| What's so great about massage? IMost people who have had a massage go back for more. There is a perception that only politicians and movie stars get massages, but it's just not true. Massage is a centuries old health tradition, starting perhaps in China. Modern life dissociates us from our bodies, and massage is a wonderful method for finding our way back. It is statistically proven to reduce stress and physical pain, particularly low back pain, improves your health and your attitude (don't you know a few people who could use that!) improves your physical performance, speeds injury recovery, has no calories or side effects, and feels great. |
What's the diff between massage and bodywork? Massage refers more to Swedish and other symptomatic and aesthetic treatments of soft tissue. Bodywork refers more to advanced modalities such as Structural Integration, Rolfing, Feldenkreis, myofascial release and Alexander Technique. Technically, Reiki and Therapeutic or Healing Touch are not massage modalities because they (1) are not based in actual science and (2) there is usually no actual physical contact between practicioner and client. |
|
What should I wear? Depends on the modality and the locality. During my clinical practice in Austin, TX, we encouraged folks to get under the sheet unadorned. In Indiana, where I finished my 500 hours at IUPUI/Purdue, people who didn't wear underwear for a massage were considered pervy. Thai Massage and Shiatsu are often received through regular loose clothing. |
How do I find a good MT? There is a National Therapeutic Examination available for MTs. It isn't perfect, and as they are the only thing going for anything resembling professional certification, they have a bad habit of taking themselves for granted. They do test rigorously for ethics, anatomy and physiology, pathology and "book knowledge" of methodology. There is no "technique" exam, so a person who knows a lot and isn't gifted in the hands can pass it. Texas is the only state I know of which uses an "observation test" to evaluate candidates for state certification. Only 35 states regulate massage therapy, and only 30 of these consider or require national certification. Therefore, it is largely voluntary. It is seen as a mark of professionalism. State certification is usually adequate. Beware of uncertified individuals. Their lack of knowledge about pathology or anatomy can lead to you getting harmed, swindled, sick or annoyed. |
| What's it like? Monty Python jokes aside, it should be safe, warm, comfortable and comforting, feel good even when it hurts a little (good hurt like muscles after a workout or during stretching). It's like getting a nap and a workout at the same time. The practicioner will schedule you and greet you warmly and professionally, ask after your health (be truthful, for both of your sakes) show you how to lie on the table and cover up, tell you what you should be wearing, and answer your questions and concerns completely and honestly. American practicioners will leave the room while you disrobe and get on the table. You will be told when the massage is over, and the practicioner will leave the room while you take a minute to "come back" get up, and get dressed. This sequence varies with the modality, but is generally true for "standard" Swedish, Deep Tissue and other US/Western modalities. |
What should I expect? Comfort, professionalism, compassion, clean and safe surroundings, and attention to your specific needs and situation. DO NOT expect, ask for or assume that anything sexual will be involved in therapeutic massage. Many people assume that any kind of touching leads to or has to do with sex, which is not only immature, but also inconsiderate and stupid, and will likely get you prosecuted for assault at least. It's like asking your dentist for a blow job. So don't do it. A "Massage Parlour" doesn't require hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars towards professional certifications. Don't confuse it with Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, which does. Only a moron could be confused. |
| My faves: Rolfing has made the biggest difference in my life, but you can't do that all the time, even as a Rolfer. I enjoy Trager, all kinds of Swedish, Thai and would love to have a real Shiatsu sometime. I can't wait to trade with a colleague who does La Stone massage here in Germany. |
Who are you, and why is this site "unofficial"?
I am a nationally certified (US) massage therapist who is currently completing training as a Rolfer. You can see my page for full details. The site is unofficial because these are my experiences and opinions, and no one else's. I am a bit of a skeptic, so I stick to science.
Why another Massage FAQ?
Massage therapists and bodyworkers operate in an area considered "grey" by many "official" health practitioners, and this gives a lot of room for the uninformed or gullible to either make incorrect assumptions or be taken advantage of. The more clear information, the better.
Solicitation for Information:
If you are a professional with more information, or an interested person with more questions, send me an email 