or maybe you just want to stay away for a week.

9. Let them know your hair color

She remembers a customer who got her fingers black during a scalp massage because of the color of her hair. If you use temporary hair dye, tell your massage therapist before they touch your head.

And also…

The anonymous woman also recalled the “spookiest thing” she’d ever encountered – when a customer’s skin started SUBMERING under her hands.

She added, “To this day I have no idea how or why it happened, but watching it simmer like a pancake cooking was the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen in the treatment room.”

9 / 13 iStock/Squaredpixels Do I have to keep my eyes open? Please do not. You could get products in your eyes. Additionally, keeping them closed relaxes the muscles in your head.

10 / 13 iStock/microgen What should I tell my therapist before starting treatment? For your safety, inform your technicians of any injury or medical problem, especially a circulatory problem such as a blood clot. Also, notify them if you’re going to an event later that day. Then they avoid procedures that leave marks, such as cupping, and those that cleanse your skin. (In this case, new pimples will suddenly appear as a result of a cleansing product. Eventually they will go away, leaving your skin looking better than before the treatment.)

Money might be the last thing on your mind after a quiet hour, but you might be wondering: do you tip a massage therapist? And if so how much?

We spoke to two etiquette experts who suggested tipping 15% to 20% when you can. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may feel more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is easy.

Nerdy Tip: To find 20%, start with 10% and then double that amount. If your massage costs $80.00, find 10% by moving the decimal one place to the left. Ten percent of $80 is $8. Then double that $8 to get your 20% tip of $16.

(You can also use our tip calculator to determine how much to leave.)

While 15% to 20% is the standard tip for a massage therapist, a few factors can determine how much to tip. In addition to etiquette pros, we spoke to two massage therapists and a certified financial planner about tipping. Here’s what you need to know.

Why is tipping important?

Tips are financially helpful for many massage therapists.

“Most people think if you pay $65 for a massage, the therapist gets $65,” says Lizbeth Romo, a licensed masseuse at Massage Envy in Phoenix. “But they’re not — they only get a percentage of it.” So a tip, which usually goes straight to the massage therapist, is very welcome, she says.

Romo also points out that giving massage is hard work, especially for a therapist’s joints. “It takes a lot out of you,” she says.

And this labor intensive work can do wonders for you. “When you leave this massage, it will serve you in your job, your personal life [and] your social life for two to three weeks,” says Patricia Rossi, a business etiquette trainer in Tampa Bay, Fla. Area. “It will help you feel better and be a better person.”

One tip, she says, will help you “honor” the pro.

Should You Tip All Types of Massage Therapists?

A gratuity of about 20% is common in the “spa area,” says Taelour Wagler, a licensed massage therapist and owner of The Middle Wellness Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. (That’s how much you tip a barber.)

Spa experiences tend to focus on relaxation and luxury.

“Often these types of places are classified as resorts [or] spas,” she says, adding that they “may also have a strong focus on spa services and Swedish massage in their marketing and offerings.”

Alternatively, there’s the type of massage Wagler does, which is more in the “medical and therapeutic realm,” she says. She wouldn’t expect a tip for that. “The way I see it, you wouldn’t tip your doctor,” she says.

Tipping isn’t the norm for massages at chiropractic clinics, physical therapy offices, or wellness centers, she says.

Not sure which place you’re going to and the tipping etiquette for it? Ask your massage therapist what’s appropriate, Wagler says, adding, “A professional therapist shouldn’t feel uncomfortable answering that.”

What if you are unhappy with your massage?

You may consider tipping a waiter less for poor service – what about a massage therapist? Rossi says she would probably tip 15% if her massage started late but ended on time, or if the therapist answered the phone during the massage.

As for the more therapeutic massages, Wagler emphasizes the importance of sharing what you’re unhappy with during the massage. For example, speak up if the pressure is too strong or not strong enough.

After that, she recommends giving feedback on the massage to the front desk staff.

“So next time, we’d match you with a massage therapist whose technique better suits your body,” she says. “It’s a learning experience for us and an opportunity to grow.”

What if you can’t afford to tip?

Our experts have differing opinions on what to do if you can’t swing the tip. One option is to say “thank you” and skip the tip. That’s the advice of Elaine Swann, founder of the Swann School of Protocol based in Carlsbad, California.

“Tip isn’t just about our experience, it’s about what we can afford,” she says. While it’s nice to leave a tip, if you can’t, so be it, she says. “You pay a published price.”

If you can’t tip a massage therapist you see regularly, instead of leaving a tip, you might want to give a small, personal gift, Rossi says. Consider giving away a copy of your favorite book and a thank you note, she says. This can be cheaper than a 15% to 20% tip.

But ideally, you’d plan on tipping, Rossi says.

Delia Fernandez, a certified financial planner based in Los Alamitos, California, agrees. “We should put money aside for the things that keep us sane and healthy,” she says. One of which would be a massage and the appropriate tip.

Fernandez recommends looking for ways to divert some of the income into a separate pool of money to be used only for self-sufficiency. Check if your financial institution offers such a feature, she says, or try a budgeting app.

With funds specifically earmarked for massage and other self-care experiences, Fernandez cautions that you can’t spend that money on things that don’t serve you as well.

And if you want a massage – and a tip for your therapist – know if you have enough money and where to find it. That’s a relaxing thought.

Your body can say a lot about you and your lifestyle, even if you don’t realize it. This month some of our massage therapists share what they know about you after spending an hour with you.

A therapist can tell if you’re stretching or exercising and what type of activities you’re participating in based on the length of your muscles or tightness in certain areas.

Are you drinking enough water? Dry skin and underlying tissues are indicators of a lack of moisture. Your therapist will also always recommend increasing water intake after a treatment as massage releases toxins in the body and it is important to stay hydrated to flush these out and replenish your body.

If a guest has consumed alcohol prior to treatment. In line with the previous point, alcohol dries out the body and especially the skin, so you can easily tell by your appearance whether or not you had a few drinks the night before a treatment.

A guest with an upset mood typically indicates stress. Stress creates tension in the body and over time can create “waiting patterns” that are evident when performing a massage. Whether a guest is relaxed or not is easy to tell as soon as they lie down on the table.

When a person complains of chronic shoulder pain, they may sleep on that shoulder or carry their belongings or children on that side of their body. A trained eye can easily spot imbalances in the body at first glance.

Are you surprised by some things your massage therapist knows about you just by looking at you? Massage is a great way to heal the body and relieve pain caused by many everyday stressors. Book your next massage here and see what your masseur will know about you after your treatment.

As a massage therapist, we have many people who say things that are not as well received as you might think. It’s not because we’re sensitive, it’s because we get people saying things that are just not right and tend to be more inappropriate than you might think.

Here are some points of massage etiquette and what not to say (or do) during your next massage with us:

Ask your massage therapist to watch a movie/come to your house/etc. We strive to maintain a professional relationship with our clients. This means that we prefer to see you alone in our professional environment. We will decline the invitation and suggest that you see another massage therapist, especially if your request is too suggestive.

We strive to maintain a professional relationship with our customers. This means that we prefer to see you alone in our professional environment. We will decline the invitation and suggest that you see another massage therapist, especially if your request is too suggestive. Excessive noise. noise happens. Moan when something feels good. Please don’t stare at us when you do this (yes we did) and just be aware that if you’re loud enough, neighboring rooms might hear you too. Please keep in mind that if you do this all the time, we might think you are trying to get more out of the massage than you pay for.

noise happens. Moan when something feels good. Please don’t stare at us when you do this (yes we did) and just be aware that if you’re loud enough, neighboring rooms might hear you too. Please keep in mind that if you do this all the time, we might think you are trying to get more out of the massage than you pay for. Comment on our looks/attractiveness. Because of years of misrepresentation in our industry, we tend to be a little more sensitive to certain compliments. Although we are professional in every massage, when someone comments on how we look, we can’t help but wonder if you are trying to change the professional relationship.

Because of years of misrepresentation in our industry, we tend to be a little more sensitive to certain compliments. Although we are professional in every massage, when someone comments on how we look, we can’t help but wonder if you are trying to change the professional relationship. Stick your head out of the room to let us know you’re ready. We are pleased that you are getting ready for your massage so quickly. The problem is that we also have to be ready for the massage. That might mean fetching water, going to the bathroom yourself, or just making sure you don’t feel like you have to rush to get to the table. Also, shouting down the hallway is not relaxing for our other clients during their massages, so please be patient and wait for your masseur to return to the room to begin your session.

We are pleased that you are getting ready for your massage so quickly. The problem is that we also have to be ready for the massage. That might mean fetching water, going to the bathroom yourself, or just making sure you don’t feel like you have to rush to get to the table. Also, shouting down the hallway is not relaxing for our other clients during their massages, so please be patient and wait for your masseur to return to the room to begin your session. Start undressing while we’re still in the room. To maintain a professional relationship, we need to leave the room before you start undressing. To make sure every client is always comfortable, we only disclose what we’re working on as we work on it. Disrobing before we leave the room exposes areas we are not currently working on and is distracting as we try to listen to what you need for that session.

To maintain a professional relationship, we need to leave the room before you start undressing. To make sure every client is always comfortable, we only disclose what we’re working on as we work on it. Disrobing before we leave the room exposes areas we are not currently working on and is distracting as we try to listen to what you need for that session. touch us we touch you We don’t want you to touch us. Then it gets weird. And uncomfortable. And again, we might think you’re trying to change the professional relationship.

we touch you We don’t want you to touch us. Then it gets weird. And uncomfortable. And again, we might think you’re trying to change the professional relationship. Be late and then expect us to give you your full time. This includes showing up on time but staying on the phone for 15 minutes or talking to us about anything that prevents us from starting on time. We want you to start as punctually as possible. If we start late because the massage therapist starts late, then you should count on your full time, but not if you’re late.

This includes showing up on time but staying on the phone for 15 minutes or talking to us about anything that prevents us from starting on time. We want you to start as punctually as possible. If we start late because the massage therapist starts late, then you should count on your full time, but not if you’re late. Disobeying our company policies and rules/disregarding our boundaries. We enjoy talking to our customers and getting to know them. We really do. And there are some things we just don’t like to discuss with our customers. Currently our hands are completely tied as to what we need to do in order to reopen after the COVID shutdown, so no, we don’t want to hear your opinion on this. Just as we generally don’t enjoy discussing religion, politics, and other types of conversations that often lead to arguments. It’s not that we aren’t strong individuals with opinions and stuff. It’s about the relationship we build with you being a professional one. We want to keep it going by skipping conversations that distract from our goals – to make you feel better.

Yes, pointing this out can be awkward. No, we’re not calling anyone, nor do we want to make YOU uncomfortable at your next session if you’ve done any of these things. We just feel it makes it clear on both ends what is expected during a massage.

Here is what our massage therapists promise you:

We listen to what you need during a session and adapt the massage to your needs.

We have a 30 minute buffer between each massage so you get your full time.

We will not comment or judge your body.

We will check in to make sure you are comfortable.

We’ll ONLY show what we’re working on when we’re working on it.

We won’t ask you out on a date.

You as a person and customer are important to us.

We won’t rush you to get to the table – take your time and breathe.

We will maintain professional boundaries and make our relationship with you a lasting professional relationship.

Professional relationships can be a little tricky, especially when you have so much to associate with one person. We want you to share what you want to share about yourself and your life. We also want to keep this appropriate distance. If you have any questions about massage etiquette or what not to say or do at your next massage, don’t hesitate to ask.

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Dos and don’ts of massage therapy

This is not a list of precautions or contraindications for massage therapy. Rather, it’s a list of various, somewhat arbitrary, “dos and don’ts” that I believe would improve massage therapy sessions with clients. I’m not sure everyone would agree with them, but I’m offering them for consideration anyway. I’d say if you agree with any of them, you can bet a lot of your customers will too.

The problem is that often a client does not want to criticize what the massage therapist is doing. It’s easier for the client to just smile and say the session was good and then never come back. That’s a shame, especially when it could be due to a few little things that could easily be changed.

Therefore, I offer the following massage therapy recommendations for your consideration. Who knows, if one of these improves your customers’ experience, it will likely improve your business too! 🙂

1. Do not use knuckles over the ribs

I’ll first admit that as a massage therapy client, I’m generally not a fan of having a manual therapist work on me with their knuckles, whether the therapist is using an open or closed fist. I’m not a fan of this contact because it’s “bony”. Knuckles can be used fairly well in “fleshy” areas like the gluteal region, but when used over the rib cage, ouch! Ribs are bony and knuckles are bony; and bony contact against a bony body surface is seldom comfortable. For me it only ends up injuring the periosteum of the ribs. So this “not” is to avoid using knuckles as contact when working on the client’s chest or any other area where there is a bony landmark close to the skin.

2. Release your pressure when you reach the bony attachment

I used to go to an excellent therapist who did wonderful massage therapy work. He was great! But he had a habit I never liked. That is, if he performed a deep compression stroke along a muscle, he would not release his pressure when he reached the muscle’s bony insertion. I was always uncomfortable. Deep pressure on the fleshy muscle belly is fine as all of the soft tissue of the abdomen can absorb that pressure, but as the muscle thins towards its insertion there is less soft tissue to absorb the pressure and when the blow hits the actual bony Approach reached , strong pressure feels like squeezing the periosteum of the bone. In this respect, this “do” is similar to the “don’t” above. I believe pressure should always be modulated based on the change in tissue mass (and tissue tone) under contact. So when performing a stroke, especially with deep pressure, be sure to release your pressure as you approach the bony insertion of the muscle.

3. Do not hit the transverse processes

As with “Dos and Don’ts” #1 and #2 above, deep tissue massage therapy on bone rarely feels comfortable for the client. I’m not saying that all soft tissue manipulation should always be completely comfortable for the client, but if a stroke is uncomfortable then there should be a good reason; one that benefits the health of the customer. Very deep pressure on the bones is rarely beneficial and hurts; so why? This is especially true when the bony landmarks are small and pointed, such as the transverse processes of the cervical spine. I always know when a manual therapist working on me doesn’t know the anatomy that is under his contact when he does a very nice deep hit along the muscles of the neck and then deviates from the muscles and keeps the same deep pressure on my transverse processes. Ouch! This is one of the quickest ways to lose me as a customer. Certainly there are times to work the scalene and longus insertions on the transverse processes, but the pressure applied there should be modulated according to the bony contour. So if you are applying deep pressure in the neck, please keep away from the transverse processes as a general rule.

4. Don’t start with joint mobilization (or stretching)

Not every massage therapist uses joint mobilization during their massage session, but if you do, it should be done later in the session after the client’s soft tissues have been warmed up. This is because joint mobilization is a form of stretching, and stretching is always most effective when the tissues are warmed up first. And even some manual therapists who don’t think they’re performing joint mobilizations might be. For example, when the client is prone and deep pressure is applied to the spine, a joint mobilization force is applied to the spinal joints; and when the pressure is applied slightly laterally, a force of joint mobilization is exerted on the rib cage. This is common in many massage sessions, but particularly so in many Asian massage routines, where the therapist often begins with a deep pressure on the client’s back through a towel. My recommendation is not to apply deep pressure to the joints until later in the session. J

5. Don’t finish on your stomach

If we can’t “start” on something during a massage therapy session, let’s throw in “don’t finish” on something. This is how often the therapist will end a 60 or 90 minute full body massage with abdominal work. The problem is that with all the time that has passed since the session began, as well as all the increased blood flow that has occurred from the massage, the client often needs to urinate towards the end of the session; this applies in particular to middle-aged and older customers. So this is the worst time to work on your abs. If you want to do gut work on your client, don’t end the massage therapy session with that. Instead, introduce it sometime earlier in the session. If you start with the client lying on their back, this is easy. If you start with the client in the prone position, remember to do the abdominal work as soon as the client changes position in the supine position.

6. Don’t end up on the “other side”

Often the client will have one side of an area of ​​the body that they would rather have worked on than the other side during their massage therapy treatment. For example, although I like the left side of my neck worked, I love it a lot more when the right side is worked! Much like how we often like to end a meal with dessert, why not end the client’s session with the side they preferred to work with? This is easy-to-find information. All we have to do is ask the client during their first session during the verbal story; or it can be asked for at any time.

7. Don’t ask “How’s the pressure?”

Perhaps the most common question clients are asked during a massage treatment is, “How’s the pressure?” The problem with this question is that many clients don’t want to criticize you, so they answer it’s ok or ok , even if this is not the case. Instead, try asking, “Would you like more pressure or would you like less pressure?” You have now invited and empowered the client to critique your pressure. It is so easy for them to say “more please” or “less please”. In fact, the customer would have to go out of their way to say, “No, it’s fine.” So think about how you ask the customer about your print.

8. Cover the entire width of the area to be worked

I recently had a massage where the therapist did a very good job. But there were times when he would edit an area, and instead of covering the entire width of the area, he would keep repeating the same stroke in the same spot. The unworked part of the area cried out with jealousy to be worked on too; and the area that was edited became sore from being overworked. So when you start working on a muscle or muscle group during a massage session, visualize the entire length and width of the tissue and make sure to cover everything. Certainly, at least do this to judge everything. Then the areas that need more work can be worked on more, but at least the whole area has been touched and addressed.

9. Follow the customer’s lead in the conversation

Some clients like to talk during massage therapy; some customers don’t. Some like to talk for the first few minutes or the first half of the session and then want to switch off. The problem is that if you keep talking when they’d rather be silent, you put the client in a very awkward position of having to ask you to please stop talking. This can be very pleasant for the customer because it feels like they are being rude. The problem is: how do you know that? Especially if they spoke earlier in the session. My suggestion is to always follow their lead with the conversation. If you ask a question and get long replies asking you questions, the customer wants to keep talking. But if your question is answered more than once with a one- or two-word answer, chances are the customer doesn’t want to continue talking and wants you to stop talking too!

10. Know what you’re doing…and know how to express it

This may seem obvious, but maybe it isn’t. I recently received a chair massage at an airport massage center (boy, airport massages are expensive, but after hours or sometimes days of traveling, they’re worth it!). While I was there, a potential client approached the therapist at the desk and asked, “Do you know what you’re doing?” The therapist seemed surprised and didn’t seem to know how to answer this question. And I have to admit, it was a very vague and difficult question to answer out of the blue. But then the potential customer follows: “I have back pain from a bad disc. Do you know what you are doing or are you going to hurt me?” By now the therapist should have gained some composure and be able to respond to the prospective client’s concerns; but the therapist still seemed retarded and said nothing. So what happened? The prospective client immediately walked away without saying anything else while the therapist stood by. If the therapist really didn’t know what she was doing, it might be better for the client to walk away than for the therapist to actually do something that would have hurt him. But even better would be knowing what we’re doing…and being able and willing to respond when asked. This boils down to knowing our anatomy and physiology, as well as precautions and contraindications, and being able to communicate our knowledge. This may require refresher training and/or continuing education, as well as practice and experience to understand and address our customers’ concerns. (By the way, that was in New York, which means the therapist had to have a 1,000 hour massage therapy core curriculum training, which is the highest requirement in the US, so there’s really no excuse for not knowing what to do .)

(Click here for article in blog post: Manual Therapy Precautions When Working on the Neck.)

Energy Work: A Powerful Complement to Massage by Ariel Hubbard

June 2, 2005

Energy Work: A Powerful Complement to Massage by Ariel Hubbard

June 2, 2005

You are giving one of your clients a massage treatment and while you are working on a particularly tight area you feel a heavy energy flowing up from the client’s body and through your head. what is this energy And how does it feel? You have felt this energy before and noticed that you react to the experience by getting tired. You decide to ask some friends about it and they suggest you have a session with an energy worker.

You start your session feeling completely relaxed. Suddenly the feeling in the room changes and you feel a strong sense of love and peace. You look up to see your energy therapist running her hands around your body and you feel her touch even though she isn’t touching you. You blink – her hands are still not touching you, but something is happening. You feel emotions surging up inside you like a tide, and then you feel a heaviness being washed away. You feel lighter than you have in years.

What is energy work? This is a general term for a collection of healing methods that use positive energy to promote healing in the body, heart, mind and spirit. The energy worker recognizes that electromagnetic energy flows around and through the body in very specific currents (called meridians in China and nadis in India – pronounced “na-dees”) and through the energy field around the body (the aura). When these currents are disrupted, they create an imbalance or blockage in flow, and if they persist long enough, they can cause pain and even disease.

When you address energetic balance and have fully addressed the root of the problem, blockages are released and health returns. People who do energy work recognize that the body, heart, mind and spirit are interconnected and that each aspect of us affects the others. If there are imbalances on one level, they can also appear on another level. A physical problem in the body can lead to emotional problems and vice versa.

In energy work we do not use the word “healing” because we recognize that the recipient is the person performing the healing. Energy workers channel healing energy to help raise their frequencies, but the recipients receive the energy and use it to heal themselves. Properly trained energy workers do not allow themselves to get tired trying to send their own life force energy to help their clients; rather they send universal life force energy.

In a typical energy work session, the energy work therapist learns about the client and events in their life that could potentially affect the flow of energy. After assessing the client, the energy worker prepares to send healing energy by centering and grounding themselves. This allows access to high frequency frequencies which he/she transmits to the client.

The client’s energy system and physical body respond to these frequencies through what is called “energetic field resonance”; The vibration increases to match the frequencies being transmitted by the doctor. The client’s cells have access to more energy, and this energy gives the cells the ability to eliminate toxins from the body, be they physical or emotional. The client experiences a so-called “release”, which can appear in the form of laughter, sweating, coughing or deep relaxation. The therapist then sends energy to help the client adjust to the changes after the release, charge the client with life energy (also called chi or prana) and harmonize their system. Clients typically feel energized, relaxed, happy, and peaceful after the energy work session.

Oftentimes, energy work can treat pain that never seems to go away, or hurt feelings that seem to linger in ways that physically-focused therapies cannot. Many therapists combine energy work with massage sessions to balance the treatment. Some clients who have been in psychotherapy have reported that energy work sessions have helped them resolve issues that had never been resolved after years of therapy because the root of the problem was addressed by accessing parts of it that were not physical .

Energy work has some wonderful uses, there are some amazing areas where we have seen energy work address issues like overcoming fear, speeding up recovery after surgery, healing pain over lost loved ones, healing during radiation or radiation therapy Successfully managing chemotherapy, releasing intense negative emotions, and helping clients restore their confidence. This state-of-the-art modality will increasingly be used in combination with more conventional medical treatments in the coming years. One modality, Reiki, is currently used in or referred by 50 major hospitals in the US*

Massage therapists can benefit from the application of energy work in addition to their massage techniques. Clients often continuously release energy during the massage. People store their emotions, memories, beliefs and thoughts in their energy system and massage allows them to surface and be released. This is why many massage therapists feel tired when working with clients – it’s not the physical exertion; rather, it is because they are unconsciously trying to process the energetic release of their clients. When energy work is used in connection with massage, this processing can be done consciously, and the masseur does not use up personal life energy. This is important because massage is a demanding profession. This combination of modalities also creates a powerful healing session for the client. The use of energy work also increases the energy level of the massage therapist and has the ability to prolong a therapist’s career.

There are many types of energy healing and they all have a different approach including Reiki, HighSelf Resonance Therapy, Jin Shin, Pranic Healing, Crystal Healing, Color Healing, Shamanic Healing, Homeopathy and Network Chiropractic. Many of these traditions are new, but some are very old. Energy work has been used around the world for many years and is currently seeing growth in the United States. Energywork has been featured in 60 Minutes, ABC News and the Los Angeles Times.

When looking for an energy worker, it’s good to work with someone with experience. Many energy workers are self-taught and rely on their divine connection for guidance in their sessions; However, it is important to work with an energy worker who is centered and connected to positive energy or a higher power so that the focus is positive. It is also important for the energy worker to be grounded (connected to the earth, present and fully conscious) so that he/she can impart energy in a balanced way. Some energy workers are school trained and it’s always a good idea to ask someone about their education and experience.

If you choose to study energy work as an additional tool in your massage practice, energy work schools are available. Energy work is becoming a more popular modality and clients are often actively seeking energy work as a treatment in addition to massage. If you want to make your mark as a massage therapist, extend your professional life, “off-load” the work, and empower your clients in their healing processes, add energy work to your toolbox!

*According to research by Ellen DiNucci.

Let’s face it, getting a massage takes a lot of vulnerability. You let your therapist see parts of your body that most people can’t see. Your stretch marks, scars, cellulite and moles are exposed and you trust us to respect your boundaries and treat you with the utmost honor and respect.

While some people have an unlimited supply of confidence that allows them to feel comfortable in almost any situation, others put themselves under a microscope and criticize every inch of their bodies. We often forget that every mark is a reminder or a lesson. Your stretch marks can mark an incredible journey from the time you welcomed a child into the world, the time you decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle and shed excess pounds, or the time you made a decision Obsessively counting calories or restricting yourself to enjoy life and be happy with who you are instead. Your scars may be from an accident that taught you how precious life was, or from refusing to listen to your mother when you were 5 and learning a valuable life lesson . Your cellulite shows that your skin isn’t absolutely perfect, just like all those people who use Photoshop and filters to fool the world. Your birthmarks show you live that you are unique and that there is no one else like you. But there is another common concern that many clients have, especially women.

Imagine: You’ve been waiting for this day for a long time … an hour of relaxation from everyday stress. Nothing can stop your excitement. You’re finally making time for yourself and putting yourself first, even if it’s just for an hour. You rush to your appointment. Traffic was bad, and although you planned to be early, life happened and early didn’t. You greet your therapist, catch up for a minute, and then prepare for the lesson you look forward to each month. You are preparing to lie down on the table when you suddenly realize that you forgot to shave this morning. You had so much on your mind getting the kids ready while they were fighting like it was their daily chore, rushing to the pot for dinner before you walked out the door, and thinking about all the things that you had to do today. You look everywhere for a quick fix as if you could find a razor paired with shaving cream and a nice tub. You panic. What will my therapist think? Your mind is racing… “I always make sure I’m ready for a massage. Maybe I should cancel so they don’t think I’m barbaric. I’m a walking threat, ready to sting at first touch. Is it too late to make a new appointment? Great, now the whole massage makes me joke about how I was going to help them exfoliate my leg hair or how I did a move called No Shave January. What will they think of me?”

Now, while this scenario may be very extreme, let’s face it, some of you have been in this boat at some point. But I want to let you in on a little secret… your massage therapist doesn’t care if you’re shaved or not! You know you lead a busy life and you have more to worry about than making sure you shave right before your appointment. You know that realistically if you have time to shave you are lucky and that your time is very limited. When they massage you, they’re not thinking about how awful you are for not shaving, they’re thinking about how exhausted you are from your travel schedule. They don’t think you’re lazy, they notice you’re tighter than normal in your shoulders. You find yourself preferring one arm over the other. Shaving your legs is the last thing on your massage therapist’s mind. Don’t let your fear of what they think of your leg hair take away from this special time you’re taking for yourself. They know you’re alive, and not shaving shows that you give so much of yourself to everyone else that you don’t take much time for yourself. Also, many massage clients are men with hairy legs, arms, and backs. If that doesn’t bother your massage therapist, your prickly legs certainly won’t either. I promise!

Sit back, relax and enjoy your massage. Let us take care of you. This is your time! Enjoy it!

If you’re ever put off from a massage for fear of embarrassment, it can greatly ease your anxiety — or make it worse

Masseuse Reveals 9 Things Her Clients Are Embarrassed About From Body Hair To Erections

If you’ve ever had the luxury of having a massage, you know that it can be one of the most uncomfortable experiences of your life.

If you’re not totally fine with being naked and being touched by a stranger, you become painfully aware of your lack of clothing and hyper-conscious of what’s happening to your body.

A masseuse has posted a list of all the embarrassing things that can happen when clients are on the table and shared her thoughts on them to allay concerns.

Have an embarrassing story to tell about the massage table? Email [email protected].

1. Erections occur

If you’re male and worried about getting a little “over-excited” on the massage table, don’t. Apparently it’s very common and won’t bother your masseuse.

She said: “We just cover it with a blanket and ignore it. Don’t make it weird.”

Image: Getty)

2. Farts too

It’s natural for us humans, but there’s a time and a place — and you don’t want it to happen on the massage table.

This professional understands but asks that customers try to prevent the worst from happening. She says: “It’s almost always okay, but we’re human.

3. We don’t mind if you’re hairy

Worried about all that back hair? No reason… to be. According to the masseuse, professionals simply use extra lotion so they don’t tug or tug at your skin.

Image: Getty)

4. What about acne?

If you have acne on your back — or “bakne,” as it can also be called, you should steer clear of massage for fear of making the pimples worse.

But that is not necessary. She says, “Don’t worry about it. I just use hypoallergenic lotion and avoid the inflamed area.”

5. Don’t worry about your weight

Are you slightly overweight and unsure you won’t be the “typical” customer? Don’t let that stop you from getting a massage. “If you can roll over, you should be fine,” she says.

Image: Getty)

6. Eczema and psoriasis shouldn’t stop you

According to the professional, eczema and psoriasis can be stress-related and massage can actually help. If you tell your masseuse about your problems, she can put a hypoallergenic lotion on you.

7. Pregnancy is not a problem

“If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to get a massage,” she advises. “You’re swollen, uncomfortable, and you deserve it. I massage you on your side with pillows between your knees and arms – and it’s heavenly.”

Image: Getty)

8. During your period? Be prepared

The masseuse says she had to throw out “contaminated” linens after clients visited her while she was on her period. She advises “staying prepared” — or maybe you just want to stay away for a week.

9. Let them know your hair color

She remembers a customer who got her fingers black during a scalp massage because of the color of her hair. If you use temporary hair dye, tell your massage therapist before they touch your head.

And also…

The anonymous woman also recalled the “spookiest thing” she’d ever encountered – when a customer’s skin started SUBMERING under her hands.

She added, “To this day I have no idea how or why it happened, but watching it simmer like a pancake cooking was the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen in the treatment room.”

9 / 13 iStock/Squaredpixels Do I have to keep my eyes open? Please do not. You could get products in your eyes. Additionally, keeping them closed relaxes the muscles in your head.

10 / 13 iStock/microgen What should I tell my therapist before starting treatment? For your safety, inform your technicians of any injury or medical problem, especially a circulatory problem such as a blood clot. Also, notify them if you’re going to an event later that day. Then they avoid procedures that leave marks, such as cupping, and those that cleanse your skin. (In this case, new pimples will suddenly appear as a result of a cleansing product. Eventually they will go away, leaving your skin looking better than before the treatment.)

10 things not to do after massage therapy to get the full benefits

Massage therapy is used to treat and manage various health conditions. In addition, it can help improve a person’s well-being.

Based on scientific research, massage therapy offers various health benefits to the body. It is effective for chronic back pain and chronic tension headaches. Additionally, it can help manage depression, anxiety, stress, pain, and inflammation. It can also help improve sleep quality.

In addition, you can also read about the surprising benefits of regular massage therapy in winter.

However, did you know that there are things you shouldn’t do after massage therapy in order to reap the full benefits? Let’s find out!

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What not to do after massage therapy

Here’s a checklist of things not to do after massage therapy. Doing these things after a massage won’t stop you from getting the maximum benefit from massage therapy.

We’ve listed ten (10) things you shouldn’t do after a massage.

1. Not drinking enough water

After massage therapy, reducing water intake after massage therapy is not ideal. Massage therapy can help detoxify and rehydrate your skin.

You must drink enough water to aid in the hydration and detoxification process.

What to do:

Water is vital. So make sure you drink enough water after a massage.

2. Take a shower immediately

By showering immediately after your massage session, wash away the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet fully absorbed by the skin cells.

What to do:

It is best to shower after an hour of your massage session. Allow the message oil to take effect within an hour and absorb into your skin cells.

3. Take a hot shower

After your massage therapy, we know that a hot shower is tempting. However, if you suffer from a muscle injury, it will increase inflammation.

What to do:

A hot shower must be avoided for the time being. It is better to use cold water for pain relief. It is also ideal to use warm water when showering. This can help relax your body.

4. Eat a large meal

You may feel hungry after a massage. This happens due to the increase in blood flow, which maximizes the functioning of the body’s systems, including our digestive system.

And if you eat a large meal, you’ll end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic.

What to do:

It’s best to have a light and healthy snack to feel more energized after a massage.

5. Drink coffee

After a relaxing massage therapy, you might feel like a great cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee after a massage is not a good idea. You cannot maximize the detoxification and rehydration process.

What to do:

You have to wait a few hours after your message before drinking a cup of coffee. This can help you avoid dehydration.

Also, it’s best to drink your coffee the next day and rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water.

6. Drink alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot promote hydration and the detoxification process. It can lead to dehydration.

What to do:

You must abstain from alcohol for a day. It’s best to drink enough water to help keep you hydrated and flush out toxins. Additionally, avoiding alcohol can help prevent soreness the next day.

7. Do strenuous exercise or activity

After a relaxing massage, you may feel full of energy to go to the gym and do some strenuous exercise.

However, this can lead to sore muscles. In addition, strenuous activities can injure your muscles.

What to do:

Avoid strenuous activities after your massage therapy. The best way to relax is body and mind.

You can do light activities – watch movies or read some good books – chill and relax!

Also, after a massage is the best time for hibernation. You can sleep for a while.

8. Putting yourself under stress

One of the main benefits of massage therapy is stress management. It aims to reduce your stress.

However, if you don’t avoid things that cause stress, you can feel anxious, which can’t help your body and mind to continue the relaxation mode.

What to do:

After the massage therapy, you should create a daily schedule. You need to allocate enough time for yourself or for yourself.

You also need to plan your day as stress-free as possible. For example, make sure you don’t have any other meetings or errands after a massage. take the rest!

9. Forget about stretching

You can feel your body is so relaxed after a massage. It also helps loosen up your stiff muscles and knots. However, if you forget to stretch after a massage session, you cannot prolong this effect.

What to do:

After a relaxing massage session, be sure to do some moderate stretching within a minute or two before stepping off the massage table. You can do some lunges, shoulder and torso rotations, and toe touches.

You can also continue at home with some moderate stretching exercises.

10. Not doing the homework assigned by the therapist

If you forget to follow a massage therapist’s advice, you reduce the benefits you can get from massage therapy.

What to do:

Follow your massage therapist’s advice and instructions to get the most out of your massage session.

If your therapist has assigned some stretching, stretching, or some movement-based exercises – don’t forget to do it! You need to do your homework to get the long lasting effects of the massage.

More things to do after a massage

Various studies show that massages are beneficial for body and mind. However, to maximize its effectiveness, it is best to do the following:

Don’t forget to listen to your body!

If you still feel pain after a massage, it is best to rest for a day.

However, if you feel sore for several days, this is not normal. You must take this into account. Then tell your massage therapist about your pain at your next visit.

Urinate

If you want to go to the toilet, be sure to urinate. This can help flush out the toxins.

take that away

There are several benefits that you can get from massage therapy. However, you cannot get the maximum and lasting benefit if you forget to complete your task.

Don’t forget the checklist above to get the most out of your massage therapy session.

Registered massage therapists are always delighted when their patients achieve health and wellness goals through massage therapy.

Our registered masseur in Coquitlam and Surrey is always happy to help and meet your goals.

Book a relaxing and therapeutic massage therapy today!

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness – Coquitlam, we have Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) ready to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Not only do we have registered massage therapists in Coquitlam, we also have registered massage therapists in Surrey who are always ready to provide personalized and quality care to patients in these areas.

In addition, we also have registered massage therapists in Langley who can help.

You can contact us as follows:

Ready to Book an RMT Appointment at Evergreen Clinic? Call us at 604-449-5859 or 604-498-5859 or click the button below. We help you to lead a pain-free and healthy lifestyle. Book for Coquitlam RMT Book for Surrey RMT

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