When Is Massage NOT a Good Idea?

Posted on July 13, 2018February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

There is no doubt that massage is wonderful. It has many positive health and wellness benefits. It’s relaxing, it feels great when you’re feeling not so great. There is also no doubt that people sometimes overlook/underestimate the risks of massage in certain situations.

What Makes A Massage Risky?

The main culprit that can make massage a contraindication is its effects on the circulatory system. Pick a spot on your arm or hand where you can maybe see some good veins. Rub your hand down your arm towards that vein with about the pressure your massage therapist does. You’ll probably notice that it stands out more as you push; this is because you’re pushing the blood through that vein at a higher rate than normal.

During a massage, muscle is not the only thing getting pushed around. Massage includes moving the blood around in your veins, the fluids in your lymphatic system, and the other various hormones and chemicals floating around in your body.

What does this all mean?

It means that if a person’s veins or circulatory system are compromised, massage may be a bad idea. We need to know if your bones are brittle or you have joint replacements. Tell us if you have immune system problems, or you have herniated discs or spinal issues. Illness such as the flu, infections, and disease with serious complications are a red flag when it comes to massage.

But My Health Issues Are Private!

I realize that it can feel awkward to share your health information with someone other than your doctor. Especially if it’s someone you don’t know very well. It’s important to realize that while massage may seem like a pretty safe therapy, there really are cases where it can do more harm than good. Rest assured that I follow health information privacy guidance, and do not share your health information with anyone. The online form is HIPAA compliant, and I keep your paper intake forms locked up when unattended.

Get Your Doc Involved

If you are under a doctor’s care, I will likely ask that you receive a written recommendation for massage. I like to make sure that they understand that massage is increasing circulation and lymph flow. Doctors don’t always remember that massage is not purely about relaxation. I may ask you to talk to your cardiologist, endocrinologist, obstetrician, or other specialist you may be working with.

It’s All About You

It may seem awkward or annoying to have to answer these questions and communicate between your various health care providers. However, it’s ultimately all about keeping you safe and healthy, as well as relaxed and pain free. If your doctor does not recommend massage, there are other options that may help you. This includes Reiki therapy, which does not physically manipulate the muscles or circulatory system

As with any wellness regimen, it’s important that all of your healthcare providers work together to ensure that you are receiving safe, effective care. If you have any concerns about privacy or your health issues related to massage, you can always contact me to discuss them!

Be Well,
Tricia

Should I Talk During a Massage?

Posted on December 30, 2017February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

Your time in my office is all about you, so if you’d like to talk go right ahead. It’s important to remember, however, that this is a time for you to relax and enjoy the experience. While I don’t discourage talking, I do encourage you to relax. Just let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.

In many instances, people who are nervous may start off talking to ease their anxiety, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation. For others, it may be the only time you feel you have to get things off your mind, and if you need to vent, I’m okay with that!

The important thing to know is that there are times when you need to speak up. If I’m doing anything to make you uncomfortable or painful, you should let me know immediately. You should also let me know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if I need to change the pressure (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you during your massage – speak up! It’s all about you!
Be Well,
Tricia

How Long of a Massage Appointment Should I Schedule?

Posted on August 12, 2017February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

If you have never scheduled a massage appointment before, looking at a full menu of options might be intimidating. Or, maybe you’ve just always had “a massage” and didn’t really consider the benefits beyond relaxation. Here are some descriptions of the types of massage I offer and how long a session you might schedule:

Chair Massage

You may have seen this type of massage at any assortment of locations, from offices to sports events. A specially designed chair allows you to sit relaxed and fully clothed, leaning forward into a cushioned face cradle.

From that position, the massage therapist can work on your back, shoulders, arms, hands, neck and head. Sometimes, it’s possible to turn and face the other way in the chair for work on legs and feet.

How Long Should I Schedule?

At this time, I primarily offer chair massage at events. In those cases, most chair massages average around 5 to 10 minutes. Even just a few minutes can be helpful in improving circulation, loosening stiff muscles, and relieving pain.

5 Minutes: Great for a quick pick-me-up. Helps relieve work related shoulder and neck tension. We can focus on one problem area, like sore shoulders. Also helpful for an achy upper back, or even just forearms and hands.
10 Minutes: You may be surprised at how much better a 10 minute massage can make you feel! Great for working on shoulders, neck and upper back, or the entire back down into the low back area.
15-20 Minutes: This length is for doing some deeper work on shoulders and the entire back. However, for significant issues, I do prefer to use a massage table.
20+ Minutes: At this length, I prefer working on the table. I have better access to your neck & shoulders. Plus laying on the table is more relaxing.

Relaxation Massage Appointment

benefits of massage, Swedish massage, relaxation massage

For a relaxation massage, I use the long, flowing, and soothing strokes of Swedish massage. I adjust the pressure of the strokes to your comfort. When you just want to relax and let go, this is the massage for you.

We don’t focus on a specific problem area, nor poke and prod at “knots” or tight spots. At most, I may adjust the timing of the massage to spend more time on tired feet or achy shoulders. But, nothing too intense. This massage is just about relaxing, reducing stress, and improving your outlook on life.

How Long Should I Schedule?

30 Minutes: It is possible to leave a 30 minute massage feeling relaxed and refreshed. However, given the shorter appointment length, I recommend focusing the massage on the upper body. That way, we aren’t just speeding through your massage to get to all the parts.
60 Minutes: This is an average length relaxation massage. We have time to get the full body from head to toes. Plus, you can really sink in to the relaxation.
90-120 Minutes: A long massage session allows for deep relaxation and restorative rest. One hour of massage has similar benefits as three hours of restorative rest. So, with a longer massage, you’re getting the benefits of a nice, long nap. In addition, I have time to really slow down those slow, soothing Swedish massage strokes. This allows you the full benefit of their positive effects on your nervous system.

Therapeutic Massage Appointment

therapeutic massage
deep tissue massage
massage appointment

With this type of massage, while we’re not completely ignoring relaxation, we’re focused on it less. There’s a bit more time spent on tight muscles and sore spots. We may talk a bit more about what I’m finding. I might include stretches for your arms or legs, or ask you to move a body part against resistance. This massage is about improving your mobility, releasing tension and relieving pain.

How Long Should I Schedule?

30 Minutes: Ideally, we’re just working on one specific area for 30 minutes.
60 Minutes: In an hour, we can get most of a full body massage. However, I do like to take doing some stretching, range of motion and deep tissue work on problem areas. If this is the case, we should consider focusing the therapeutic work to a particular problem area.
90-120 Minutes: In 90 minutes, we can get in full body massage and have time for stretching, etc. Two hours is perfect for doing some nice, slow, detailed work on all problem areas. This includes hip and arm stretches, deep work on particular problem muscles, and some finishing soothing Swedish massage to relax and relieve pain.

What if I’m Still Confused?

If you’re still not sure, you can always contact me to talk about what’s going on. We can plan a long first session with shorter follow ups, or a series of short sessions. I’m pretty flexible when it comes to working with you, your schedule, and your budget. Together, we’ll get you sorted out.

Massage Misconceptions Aren’t Always Funny

Posted on June 11, 2017February 26, 2023 by Tricia Griffith

Stop Perpetuating Massage Misconceptions

In June, 2017 a CBS Sunday Morning “comedy” segment was burning through various massage therapist networks. The premise of the opinion segment was that massage is weird, and brought up many massage misconceptions. Some massage therapists did find it funny; others, it made angry. I certainly didn’t find it funny, but most of all, I’m concerned that a respected network would allow the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and discourage people from trying a legitimate form of therapeutic care.

You can view the segment with comedian Jim Gaffigan on the CBS News website HERE. In case you watched the segment and it made you question the validity of massage therapy or the motives of licensed massage therapists, I’m happy to address some of his commentary here.

“Massages are decadent and weird. They’re always from strangers. We get massages from strangers because we can’t count on the people who love us to touch us.”
~Jim Gaffigan

Misconception: Massage is Only a Luxury

Maybe taking the time out for a massage DOES feel decadent. We have busy lives, we have other financial obligations, and many of us have gotten horrible at self-care. The human race needs to stop shaming people for taking care of themselves. I’ll keep saying it until I don’t need to anymore… What you give to all of your obligations and the people you care about is only as good as what you allow back in. When your body finally gives out, who will take care of all of it then?

Your massage therapist doesn’t have to be a stranger. I personally love meeting my clients ahead of time, and if you want to meet at the office and ask questions before you schedule an appointment, I’m happy to do that. Check out massage therapists at local events when they are offering chair massages, it’s a great way to try out their massage style, meet them, and put a person behind the name.

As much as we might love touch from the people we love, it’s true that often the best we can hope for is the occasional shoulder or foot massage. A licensed massage therapist has studied long hours to learn about muscles and systems of the body, how they all work, and what types of massage work best for particular issues. Not to mention, they learn how not to hurt you and how to avoid areas where they could damage nerves or even bone.

“What do we know about massage therapists? They like to rub strangers for money while they listen to the “Avatar” soundtrack. That’s a red flag. Those are the traits of a serial killer.”
~Jim Gaffigan

Misconception: Massage Therapists are Only In It for the Money

Most licensed massage therapists are members of a national organization such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). These organizations maintain a code of ethics that defines ethical and professional conduct. States have their own laws and rules for licensing massage therapists. You can read Maine’s here, or search for your state’s massage therapy licensing laws. Choosing an individual who has gone through the rigors of schooling and licensing will keep you much safer than going to someone who has not.

More importantly, YOU are in control of your massage. TALK to your massage therapist. Call them ahead of time, ask questions. Ask questions when you get there. Ask them DURING the massage if you don’t understand something they are doing. If you don’t like something they are doing, tell them to stop. If you want the session to end, tell them.

Misconception: I’m Overexposed During a Massage

When you come to my office for a massage, you are always appropriately covered with a sheet or blanket. This enables you to fully undress (or undress to your comfort level) for your massage while maintaining modesty. If you have any concerns about undressing, please don’t hesitate to talk to me about it. I leave the room and allow you to undress and get under the covers in privacy. During your massage, I’ll uncover only the part I am working on and leave the rest of you covered.

Many people get into massage therapy because they genuinely want to help people. Massage can increase your mobility, improve your circulation, reduce pain, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. What is weird and decadent about that?