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FAQ About Massage
How often should I get a massage?
This depends on a number of things including: 1) The reason you are seeking Massage Therapy treatments 2) Your symptom severity 3) Your compliance with self-care between sessions, and 4) The stage of your treatment. Studies have demonstrated that massage is most effective in treating both medical and mental health conditions when performed anywhere from twice weekly to twice monthly. Common sense indicates that treatment of mild symptoms requires less frequent sessions than does treatment of moderate to severe symptoms. As symptom severity decreases, treatment frequency may also be decreased.
How soon will I begin to feel results?
People often feel benefits after their first massage. More long-lasting benefits usually begin to occur after three to five treatments depending upon the patient’s initial health and compliance with self-care programs at home or work between massage sessions. Self-care helps maintain progress made during massage treatments. Most patients report decreased pain and restriction as well as improved mood and sleep.
Does Massage Therapy cause pain?
Mild to moderate muscle soreness for 24-48 hours following a therapeutic deep tissue massage is not uncommon in some individuals and is not a cause for concern. Engaging in gentle activity (walking, passive stretching), taking warm baths and increasing clear fluid intake will reduce the discomfort by speeding removal of metabolic waste released from muscle tissue during the massage.
Increased pain sensitivity in individuals with health conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression or fibromyalgia may exacerbate post-massage soreness after initial sessions. However studies show that day-to-day and post-massage pain levels typically decrease in these individuals after 3-5 twice-weekly 30-minute massage sessions. Once pain levels have stabilized, frequency of massage sessions is adjusted according to the needs of the individual.
Ultimately, you are in control. Massage does not have to be painful to be effective and you should not be afraid to speak up during the massage and ask the therapist to adjust the pressure to your level of tolerance!
Can a massage therapist diagnose the cause of my pain?
No! Only a licensed medical practitioner is qualified to make a medical diagnosis.
If my back hurts, why is my therapist massaging other muscle groups?
Muscle restrictions in one area of our bodies can cause muscle elongation, weakness or over-use in other areas. The weaker and overused muscles hurt, while the restricted areas (which are not able to be used) do not hurt. Massaging the sore muscles only treats the symptoms of muscle restriction. Massage Therapy that treats the restricted areas (where you may not be experiencing pain) seeks to eliminate the cause of your pain. Massage therapists follow established treatment guidelines according to your diagnosis (e.g., kyphosis, scoliosis, etc.) that are designed to relieve your pain/discomfort over time by correcting muscle restrictions rather than merely rubbing sore muscles.
Are there times when I should not receive a massage?
Yes! There are instances when the use of Massage Therapy or the use of a specific massage technique might not be appropriate. Please consult your massage therapist or a certified medical practitioner before initiating a massage program with regard to any physical or mental health concerns.
How soon after an injury such as a car accident can I begin massage treatment?
Always consult a physician before receiving a massage after a severe injury or any surgery. No massage therapist should initiate therapy after an auto accident if a physician has not checked you for spinal injury. Even mild fender benders can cause severe injury such as hairline fractures in your neck or lower spine. For this reason, a signed medical release form will be required from a physician before massage therapy proceeds in instances of accident or severe injury. Massage is contraindicated the first 48 hours after an accident.
Am I too fat/thin/young/old to receive a massage?
I have provided massage to people of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors and walks of life. I am not interested in judging your body, shape, size or anything else about you. My concern is with relieving your pain and providing you with the most comfortable massage experience possible.
Will Massage Therapy eliminate my pain?
While I have seen instances where pain was relieved 100% by Massage treatments, this is not always the case. In my experience, individuals with chronic pain (such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic headache for example) find that their pain levels decrease significantly enough to increase quality of life. Daily or frequent pain levels in the intolerable range (7-10 on a scale of 1-10) are usually decreased to pain levels in the tolerable range (1-3) with decreased recurrence of severe symptoms. More frequent pain-free days, increased energy levels, and improved sleep quality are also usually reported.
Do I have to remove all of my clothing to receive a massage?
Massage therapists are very conscious of people’s concerns about modesty and body image. Undressing will take place in private and sheets and towels will cover the patient at all times during the massage. Undergarments may be left on if desired. Only the scalp, face, neck, back, arms, legs, feet and abdomen are massaged and only the area being massaged is exposed at any given time. Any area may be omitted from the massage at the patient’s discretion. Some massage techniques (Shiatsu) allow therapists to work over clothing. Client comfort is of the utmost importance at all times.
What training is required to become a massage therapist?
While the state of Wisconsin requires only 600 hours of schooling, I received 750 hours of training at Lakeside School of Massage in Milwaukee. Subject matter ranges from business and ethics to pathophysiology, kinesiology and pharmacology. Wisconsin also requires examinations for both national certification and state licensing as well as insurance coverage for therapists with ongoing continuing education. Credentials must be updated on a biannual basis. Please do not hesitate to ask for proof of credentials!
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