ME 2463

Here are some of the most common questions asked about massage therapy. If you have a question about massage that is not listed here, please feel free to contact us. Why choose a Certified Therapist? What is the most important reason for insisting on an NCBTMB certified professional? YOU ARE. Because whether you’re visiting a massage therapist or body worker for relaxation, rehabilitation or rejuvenation, you deserve to be treated by a practitioner who is both skilled and knowledgeable. And that’s what the NCBTMB credential stands for – a commitment to excellence. To become nationally certified, a practitioner must demonstrate mastery of core skills and knowledge, pass an NCBTMB standardized exam, uphold the organization’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and take part in continued education. What is Therapeutic Massage? Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue. Other terms included in the definition are effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, friction and vibration, either by hand or with mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage. Massage therapy can include the use of oils, lotions, salt glows, heat lamps, hot or cold packs or stones. For a specific injury or condition, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need to treat body areas that are adversely affected by injuries, such as when a sprained ankle causes the opposite leg to bear all the body's weight and stress of walking. For relaxation massages, the client and therapist should discuss and agree upon the areas to be massaged. A "full body massage" usually includes the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, glutes, legs, feet, face, scalp, chest (above breasts for women), and abdomen. If you are uncomfortable with someone touching any area, say so. What should I expect during my first visit? You should plan on arriving 15 minutes early for your first appointment to allow time for filling out the necessary health paperwork. Your therapist will review the forms and discuss the information with you. She will ask you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, the specific conditions you need to have addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session. Please ask any questions you like, and voice any concerns you have, nothing is “stupid” or trivial. Do I have to be completely undressed? You should undress to the level that you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most people get completely undressed. If you would be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that's fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as she can. If removing all your clothes makes you uncomfortable and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session.
 Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table. If you prefer to stay fully clothed, then you should explore another type of bodywork that is performed clothed. Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel? This is known as draping and, by law, it is required. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked. The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman's abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen. What if I'm overweight or embarrassed about my body? You wouldn't believe how many times people say they'd get a massage if they lost weight first or didn't have that cellulite on the back of their thighs. Don't let this stop you. You're denying yourself a wonderful experience. Massage therapists have seen bodies in every imaginable shape and size, from young to old, and they're not going to judge your physique. They're professionals who have found massage to be a wonderful gift to give to men and women alike, regardless of age and weight, and are proud of what they can offer to people in need of help or just wanting to luxuriate in the sense of touch. What do I do during a massage treatment? Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
 If you need more support under your hips, ankles, knees or neck, please ask. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. Massage therapy is an interactive process between the therapist and client. Your therapist appreciates feedback, so don’t be afraid to speak up. She can feel how the muscle tissue is reacting, but that does not always translate into how you are feeling. Some people are less pain tolerant, or more ticklish, or certain pressure points can create sensations in other parts of the body. All of this information is vital to individualize the treatment to maximize its effectiveness. LETS REITERATE: This is YOUR session. Speak up! If you want anything changed: pressure, areas worked, position or if you are too hot or too cold, don’t like the music, anything, speak up! You will not hurt the therapist's feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable. Your therapist wants this to be the best experience for you. Keep in mind, what you requested in one session may be different in another. If you had a full body massage last time you had a session, but this time you only want your back/neck/shoulders/arms worked, it's perfectly fine to ask. How long will my massage take? The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 75 to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. You may book whatever suits your needs, schedule and budget. You should allow yourself some relaxation time prior to and after the session. Also, you should arrive an extra 15 minutes early for your first session to fill out the necessary paperwork. How will a massage feel? It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. A light oil, lotion or cream is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique. Will the massage hurt? This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn't probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn't hurt. With that being said, there is a “feels good” hurt (you know, it hurts, but you’re going “oh, yeah, that’s the spot”) and an “OUCH, stop it!” hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the “feels good” hurt range. Remember that, usually, it is your physical condition or dysfunction that is painful, not the treatment. The pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it. If, at any time, the treatment you are receiving is causing you too much discomfort, ask the therapist to stop or ease off for a few minutes. Be open, and let the therapist know how you are feeling and your treatment will be a lot more enjoyable and productive. The old adage "no pain no gain" is not relevant to massage therapy treatments you receive. You should feel better at the end of each treatment and the treatments will become more comfortable as your dysfunctions improve. After a session, you may feel some discomfort or muscle soreness for a few days until your body readjusts and heals itself. Sort of like how you feel after a successful weight bearing exercise session. Will the massage oils used make me breakout? Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand. Also, your therapist may use a lighter, noncomedogenic lotion that won’t block pores on your more delicate facial skin. What if I fall asleep? It is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep on the table during a massage. The warmth of the table and the release of tension relaxes them right to sleep - especially after a long day at work. Your massage therapist may take it as a compliment, and wake you when your session is over. How often should I get a massage? Massage frequency varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place. 
Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues. Regular massage, like regular exercise, has a cumulative effect. The more consistently you come in, the greater and longer lasting the benefits. If I want a really deep massage shouldn't I see a male therapist? There is a perception that men give deeper massages than women. This is a myth. While some men do give a deeper massage, there are men who prefer to not work so deeply. The same holds true for women. It is a matter of style, training, and therapist preference. Some therapists prefer not to give really deep sessions while others specialize in this area. If you are looking for a deep massage, it is best to simply ask the therapist if she does this type of work. And of course, during your session it is perfectly ok to give the therapist feedback if you would like a lighter/deeper pressure. Can I talk during my session? Sure, if you'd like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss. Some people may feel more relaxed if they start off talking, and as the massage progresses, they then enter a quieter state of relaxation. Always remember, however, that the important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything that makes you uncomfortable, you should let her know immediately. If you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper), if something is just not working for you, say so. It's OK! Do I have to listen to music during my massage? Not if you don’t want to. Many therapists play slow, quiet, 'new age' type music, but you can choose to have different music, wave sounds, or no music at all. Studies have shown that music at a tempo that has fewer than 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience. 
 On the other hand, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a massage. Ask your therapist what music she has to offer or if it is ok to bring your own from home. What does massage do - other than feel good? Numerous scientific studies have proven many of the healing aspects of massage, which some cultures have known for thousand of years. Just a few of the benefits of massage, beyond the obvious good it does muscular tissue, are as follows: 
Helps rid the body of toxins;
 Stretches superficial tissue; 
Assists lymphatic and venous flow; 
Helps to break up and loosen subcutaneous scar tissue ;
Increases nutrition to the cells and skin; 
Increases the red and white blood cell count; 
Can help reduce certain types of edema; 
Stimulates the sensory receptors (nerves) of the skin and deeper tissue; 
Relieves joint ache and pain; 
Promotes good posture and self esteem; Improves tone and texture of the skin; Assists digestion; Causes release of natural endorphins and promotes relaxation; etc. Can I bring someone along? 
 Contact your therapist in advance to determine if it is acceptable to bring someone else with you. The person may be in the room during your treatment or may wait outside the room. In order to assure that you receive the full benefit and relaxation from your treatment, the person present must remain quiet and unobtrusive during your treatment. Very young children, who need close supervision, are usually not permitted as guests. How will I feel after my massage treatment? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease in, or freedom from, long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity, which can last for days. 
 If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, or a soak in the tub with Epsom salts can ease this soreness. After your session you should increase your water intake. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy and allows your body to process the cellular waste that was cleared out of the tissues without straining your system. Do not plan on exercising or participating in sporting events following a massage, your muscles will be in a different state, and may not perform at their usual level –and you don’t want to undo all the good it did. What if my massage wasn't quite what I wanted? Every massage therapist has their own style, their own approach to massage, the strokes that they like to use, and the depth that they like to work. Some prefer a more clinical approach, some a more personal approach. Not every client clicks with every massage therapist. The key is to find one who can deliver the type of massage you like best. If the massage was not quite what you wanted, this doesn't mean that you have received a bad massage, or that you haven't reaped any benefits from it, just that it wasn't a good match. This is one reason why personal recommendations from friends and family can be so valuable. You can get a good sense of the therapist's style from them, and know how well it matches your expectations before you visit them. If it is your first massage, don’t assume you don’t like massage, keep trying other therapists until you find the right one for you. It is OK to let your therapist know if you were not satisfied. An experienced therapist not be offended, and will encourage you to keep looking. How many sessions will I need? Every person is unique, and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several. You and your therapist will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session and she has had a chance to evaluate your body's tissues. When should I NOT get a massage? There are few conditions that would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. There are many other conditions for which your therapist may need to adapt her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get massage, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Your therapist can discuss your specific needs with you. These are some of the conditions of which you should be sure that you make your therapist aware: Are pregnant (especially 1st trimester); have inflammation of any kind; have any cysts; have an open wound; have ringworm; have paralysis of any kind; are anemic; have any tumors; have a hernia condition; have arthritis/bursitis; have been diagnosed with varicose veins; have a skin condition or rash; have any undiagnosed medical problems; have numbness or tingling in any part of body; are under physician care for hypertension; have suffered a mental breakdown; have had seizures of any type; have a hematoma; have diverticulitis; have had embolisms; have ever had aneurysms; have phlebitis; have edema; have a fever; are under cardiologist care; are being treated for cancer; are a hemophiliac; have arteriosclerosis; have multiple sclerosis; suffer from tuberculosis; have uncontrollable diabetes; have a gout condition Is "tipping" the therapist expected? Any gratuity is entirely at the discretion of the client. Tipping the person who gave you your massage is a nice gesture if she has given you a good massage, but it is certainly not required. While tipping in the spa industry is customary, tipping health care workers is not, so choose the perspective that fits your budget. If you do decide to give your therapist a tip, the amount to give is entirely up to you. 
The average tip is 15-20% of the charge for the particular service the therapist performed. What if I get an erection during my massage? Some men avoid massage for fear this will happen to them. Or, if they get a massage, they are unable to relax because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed. Sometimes men get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Touch administered to any part of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in a partial or complete erection. An educated, professional massage therapist understands this and it will not be an issue. If you are still concerned, you might try wearing more fitted underwear (briefs or boxer briefs) which provide more support than traditional boxers. Please Note: If the therapist feels that the session has turned sexual for the client, male or female, she may stop the session to clarify the client's intent, and may decide to end the session immediately, in this circumstance, full payment will still be required. What is not included in a therapeutic massage? Sex. It is against the law. See: Title 25, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 140 Health Professions Regulation, Subchapter. H Massage Therapists, §140.305. Sexual Misconduct.