Glossary of bodywork and complementary therapies

Ever wondered what some of the more obscure bodywork and complementary therapies are all about?  Then look no further. 

The MassageTherapy.com have produced this excellent online glossary.

Breathe Into Your Massage

To truly get the most out of a massage, it can take a bit of focus and mindfulness on the part of the client. Some people find it difficult to relax and let go and feel compelled to fill the silence of a massage with chatter. Obviously, some communication is welcome but constant chatter during a massage can actually work against the relaxation process.

In our busy world, with constant noise and stimulation it can be very relaxing to just enjoy the silence, breathe and connect with your body.

Next time you have a massage consider the following:

* As you settle onto the table, even before your therapist enters the room, feel the weight of your body on the table. Allow yourself to be supported by the table and begin to notice your breath.

* Feel your breath moving of its own accord. Where is it most noticeable? Where could it express more? Invite your breath to move into the spaces that feel less full (without effort ... just invite).

* When your therapist starts working, notice the pressure and rhythm. While maintaining a comfortable rhythm in your own breathing, notice when she lets up on her pressure and breathe in. When she applies pressure, breathe out.

* If your practitioner comes to a tender area, pay special attention to your breath. Work with the tenderness on the exhale, imagining that you're breathing out the pain.

* As your therapist works on different areas, imagine your breath moving there to meet her. Send your breath wherever she is working. Let her work on the outside, you work on the inside.

* Notice the changes as the massage progresses. Notice your thought patterns. Notice your comfort level. Notice your stress (and how it melts) as you send breath to the various areas of your body.

* When your session is complete and you sit up, notice how your breath feels. What do you notice about your body, the room, the light?

Click HERE to find out more about how breathe can transform your massage experience.

In Depth Back Massage

Many clients express an interest as to what is going on during a massage. Such as which muscle is tight, why is it tight and how will massage help?

I've found this great video on YouTube showing a back massage, with the superficial back muscles overlaid.

Now you can really see why massage works!

What can sports massage do for you?

Want to learn more about sports massage?  Then look no further than this great site:  Sports Injury Clinic.

There you can learn about the benefits, what happens in a sports massage session and you can even see a demonstration video.

Don't forget sports massage isn't just for sports people.  Sports massage techniques are great for anyone with tight muscles who likes firmer pressure and deep tissue massage.

Give it a try - your tight muscles will thank you!

Why have a deep tissue massage?

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue also called connective tissue. It aims to release the persistent patterns of tension in the body (also known as "adhesions") through slow strokes and deep finger, hand and forearm pressure on the tight areas, either going across or following the fibres of the muscles, fascia and tendons.

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It helps to break up scar tissue. Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness or discomfort during or right after the massage. It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a couple of days. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you!

Why get a Deep Tissue Massage?

It feels good and it is beneficial to your health. If you are stressed muscles are tense, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to possible inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. Deep tissue massages assist muscle tissue release, get blood and oxygen circulating properly and also “liberates” the knots. Because many toxins are released, it's important to drink plenty of water after a session to help eliminate these toxins quickly from the body.

So what is the purpose of Deep Tissue Massage?

The purpose is to "unstick" the glued fibres of a muscle while releasing the built up tension, eliminate toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle itself. It is both remedial and therapeutic.

Precautions:

Always let your therapist * know if you:

- have any skin allergies or conditions
- have problems with your joints
- are, or think you could be, pregnant
- have recently undergone surgery, or are prone to or recovering from injury
- you have any other medical condition
- have a history of respiratory or heart problems

* a good massage therapist should ask you these question before embarking on any massage treatment.

Make the most of your massage

Massage can be a powerful tool to help your body best perform its countless functions in its goal to maintain a healthy balance. Why not do everything you can to get the best possible results from every massage session?

This article is devoted to providing you with some hints to make the most from your bodywork sessions.

Before your session

The mood of your session can be affected by the things currently influencing your life. You can improve your results by preparing yourself before your massage time. If you can put the events of your life on pause for a little while and truly devote your session time to taking care of you, the benefits you experience can be greatly enhanced. Life really will wait a couple of hours for you — and you’ll be in much better shape to deal with your responsibilities when you are feeling your best! Other things you can do, as time allows:

- If possible, take a relaxing bath or shower before your appointment time
- Limit consumption of caffeine and sugar, as well as other stimulants
- Avoid eating immediately before your appointment
- Allow extra time in your schedule so you don’t have to rush to be ready for your session.
- Be aware of your current condition so you can report anything that needs attention

During your session

Share what’s going on with your therapist. A good therapist will work intuitively but don't forget, they're not psychic and will appreciate your feedback. If you have a tender spot or an injured area, bring it up so it can be addressed. If you feel you need more pressure or a lighter touch during the session, please say so. If everything is great, you can lie back and relax. If you find your attention is on something, bring it up so you will be able to lie back and relax!

Specify your preferences. Everyone has different needs and wants, so share yours! Is everything in the massage environment okay? The temperature? The lighting? Any other distractions? Are you completely at ease? Do you like certain music? Is the volume okay? Do you like specific techniques? More time spent on a certain area? Each session is especially for you, so please communicate about what you want! If there is anything you don’t understand, please ask so we can discuss it.

Let it all go and relax! One of the major massage goals for many people is to lessen tension and stress. Many of those aches and pains that demand our attention are linked to stress. In fact — according to Dr. Sandra McLanahan — eighty percent of disease is stress-related, so maximizing the relaxation in each session should help you to maintain a much higher level of well-being!

One way to quiet your mind is to focus your attention on the session — really get in tune with your sense of touch. Proper breathing helps you to relax and to reach your session goals. Slow, deep breathing (from the gut) will provide your body with much-needed oxygen, while signaling your body to let go of its tensions.

After your session

If at all possible, allow for some quiet time before you continue your busy life.

Drink extra water!! Massage releases waste products and toxins from your muscles. Increasing your fluid intake lowers this toxicity and lessens the strain on filtering organs.

Curious about sports massage?

Ever wondered how sports massage differs from other massage styles?

Take a look at the Sports Injury Clinic.

Have a niggle or tight muscle somewhere? There you can click on that area on a diagram of the human body and be taken to a list of potential causes. Then you can click on Sports Massage and you can see what techniques a sports massage therapist might use.

Sports massage isn't just for professional athletes or people who are super-fit. Anyone who likes firmer, deeper pressure will love sports massage.

What massage therapists wish they could say to you

I found this short article in Bodysense Mag and it made me smile - so true!

Try to remember the floaty feeling you get on
the massage table so you can incorporate it
into your life. Do that and you’re making the
most of your massage experience. Remember
that massage is about taking good care of
yourself—and we all deserve that.

Every week a woman gets on my table and gives
the same unneeded apology. “I’m sorry! I didn’t
have time to shave my legs!” Don’t worry. “None
of the guys shaved their legs for me this week,
either!” is my usual reply. We don’t care that you
didn’t have time to shave your legs. We’re grateful
you’ve made it to your appointment and that
you love massage. Please relax and don’t be self-
conscious. No problem! I mean it.

Finally, the key to receiving your best massage
session is to communicate with your therapist.
Just like Goldilocks, only you can know for sure
if the pressure is too much, too little, or just
right. Good communication between therapist
and client allows you both to work together to
find what works best for you. Remember the
Platinum Rule of Massage: communication helps
your therapist help you.

Things Your Massage Therapist Needs To Know

Sometimes a new client expresses surprise at my consultation form. As a holistic therapist [the word holistic is derived from the greek work holos - meaning "whole"] I look at my client as a complete system rather than dividing them into parts. For instance, you may have a stiff neck but that stiff neck is more than likely due to poor posture. That poor posture may be due to too many hours hunched over a computer. Those too many hours hunched over a computer could mean you're stressed. That stress could mean that you resort to fast food, alcohol and cigarettes to save time and relax ....... you get the picture. Now, I could just massage your neck, take your money and be done with you. Or I could also offer you additional advice on how you could make changes to your lifestyle and give you exercises to do to prevent your sore neck getting worse or recurring again.

I found this interesting article on Bodyworker which does a very good job of explaining how important information is:

"As massage has entered the mainstream of healthcare options, more and more people consider this intervention as part of an overall health plan. Massage has gone from being an occasional treat to being part of how we take care of ourselves. This may be especially true of people who live with chronic conditions that decrease quality of life: people with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders. . . the list of those with medical conditions who find that massage is a valuable part of their healthcare is expanding daily.

All of this is good news: massage is a low-tech intervention with high benefits. While an hour of one-on-one time with a health professional can feel expensive, it is ultimately more cost effective than many other options like surgery, long-term physical therapy, or serious complications of various health issues. But the movement of massage into a medical setting comes with a cost: massage therapists are often put in the position of weighing whether their work will be beneficial or detrimental to the health of their client. The only way to preserve public safety is to get information about a client’s health status in general, and in particular for the day of the massage.

Some massage therapists take long, elaborate client histories. They may require clients to fill out forms before they come for a first appointment and schedule extra time to go through the forms together in a client history interview. Typically this occurs in settings where a client and practitioner may be planning on a long-term therapeutic relationship. In other settings, like an on-site massage or a visit to a spa, a client may never see this therapist again. Then short-term goals are at the top of the priority list, and the practitioner may not have the inclination or the time to take an extensive history. Nonetheless, it is important to share some key pieces of information so that everyone can derive the best benefits from a bodywork session with the least risks.

What follows are some questions your massage therapist may ask you, with explanations for why that information is important. Massage is more than just a rub; by creating a stimulus (even a welcome and wonderful stimulus), massage requires that the body be able to adapt. Some people are better able to do this than others, and your massage therapist has to figure out where you fall in this continuum. As you read this, you might make your own list of health issues you want to be sure to share with your therapist, whether this appointment is a one time only or part of an ongoing project.

Basic Questions for a One-Time Session with a New Therapist:

How is your health today?
This may seem obvious, but people sometimes seek massage when they are fighting a cold, dealing with an internal infection, or even just suffering from a bad headache. Massage therapists may change the way they work or decide it is not in the best interest of the client to work in some situations.

Do you have any skin conditions?
Again this may seem obvious, but it is amazing how often people forget about that mysterious rash on their abdomen until they are on the table. Obviously, if you have an active contagious skin condition (herpes, boils, impetigo), then massage may not be your best choice for today. If you have a chronic, non-contagious skin condition (eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions), then your therapist can make appropriate adjustments. But if your condition is undiagnosed, your therapist is at risk for three bad things: spreading a rash further on you; spreading a rash on the therapist; or spreading a rash to another client.

Even if your undiagnosed rash or contagious lesion is in an area that the therapist doesn’t touch, it is important to share that information with him or her for safety reasons.

Have you had any accidents or surgeries that affect your health now?
This is particularly important if any accident or surgery currently affects your ability to get through your day. Scar tissue, headaches, limping, jaw-clenching, or other leftovers of trauma may be addressed with massage with good effect.

Do you have any chronic conditions that affect your health?
The answer to this question for most people is probably yes, even if that chronic condition is caffeine addiction or a boss who drives you crazy. But if you are under treatment for something more serious, it is especially important to share that information with your therapist. Common examples might include arthritis, depression, or high blood pressure. Clients with chronic conditions can derive wonderful benefit from massage, but some situations require adjustments in timing, pressure, or positioning.

Are you taking any medications?
Massage therapists must consider the possibility of interactions between bodywork and medications that clients take. For instance, if a client uses insulin and then receives a massage, it is possible to have an uncomfortable or even threatening double-dose of glucose-lowering interventions. High blood pressure medications or drugs that alter body fluids may also require some adjustments.

If you take a painkiller or an anti-inflammatory on the day of a massage, your massage therapist will have a harder time reading your tissues to give
appropriate pressure.

None of these medications categorically contraindicate massage, but they all may require some modifications from your therapist. This is why you should share what medications you take, what conditions you take them for, and when your last dose was.

Are you under a doctor’s care?
This question can bring up any conditions or situations that might be a red flag that haven’t already been discussed.

Are you pregnant?
Clearly this is not a question for every client, but for women of child-bearing age this can be an issue. Pregnant women can reap wonderful benefits from massage, but certain risks must be respected.

Do you wear contacts?
Many varieties of contact lenses are perfectly comfortable to wear during a massage, but you may appreciate the option to take out your contacts before you begin.

What would you like to accomplish today?
This may be the most important question of all: if you can clearly communicate your goals to your therapist, then he or she will be better able to give you a wonderful, satisfying (and safe) session.


Additional Questions for a Long-Term Relationship with a Therapist:

What preexisting conditions do you suffer from?
Your therapist may give you a list of conditions and ask you to indicate which ones you have had in the past. This gives some general insight into long-term repercussions that you may experience.

What activities make your pain worse? What activities make it better?
These questions are for clients with specific injuries or weaknesses they would like to address. In addition to helping the therapist understand your situation, he or she can form a baseline to watch how improvements grow over time.

What is your diet like? How well do you sleep?
These questions provide insight into your general lifestyle. While massage therapists don’t diagnose or prescribe, they may be able to offer some well-informed advice about how some lifestyle habits support or interfere with health-related goals.

What are your long-term goals for our work together?
The most fruitful client-therapist relationships are those where both people work together in an active partnership to make good things happen. While long-term goals for massage may change, working together to make them happen can be a satisfying and ultimately successful experience.

Once in a while an issue comes up in a client history interview that makes it clear that some kinds of massage may carry unacceptable risks. A good example might be this situation, based on a real-life scenario: a client who was recently in a car wreck, and who is taking high doses of anti-inflammatories and painkillers, wants his therapist to “really work out the kinks: just get in there and dig’em out.”

This client has a legitimate wish: to reduce his pain and limitation. But this therapist cannot ethically do what he asks, because of the risk for further injury with the kind of bodywork he is requesting. In this case the therapist may offer alternative forms of massage. It might not be what the client had in mind, but it is a session designed to give the best possible benefits bodywork can offer, while minimizing risks.

One final wrinkle that may come up during a client history interview is the need to communicate with a primary care physician. It is important for you to understand that your therapist may not talk to any other health professional about you without your permission. He or she may request that you fill out a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) form to give that permission. Therapists may wish to communicate with doctors to identify specific information about a certain condition, or to discuss the risks of certain kinds of modalities, or simply to inform the rest of your healthcare team that you are receiving massage in addition to whatever else you do to take care of yourself.

The overall point is that in a client-therapist relationship, more information is better than less information. Open, clear communication between you and your therapist helps to preserve your safety, but also helps you to get the very best out of your time together."

What to expect from a massage treatment

How long will the treatment take?

If you pay for an hour's massage then that is what you get! Filling in forms, setting up the massage table, undressing and dressing are not part of your hour's massage.

Please allow for 15 - 20 minutes at either end of your appointment to allow for setting up, consultation form filling in and discussion, and time for me to pack up and vacate your premises (i.e. when booking an 1 hour treatment at 6 pm the actual treatment will start at approx. 6.20 pm and afterwards I'll be ready to leave at approx. 7.40 pm).

Where will my massage session take place?

As I’m a mobile massage therapist this is up to you. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. However, I ask that the room you choose for me to treat you in has enough space for a 6” x 2” massage table (that's a pictue of my table at the top). Ideally I need at least 2” around the massage table, so I can move around freely.

For your enjoyment and relaxation the room should be warm. You are free to play music of your choice if the room has that facility. Otherwise I have a portable player and a collection of music. Of course, silence is also an option.

Will I take my clothes off?

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed. Both men and woman usually take off all clothing except their underwear. You will be properly draped by towels during the session with only the body part being massaged uncovered at any one time. Your privacy and modesty is preserved at all times.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?

No, you will be left to undress in privacy. Towels will be provided for you to cover yourself with once you are on the massage table.

Will I be covered during the session?

Except for the particular area being massaged, you will be covered with towels at all times, to keep you warm and comfortable.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

You and I will discuss the desired outcome of your massage during our initial consultation. I will ask you to fill and sign a consultation form which covers questions about your medical history and lifestyle. Together we will decide upon the form the massage will take.

A typical full body massage will include work on your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, hands and head. If however, you have digestive complaints then abdomen massage is recommended.

As this is YOUR massage you can advise if you would prefer a certain body part not to be massaged. Likewise you can ask for a particular problem area to receive more attention. Each massage is tailor-made for your requirements.

What will the massage feel like?

It depends on the techniques we decide to incorporate to best suit your needs. However, generally speaking your massage will be a combination of the following:

• Broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax superficial muscle tension
• As your muscles start to relax, pressure will be gradually increased to relax specific areas of muscular tension

Some people like a lighter touch and others prefer a lot of pressure. The key to a great massage is for the client to communicate with the therapist. Your muscles do tell a story but nothing beats “I’d like more/less pressure please” to let the therapist know what you want. It’s YOUR massage and you must get the most out of it.

What should I do during the session?

This depends on what kind of massage you are requesting. For instance during a relaxing full body massage your job, as the client, is simply to BREATHE, FEEL and RELAX. This is YOUR time to simply switch off.

During a sports massage your feedback is important and because specific problem areas are being worked on, often quite deeply, relaxation isn’t always possible. A session can begin with relaxing massage, hone in on specific areas and end with relaxing massage.

Each massage is as unique as the client.

How will I feel after the massage?

Immediately afterwards most people feel very relaxed and a bit mentally dull [spacey]. Some experience immediate freedom from muscular tension and a greater range of movement in their muscles and joints. Areas which may have received deep tissue massage may feel a little achy but this is normal and soon goes away.

After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during massage it is recommended you drink plenty of water after your massage.

Tips for a great home treatment

To optimise the benefit of a home massage, take just a few minutes to prepare the massage space (and yourself!) so your massage treatment can turn from a good massage into a great one!

Try and begin the relaxation process prior to the therapist arriving. If you’re running around beforehand then it will take you longer to wind-down once you are on the treatment table. Having a shower or bath before, can begin the relaxation process and helps to warm your muscles.

Prepare a suitable space for the massage table. Moving furniture if necessary. (Obviously there are space constraints in some houses). The more space the therapist has the better they can position their body and the more effective the massage strokes will be.

Turn your mobile phone off (and your home phone if possible).

Keep pets (and children) away from the massage area (if possible).

Choose some music - if you have a favourite relaxing cd.

Make sure that the temperature of the room is warmer than you think necessary. Massage lowers the blood pressure and pulse rate and this can cause body temperature to drop. Staying warm during a massage is imperative to relaxation.

Turn down the lights a little, draw the curtains or maybe light a candle or two.

At the end of the massage, take your time getting off the table.
If you want to lie still for a minute or two then that’s fine. Staying in ‘your space’ and returning to reality slowly enhances the relaxation benefits of your massage.

Try and have very little to do for the rest of the day or evening. If this isn't possible even one hour of proper relaxation afterwards will allow the body to assimilate the treatment.

Remember a massage treatment is a gift to yourself. As the saying goes "the devil is in the detail". Small actions and adjustments can turn a good massage into an unforgettable experience.

How to get the most out of your massage

Once the therapists hands leave your body that's when the real work begins.

What you do afterwards counts almost as much as the massage itself. There's a world of difference between getting off the couch and taking a nice relaxing bath or having a nap and going to the supermarket to do the weekly shop.

To allow the body and mind to absorb the effects of the massage here's what to do:

* Please drink plenty of fresh water, to assist the natural detoxification process

* Avoid over-exerting the body with lots of immediate physical exercise

* Eat a light diet, to encourage detoxification of the digestive system.

* Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as this can inhibit the release of toxins - in fact you're re-toxing

If nothing else try and relax for at LEAST one hour after your massage.

What to expect from a massage treatment

How long will the treatment take?

If you pay for an hour's massage then that is what you get! Filling in forms, setting up the massage table, undressing and dressing are not part of your hour's massage.

Please allow for 15 - 20 minutes at either end of your appointment to allow for setting up, consultation form filling in and discussion, and time for me to pack up and vacate your premises (i.e. when booking an appointment at 6pm the actual treatment will start at approx. 6.30 pm and afterwards I'll be ready to leave at approx. 8.45 pm).

Where will my massage session take place?

As I’m a mobile massage therapist this is up to you. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. However, I ask that the room you choose for me to treat you in has enough space for a 6” x 2” massage table. Ideally I need at least 2” around the massage table, so I can move around freely.

For your enjoyment and relaxation the room should be warm. You are free to play music of your choice if the room has that facility. Otherwise I have a portable player and a collection of music. Of course, silence is also an option.

Will I take my clothes off?

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed. Both men and woman usually take off all clothing except their underwear. You will be properly draped by towels during the session with only the body part being massaged uncovered at any one time. Your privacy and modesty is preserved at all times.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?

No, you will be left to undress in privacy. Towels will be provided for you to cover yourself with once you are on the massage table.

Will I be covered during the session?

Except for the particular area being massaged, you will be covered with towels at all times, to keep you warm and comfortable.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

You and I will discuss the desired outcome of your massage during our initial consultation. I will ask you to fill and sign a consultation form which covers questions about your medical history and lifestyle. Together we will decide upon the form the massage will take.

A typical full body massage will include work on your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, hands and head. If however, you have digestive complaints then abdomen massage is recommended.

As this is YOUR massage you can advise if you would prefer a certain body part not to be massaged. Likewise you can ask for a particular problem area to receive more attention. Each massage is tailor-made for your requirements.

What will the massage feel like?

It depends on the techniques we decide to incorporate to best suit your needs. However, generally speaking your massage will be a combination of the following:

• Broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax superficial muscle tension
• As your muscles start to relax, pressure will be gradually increased to relax specific areas of muscular tension

Some people like a lighter touch and others prefer a lot of pressure. The key to a great massage is for the client to communicate with the therapist. Your muscles do tell a story but nothing beats “I’d like more/less pressure please” to let the therapist know what you want. It’s YOUR massage and you must get the most out of it.

What should I do during the session?

This depends on what kind of massage you are requesting. For instance during a relaxing full body massage your job, as the client, is simply to BREATHE, FEEL and RELAX. This is YOUR time to simply switch off.

During a sports massage your feedback is important and because specific problem areas are being worked on, often quite deeply, relaxation isn’t always possible. A session can begin with relaxing massage, hone in on specific areas and end with relaxing massage.

Each massage is as unique as the client.

How will I feel after the massage?

Immediately afterwards most people feel very relaxed and a bit mentally dull [spacey]. Some experience immediate freedom from muscular tension and a greater range of movement in their muscles and joints. Areas which may have received deep tissue massage may feel a little achy but this is normal and soon goes away.

After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during massage it is recommended you drink plenty of water after your massage.