Knead Knot Worry: Massage Therapy 101

March 16, 2009 by Anne Houseman One Comment

At BX, we love getting rubbed down in all the right places (we’re talking about a massage, people!). But not everyone is comfortable going “under the sheets.” For those of you who’ve been thinking about getting a massage, but are nervous or not quite sure what to expect, we’re giving you the scoop on what it’s really all about.

Right now, the thought of spending money on a professional massage may seem out of reach – especially when it may feel like as a self-pampering perk versus a therapeutic procedure. However, numerous studies demonstrate that regular massages can have positive effects on your health, helping with everything from relieving pain to strengthening your immune system to reducing your overall stress.

According to recent survey results from the American Massage Therapy Association, more people are recognizing the treatment as an important element in their overall health and wellness; nearly one-fourth of Americans report having massage therapy at least one time for pain relief. Of those who had at least one massage in the last five years, 31 percent report they did so for health conditions such as pain management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control or overall wellness.

Lance O’Pry, Dallas/Fort Worth regional developer for Massage Envy, a leading provider of massage therapy in the U.S. with more than 500 clinics nationwide, says ongoing sessions can be a part of your personal wellness plan if you choose a provider with reasonable rates.

“Even in this economy, a great massage is always within your reach,” he said.

Massage Therapy Techniques
With all the options available, which massage is best for you? The following chart offers a breakdown on some of the most popular massage techniques.

Swedish Massage	Uses five styles of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques. Firm, gentle pressure applied to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and promote relaxation.
Deep Tissue Massage	Releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across the grains of muscles, tendons and fascia.
Sports	Designed to enhance athletic performance (pre and post event) and speed injury recovery. Uses Swedish massage techniques and trigger point therapy to break down knots and increase range of motion.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy	Helps manually increase lymph flow, which is essential to the body’s drainage system for cleansing and filtering out toxins and bacteria. Involves flat hands, utilizing all of the fingers to stimulate wave-like movements.
Shiatsu	Traditional Japanese technique, applying finger pressure to specific points along “meridians.” Localized pressure uses fingers, thumbs, and/or palms in a continuous rhythmic sequence.

Stretch out Benefits Between Appointments
CG Funk, vice president of Industry Relations and Product Development at Massage Envy, says those on a strict budget can make the benefits of professional massage last in between appointments with a few easy steps: develop a good stretching routine, become aware of your body positioning (and adjust when necessary), carve out time to relax each day, and treat your hands and feet to “mini-massages” on your own.

For more information about professional massage and to find Massage Envy clinics near you, visit www.massageenvy.com.

Make sure your massage is completely relaxing (and not scary) with these tips from the BX team:

Specify Gender. If you’re not comfortable with stripping down for a massage professional of the opposite sex, specify that when you make your appointment. There’s nothing worse than showing up to get relaxed and instead getting stressed.

Speak up! Don’t be afraid to say if you’re not comfortable or if the amount of pressure is too hard or too light (like with Anne Houseman’s Feather Fingers). Your massage therapist wants you to enjoy the experience just as much as you do, so let him or her know what’s working or what needs to be modified.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. Trust us – massage therapists are not thinking about your leg stubble, cellulite or chipped toe-nail polish. They’re concerned with making sure you’re comfortable and soothing away your tension. So if you forgot to shave, don’t worry – just relax and enjoy the experience.