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Massage: Get in touch with its many health benefits
What you can expect during a massage
You don't need any special preparation for massage. Before a massage therapy session starts, your massage therapist should ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what you're hoping to get out of massage. Your massage therapist should explain the kind of massage and techniques he or she will use.
In a typical massage therapy session, you undress or wear loosefitting clothing. Undress only to the point that you're comfortable. You generally lie on a table and cover yourself with a sheet. You can also have a massage while sitting in a chair, fully clothed. Your massage therapist should perform an evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how much pressure to apply.
If you want, your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.
A massage session may last from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you have. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage. Pain that's more significant than momentary discomfort could indicate that something's wrong. If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It's likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.
Finding a massage therapist
Massage can be performed by several types of health care professionals, such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist or massage therapist. Ask your doctor or someone else you trust for a recommendation. Most states regulate massage therapists through licensing, registration or certification requirements.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist such questions as:
- Are you licensed, certified or registered?
- What is your training and experience?
- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
Use massage as another health care tool
Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. You can even learn how to do self-massage or to engage in massage with a partner.
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- Massage therapy: An introduction. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/D327.pdf. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Selecting a CAM practitioner. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/decisions/D346.pdf. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Credentials for the massage therapy profession. American Massage Therapy Association. http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/credential.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2009.
- Furlan AD, et al. Massage for low-back pain (review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2008:CD001929.
- Bauer BA, et al. Effect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, and tension after cardiac surgery: A randomized study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. In press. Accessed Dec 23, 2009.
- Smith JM, et al. The culture of massage therapy: Valued elements and the role of comfort, contact, connection and caring. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.2009;17:181.
- Choosing a type of massage. American Massage Therapy Association. http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/massage_type.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2009.
- Hooper PD, et al. Mobilization, manipulation, massage, and exercise for the relief of musculoskeletal pain. In: Melzack R, et al., eds. Handbook of Pain Management. London, England: Churchill Livingstone; 2003.
- Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 22, 2009.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 28, 2009.
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