Archive for massage
May 22, 2008 at 4:07 pm · Filed under The art of Massage, Different Massage Methods, Benefits of massage, massage therapy, massage
Back pain sufferers find relief by having their backs massaged. Besides back pain therapeutic massage can also help with any type of aches, inflammation, muscle tension, pain, spasms, or stiffness. Massage is the art of using your hands or specialized tools to knead, stroke or rub the affected body area with the goal of increasing blood flow to that and other body parts. How does this relieve the above-mentioned symptoms?
Massage works because the increased blood flow or circulation as medical personnel refer to it as, helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles and in turn they eliminate and acids or other waste products that have been accumulating there. When this accumulated material is eliminated the massaged person feels relief from pain.
There are many types of therapeutic massage. They each accomplish a different set of tasks that in turn bring different relief.
Deep Tissue Massage targets what is called “chronic muscle tension” by using slower strokes and the application of a more direct pressure and creating frictions in the hand motions.
Myofascial Release is a type of massage that releases tension that has been stored in the fibrous tissue that encases support muscles. This type of massage is often used after a muscle injury such as suffered by sports players.
Reiki is a Japanese form of massage in which the goal is to adjust the body’s energy.
Shiatsu massage is an old oriental therapy, which finds its base in the art of acupressure.
Swedish massage is a combination of both light stroking that is done in one direction and the deep pressure placed in another direction that relaxes muscles.
Trigger Point massage is when direct pressure is placed on “trigger points” with the purpose of causing their release. At the same time as the massage therapist is releasing the trigger point s/he is stretching the muscle while using a spray that is a cooling agent sprayed onto the skin.
You can find massage therapist that practice the above massage methods by word of mouth, through referral by your medical care personnel or doctor, a clinical nurse, through looking for American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and they can help you locate a massage therapist in your local area.
When looking for a massage therapist you may wish to ask the following questions that will help you find the quality you are looking for in a therapist:
Did you graduate from a massage program that is accredited or approved by the Commission on Massage Training Accreditation (COMTA) or the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
How many hours of therapeutic massage have you completed for your training? Was it at least a minimum of 500 hours of training?
Do you have a therapeutic massage license or certification? If they belong to AMTA they will because the organization requires all members to have this as a qualification for membership.
If you feel that you would like to have the benefits of therapeutic massage but do not have the money or time to go to a professional massage therapist, there are ways to “do-it-yourself”. There are many hand-held massage tools that you can purchase on the Internet or in health stores that can help you to duplicate what a professional does, just not on the same level as they would (training). As with any therapy, you should check with your physician or healthcare professional to be sure that what you plan to do is healthy for any other medical condition that you may have. Follow all instructions carefully for any massage tool that you purchase, before using.
Original post by mod
May 22, 2008 at 4:06 pm · Filed under The art of Massage, Different Massage Methods, Benefits of massage, massage therapy, massage
Massage therapy can help those who suffer from pain and the associated muscle tension that those who suffer from diseases like osteoarthritis feel. Joint pain is another common ailment that massage can relieve. Massage can boost your circulation that will decrease the symptoms of joint stiffness and promotes cartilage repair. The therapist will not massage the inflamed joint but the muscles that surround the affected joint. Those who are in pain reduce their movement and physical activity levels. Reduced activity level increases stiffness and pain. It’s a vicious cycle.
How does massage break the pain sensations? The rubbing interferes with the pain signals that are making there way to the brain. Massage also stimulates endorphins, which are morphine-like substances that relieve pain. Massage also puts the client into a very relaxed state, and improves circulation which gives more oxygen and other forms of nourishment to the muscles which then relax and decreases the sensation of pain. Some of the additional benefits of massage for those who suffer with arthritis are that it can soothe stiff muscles, reduce the inflammation and swelling of joints and gently stretch or maintain the range of motion for joints.
Pain relief from massage depends on several factors. These factors include the type of massage being done, the reason for pain management, and the knowledge or level of skill of the massage therapist. All of these factors combined is what leads to pain relief for the client.
One massage method that is especially useful for those that suffer the pain of arthritis is Swedish massage. This type of massage is also called “classic” massage. What you will experience as a massage client of Swedish massage is the stroking, kneading, friction or rubbing as well as vibration from tools during your massage session. These techniques are useful in increasing blood flow that results in reduced swelling. Relief of muscular aches and tension can also be felt during this type of massage. The client will also experience physical relaxation and emotional or psychological relief and a reduction in stress levels.
One by-product of reduced pain is that the person can move more easily and is able to do more exercising and activities that help to reduce inflammation and the movement can increase the range of motion in joints. When a person moves more they reduce the inflammation and pain felt which without pain, they are encouraged to move even more. Pain management is therefore the key to improving the overall health of a person suffering from a chronic pain disease. Massage has been determined by studies to be an effective pain reducer.
Despite the benefits of massage, it cannot undo or reverse the arthritis, what it can do is give the patient back the ability to manage pain and improve range of motion. It is important to carefully screen the therapist to be assured that they possess the licensed or certificate qualifications that will support their ability to handle the needs of the arthritic client. Massage done incorrectly can lead to serious harmful effects. Check for not only the license or certificate, but how long they have done massage for arthritis patients.
Massage also can aid other pain management like that which is encountered by sports participants, bodybuilders, dancers, and pregnant women. Relief of pain leads to emotional and mental well-being that benefits the whole person.
Original post by mod
April 24, 2008 at 1:07 pm · Filed under The art of Massage, Different Massage Methods, Benefits of massage, massage therapy, massage
Massage therapy is a healing art form that combines the physical touch, pressure, stretching and other methods and tools that are used, to restore balance and a feeling of well-being to the recipients. Most of us have received backrubs from friends or spouses and can attest to the relaxing and pleasant feelings that are evoked during and after the rub. Most of us receive these rubs from those who are not experienced in massage. Still the effort is appreciated and the benefits are wonderful. Think now about how much greater the benefit could be while experiencing the art of massage from someone who has been trained in how the body’s physiological and psychological elements can be stimulated by careful and knowledgeable hands?
Massage therapy is a holistic, drug-free healing art that combines the scientific approach used in the west with the intuitive and energy-based approach of eastern cultures. Therapists manipulate soft tissue in order to restore energy, maintain balance and put the body at rest while allowing the mind to be stress free.
In the hurried, fast-paced world so many of us live in today, it is not that uncommon for persons to be walking around with chronic neck and shoulder tension and pain. Massage therapy can help dissipate that uncomfortable tension.
Many of us go through our days doing repetitive motions. These motions fatigue our muscles and can lead to health conditions and injuries similar to what athletes’ experience. Many artists who work on canvas, or other media can experience back, knee, neck, shoulder and wrist pain and tension related problems. Moms who care for little ones all day do a lot of bending and lifting which can strain the lower back, and legs. Secretaries and those who use keyboards all day can experience carpal tunnel issues with their wrists.
Experiencing massage through a licensed therapist should be a relaxing and trusting experience. Your initial call will be to ascertain what can be done for your needs whether they be to reduce pain, or deal with a sports injury, or possibly to deal with an emotional issue or depression issue. The purpose of this initial call is to let the therapist know what your needs are and they to let you know how massage can benefit you. The therapist can answer any of your initial questions concerning how therapy works and then you will be scheduled for an “initial therapy session” where a detailed medical history will be taken. You and your therapist will get to know each other. You both will be able start building an atmosphere of trust, so that your massage sessions can address your needs in a knowledgeable, comforting fashion. This initial fact finding session is what allows the healing power of massage to happen, it is the foundation on which all of your sessions will build upon.
The healing properties of massage can help those who suffer from back pain, inflammatory conditions like arthritis and tendonitis, can relieve stress and stress-related conditions, help those who suffer from headaches and migraines, and relieve those who suffer from spasms, strains, and sprains. Massage can also provide relief from repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Circulatory and respiratory problems can find some measure of relief as well as those who are seeking healing from post-injury or surgical rehabilitation.
Original post by mod
April 24, 2008 at 1:07 pm · Filed under The art of Massage, Different Massage Methods, Benefits of massage, massage therapy, massage
The world of massage therapy has many different types of techniques and methodologies that are available that promise to help the individual that is receiving the massage in numerous different manners. In order to find out what type of massage therapy is the best for you and your specific conditions, it is important to do all that you can to learn about the various types of massage that are available. In this article, we’ll focus on a specific type of massage technique that is known as the Bowen technique in order to help to increase your understanding in the field of massage therapy.
The Bowen technique was created by a man named not surprisingly, Tom Bowen. Born in 1916, Bowen was an Australian osteopath who worked towards learning new forms of medicine and new ideologies that could help individuals to get over the problems that are present within their health. He developed his technique over the years, and people all over Australia began to take notice. He didn’t actually name his technique – in 1982, Bowen died, and in 1986, proponents of his methods coined the term ‘Bowen technique’. At that point, the type of therapy spread outside of Australia and gained recognition the world over.
The Bowen technique’s main focus is on restoring the energy flows that are present within the body. The methodology that is used in order to perform the technique involves light, rolling motions and a very light touch. While not a form of traditional massage, the Bowen technique has been recognized in achieving some of the same results that normal massage may bring, such as a release of stress from the muscles and a sense of relaxation occurring in the patient after the therapy. A Bowen technique session of therapy tends to take between a half hour and forty five minutes. Patients are usually asked to come back to visit the Bowen technique practitioner for between three and five sessions in order to experience the full benefits of the technique.
Studies have been conducted that have weighed the efficiency of the Bowen technique when it comes to relieving pain and increasing the range of motion of affected muscles and joints. The studies showed that the therapy was indeed helpful when it comes to increasing the range of motion of patients’ injured shoulders. Those who practice the Bowen technique stress that their treatment can be helpful when it comes to increasing an individual’s performance, reducing muscle and joint pain and strain, and helping to rebalance the body of an individual. The Bowen technique is also surprisingly useful for treating certain problems that may occur within the health of animals.
The Bowen technique is by no means a form of traditional massage, but many people swear by the results that the program has to offer. Odds are, you can find a massage therapist that practices the Bowen technique within your area. Be sure to check the qualifications of any therapist that you are considering in order to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Original post by mod
February 13, 2008 at 9:36 am · Filed under skeletal, skeletal system, synovial fluid, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, cartilage, joint movement, massage
Next in line are the Skeletal System and Muscular System. I think the Muscular System will be a Part all on it’s own, cause lets face it, it could take awhile! So here I’ll discuss the benefits to the bones, oh how we would just be a pile of mush without them! Not that […]
Original post by Willow
February 13, 2008 at 9:11 am · Filed under glands, skin, body awareness, benefit, Massage Business, massage
Oh yes, my friends… The routine massage, and how it effects us. Not just good for the body, good for the WHOLE body. The benefits we forget about sometimes because they’re so specific. A LOT of people still think of massage as pampering, I won’t name any names but… westerners… We all know that there […]
Original post by Willow
February 11, 2008 at 1:11 pm · Filed under Toronto, massage
I’ve been checking out job ads for Toronto for the past month or so. Frustratingly, I have seen very few ads that make me want to apply to the clinic to work. It isn’t that there aren’t any ads; there are dozens of them! Craigslist, Kijiji, and the OMTA boards have multiple new entries for Toronto every week. Yet, so few of them seem like a good fit for me and my practice.
I’m no longer a new graduate and I feel I have some good skills to bring to the table. I went to a good massage school and finished near the top of my class, graduating with honours. I have taken extra courses in hot stone therapy, reiki, and structural myofascial therapy/structural integration. I have experience with rehabilitation after MVAs, and have handled all aspects of those cases (paperwork, billing, etc). On the administrative side, I helped open the last clinic I worked at in Ottawa. While I admit I did not do much of the ground work myself, I was there through the entire process. I am well aware of what it takes to open your own clinic, physically and financially. I have never had a receptionist and have had to handle that myself. I have a lot of experience with marketing and have good ideas on what works and what does not. I had nearly a full-time practice back in Ottawa, with a great client retention rate.
I think I have some great skills to bring to the table. So why is it that when I look around, I’m underwhelmed by most of the job ads?
Ultimately, here’s the issue: most of you are not hiring an RMT as an employee. An employee would mean you pay them an hourly wage or a salary (which they receive regardless of how many massages they do in a day!), handle tax deductions for them, and provide guaranteed vacation time, maternity leave, and so on. If you are not offering that, then what you are doing is entering into a business transaction with your RMTs. They are going to be providing a service out of your clinic, within certain boundaries as set out by your contract with them. You are not their ‘boss’ in the traditional sense of the word. You are essentially their landlord.
Therefore, when writing up your ads advertising clinic space for rent or on a percentage split basis, please keep in mind that I will be interviewing you as much as you will be interviewing me. I want to make sure what you are offering is a good business opportunity for me. I want to make sure that the clinic is somewhere I will be proud of working, somewhere that I will feel good about treating clients.
I know what I bring to the table. I know that I am a good therapist with good hands. Make your ad stand out by showing me what you bring. There are lots of clinics looking to bring in new RMTs. What makes your clinic different? Posting an ad that simply says ‘clinic looking for RMT, competitive split, please call!’ is not going to interest me. I know you do not have a strict word limit for your ad, so please, take the time and write something so I know a bit about who you are!
And one small pet peeve: most people who are looking for work don’t have access to a fax machine unless they pay for it. Allow people to apply via email. It just makes sense in 2008, you know?
Here’s hoping tomorrow’s job postings are more promising.
Original post by Candice
January 25, 2008 at 12:15 pm · Filed under mothers, pain, Pregnancy, varicose viens, morning sickness, moms, Prenatal Massage, shiatsu, low back, miscarriage, massage
A woman’s body undergoes many changes and adaptations for the growing fetus. A few good tricks and techniques for helping mom stay comfortable can be quite simple. Here are a few treatments for morning sickness and lower back pain.
Morning Sickness: The Bladder Channel affords a very balanced treatment in pregnancy: it helps the Kidneys which […]
Original post by Willow
January 25, 2008 at 11:40 am · Filed under massage therapy, relief, SI Joint, tension, hip, benefits, Massage Business, shiatsu, back pain, massage
As you know, working the buttock muscles with your thumbs is oh so tiring. Use of elbows in this region is definitely best. Considering the gluteal muscles are the largest in the body they hold a lot of tension and can be the source of much referred pain all throughout the body, emotions also get […]
Original post by Willow
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