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What is massage therapy? |
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Massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an individual’s health and well-being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body. |
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What are the key benefits of massage therapy? |
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Physical - Massage therapy is designed to stretch and loosen muscles, improve blood flow and the movement of lymph throughout the body, facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes resulting from exercise or inactivity, and increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissue. In addition, massage stimulates the release of endorphins -- the body’s natural painkiller -- into the brain and nervous system.
Mental - Massage therapy provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduces mental stress and enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity.
Emotional - Massage therapy satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch, creates a feeling of well-being and reduces anxiety levels.
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Who can benefit from massage therapy? |
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People throughout the life cycle -- from the very young and very old to those in between -- all find that a professional massage can have special applications suited for their needs. |
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When might the use of massage therapy be inappropriate? |
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If you suffer from certain circulatory ailments (such as phlebitis), infectious diseases, certain forms of cancer, cardiac problems, certain skin conditions, or any inflamed or infected tissues, be sure to consult your physician before initiating any massage program. A trained and experienced massage therapist will also be able to tell you when massage is not indicated.
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What is the average cost of a massage? |
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Cost depends upon the type of treatment, the experience of the practitioner, geographic location and length of the massage. |
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What credentials should a qualified massage therapist have? |
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Check to see if the massage therapist is licensed to practice. 33 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to regulate the massage therapy profession. A massage therapist should be able to document professional training in massage therapy at a massage training institution such as those accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or is a member of the AMTA Council of Schools. COMTA-accredited massage training programs require a stringent course of study, including at least 500 hours of classroom instruction in anatomy and physiology, massage and technique, relationships with clients, plus related subjects. |
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How can I find a qualified massage therapist? |
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AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist national locator service can help people locate a qualified massage therapist nearby. This free service is available via the Web at www.amtamassage.org. Personal referrals from friends or healthcare providers are another way to find a massage therapist.
When calling therapists, ask what services they offer, inquire about their training and/or National Certification, and ask for references. Personality fit is also important in choosing a massage therapist, as is trust, and feeling confident in and comfortable with the massage therapist. Massage therapists use a variety of techniques. You may need to try a few different practitioners to find one that fits your needs.
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What should consumers expect when they receive a massage for the first time? |
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At first contact, the massage therapist should ask about your reasons for getting a massage, and complete a health intake consisting of current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle and stress level, and specific areas of pain. Getting on and off the massage table (which includes undressing to your comfort level is done in private) takes place in private. Once on the massage table, proper draping is maintained throughout the massage therapy session. The therapist will undrape only the part of the body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. |
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Does the consumer have any responsibilities during the massage? |
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A person receiving a massage should give the therapist accurate health information and always report discomfort of any kind whether it’s from the massage itself or due to room temperature, volume of music, or other distractions. |
