3. What Are The Benefits Of Massage Therapy?
Everybody knows massage feels good… Time and studies have shown the true health benefits of massage.

• Massage is very effective in the relief of pain from aching and stiff muscles, whether due to a particular health problem or from chronic stress.

• Massage helps increase body motion, promotes muscle relaxation and relieves spasms and cramps. Chronic muscular pain improves dramatically when muscles are stretched and completely relaxed

• Massage increases blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, which helps remove waste and toxins from muscles.

• Massage provides emotional benefits including decreased anxiety, tension and fatigue, and an enhanced sense of well being.
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4. How Does Massage Help Stress?
The body and the mind work together. Mental anxiety causes muscular tension. A massage relieves muscular tension and signals the brain to tell all your muscles to relax.

Massaging even part of the body can help whole-body relaxation, leaving you soothed, re-energized, and better able to tackle challenges.

Stress-reduction massage requires no effort or active participation. A massage therapist does all the work while the client unwinds, enjoying a massage that reduces stress and melts away tension throughout the body.
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5. Why Does Massage Make People Feel So Wonderful?
Therapeutic massage causes the body to release endorphins; the "feel good" chemicals released when you exercise or laugh. Endorphins make you feel relaxed, happy and stress-free after a good massage.
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6. What Are Some Other Benefits Of Massage?
Evidence suggests that the immune system is greatly enhanced by the presence of the “feel good” endorphins released after a massage. Some also believe massage causes a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate due to reflex effects through the sympathetic nervous system.

After a massage many clients report sleeping well that night and waking up refreshed. The skin is moisturized and revitalized by the nourishing blend of lotions and oils used during therapy. The deep stroking helps in the penetration of aromatic oils, enriching the skin and soothing the senses.
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7. I’m Sensitive. Will The Massage Hurt Or Tickle?
Some people like a gentle technique while others prefer a more vigorous one. Talk to your massage therapist about your expectations and concerns so they will be better prepared to help meet your specific desires and needs.
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8. How Does Massage Help?
Massage gets you moving! Therapeutic massage stretches tight muscles and unlocks restrictions, restoring motion to the body, so your body can move naturally, feel good and be well.

The pain cycle starts when injury, chronic poor posture or emotional stress causes pain. The body moves differently, causing muscles and other soft tissues to adapt. Massage helps break the pain cycle by physically stretching and relaxing spasm (muscles shortened from injury or long term inactivity) and trigger points (the swollen, tender areas that may refer pain to other parts of the body).

Also, the kneading of therapeutic massage relieves soft tissue inflammation caused either by traumatic injury or chronic pain. When inflammation and swelling are reduced, pain subsides and motion returns.

Repetitive strain injuries (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome) are prevented and sports performance improved when muscular tension is relieved and postural balance is restored.
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9. What Conditions Are Helped By Massage?
Therapeutic massage can provide dramatic results for many conditions, including:

• Neck pain
• Arm, shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand pain
• Mid back / Rib pain
• Low back or disc pain
• Hip, leg, knee, ankle or foot pain
• Headaches
• Stress and/or tension
• Fibromyalgia
• Work and other traumatic accident
• Auto accidents / whiplash
• Sports injury
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10. What Training Is Required Of A Professional Massage Therapist?
Professional massage therapists are well educated and professionally trained. They complete professional training at an accredited institution, and earn a diploma entitling the therapist to list their credentials. Examples include; CMT (Certified Massage Therapist), LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist), RMT (Registered Massage Therapist).

Many states now regulate massage therapists, requiring licenses, registration and/or certifications, which must be prominently displayed. Additionally, the therapist may have to pass state board exams, and be trained in First Aid and CPR.

Training for the modern massage therapist is extensive and includes the study of anatomy and physiology. Also, the connection between mind and body is emphasized as the therapist is trained in a number of massage techniques. Most therapists are insured and have memberships in professional organizations, actively continuing their education.
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11. Who Should Receive Massage?
Almost everyone can benefit from massage therapy. Either as an occasional treat, or a regular LifeHabit, massage helps you feel younger, longer.
Massage frees up the joints, increasing body motion and affording flexibility. Pain is relieved, stress is minimized, the immune system gets a jumpstart, and vitality is returned.

Devotees of massage include athletes, manual as well as office workers, the elderly, pregnant mothers, those recovering from accident or surgery and those in poor health. The body needs massage therapy just as it needs vitamins and exercise.

Discuss your health conditions and goals with your massage therapist. Ask questions about terms or techniques you may not understand. If your therapist cannot help, you will be referred to an appropriate health care professional.

Your massage therapist can also coach you on other health issues to improve and maintain the quality of your life.
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12. What To Expect When Receiving A Massage
Plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment in order to fill out any required paperwork and to meet your therapist. Your massage therapist will talk to you about your specific needs and expectations. Be sure to ask what types of massage are offered and any other questions you may have.

The massage table will be prepared with fresh sheets in a warm, comfortable room with soft lighting. Most therapists have a selection of relaxing music to play during your massage. The music and lighting help put you at ease, and prepare you for a soothing and enjoyable treatment. A face cradle is provided so you can lie comfortably when on your stomach.

The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged, so you never feel exposed. Professional draping techniques are used with each part of the body being uncovered, massaged and returned to its original position. You're invited to give feedback during your massage, to remark on pressure, or make a request.

After your massage, your therapist will usually advise you drink a glass of water and enjoy the peaceful, post-massage glow.
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13. Workplace Massage
The 21st century worker spends a lot of time sitting. Over time, tension and stress develop from overusing muscles from unbalanced sitting.
Massage therapy is an excellent way to reduce stress. Employees are helped by improved morale, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.
Massage is a great investment as a reward for projects well done, or as a regular company habit encouraging healthy LifeHabits.
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14. Can Massage Help Old Injuries?
People suffering for years from old injuries (i.e. auto accident, workplace injuries, sports injuries, etc) as well as new traumas, have found neuromuscular massage helps eliminate their chronic nagging pain.

The severe pain caused by new traumas as well as chronic pain responds well to the gentle kneading and stretching of massage.
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15. Can Massage Help Auto Injuries?
People suffering for years from old auto accident injuries (whiplash, back pain, neck pain, disc problems, etc) have found neuromuscular massage helps eliminate their chronic nagging pain. The severe pain caused by new traumas as well as chronic pain responds well to the gentle kneading and stretching of massage.
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16. Can Massage Help Sports Performance?
Professional and amateur athletes alike find massage stretches tight muscles and improves motion like nothing else. Restoring full motion and relieving tightness helps athletes stay limber and balanced for optimal sports performance.
Also, new and recurring injuries are prevented when muscles stay flexible and motion is balanced.
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17. What About Massage As An Anti-Aging LifeHabit?
With age, the joints stiffen and muscles get tight. The common bent over posture of old age occurs as a result of the body adapting to long term poor posture. As posture becomes more bent forward the muscles have to work harder to keep the body balanced, which makes the muscles progressively tighter.
Massage stretches tight muscles, breaks up adhesions, and works out chronic muscular “knots” (or trigger points) so you feel young and move well.
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