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Judith Settle is a nationally certified massage therapist What to expect when receiving a massage
What is massage therapy?
Massage is believed to be one of the oldest forms of medical care, dating back to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Its vital role in health care was universal. In 2700 BC, a Chinese book of internal medicine recommended "the massage of skin and flesh". More than two thousand years later, Hippocrates - the father of modern medicine - wrote that "the physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing" (the ancient Greek word for massage).
Today the term massage therapy is used to describe the manipulation of soft tissue - muscles, skin and/or tendons - by fingertips, hands, fists, elbows and even feet. Bodywork is a general term for manual techniques that involve touch and movement and are used to promote health and healing.
Almost a quarter of all American adults have received at least one massage in the past twelve months. And the number continues to grow as more and more people discover the benefits of massage - for relaxation, rehabilitation and rejuvenation.
What to look for in a massage therapist
When selecting a massage therapist, you want to make sure that he or she is skilled, knowledgeable and ethical. The easiest way to ensure this is to ask whether they are nationally certified. If so, there should be a certificate from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) in their office - or a NCBTMB decal.
To be nationally certified, a massage therapist must:
with over 1000 hours of training.
Although no two massage are alike, there are some things that are universal. Sessions generally take place in a quiet, comfortable room. It may be dimly lit and soothing music is often played.
The practitioner will begin by asking questions, such as the reason you are seeking massage therapy, any injuries or medical conditions you may have, and any other information that may help them better serve you.
The massage therapist will then excuse herself so you can disrobe to your level of comfort. You will then get on the table under the provided cover and relax, either face up or face down.
You will be draped at all times - only the area being worked on will be exposed. A typical full body session includes your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. Oil or lotion is often used.
When the massage is complete, the practitioner will leave the room so you can get dressed. Sit up slowly and, in the hours after your massage, drink plenty of water.
What are the benefits of massage?
Many people think of it as a luxury, but massage is much more than simple relaxation. The therapeutic benefits of massage continue to be studied, but research has shown it to be effective in:
The above information on massage has been used from "Your Guide to Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork" provided by NCBTMB
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