How will Massage Therapy benefit me?
Relaxation is the most obvious benefit when receiving a massage treatment. This is the cornerstone of health, resulting in a decreased heart rate and lower levels of stress hormones. Massage therapy treats a wide range of conditions, including muscular imbalances, sprains, strains, sports injuries, tight muscles, decreased joint flexibility and chronic pain. Increased circulation to tissues is another plus as this encourages the release of toxins from the muscles and other tissues. Massage is a gift we give to our bodies to support it working more efficiently so it benefits people in all stages of health.

Are there any risks when receiving a full body massage?
There are very few other risks of massage therapy when it is performed by a trained professional. Massage therapy should not hurt, although some individuals, particularly if injured, may experience soreness during and after a massage. Contraindications for massage include open wounds or infections, weak bones due to osteoporosis or as a result of injury, tumors that are in an area to be massaged, nerve damage and blood disorders such as deep vein thrombosis or problems with blood clotting. Any health issues will be discussed before the massage is received.

Does deep tissue massage hurt?
A percentage of recipients do find that a deep tissue massage does hurt and understands that the deep work will begin to promote comfort and relaxation in the long run. Deep tissue massage flushes toxins out of the body which may also result in tenderness of the focus areas.
The muscles are directed to work during this type of massage so soreness may also be experienced afterwards. Normally, however this feels like nothing more a good workout at the gym. Drinking plenty of pure water before and after treatment is suggested to help these wastes be eliminated quickly. As a professionally trained massage therapist I encourage communication with you to determine your pain threshold,
relay effectiveness and request to reduce or increase the pressure.

How often is it safe to get a massage?
The frequency of treatments is dependent upon your present state of health and circumstances. People who enjoy good health often receive weekly massage to keep themselves feeling healthy. Those seeking relief from chronic pain will benefit from weekly or bi-weekly treatments for 4 to 6 weeks or until the pain has been decreased. Ultimately, maintenance sessions are up to you, your needs and budget.

Will I be completely undressed?
Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client fully disrobed. I ask clients to undress to their comfort level as it is important to feel relaxed and safe on the table. There are some techniques; however which require access to skin and may be less effective when working through clothing. All massage is received with the body covered by a sheet and/or blanket; a technique called “draping”. One part of the body is undraped, massaged and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. To assure that the recipient is completely at ease they are instructed to disrobe to their level of comfort. Bottom line, you are in control of your session from beginning to end.

Touch is the first sense to develop in humans, and may be the last to fade There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in our skin-- 3000 in a finger tip A touch of any kind can reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure Touch stimulates the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killers) which is why a mother's hug for a child's skinned knee can literally make it better People with eating disorders who receive massage three time a day for ten day's, gain weight faster and got out of the hospital six days sooner than those who don't Elderly people who massage surrogate grandchildren report higher-esteem and better moods Massage before an athletic event, makes the athlete more flexible, enhanced speed and power, and less prone to injury

Today 39 million American adults - more than one out of every six - get at least one massage each year.

In 1996, massage therapy and bodywork was officially offered for the first time as a core medical service in the Summer Olympic Games
in Atlanta. At the Games, Nationally Certified practitioners were providing key medical services.

Consumers spend between $2 and $4 billion dollars annually on visits to massage and bodywork practitioners, totaling approximately 75 million visits each year.

The three most often cited reasons for getting a therapeutic massage are relaxation (27%), relief of muscle soreness, stiffness or spasm
(13%), and stress reduction (10%).

Fifty-four percent of primary care physicians and family practitioners say they would encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy
as a complement to medical treatment.

Massage therapy accounts for 18% of the 425 million visits made to alternative healthcare providers each year.

An estimated 20 million Americans receive massage therapy and bodywork each year, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Approximately 50,000 massage and bodywork practitioners provide 45 million one-hour therapy sessions each year.

Forty-two percent of Americans have used some type of alternative care in the past.

Americans make more visits to see alternative therapists than to see primary-care physicians, spending $21.2 billion.

Massage and bodywork therapy is sought out by a large number of people in age brackets: 18-24 (22%); 25-34 (31%); 35-44 (25%);
45-54 (22%); 55-64 (19%); and over 65 (9%).

The most important driver to try an alternative treatment is a recommendation from a friend or family member, which leads 62% of their patients to these providers.

Therapeutic massage may also act as a valuable tool in relieving the psychological and physical suffering of stress. Psychologically, the touch of the therapist helps relieve anxiety and fear, which aids the individual in regaining some sense of control over a stress-inducing situation. Physically, a skillfully applied massage sends soothing, pleasant sensations to the brain, which slows the secretion of stress hormones, slows and deepens one’s breathing, lowers blood pressure, slows one’s pulse rate and relaxes the body to the point that it begins to recover and rejuvenate.

Sources:
*NCBTMB.org
*ACSM.org
*amtamassage.org