3) What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?

3) What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?

Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table.

Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.

2) Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?

2) Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?

Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.

If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick.

In North America, if you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.

1) Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist?

1) Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist?
If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services.

On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or norms when it comes to massage in a medical setting. Some massage therapists and massage associations I asked said tipping isn't appropriate in a medical or clinical setting.

If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face.

If tipping isn't the norm, you can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the massage therapist.

10 Embarrassing Massage Questions

Do you tip? Are you supposed to be nude? Do you say anything if the pressure's not deep enough? What if you're self-conscious about your body?

Here are the answers to ten massage questions you want to ask, but may be too embarrassed to.

Massage for Neck and Back Pain?

Massage for Neck and Back Pain?



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* massage for pain relief
* shiatsu
* deep tissue massage
* chiropractic
* yoga

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Question: Massage for Neck and Back Pain?
My husband and some of my friends are postal carriers and they are always saying that their backs, shoulders, and necks hurt. What type of massage should they get?

-Deana
Answer: There are several types of massage they may be interested in. The most common type of massage in the United States is Swedish massage. It's also known as massage therapy.

Massage therapists apply oil or lotion on the skin and mainly use long smooth strokes. People who have never had massage before usually start with Swedish massage.

They might also be interested in deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage is used for chronic tight or painful muscles, postural problems, and repetitive strain. This type of massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

There is often some level of physical discomfort during the massage, as the massage therapist works on the deeper muscle layers. People usually feel sore for one to two days after the massage.

Another option is shiatsu, a form of Japanese bodywork. Clothing is usually worn during the shiatsu treatment, so it is a good treatment if someone prefers to remain fully clothed.

The therapist applies localized finger pressure to points on the body. Because the pressure is so localized, the pressure of shiatsu feels deep.

Your husband and friends may have partial insurance coverage for massage and should find out about that, because their coverage may limit the types of massage they can choose from.

Although it's no substitute for the human touch, a massage cushion may be worth considering. Some of them cost $100 or less. Massage cushions can fit on many chairs or can be placed on a sofa. Stores like Target, Sharper Image, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Staples usually have floor models for people to try. Compare features, because some massage cushions can give localized massages to particularly tense areas on the back.

Carrying a heavy weight every day, lifting while bending, and carrying weight asymmetrically can increase the risk of disc herniation and joint problems.

That's why in addition to massage, they may want to consult a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic may help to prevent damage and injury to joints, and there is evidence that it's as effective as conventional therapy at relieving some types of back pain. People are also usually taught self-care strategies.

Many chiropractic clinics offer massage therapy, so the two could even be combined.

Yoga might also help relieve muscle tension and improve strength and flexibility. It's something you could do together. Yoga classes cost about $10-$15 per class at yoga studios, and sometimes less at gyms and community centers.

And finally, your husband's family doctor should be aware of his symptoms to see if he needs further evaluation.

Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms should contact their doctor immediately and before starting any alternative therapy:

* Persistent back pain
* Back pain that awakens you in the night
* Changes in bowel or bladder function
* Numbness, weakness, or pain around the genitals, arms, or legs
* Fever, chills, sweats
* Any other unusual or new symptoms

What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?

What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

• Chronic pain
  
• Limited mobility
  
• Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
  
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  
• Postural problems
  
• Ostearthritis pain
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
• Muscle tension or spasm

According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.

Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain.

People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

What can I expect during my visit?

Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage.

You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.
It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.

Precautions

Massage is not recommended for certain people:

• infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
  
• immediately after surgery
  
• immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
  
• people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before getting a massage
  
• prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
  
• pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
  
• massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

Additional tips

don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage

if it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.

Will deep tissue massage hurt?

Will deep tissue massage hurt?

At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.

It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you ecperience is outside your comfort range.

There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

How does deep tissue massage work?

How does deep tissue massage work?

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage

What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.

It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.