Never had a professional massage before? Here are some of the most asked massage therapy FAQ when considering a massage.
Massage Therapy FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy is a popular form of alternative medicine that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. However, it is natural to have questions and concerns before committing to a massage session. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about massage therapy to provide you with a better understanding of the practice.
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and enhance overall well-being. All of our therapists are Licensed Massage Therapists in the state of Alabama. The massage therapist use their hands, knuckles and forearms to provide different types of techniques to apply pressure, knead muscles, and target specific areas of the body.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage therapy offers a wide range of benefits, which include:
RELAXATION: Massage promotes deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: It can help alleviate chronic pain, such as backaches and headaches and migraines.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION: Massage stimulates blood flow, aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues which helps to speed up the recovery process.
ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY: Regular massage can increase joint mobility and flexibility. Oftentimes, athletes will receive regular massage therapy sessions as part of their recovery process.
IMPROVED SLEEP: Massage therapy promotes better sleep patterns and aids in insomnia management. Most people fall asleep on the massage table, which is perfectly fine and means we are doing a great job in relaxing entire mind and body.
BOOSTED IMMUNE SYSTEM: It can strengthen the immune system, helping to ward off illness and disease.
INCREASED ENERGY LEVELS: Massage therapy can revitalize and invigorate the body, leading to increased energy levels.
IS MASSAGE THERAPY PAINFUL?
Massage therapy should not be painful, and the level of pressure applied can be adjusted according to your comfort. It is essential to communicate with your massage therapist about any discomfort or pain you may experience during the session. They can modify their techniques to ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience. Most people are taught no pain, no gain but that is not conductive to a therapeutic massage session. During a deep tissue massage, our Licensed Massage Therapists gradually increase the depth and pressure according to how the muscle tissues feel. Our Massage Therapists will ask you what type of pressure you prefer and check in with you throughout the massage to ensure you're comfortable and not in pain. Always feel free to communicate with your Massage Therapist, if you need more or less pressure, need the face cradle adjusted ect.
HOW LONG DOES A MASSAGE THERAPY SESSION LAST?
The duration of a massage therapy session can vary depending on your preferences and needs. Typically, sessions can range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. At Just Breathe, We believe in whole body therapy which is why we only offer 60 hands on minutes or more for our massage sessions. It is advisable to discuss your desired session length with your massage therapist before the appointment to ensure they can accommodate your preferences, sometimes we are able to extend your time if another appointment does not follow directly after yours.
CAN ANYONE RECEIVE A MASSAGE?
Massage therapy is generally safe for most individuals. However, certain medical conditions or injuries may require special considerations. It is crucial to inform your massage therapist about your existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, pregnancy, or recent surgeries. They can adapt their techniques to ensure a safe and effective massage session. Health intake forms are sent via email before your appointment so that our therapists can look over it to decide how to create a massage treatment plan.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE A MASSAGE?
The frequency of massage therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from regular weekly or bi-weekly sessions, while others may find monthly or occasional sessions sufficient. Your massage therapist can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your specific requirements. After your massage session, your therapist will explain what their findings were and suggest more sessions if needed.
IS IT NORMAL TO FEEL SORE AFTER A MASSAGE?
It is not uncommon to experience some soreness or muscle tenderness after a massage, especially if deep tissue techniques were used. This soreness typically subsides within a day or two. It is essential to stay hydrated and engage in gentle stretching to help alleviate any discomfort. We recommend soaking in a warm epsom salt bath to help with potential soreness that may arise. Make sure to stay hydrated before and after your session to help minimize the soreness.
CAN I CHOOSE A SPECIFIC TYPE OF MASSAGE?
Yes, you can choose from various types of massage therapy based on your preferences and needs. Common types include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, aromatherapy massage, and hot stone massage. We also offer cupping therapy, you can find a complete list of our services by heading to the link below.
Each type offers unique techniques and benefits, so it is advisable to discuss your preferences with your massage therapist. All of our massages are completely customized for you!
HOW DO I FIND A QUALIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST?
To find a qualified massage therapist, It is important to choose a licensed and certified therapist who has undergone proper training and adheres to ethical standards. Additionally, you can research local massage therapy clinics or spas and read reviews to gauge the quality of their services. All of our Massage Therapists at Just Breathe Massage Therapy are Licensed by the state of Alabama and recognized as a Licensed professional with yearly training through continued education requirements.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST MASSAGE THERAPY SESSION?
During your first massage therapy session, your Licensed Massage Therapist will greet you as soon as you walk through our doors. You can expect a consultation with your therapist to discuss your medical history, any specific concerns, and your goals for the session. They will explain the process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure your comfort throughout the session. After the consultation when the massage therapists steps out, you will undress to your level of comfort and lie face up or down on the massage table under the sheet and blanket. The therapist will knock before they enter the room to ensure you're ready. Many people are concerned about taking their clothes off, but please rest assured you only have to undress to your level of comfort. We can absolutely give a massage over clothing if that makes you feel more comfortable. The majority of clients leave their underpants on, please remember we will never expose or touch your private areas during the massage session, your privacy and comfort is our most important concern. We only undrape the area that is being massaged, ie; one arm or one leg at a time. A full body massage consists of the back, neck, arms, hands, legs and feet. If you do not want a specific area worked on, please inform your therapist and they will avoid that area, ie; feet because you're really ticklish.
Please do not worry about how your body looks or if you forgot to shave your legs, I promise you, we see muscles and their attachments and do not pay attention to such trivial things. We are all human and we all have hair, there's no reason to apologize for being you! We do ask that you refrain from the use of heavy makeup because it stains our face cradles and sheets and avoid the use of heavy fragrances and smoke before your massage.
HOW MUCH DOES MASSAGE THERAPY COST?
The cost of massage therapy can vary depending on factors such as location, duration of the session, and the experience of the therapist. It is advisable to inquire about the costs beforehand to ensure it fits within your budget. Speciality massage therapies generally cost a little more because of their area of expertise and training requirements.
In conclusion, massage therapy offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. By addressing the frequently asked questions about massage therapy, we hope to have provided you with a better understanding of this beneficial practice. Remember to communicate openly with your massage therapist.