Is there anything I should to in advance to prepare for a massage?

This depends on the type of massage you are going in for, but generally speaking there is not one thing or another that you MUST do before getting a massage. There are, however, a couple things that may help you benefit a little more from your massage. First off, drinking water leading up to your massage is always helpful. Keeping the body hydrated before bodywork allows for easier manipulation of the muscles and surrounding tissues. It also promotes healthy circulation, which is necessary to remove wastes and toxins released during the massage. It is also a good idea to take a few minutes and become aware of your body. Notice particular areas of stress and tension and make sure to communicate these things to your therapist. This knowledge will help them cater the massage to you specifically. Make sure to keep makeup and jewelry to a minimum as you will want to remove these in order for the therapist to have full access to the musculature and ensure smooth transitions between areas. Aside from this, keep open communication with your massage therapist about pressure and comfort, relax and enjoy your massage.

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What is the difference between a swedish and a deep tissue massage?

A swedish massage is considered to be the base of massage techniques for therapists. It is characterized by its longer, lighter pressure strokes. Swedish massage also incorporates other manipulations such as compressions, mild stretching and myofascial work. These things relax the more superficial muscles, help to relieve stress and tension and also improve circulation.

Deep tissue massage is a little more involved. It takes a stronger knowledge of structures in order to manipulate deeper muscles in a safe but effective way. Deep tissue massage often includes using stronger, more specific tools by the therapist such as the thumbs, forearms and elbows. Also stretching becomes more isolated and can also include active stretching. Because of the more specific work, some bruising and mild aching can occur a day or two after the massage. Deep tissue massage is generally more expensive than a swedish massage as well.

No matter what type of massage you get, remember to always drink plenty of water before and especially afterwards in order to promote healthy circulation. Massage in general helps to clear toxins and cellular waste from the space between cells and water is necessary to help it return to the circulatory system to be removed from the body.

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how much does a massage therapist get paid

How much do Massage Therapists get paid?

Therapists are paid differently based on environment.

In most medical settings, rehabilitation or chiropractic clinics, therapists range between $15 and $35 an hour, while they are performing massage. While they are not performing massage, it is up to the establishment to decide if the therapist will be a paid a base hourly wage.

In most spa settings the therapists work for a commission only. Meaning for every massage they perform they get a percentage of the rate charged, when they are not massaging they are not paid. Commissions vary from place to place but should generally be between 40-60%.

There are exceptions to every rule but this is a great guideline.

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Benefits of Massage

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BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

· Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues
and vital organs.
· Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders.
· Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
· Reducing spasms and cramping.
· Increasing joint flexibility.
· Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains
of athlete’s in all levels of training and competition.
· Increases blood flow to muscle tissue before an athletic event.
· Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being
incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury, and recovery from surgery to
control and relieve pain.
· Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue
after healing has occurred.
· Improving range of motion.
· Relieving pain.
· Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles.
· Increases energy flow
· Improves sleep quality
· Mobilizes toxins
· Increases metabolic rates and cellular metabolism

Massage Facts

Things you should know www.amtamassage.org/news/youknow.html

What to expect when you receive a massage www.amtamassage.org/news/massagefacts.htmlwww.amtamassage.org/findamassage/expect.html
2005 fact sheet www.amtamassage.org/pdf/2005MTIndustryFactSheet.pdf


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