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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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  Pilates is a method of conditioning the body. It strengthens and tones muscles, improves flexibility and posture, and develops coordination and balance.
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 Massage and related bodywork techniques can release painful muscle tension, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, and reduce mental and physical fatigue. In addition, massage is among the most effective means available to combat stress. Frequently Asked Questions About MassageWhat are some types of massage? Swedish massage is usually what comes to mind when people think of massage is mentioned. It uses long flowing strokes, deep kneading, surface friction, compression, light tapping and joint movement. However, other types of massage may be utilized. Alice Huss. PT, LMT utilizes a variety of techniques designed to address your particular situation or problem. What will happen at my first massage session? Your massage therapist will begin by asking you general health questions since there are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate. Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body Swedish massage, most people undress completely, though you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you are covered with a sheet except for the area being worked on at that moment. For many techniques your massage therapist will use a lubricant, such as a light oil or lotion, which is hypoallergenic. Some techniques require that no lubricant be used. A massage or bodywork session usually begins with relatively gentle pressure to calm your nervous system and begin releasing superficial tension. Gradually your therapist works more deeply to address specific areas. Since a typical massage session involves lying on your stomach for at least 30 minutes, you should not eat a heavy meal prior to your massage session. What should I do during a massage? Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she will either move you (for instance lift your arm) or will tell you what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people just close their eyes and relax completely, focusing on the soothing music that will be playing in the background. A good way to allow yourself to relax during a session is to take several slow, deep breaths. During each exhalation, allow yourself to relax more completely. Imagining your ideal, quiet place will also help you to relax. How Will a Massage Feel? Massage on healthy tissue feels good. The normal response is to slow down, breathe deeply, and relax. Some people are surprised to find that a massage does not tickle. Your massage therapist uses gentle but firm pressure, gradually preparing you for deeper touch. The saying no pain, no gain" does not apply to massage and bodywork. The most effective massage works with the body's natural responses, not against them. Working in the area of an injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens in the first few minutes. Your massage therapist knows ways to minimize pain, and will work carefully within what feels right to you. Always tell your therapist if you feel any discomfort so she or he can adjust. How long is a session? The common length of a session is one hour (60 minutes). This gives time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, for example back, neck and shoulders. A 30 minutes session can be a good introduction to bodywork, with the focus remaining on a very specific area. A 90 minute or a two-hour session are excellent ways to address the entire body in addition to targeting specific areas. What should I expect afterwards? Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body's systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up from the table. After a session, most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over months of tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Occasionally you may experience delayed soreness in areas that have been particularly tight or painful. You may also experience flu-like symptoms such as generalized aching. These symptoms may arise 24 to 48 hours after your massage session, and should not cause you any alarm; they are due to the release of toxins that have accumulated in your tissue over time. You can minimize or eliminate these symptoms by drinking plenty of water (six to eight glasses) for the first 48 hours following your massage session. It is also helpful to avoid eating heavy or spicy foods on the day of your massage. PLEASE INFORM YOUR MASSAGE THERAPIST IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, SO SHE CAN ADJUST YOU NEXT SESSION ACCORDINGLY. Sometimes you may not feel dramatic results right away. Watch for changes over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility, or reduced stress. Massage And Body Work Can Be Profoundly Relaxing! |
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