When to Avoid Massage

Prenatal massage therapy isn’t right for every pregnant woman. The first trimester, when the body is becoming used to carrying new life, isn’t the ideal time to begin a massage regimen. Instead, the pregnant mother should focus on relaxing and becoming used to the changes that are happening so quickly. Many women also need this time to get through the normal feeling of being morning sick. Touch and smells can contribute to nausea and new experiences aren’t as welcome. Also, mothers who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or preeclampsia, among other conditions, should avoid prenatal massage therapy. Finally, those that are familiar with foot reflexology are aware that different pressure points on the foot correspond with other areas of the body. The massage points that relate to the uterus and vaginal area should be avoided with patients that are pregnant.

Benefits to the Pregnant Mother

There are many benefits of massage to the pregnant mother. Prenatal massage therapy focuses on relaxing the expectant mother and helping her to feel nurtured and cared for. Unlike other disciplines of massage, prenatal massage focuses less on deep tissue stimulation and more on the emotional state of the patient. Because deep cleansing is prohibited during pregnancy, gentle motions are used to offer comfort and relief. Pregnant women are also extremely flexible and loose in the joints and muscles to accommodate the growth of the baby. This means that they are very responsive to movements that would not have as much of an effect in other patients. While prenatal massage therapy definitely does not replace standard obstetrical care, it can provide another level of patient care, especially when used in conjunction with the regular prenatal visits.

Using Special Adaptive Equipment

Most qualified massage therapists have equipment that helps the patient stay relaxed and comfortable during the massage session. As massage is most often accomplished with the patient flat on their back, or lying on their belly, it’s no surprise that there are special adaptive tables that are preferred for pregnant women. For offices that wish to offer prenatal massage therapy, be sure that provide the proper equipment. The massage table should feature a belly cut out that will cradle the pregnant woman and allow her to rest comfortably. Some tables can be adjusted, depending on the size of the pregnant belly and the preference of the client.

Individuals may seek a massage for a host of reasons, such as relaxation, stress relief, improved flexibility and rehabilitative purposes. The power of touch can provide a certain level of healing.  Establishing a comfort level in a professional setting is a two way street. The therapist should set boundaries with the client to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation. Additionally, the client should express to the therapists his or her level of comfort during an intimate situation.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapists have a strict code of ethics that they must uphold in order to maintain a professional and safe environment for both the client and themselves.

Code of Ethics for Massage Therapists

1) No sexual activity between the client and the massage therapist is tolerable.

2) No harm must come to a client’s physical, mental or emotional well-being.

3) Respect the right to privacy and confidentiality

4) Do not discriminate or present prejudicial behavior towards patients or colleagues.

5) Project a professional image and perform all business and professional tasks within the scope of the practice.

6) Commit to providing the highest quality massage therapy.

7) Engage in continued education opportunities. Self-assess strengths, weaknesses and effectiveness on a continual basis.

Individuals who are new to massage therapy always express confusion about how much clothing is appropriate to remove. While it is perfectly acceptable to remove all clothing during a full body massage, some clients feel more comfortable remaining in their under garments. A professional massage therapist adhering to the code of conduct will ask the client to undress to their comfort level. Then the patient will lie on the table beneath a sheet, and the massage therapist will only uncover the part of the body that is receiving therapy.

Unclothed private parts are generally not considered appropriate during a massage therapy session. This restriction is outlined in the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. If the client is touched inappropriately or issues a sexual request, this can result in ethical and legal ramifications.

Privacy should be respected between client and therapist at all times. No one can be refused service for prejudicial reasons. It is not acceptable for a licensed massage therapist to engage in a romantic relationship or date a paying client. In some states, clients are not allowed to date therapists for two years after the last session to protect both parties. The client and the massage therapist should respect each other as if they were colleagues in a professional environment.

Massage therapy is an effective method of treating stress and painful conditions, but as with any medical treatment safety must always be addressed. Although massage is a simple, straightforward form of treatment there is a possibility of harm if performed by someone not schooled in all aspects of the discipline. Massage training is available for those who wish to learn how to utilize this popular therapy.

Massage involves working the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, to relieve tension and pain. Using their hands, forearms, elbows or feet, massage therapists apply pressure to various parts of the body to achieve the desired results. It is essential, however, to rely on a licensed massage therapist when seeking relief for pain and stress issues. Ailments that would rule out the use of massage therapy include severe burns, a recent heart attack or rheumatoid arthritis. Someone not trained to recognize the potential dangers of improperly performed massages might not recognize this.

It is important to remember that a licensed massage therapist, like a doctor or counselor, is bound by a code of ethics. While training requirements vary from state to state, massage therapists still receive basic schooling in anatomy and physiology, as well as the study of organs and tissues. Massage therapy schools offer well-rounded courses and hands-on practice using various techniques.

Licensed massage therapists must take the time to properly train at an accredited massage school and then pass a national certification exam in order to receive a license to practice. This examination certifies that a therapist knows the best techniques for relieving pain and stress in the safest manner possible. A licensed massage therapist ensures that the art of massage therapy continues to be a safe, alternative way to treat people suffering from stress and pain disorders.