4 Questions to Ask Your Massage Therapist

Massage therapists administer massage techniques to patients, focusing on the soft tissues and joints to improve their mobility, and range of motion, and aid in muscle recovery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is common for massage therapist to conduct a range of muscle or motion tests for their patients to provide them with an accurate and effective treatment plan. Many of the techniques that are used by massage therapists include manual manipulation of the soft tissues and muscles, provide the patient with relaxation techniques, trigger point therapy, and other methods of treatment including hydrotherapy. It is common for massage therapists to recommend exercises, stretches, or other home care instructions to patients that support their treatment plan and to promote further relaxation and rehabilitation. The overall goal of massage therapy is to improve the overall health and well-being of each individual patient.

A good and professional massage therapist will work with their patient before starting the massage to determine the goals, physical restrictions, and problem areas of the patient, while also making sure that any boundaries or discomfort the patient may have are identified at this time. The pre-massage consultation will be the opportunity to develop mutual respect with the patient and to address any concerns, anxieties, or questions that the patient may have regarding massage therapy. A good massage therapist will only work within their scope of practice and according to the ethics of their profession and will take any pre-existing medical conditions as well as the patient’s expectations from the treatment into account when developing a treatment plan. Throughout the massage, the patient should be always draped appropriately, with the massage therapist working within the comfort level of the patient and providing a safe space for the patient to withhold consent, request adjustments to pressure or areas being treated, and stop the massage at any point if they are no longer comfortable.

Receiving a massage can sometimes feel a bit vulnerable for many patients, so a good massage therapist will not only prove that they are experienced and qualified but will work with their patient to determine comfort levels and make any adjustments to the treatment to prevent any feelings of discomfort or vulnerability if possible.

There are many different types of massage therapies, with different types of massage therapists specializing in each type of treatment. One of the most common types of massage therapists is Swedish massage therapists, in which the massage therapists use gentle manual manipulation of the soft tissues and joints to promote relaxation and tension release for their patients. Deep tissue massage therapists are also very common, providing patients with a firmer massage to target the deep layers of the muscles, with common goals of a deep tissue massage including muscle tension relief, chronic pain management, and improved mobility. Sports massage is a type of massage therapy in which the therapists predominantly treat athletes to prevent injuries and support their recovery process. Other common types of massage therapists include prenatal massage therapists, hot stone massage therapists, reflexology massage therapists, and many more.

Massage therapy has been a widely performed practice for centuries due to the benefits it provides to both the physical and mental health of patients. Massage therapists work with their patients to address any tension or pain throughout their body, reducing soreness in the muscles, helping patients manage chronic pain, and supporting patients through times of high stress. There are many different health conditions (both physical and mental) for which the symptoms can be lessened or even effectively managed through massage therapy, and the treatments are highly customizable, allowing massage therapists to provide care to almost any patient in a safe, comfortable, and effective manner.

Visit Aegean Medical to get comprehensive and specialized care. We serve patients from New Bern NC, Hymans NC, River Bend NC, Brices Creek NC, Fairfield Harbour NC, and Neuse Forest.