It is possible and worthwhile to treat your own trigger points. The Ther-a-Cane and Backbuddy are two commercial products designed to treat trigger points. You can also use a tennis (or other slightly soft) ball, or your hands. Experiment to find what’s most comfortable for you, and use the resources listed below to learn effective, safe techniques. Foam rollers can help relieve trigger points, but are often not specific enough for full relief.
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This is a question that doesn’t even occur to many clients. 60 minutes -- Isn’t that what everyone gets? Actually no, some people get longer massages, some get shorter. Just like determining the frequency you get massage, the length of your massage depends on your particular situation and goals (see my other blog How Often Should I Get A Massage).
Most people have heard that massage relieves the symptoms of stress - but how? First, let’s define stress. A stressor is a situation orevent which upsets your balance and triggers a biochemical reaction called the“flight or fight” or stress response. The stress response helps you either flee from a stressor or stand up and fight. Signs of the stress response include increased perspiration, muscle tension, and heart rate; rapid and shallow breathing, rerouting of blood away from internal organs resulting in slowed digestion. In short, NO! Absolutely not! Many massage therapists have a question on their intake form that asks if you want to avoid specific areas during the massage. Some women check pectoral muscles (aka pecs) because they worry that it involves breast massage, and they don’t see the benefit of massage to these muscles. Clients often ask me how often they should get a massage. A standard recommendation from other massage businesses is once a month. My recommendation will depend on what your goals are for massage. I’ll also carefully consider your individual condition and lifestyle.
Well, not exactly all the way off. But we want to provide a few tips to calm down a busy brain so you can relax during your massage. Many of us have been on the massage table, hoping for a soothing experience, but those wheels in our head keep turning. We're thinking about our grocery list, worrying about work tasks, or perhaps replaying conversations in our minds. Try these tips to refocus on your body and the present moment.
Too much talking during a massage is one of the most commonly cited reasons that clients change therapists, especially when the therapist natters on about their own life and problems. Not relaxing!
Many clients, even those that have been getting massage for years, are unsure exactly how much they should disrobe for their massage. As with so many things, the answer is that it depends. The most important thing is for you to be comfortable and able to relax. It’s also important to remember that no matter you how much you disrobe, during a professional massage, you’ll always be draped with a sheet or towel so only the area being worked on is uncovered. You can also request that certain areas are avoided during massage.
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