It used to be that getting a massage was a luxury and only those with money could afford them. Massage has come a long way in the last 10 or so years. Massage Therapists have flooded the market and you can go virtually any where now and get a good massage. More and more people are finally getting Massage as a tool in keeping themselves healthy, instead of just a luxury. As well, more and more doctors, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, etc. are recommending massage as a way to get well and stay healthy.
A good massage should relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, correct injuries, and also, as a bonus, be relaxing. It goes hand-in-hand with Chiropractic care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc. It is an excellent way to keep your body healthy and safe from further injury. Age doesn't matter, whether you're 99 or 5, it is appropriate for all.
Finding a good Massage Therapist isn't easy and EVERYONE's opinion on the subject matters! There are several ways to find a Licensed Massage Therapist (most states require a license to legally practice massage): AMTA Massage,Massage Therapy, to name a few. Do your research. Talk to friends, family or co-workers about who they see or who they would recommend. The best massage therapists work from referrals. Listen to your network and then try the therapist out. You should be happy with what the therapist is doing, if you are not, SPEAK up. You're the one paying for this, get you're money's worth. If you feel uncomfortable upon meeting the therapist, they are not a good match for you as you will never relax due to feeling uneasy.
All massage therapists are trained in the Swedish Massage technique, CPR & First Aid. Talk to your therapist, tell them what you are experiencing with your body, what areas are in conflict with your body and frankly, what you wish gain from the massage. As well, make sure you disclose ALL medical conditions, any medications you are currently on and area(s) you DO NOT want worked on. Any good therapist will talk to you about what they are going to do, what areas they will work and what areas they will focus the most time on before the massage begins. Seek out those Licensed Massage Therapists that fit your needs. Call the therapist and talk to them directly. Ask if you can come and see their facility, talk to them to see if you will be a good fit for one another. It is perfectly acceptable to have a consultation with the therapist before you have a massage. But do realize that time is essential to the therapist and be up front and frank, so that the therapist knows if you will have a good working relationship.
Give massage a try if you have never been. Massage is a great to relieve stress, especially essential now a days with all the environmental and personal/work stress we face every day.
