Massage Basics: What You Should Know When You Visit a Massage Therapist

Like most Americans, you probably know that a professional massage feels good and can help you relax from a hectic day or ongoing life stresses.  But did you know that massage therapy can help with a wide range of conditions including arthritis, a pulled muscle or lower back pain?  Did you know massage therapy is now very accessible than ever before and available in a wide variety of settings?  And did you know that there are different types of massage therapy for different conditions and situations?

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) offers the following information to help you become more familiar with massage therapy and how it can improve your quality of life and fit into your lifestyle:

Massage therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions 

It can aid in recovery from a sports injury or prevention of an injury.  Massage has also been shown to be helpful in soothing chronic back pain, by reducing muscle tension and spasms.  Massage can be useful in easing headache pain, by targeting and releasing pressure points.  Research shows that massage can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, relax muscles and improve range of motion. 

Massage therapy is more accessible than ever before 

While you can receive a massage in a healthcare setting, massage therapy is also available at fitness clubs, shopping malls, chiropractic offices and even at airports.  Companies are also offering massage to their employees at work to help reduce absenteeism and stress and improve productivity. 

There are different types of massage therapy

A massage therapist may use several massage techniques during one session to address different conditions.  You don’t have to be an expert on massage or even know what type of massage you want when you make an appointment.  A qualified massage therapist can help determine the type of massage that would be best for your particular needs.

To find a qualified massage therapist near your home, work, or your vacation destination, look for a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist national locator service can help you locate a qualified massage therapist through it’s free online service at www.amtamassage.org or toll-free at 888-THE-AMTA.