OK. Here we go. The answers to the posted questions to the last blog.
We all know that there are a truck load of massage styles to choose from. So let’s say that I would like a massage for relaxing and de-stressing. In this instance let’s use this kind of massage to answer all of the posted questions.
* How do I know I need a massage?
The answer to this is simple. If you feel stressed, tight, tired, wrung out or feel the need of pampering then you probably need a massage.
* How often should I have a massage?
From a therapist point of view, the answer would be as often as you can. From the client point of view there are a number of factors to take into consideration, such as time, affordability, stress level and expectation of massage. I would think that for a top up treatment or just a pampering once a week or every two weeks is ideal for general overall well being.
* What questions should I ask my therapist?
With a standard relaxation massage I would first and foremost find out if the "therapist” is qualified and what level of qualification they have. The most basic level of any massage is certificate four. This is a general type of massage course. This type of training is fine so long as you don't have high expectation, that’s not to say that you won’t get a great rub. Some practitioners just are not cut out for academia, or don’t have the time to do a full diploma.
Also ask at which college they received there training. (You can then phone or go to the college website and do practitioners search).
What type of massage do they offer?
Are they registered with a massage association? (An absolute must in my book)
Do their fees change or is there a loyalty program.
Most of these questions will lead you to discover if the belong in the therapist pages or in the back of the local paper under personal services.
* What questions can, or should my therapist ask me?
If your therapist doesn’t ask you to fill in a consultation form.(which is there for yours and there protection if any thing does go wrong), the therapist should and "must" ask you if you are allergic to anything or are on any medications which may effect you either mentally or physically i.e. heart conditions.
Your therapist may ask things in a general nature to try to give you the best massage possible. Such as have you suffered a heart attack, eppilepsy, major surgery and even are you pregnant or are you constipated or some other internal condition. You are not legally required to answer and so may refuse to answer. There is an onus on the client for information they give out. If in the unlikely event something goes wrong and you have not told your therapist and they have asked you may not have recourse. The more the advanced or intrusive the style of massage the more detailed the questions should be.
* Are there things that should or shouldn't be done in a treatment?
Again, were talking relaxation massage. Your therapist should under no circumstances do any manual manipulations on joints or vertebrae (spinal bones).Obviously nothing sexual should happen either. General things should be ad heard to such as pressure and comfort while in the care of the practitioner. As a rule of thumb machines are avoided in relaxation massage although some trained and qualified therapists do use some equipment.
* What are my rights if something goes wrong?
If you believe your rights have been infringed or something was done that you thought was just not right, you should firstly write it down as soon as you can. If it has not been addressed at the time of incident, please do not stew on an incident or problem. Talk to the therapist as it may have been a simple miscommunication or misunderstanding. Something to consider is that if it is the first time you have used the therapist, you and he/she are probably a little apprehensive and nervous. It takes some time to get to know a therapist and for a therapist to understand how your body is functioning. If you cannot resolve the issue between you then contact their massage association who can advocate on your behalf.
* Who should I talk to if I do have concerns?
First and foremost talk to the therapist. If you are uncomfortable talking with your therapist, talk with any massage association. www.aias.com.au www.anta.com.au or similar health industry regulated body. These associations are designed and exist for the safety and education of the public and industry as a whole. If a practitioner has done something wrong they are dealt with very swiftly and to the full extent off the law. We only want professionals in our fields of work.
* What qualifications should my therapist have and can I check them?
If you wish to have a general relaxation massage then the base level training is certificate four or a T.A.F.E college equivalent. If your therapist is doing Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Homeopathy or anything other than relaxation then they need to have specific qualification given by the appropriate massage association bodies. As for deep tissue, remedial or sports massage they want to have a Remedial Diploma or better. To find out if the practitioner does have this you may ask to have them presented upon commencement or prior to commencement of treatment. You may contact the massage association that they mention for the details as well. This will tell you if their provider status, insurance and membership are current.
* How do I know if massage is benefiting me?
Ahh! Yes. I do like this question. For this question I will respond to it with relaxation and remedial therapy treatments in mind.
After a nice flowing relaxation (Swedish) massage, you should be relaxed, sleepy and generally a little euphoric. You will be comfortable and feel pampered and a little loved and definitely better than when it started.
For a Remedial massage the treatment objectives and probable outcomes are quite different. The treatments are agreed upon between you and your therapist at the outset. During the treatment you may experience some discomfort and a little pain depending upon the desired outcome. After your treatment you may experience some post treatment soreness for a couple of days. This is normal. Benefits you may notice are a greater range of motion and a relief from stiffness and soreness in the muscles. Ultimately you should experience more movement, less pain and an overall feeling of freedom. This may happen quite quickly or over several weeks. Treatments and responses will vary from client to client.
I hope this has helped de-mystify some issues about massage and the industry overall. Please feel free to comment on this or any blog. Simply go to the bottom of the page and "click on comment"
Thank you for reading the blog and all of your support.
Your friend in health and well being
Glenn Evan