Tagged: gluteal

How Deep is TOO Deep? NiaMassage FAQ #1

Posted by on in Massage Therapy 2 comments


ImageMany times, when I talk to potential clients and they ask what types of massage that I do, one of the modalities I mention is ‘Deep Tissue Massage’. I can already see a wince of pain crawl across their faces. They are visualizing steamrollers running over little marshmallow Peeps, wondering if that is how they’ll feel after getting the same massage. I’ve even read articles that people have written, alluding the same feeling after getting a deep tissue massage.

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Some people LOVE feeling like a lump of clay after getting a Deep Tissue Massage. It doesn’t have to be painful to feel that way.

What I try to explain to them is that everyone’s pressure tolerance is different. Some clients may LOVE feeling like a lump of clay after getting a deep tissue massage, and that’s absolutely perfect, for them. Bruises don’t look cute on anyone. I encourage everyone, that if you are not comfortable with the pressure, definitely speak up – This is YOUR session. There are different ways to address your goals for your session.

Now, in some cases, it is going to be painful – gluteal work is literally a pain in the butt, and axillary massage is uncomfortable because, well, how often have you gotten a massage where the therapist worked in your armpit? In these cases, I’m going to let you know so that you are prepared, and that we can work together. This way,you still get your best massage session. There are coping mechanisms as well as techniques that I can show you, so that you are able to still enjoy the massage, and get what you need done.

So next time you’re getting a Deep Tissue Massage, and you’re not getting the pressure you need, let the therapist know! They’ll do their best to accommodate as well as they can.

 

Client Empowerment – Ask Those Questions!

Posted by on in Massage Therapy, Mind/Body 0 comment

This blog post is in response to a story that aired earlier this year on our local TV Station about a female client that was assaulted during a massage session in a Student Clinic at a local Massage School.

As a Therapist, you want your client be as comfortable as possible on the table, so the client gets the most effective massage possible. New clients who have never had a massage before aren’t the most comfortable, for good reason:

  1. They’ve never experienced it;
  2. They don’t have any idea what’s going to happen, or;
  3. They’ve heard horror stories about bad massage
    sessions, and expect that to happen to them.

Massage Therapy Clients, I want to empower you to ask questions. You should know what to expect so that you are comfortable with your therapy session. Many people just want to get to the session and not talk. If you’re not sure as to what I’m doing, ask me why!  I’ll be more than happy to explain why I’m working on you in the manner that I am, so that you understand why I’m there.

My main concern is that there are certain parts of the session where you are asking yourself, “Why are they doing that? That may be a part of the session. I don’t want to ask; they may think that I’m a prude.”

I have said this before — I don’t charge for questions, so feel free to ask questions when you need clarification about a particular treatment you are undergoing.

If you are feeling that the therapist is talking too much, or you feel that you may need to stop, say something, anything, so that you can understand what’s going on.

I strive to get you as comfortable as possible during the session so that you are able to relax, and have the best massage possible.

What questions do you have about massage? I’d LOVE to know!