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.

A number of procedures and strategies exist for treating cancer, but therapies for providing comfort and improving quality of life for patients are few. One non-invasive therapy that can benefit cancer patients is massage therapy.

Once considered detrimental for those suffering from cancer, massage therapy is now viewed as beneficial when certain guidelines are followed. The American Cancer Society reports that massage therapy appears promising in managing the side effects of cancer treatments such as chronic pain and discomfort. Even the disease itself can cause significant discomfort and pain for sufferers. Pain causes increased stress, which can interfere with healing. A review of studies from around the world conducted by the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center concluded that massage can be an effective method of managing pain and reducing stress.

Massage promotes relaxation by improving blood flow and circulation. As a therapist rubs a client’s muscles, blood vessels dilate increasing blood flow, which increases oxygen supply. Massage can be focused on particular areas, such as the feet or the upper body or can be performed on the whole body depending on the needs and condition of the client. When working with cancer sufferers, therapists should keep in mind particular considerations.

Cancer treatments can leave some patients fragile, so therapists working with cancer patients should make sure that a client has clearance from his or her doctor to receive massage therapy and should adjust their normal massage techniques to account for treatment wounds. Therapists should avoid massaging areas directly over tumors or areas inflamed from medical treatments. Massage should be considered a complementary therapy in addition to the client’s other medical treatments, and a therapist should be educated about a client’s condition and what other procedures the client is undergoing.

Radiation patients may be more likely to suffer an allergic reaction to massage lotions or oils, and chemotherapy patients may have low blood platelet counts or be on blood-thinning medications that make them prone to bruising. Massage should be avoided immediately after surgery or traumatic treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

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 a personal body treatment that is gaining popularity as a method of helping people feel naturally energized, healthy and stress-free. Several popular types of massage therapy are practiced worldwide including:

Acupressure

An acupressure massage utilizes firm pressure, slow motion kneading, hard fast rubbing, and gentle finger or hand taps applied along a person’s body. The massage targets areas of the body where energy is being blocked, thus effectively eliminating pain, illness and stress.

Balinese

Balinese massage therapy uses a combination of techniques including acupressure, gentle skin massaging and scented aromatherapy oils to help increase blood, energy and oxygen circulation within the body. The massage helps damaged areas heal quicker and promotes internal peace, wellness and deep relaxation.

Chair Massage

A chair massage uses acupressure techniques, which are focused on a person’s spine, back, shoulders, neck and arms to increase energy, alertness, and relieve stress and work-related injuries. This massage is also referred to as a seated or on-site massage.

Deep Muscle

Deep muscle massage therapy utilizes steady direct acupressure by pressing, rubbing or kneading various parts of a person’s body to relieve deep-seated pain. This massage relieves chronic tension deep within the core of the muscle and tissue, providing deep relaxation, improved personal wellness, posture and increased oxygen flow.

Facial Massage

A Facial utilizes light finger and hand pressure along a person’s face to relieve headaches, stress, sinus pressure and also promote smooth younger looking skin.

Geriatric

Geriatric massage therapy utilizes light skin rubbing and kneading in combination with joint movement to help improve a person’s blood circulation, relieve pain and increase pain-free range of motion. This type of massage is designed and primarily used for the elderly.

Jamu

Jamu utilizes acupressure techniques such as pressing, rubbing and kneading a person’s skin in combination with fresh flowers, scented oils and soft soothing music in a dimly lit secluded room. This massage provides complete relaxation and increases inner harmony and energy circulation.

Medical

A medical massage utilizes multiple techniques with the goal of resolving a person’s discomfort due to diseases and other afflictions. This massage technique is often necessary to improve painful medical conditions.

Oncology

Oncology massage therapy utilizes acupressure techniques along various parts of the body to aid in the recovery process for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Sports

A sports massage uses forceful pressure applied to a person’s muscles and deep tissue using elbows, fingers, fists, hands and knuckles. This massage enhances sports performance through injury prevention and recovery.