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Massage Explained

As we enter into the new year, you may be planning on adding a new health regime or fitness program that may include muscle work such as massage therapy. Many clients that I have encountered often express confusion when it comes to, what are the different kinds of massage, what kind should they get, or finding a good therapist.


Let's begin by clearing the air on a few things!


Massage is broken down into 2 fundamental categories, relaxation and therapeutic.




Relaxation massage is Swedish massage, which should be performed using consistently applied gliding pressure of the client's comfort. This is the most commonly requested type and its purpose is to induce relaxation, although there are other modalities that fit within that realm such as energy work, and use of various tools to enhance the experience. 


Therapeutic massage, usually referred to as deep tissue, is simply the use of more skillfully applied touch with the purpose of working on deeper layers of connective tissue, lymphatic tissue, and even organs. This type also involves exercise, stretching, and range of motion movements. Therapists often take deeper medical histories and conduct more involved evaluations for this type of massage.


Massage chains are usually unaware of these differences and offer a “custom massage” experience. Additionally, therapists who operate at these establishments are often inexperienced and perform modalities outside their scope.


People who experience frequent pain, seeing a doctor, or have had any health complications, including recent surgeries, should get a consultation with a therapist who has experience in therapeutic massage, and avoid chain establishments due to reports of injuries.


It is not a bad thing to regularly visit your local massage chain, but make sure you're healthy enough to receive massage, and be clear with your therapist about your medical history!



Many people come in asking for deep tissue or deep pressure with cardiovascular issues. Chain establishments allow this and it is not good for you. Also, people seek our care before an ER or doctor after a car accident. Go to a doctor first. Get a note!



When taking on a new massage regime, consider your desired outcome. If you want the benefits of relaxation OR have medical conditions where deeper massage modalities are unsuitable, a Swedish massage or body treatment is the way to go!


If you are suffering from chronic pain or injury, have movement restrictions, postural dysfunction, or working with a doctor, you want a therapist who performs therapeutic massage who understands and has experience touching the condition you have.


Avoid using terms such as “deep” regarding pressure for a relaxation massage. We recommend asking for light, medium, or firm pressure to avoid confusion.


Finally, looking for a good therapist can be difficult so, here are some guidelines to look for:


Reviews are great! Don't rely on reviews alone! It's common for some therapists to generate reviews through family members or friends, which may not accurately reflect their true skills and talents. Ask for a consultation to determine whether a therapist is right for you.



A good therapist will ask questions about you and your medical history, regardless of having read previous notes. (A good client will be forthright and communicate.)


A knowledgeable therapist will explain what is happening to your body clearly, in a way that you can understand, will refer to a doctor if necessary, and not make diageneses. Likewise, they should be able to answer questions concisely without much trouble.


(If you get a therapist who cannot name muscles, unable to break down acronyms without sounding drunk, or clearly explain relationships during movement, and they're NOT a relaxation therapist, they probably don't know what they're talking about.)


An ethical therapist will maintain boundaries within a massage session including limiting resources used during a massage for the next session if it is deemed further modalities should be used. This prevents overuse, overworking, and ensures that client outcome is maintained per intake prior to massage.



Crossing boundaries such as using Gua Sha instruments in the middle of a relaxation massage can detract from the therapeutic outcome of the session for the client and should be addressed during another session.


A compliant therapist to client requests such 60 or 90 minutes on a singular area like “back only” indicates that your therapist does not understand or does not care about overworking tissues, inflammation, and trauma. An ethical therapist will understand how to release muscles without “cranking” on it to prevent overworking the area and potentially cause harm. see https://www.bodybymercury.com/post/how-can-i-help-you-today


A good therapist will avoid life coaching and performing modalities clearly used by other professionals, such as a Chiropractor, to protect the client and remain within the therapist's scope of practice.


Remember, ALWAYS communicate with your therapist and never be afraid to speak up! We've got your back!


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