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Copyright 2007-2008 My Relaxing Massage |
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Swedish MassageSwedish massage is what most people think of when they think of massage. It is the basic massage in which all massage therapists are trained. Other types of massage that you may have heard of, like Hot Stone and Thai, require additional training and sometimes certification beyond what all therapists get in school. All therapists can legally and ethically perform Swedish massage. When you make an appointment for a one hour Swedish massage, here is what you can expect. If you are coming in for a massage for relaxation purposes, as most people do, you will get a full body massage. Whether the therapist starts you face up (supine) or face down (prone) will depend on what you tell them and on their preferences. A full body massage always includes neck, arms, legs, and back. It can also include face/head and glutes, and even sometimes abs. If you have a specific preference, especially if you are ticklish, let the therapist know so that they can spend extra time where you want it and avoid areas you do not want touched. If you are coming for a specific reason, like back pain, then your massage will be structured differently. The therapist will general start with the area of issue, and depending on time and what you agreed on beforehand, will go to other areas. If you want the entire time spent on your back, all you have to do is say so. If the therapist thinks you may also benefit from having work on your neck, she may suggest that and tell you why, but it is what you are looking for that matters. It is your time after all. |
Deep Tissue MassageDeep tissue massage can be a confusing term. Sometimes when you ask for a deep tissue massage, you really just get a deeper version of a Swedish massage. If that is what you are looking for, then it's fine. Usually, however, a deep tissue massage employs the use of different tools. By tools I mean parts of the therapists body. In a Swedish massage, the therapist may use her hands, her forearms, open fists, basically parts of her arms that don't apply too much pressure. In deep tissue massage, the therapist may use her elbows, fingers perpendicular to the body, closed fists, you get the picture. Deep tissue is not as relaxing as Swedish, some would say it's not relaxing at all, but if you have a problem area, it can work wonders. Deep tissue has some of the same effects as working out, so it's important to drinks lots of water afterwards and to note that you may be sore or stiff the next day. A hot bath with epsom salts after the massage usually helps prevent some of the soreness. |
Chair MassageChair, or seated, massage is done on a special massage chair instead of a massage table. Unlike a standard massage, a chair massage is done clothed, so it can be done anywhere. You can find chair massage establishments all over the place, like in airports for example. 15 minutes is a pretty standard session, but they can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Most people like the time to be spent on their neck and back. Companies sometimes hire therapists with massage chairs for a few hours and schedule their employees in 15 minute increments. It's a great benefit for employees. It's also a great thank you to under appreciated professions - there are several local schools that do chair massage for Teacher's Appreciation Week. Consider it for your next employee appreciation event! |
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Copyright 2007-2008 My Relaxing Massage |
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