Do you require a “good” massage?
During the past few years, massage has emerged as one of the most popular treatments, and as more of our job and even some of our social activities are desk- or computer-based, the need for a good massage is only growing.
Early in the 1990s, when I began my massage therapy training, clients would typically go to the salon or spa for waxing, facials, or slimming procedures. One of the treatments that was regarded as a luxury or a once-in-a-blue-moon indulgence was massage.
I have to acknowledge that life was extremely different back then for most individuals. Many clients had secretaries or assistants who would type up their work. When you finished working, for some people, that was it. There were no emails to check because not everyone had access to the internet. Since so few people owned laptops, working while lounging on the couch or in bed was extremely rare, and social networking and “Googling” were also practically nonexistent.
When I arrived today, things had changed. The majority of work is done on computers, some at desks and some in awkward positions while sitting on the couch or lying in bed. Many people no longer employ secretaries, so they must handle administrative tasks themselves. Now that we can be reached on our mobile devices and check our emails at home, if not already there, the days when your work was done once you left the office are long gone. Even after we leave the office or even before we get there, our workday is still ongoing.
Many massage-based procedures are offered at clinics, spas, salons, and health clubs. Even massage therapists who come to the workplace have been observed in clubs and retail malls.
How do you tell if you are likely to have a quality massage when there are so many locations that offer massages?
1) Online evaluations
First off, reading online reviews is a terrific method to find out what people are saying about a given company. However keep in mind that sometimes evaluations may be critical of the business or a particular employee, so you might pass up a fantastic massage from a staff member who hasn’t been reviewed. A consumer who has a negative experience will tell five people, but if they have a positive experience, they might not even tell a single person. So, a review may not always provide you a true indicator of whether you will have a “excellent” massage service or not.
2) Requirements
The following credentials are required of a good massage therapist: NVQ level 3, HND Health & Beauty, ITEC, CIBTAC, or CIDESCO. Other recognised bodies may also require these credentials, but make sure they have a degree or certification rather than just a workshop certificate. An important component of the training is anatomy and physiology since understanding the muscular and skeletal systems and their functioning can improve the effectiveness of massage.
3) Permit
Without a current massage licence, businesses in many areas, especially London, are not allowed to operate. Even the therapist must be licenced in some boroughs. A therapist can only become licenced if they possess the necessary training. The premises licence is occasionally visible on the wall.
4) Medical Consultation & Questionnaire
Your massage therapist should request that you complete a basic medical questionnaire in order to identify any health issues that would preclude you from receiving massage. For instance, any recent wounds, infections, surgeries, or injuries. You may need formal authorization from your doctor before getting a massage if you have certain illnesses, though.
It is not recommended to get a massage during your first trimester of pregnancy, and a qualified therapist will be aware of this if they notice it on your consultation form.
Establishing your primary problems and any specific areas you’d like your massage therapist to focus on during the consultation is also a wonderful idea. It’s also a good moment to check that the sort of massage you’ve scheduled is the right one for you. For instance, you might have been scheduled for a Swedish massage when you actually wanted a deep tissue massage.
5) Your Massage Practitioner
Occasionally a massage therapist’s appearance or age might be deceiving. I’m only six and a half stone and five feet tall, but my pressure is really strong even though I appear to be rather small because I’m used to massaging bodybuilders. In order to give a strong, firm massage, massage therapists develop their pressure by employing both strength and their own body weight.
Additionally, a handful of 18-year-olds who I’ve trained are equally as skilled as massage therapists with years of experience. How fervently your therapist feels about her work will determine this. You’ll probably have a nice massage if she loves to massage and is passionate about it.
Six) The Massage Therapy
You should aim to get onto your treatment bed as quickly as possible so you may have more hands-on time. It’s not uncommon for changing time to be included in your massage time.
Before starting your massage, the therapist should make sure you are warm enough and comfortable. The experience is greatly enhanced by the background music that plays in many salons and spas.
A really good massage therapist may usually be distinguished from a less skilled one. A very skilled massage therapist will have a strong intuitive connection, be aware of the proper amount of pressure to use, and be aware of the areas that require the most attention without having to follow a rigid routine of massage strokes.
7) Post-care
You should receive the proper aftercare from your therapist, which includes drinking enough of water to stay hydrated and to flush out any toxins. Also, your massage therapist ought to let you know that you can be a bit sensitive the following day in the regions they worked on.
Today, for many individuals, massage is more of a necessity than a pleasure. It has now risen to the top of the list of treatments offered in many spas and salons. For the psychological and physical advantages, it is undoubtedly a worthy investment. For more details massage services
