Living History Worldwide

More and more people are turning to massage therapy to help with health problems. Nearly 90% of all consumers have reported that they feel that having a massage can be effective at helping them control pain they are experiencing. Moreover, at least 87% say that having massages leads to better health and overall wellness. This is the reason that more and more massage schools are opening around the nation and the number of massage therapy classes, and massage programs are being offered at a variety of educational facilities around the United States.

If you have never had a massage before, there are some things you can do to make the most of the experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your massage therapy experience, compiled by the American Massage Therapy Association:

1. Be ready to give your massage therapist some information. While the massage expert has taken massage therapy classes, they do not know you at all. They will need to know a few things about you so that they can proceed in a way that is most beneficial to you. They will ask you about your goals in terms your wellness and health. They will want to know about your current health status, if you have any medical problems or conditions that they should be aware of, what your medical history is, what medications and supplements you are taking, and what kind of stress you are experiencing. In addition, they will want to know if you have had any injuries or if you are experiencing any pain. All of this will help them give you the right massage for you.
2. Remember, your privacy will be protected. To get the most out of your massage, you will need to take off at least some of your clothing. Now, if you feel that you are not comfortable taking everything off, that is ok. You will be left alone in a private massage area to take off as much as you think you can. You will also be given a towel or a sheet to cover the areas that are not being treated by the massage therapist. Maintaining the privacy of clients is a part of all massage therapy classes.
3. Consider a chair massage. If you are really unhappy or uncomfortable taking your clothes off, you can get a chair massage instead. These kinds of massages do not require people disrobe. That is why they are often given as perks in offices and can be done out in the open. These tend to be shorter massage therapy sessions and go for anywhere between ten and 30 minutes while a massage on a table goes for anywhere between one hour and one hour and a half.
4. Relax in the peaceful environment. Often, massage therapists have some music that they find their clients enjoy. Not everyone falls into this category and there are not massage therapy classes that can allow these professionals to predict who will and will not enjoy the music they select. If you do not like it, you can always ask that it be changed or turned off altogether. You will be on a table that has padding for your comfort. They may also have special pillows or other attachments to make the experience more comfortable for you. If at any point during your massage, the pressure being applied is too much or you need some other change to be made, talk to your therapist and they will adjust what they are doing accordingly.
5. Let your massage therapist know if you have skin allergies. When the session begins, the therapist will start by applying a lotion or an oil. Not everyone likes these and some people are allergic to them. Make sure you communicate your preferences or needs with the therapist. Also, if you are getting a hot stone massage, which can be amazing for relieving stress, you should let them know if they are too hot.

If you are suffering from muscle pain or are under a lot of stress in your life, having a massage can do wonders for you.