Massage Therapists
Massage therapy is used to treat painful ailments, decompress tires and overworked muscles, reduce stress, rehabilitate sports injuries and promote general health.
Massage therapists can specialize in over 80 different types of massage, known as modalities. Deep tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Sports, Acupressure and neuromuscular are just some of the approaches. Most massage therapists specialize in several types of modalities.
Massage sessions can range between 15 minutes to 2 hours and depends on the client’s physical condition and their needs. Therefore massage therapists may use an approach for clients with injuries that would not be used for clients seeking relaxation. Approaches suitable for prenatal massage and infant massage can not be applied on any other type of client.
Massage therapists work by appointment and conduct an informal interview with the client to find out their medical history and desired results from the massage. Based on the persons goals, ailments, medical history, and stress / pain relates problems, the massage therapist will decide whether a massage would be harmful, and if not, will move forward accordingly. During the session, therapists may alter their approach or concentrate on areas of particular discomfort if necessary.
Most modalities of massage use accessories such as massage oils, lotions or cream to massage and rub the client’s muscles. Many massage therapists supply their own tables, chairs, sheets, pillows and lotions and creams. Most of the modalities of massage necessitate the client to be covered in a towel or sheet and be either undressed or wear loose fitting clothing. The massage therapist will only expose the part of the body being massaged and there are some types of massage that can be performed without oils or lotions and are done with the client fully clothed.
Massage therapists need to develop a rapport and relationship if they want repeat customers. People who seek therapists tend to make regular visits and therefore developing a loyal clientele is important.
Massage therapists work in a variety of setting. Some are private and some are public and locations include private offices, fitness centers, sports medicine facilities, airports, shopping malls etc. Many massage therapists will also travel to clients homes. It is not uncommon for a massage therapist to divide their time between a number of these options.
Most massage therapists provide massages in dimly lit settings and the usage of candles or incense is not uncommon. Calm and soothing music is often played. The surrounding is thus created to put the client at ease, something that may not be possible if visiting the client’s office. Therefore the working conditions depend largely on the massage therapist’s location and what the client wants.
As massage therapy is physically demanding massage therapists can succumb to injury if the proper technique is not used. Repetitive motion problems and fatigue are the most common problems. This risk can be reduced by the application of proper technique, sufficient rest and breaks between sessions and, in many cases, with massage therapists receiving massages themselves!