So this week’s massage therapy topic is on how much pressure is really needed to provide results. Many people shy away from “deep tissue” work because they either had a very bad experience, or they have the impression that “deep tissue” is the same as asking for “deep pressure.”  To be fair, some people really love sensory seeking activities, and their massage should be no different.  However, what is typically necessary to provide effective treatments to your “deeper tissues” is not marked by how much pressure is applied.

There has been, and continues to be, quite the debate in our field about the anatomy of a trigger point, aka a “knot” in our muscles. Through wonderful, continuing research, we are now learning that we are still learning.  Some of the theories include: nerve inflammation, fascial densification and central sensitization.  In fact, I just recently learned that the old theory of ‘lactic acid and calcium ion build-up’ is being thrown out the window entirely. That old theory had massage therapists attempting to apply a deep mechanical pressure on the trigger point to break up the “metabolic waste.” Since we now have a completely different view of the pathology of a myofascial trigger point, we are favoring evidence based techniques that take a more gentle approach.

I have never been a fan of the motto “no pain, no gain” when it refers to massage or bodywork, and my approach has always been to find the least invasive way to treat pain. Sometimes, I feel deep pressure is warranted, however, massage should never leave bruises, or result in days of pain. If this happens to you, please inform your massage therapist of what you experienced.  To avoid this from happening, please keep an open dialog with your massage therapist about the level of pressure you are experiencing during your massage.  Most massage therapists will ask you how the pressure is, encourage you to be honest, and adjust the pressure accordingly. It is a common misconception that if it hurts, it is working. In my ten plus years of experience, I find that the opposite is true.

Kristin Martelli, LMT, BCTMB, CPMT

*This article is for informational purposes only. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This is a common question that serious clients ask. At GROW, we really love when people are involved in the decision process. Our philosophy is that each person is a unique and dynamic individual, with unique and dynamic needs.  With this perspective, we feel that wellness services cannot be offered as a one-size-fits-all method.  So what type of massage is right for you?

First things first. Make sure you are receiving services from a LICENSED professional. Currently, there are laws that govern massage therapy in 46 states. Pennsylvania became a licensed state in 2008. That means it is illegal to practice massage without a license. Many massage therapists, including myself, fought hard for our practice to become a licensed, and respected profession. Higher educational standard have since been required, and an emphasis on continuing education, including advanced modalities, ethics, and research have been integrated into obtaining, and renewing a massage license. You can check to see if someone is licensed to practice massage on the state board of massage therapy’s website by entering their name, and state. If they are not listed, they are not licensed.

Choosing a licensed massage therapist is a basic requirement to ensure you are receiving a professional massage. Some massage therapists have voluntarily taken their practice a step further and obtained Board Certification. These individuals have committed themselves to a higher standard by obtaining the highest credential in our profession today.  You can search for a board certified massage therapist in your area HERE by entering your city and/or state.

With the basics aside, there are still many options to consider when choosing the massage that is right for you.  Are you just looking to relax? Are you injured, or experiencing chronic pain? Are you an athlete looking to step up your game? Maybe you are pregnant, have lymphatic issues, recovering from cancer, or you are looking to help your child with special needs. Each of these situations would require a completely different type of massage, and more importantly, a massage therapist who specializes in that type of modality.

If you are just looking to relax, any licensed massage therapist will do. You will want to look for massages with names like: Swedish, Relaxation, Reiki-Infused Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, etc. The trick to maximizing your experience, is finding a place that best supports your ability to deeply relax. Try different places like spas, clinics, or wellness centers, and see which one provides you the most enriching experience. If that one becomes stale, try another. A professional will never take it personal that you are doing what is in your own best interest.  On that topic, keep an open and honest dialogue with your licensed massage therapist (LMT). An LMT should always be receptive to your needs. Topics like pressure being used, temperature of the room, music choices, etc, are always at your discretion. This is YOUR massage. Don’t ever be afraid to speak up.

For people with an injury, or chronic pain, choose a massage therapist that continues to take advanced continuing education training, and receives additional certifications after becoming licensed. An LMT who does this is committed to learning the most up to date, evidence based techniques in the field.  Certifications like medical massage, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), etc. are a few common specializations. The more practice a therapist has with treating specific conditions, the better he/she will be as well. So be empowered to ask your massage therapists how often he/she has worked on your particular issue, and what was the success rate. An ethical massage therapist will be completely upfront with you, and refer you to another professional if they feel your specific condition is outside their scope of practice or particular expertise.

If you are in a special population such as pregnant, athlete, pediatric, oncology, find a massage therapist that has made a commitment to specializing in that particular field. There are advanced certifications for Sports Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Pediatric Massage, Oncology Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, etc. and you will find that someone who became certified, and specializes in a specific area of expertise is FAR more qualified than someone who only learned the basics in massage school. Again, the more commitment and experience someone has with a particular population, the better your massage will be.  Don’t be afraid to ask  about their training when shopping around for a good massage therapist that best fits your needs.

Advances in the field of massage therapy through research, and higher standards of education, are giving massage a great reputation throughout the medical community.  The benefits of massage go beyond feelings of relaxation, and wellness. As one example, The American College of Physicians and The American Pain Society now include massage as one of their recommendations for treating low back pain, according to guidelines published in 2007. The more you look at the research, the more you see that getting a massage is beneficial for EVERY body.  Through education, and empowerment you can then choose what type of massage is best for you.

Kristin Martelli, LMT, BCTMB, CPMT

www.GreenRidgeWellness.com

Kristin Martelli, LMT, BCTMB, CPMT specializes in medical massage, pediatric massage therapy,  and integrated therapeutic massage (a combination of myofascial release, NMT, and when appropriate, energy work). Kristin has also been doing energy work for over 20 years and finds that it is a great addition to a relaxation massage. Read her full BIO on GROW’s website.