Massage Therapy

Choosing a Massage Therapist who’s right for you!

Typically, when you decide to get a Massage you have some idea as to why you’re going. You may want to relieve stress, tension, pain, insomnia, depression or a variety of other problems. Deciding you need a massage therapist is the easy part, choosing one is often more difficult.

Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

1. Ask a friend. If you have a friend who sees a massage therapist don’t be shy and ask them for a reference.
2. Speak with the massage therapist prior to making an appointment. A good massage therapist will be willing to discuss your expectations and what style of massage will work best to relieve your symptoms.
3. Inquire about their fees. Typically a massage will last one hour but it is a good idea to ask how long the massage will last and whether they allow extra time at the end of your session for rebooking and discussion, if necessary.
4. Inquire about their facilities. You may prefer to be seen an office setting rather than in the home of the massage therapist.
5. Credentials are important. Make sure the massage therapist is licensed! Ask about how long they’ve been practicing, where they were schooled, how many hours of training they completed and if they’ve had any advanced training in specific massage techniques. Ask them what personally drew them into taking massage training.

Finally, if you are uncomfortable being fully undressed, you can discuss alternative options with your massage therapist. A good massage therapist will be accommodating to your needs, if they’re not, you can always find a massage therapist who will.

Because massage is so personal taking the time to find a good match between client and massage therapist will greatly improve your experience.

Stress and the Healing Benefits of Massage

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress.

While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.

This translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Overall Benefits of Having a Regular Massage

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labour for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine Headaches.
• Immunity Boost creating protection against flu/colds, illnesses.
• Improves your relationship and overall view of life.