Owner of Redlands Massage Therapy, John Webster, has many important questions he wants to answer for the general public and future clients that want to use his services. After reading in the local papers about the alleged inappropriate touching and physical techniques used by a competitor in his field “Massage Envy” during the last month, John wants the public to know the correct procedures to follow when finding a Massage Therapist. Before you enlist anyone to be your massage therapist, it is good to understand the science behind this type of treatment which involves:
- The therapeutic application of massage involves using specific stroking or kneading techniques from one or a combination of the massage traditions.
- Essentially, the hands-on massage of the skin and underlying muscles contributes to the physical and mental well-being of the client.
- Massage therapy can help relieve pain in joints and muscles caused by stress, physical trauma or aging.
Once you decide this type of therapy is right for your needs, here are some key points to remember:
- Ask therapists about their training and certification.
- Ask if they are members of a recognized association and if they issue receipts.
- Find out how long they’ve been practicing and if they are self-employed or on staff at a clinic or spa.
- Also, first, above everything else, it is important to find a massage therapist with the skills you need, which can be identified under the following goals and health status situations. Is the therapist able too
provide treatment that will:
- Reduce Stress
- Reduce muscle contractions or tightness
- Enhance living without chronic or acute pain
- Improve your work performance
- Enhance your general health and well being
- Improve your ability to participate in sports
After determining what your needs will be during the therapy session; this is what you can expect to happen with your first professional consultation with a massage therapist.
1) Before the massage session begins, the therapist will sit with you to assess your overall health via a questionnaire or interview.
2) The therapist may ask you to move certain body parts in order to verify any physical issues and plan a therapeutic treatment.
3) In preparation for the actual massage session, the therapist will leave you alone in the treatment room so you can remove your top and pants and lay down on the massage table, fully covered by a sheet or blanket.
4) When you’re ready, the therapist will re-enter the room and use a variety of massage techniques to relax your muscles (friction, muscle movement, touch, or vibration). The therapist only exposes the body part being worked on, while the rest stays covered.
5) If the situation calls for it, the therapist may use other accessories to relax the muscles, such as heat, light or water.
6) The therapist will maintain a record of each visit as well as any progress or new complaints.
7) Your massage therapist may also collaborate with other health-care professionals to develop the best possible holistic treatment for you.
Finally, John wants to emphasize that at any time you may feel uncomfortable with your therapist, be it with inappropriate touching, repetitive “accidental brushing” of hands near private parts, or just an overall creepy vibe; please stop and tell someone or report it to their superiors or authorities. Always be aware of your surroundings and honor yourself.
In a previous interview with John, I asked him why he got into this particular profession, and he replied, “I have always been someone who wanted to help others and I have gravitated to this profession because it is literally hands-on. Medical Massage Therapy grew out of my desire to make a difference in the lives of others and my proficiency at tactile endeavors.” I can vouch for that, and he has the gift of being able to determine what areas of the body need the most therapeutic help. Contact Lisa at (909) 557-4415 to set up an initial appointment.