Full Throttle Massage, Inc. - Chattanooga, TN

By: Daniel J Brownell

© Copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues in the human body. Massage therapy is performed to obtain and maintain state of good health. Massage is one of the oldest professions known to man. The first records of massage and healing touch date back to 3000 B.C. The ancient Eastern Cultures were the first to practice massage. Chinese manuscripts, dating back to the first century A.D., are the earliest known documented records of massage.

What Are The Benefits Of Massage and Bodywork?
This list of benefits is not definitive. There are so many benefits, that it would be impossible to list them all here. Below is a list of conditions that massage therapy and bodywork treatments will help by:

• Alleviating low-back pain and improving range of motion.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and over-used muscles.
• Improve systemic circulation.
• Ease dependence of pain and other medication.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts (sports massage).
• Improve the condition of the skin--body’s largest organ.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing new scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Release endorphins that work as the body’s natural pain-killer.
• Relieve migraine pain.

While massage has many benefits there are times when a person is contraindicated for massage.

What The Experts Are Saying
Close to ninety percent of all disease is stress related according to some experts. Stress can age a person both internally and externally faster than anything else. In an ideal world, there would be no stress and anxiety. We don't live in that world. What we do live in, is a fast paced, hurried lifestyle that breeds stress and anxiety. Massage can help manage the pressures, stress and anxiety of todays professional world. Clients have reported a sense of well-being and clarity after receiving a massage. This happens because massage helps promote an emotional balance between the mind and body.

Massage, A Powerful Tool

It doesn't matter how you describe massage therapy and bodywork. Whether it be therapeutic, pampering, rejuvinating, or even good for the soul. The reasons we seek this form of holistic medicine (pain management, stress relief, or a luxurious treat) is for the benefits massage provides. Massage therapy can be a powerful tool in your health-care plan.

Your Benefits Are Increased With Frequent Visits

Receiving massage frequently is more beneficial than you may think. Some people may argue that you don't need frequent massage and bodywork treatments. This could not be farther from the truth. Frequent and regular massage therapy can play a big part in how healthy you feel now, and later in life. Invest in your health by budgeting time and money for bodywork, keep your massage intervals consistent. Massage therapy should be a continuing part of your health care plan. It may feel as though you are pampering yourself, but remember massage is therapeutic. It just happens to have a pleasant side effect, it feels good! Work with your therapist to establish a plan that will best fit your needs.
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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com

By: Daniel J Brownell

© Copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

Undressed? Do I have to take all my clothes off?

Massage is best received fully unclothed. But you may undress to the level of your comfort. What does that mean? If you are not comfortable with removing all your clothes, you may leave some or all of them on. The therapist will adjust the massage to what you leave on. Keep in mind that it will limit the therapist to what techniques may or may not be used. It can effect the over-all outcome of your massage.

But He'll See Me Naked If I Remove All My Clothes!

NO, he won't. A professional massage therapist is bound by standards of practices and codes of ethics to provide draping for you, the client. What do you mean draping? Draping is a technique that uses the sheets on the table to keep all private areas of your body covered at all times. There are techniques used during the draping process that ensures you are not exposed at any time. This is accomplished with a bed/table sheet, pillow case, and/or towels.

How Does Draping Work?

The massage table you will be receiving treatment on, has a full set of bed sheets on it. A bottom sheet you will lay on, and a top sheet you will use to cover yourself with. When the therapist leaves the room, you will undress. You will then get on the massage table between the sheets. Your therapist will give you time to do this. He or she will knock on the door, awaiting your authorization to enter. When you are ready, the therapist will enter the room.

After the therapist re-enters the treatment room, you will receive pillows or bolsters to provide comfort while you are on the table. The therapist will adjust the face cradle and check with you for anything else you may need at this time.

During the massage, your therapist will lift back the top sheet exposing only the area he or she is working on. What does that mean? If the therapist is working on your back, the sheet will be pulled down exposing your back for treatment. When the treatment is complete, your back will be re-covered. Your therapist will move on to a new area of your body. That area will be uncovered (ie: gluts, leg, arm), receive bodywork and then recovered. This will continue in this fashion throughout the massage.

How Do I Turn Over To Have The Other Side Of My Body Massaged

Your therapist will help you turn over on the massage table. The technique for this is simple. Using his legs, the therapist will "pin" one side of the top sheet to the edge of the massage table. Then reaching over your body, he will hold the other side of the sheet. Lifting the sheet slightly to form a "tent." This provides room for you to roll over, all the while without being exposed.

I'm A Female And Want My Stomach Massaged. How Will This Be Done Without Exposing My Breasts?

This is where the therapist uses the extra towels or pillow cases. The pillow case will be placed over your breasts, on top of the sheet that is covering you. The sheet will then be slid out from underneath the pillow case. The pillow case remains in place, covering your breasts. The sheet is pulled further down to expose your stomach for treatment. After the bodywork is complete, the sheet is returned to it's original position. This time it will be placed on top of the pillow case. The pillow case will be removed from under the sheet.

See our draping photos for a visual view of draping parctices and techniques.

I Still Don't Understand Why I Have To Undress Completely

Your body and the muscles that control all of your body's movement are a complex system. Do you remember that old song about your bones? "My toe bone's connected to my foot bone. My foot bone's connected to my leg bone. My leg bone's connected to my thigh bone." If you remember this song, it is probably playing through your head now. Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues (such as muscles) of your body. You can replace the word "bone" in that old song with muscle. Although it is a little more complex than that song, you can get a little mental picture of how your muscle structure is connected throughout your body.

I'm going to use low back pain (the most common complaint) for an example as to why massage is best received fully unclothed. Most of your back muscles are connected to the top edge of your pelvic girdle. Your gluteal muscles are also connected to the top edge of your pelvic girdle. While your back muscles extend from the pelvic girdle upwards, your gluteal muscles extend from pelvic girdle downwards. If your "gluts" are tight, they are pulling on the top of your pelvic girdle. This in turn, is pulling on your low back muscles. You are feeling the pain in your low back. It is not the "cause" of your pain, it's the result.

To relieve low back pain, your massage therapist may have to work on your gluteal muscles. While this can be accomplished with clothing on, it limits the techniques the therapist can use. It is not as thorough and will take longer (more visits to the therapist) to achieve the desired results. If your clothing is completely removed, your therapist can use a variety of techniques. Achieving more positive results in a shorter time.

Communicate With Your Therapist

All aspects of massage therapy requires communication between the therapist and the client. Draping is a big concern for most clients. Do not be afraid to talk with your therapist about draping techniques. Your comfort and understanding is a top priority of your therapist.

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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com

By: Daniel J Brownell

© Copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

You slept wrong last night and your neck is stiff and sore. Maybe you have been working in the garden all weekend and your back hurts from being bent over. You are under a lot of stress from your job and can't seem to relax or sleep at night. A friend suggested you get a professional massage to help ease the pain. It sounded like a great idea, but you have never been to a massage therapist. You are a little apprehensive because you are not sure what to expect.

If you are reading this, you have taken the first (and right) step to improving your health and well-being. There are many benefits of massage. But how does it work? What really happens in a massage therapist office?

What are all these forms? I just want a massage.

In a professional massage therapist office, the first step to receiving a beneficial massage will be the filling out of some basic forms. They include a client intake form, a health history, and an informed consent form.

• The Client Intake Form This form will tell your massage therapist some key information about you. It will let the therapist know what areas of concern you have (ie: back pain, stiff neck, leg pain, etc.). If you are under a doctors care for anything that may be important to the outcome of the massage. It also informs the therapist if you have ever had a professional massage.
• The Health History Form Why do I have to fill out a health history form? It is very important for you, and the massage therapist, that this form be filled out completely. It informs the therapist of any medical condition that may dictate the use of a certain massage technique, or a technique that may be contraindicated (should not be used).
• The Informed Consent This form is more of a legal form than anything else. It is for your protection as well as the therapist. It gives the therapist written permission to perform a massage.

Okay, I filled out the forms, what's next?

Your therapist will take you to the massage treatment room. Before the massage begins the two of you will discuss your concerns and health history in a little interview. This interview usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. This is when you and your therapist will start to get to know each other. You will discuss your expectations of the massage. Your health history, if there is information that will determine the massage techniques used during the massage. This is a good time to ask your therapist questions. After the interview, the massage therapist will leave the room so you can get undressed.
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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com

By Daniel J. Brownell
© copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

Massage therapy is becoming recognized by other health care professionals as viable source of treatment for stress and chronic pain management. It is a holistic approach that will improve an individual’s health and well being.  Now that you have decided to try massage therapy; you need to make an informed decision as to what type of establishment and who would best suit your needs.

First, you must decide what type of massage therapy office you want. Will you be comfortable going to a “spa” that provides a lot of frills and extra’s. These establishments are alright, but you will probably have additional charges for the extras; or the extras will be in “built in” to the price of the massage. This is nice, and preferred by some people because they like to be pampered. The other side of the coin is a professional massage therapy office. These establishments are usually simple in design, clean, and comfortable. Anyone will feel at ease when entering one of these establishments. A benefit of a professional massage therapy office is the services are priced lower, because the office has a lower overhead compared to day spas.

The massage establishment has been chosen, now you have to choose a therapist. The first thing to consider is will you be more comfortable with a male or female therapist. This is strictly a personal preference, but it can limit your choice of massage establishments. Not all places will have both male and female therapists available.

After deciding on the preferred gender of your therapist; now it’s time to do some research. First, ask friends, family, and co-workers if they can recommend a good therapist. These personal referrals are some of your best starting points; but keep in mind, massage is very personal and what one person likes another may not like.

Most states require licensure for massage therapists. Check your states laws, if it is required, then make sure the therapist you choose is licensed. You can also easily check if the therapist has had any complaints lodged against them through the state massage board.

Meet your therapist. This can be done in person (the preferred method) or you can talk to him/her over the phone. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Asking how long they have been practicing is ok, but a better question is to ask how many massages the therapist has performed. Now don’t expect an exact number, but a ballpark figure will suffice. The reason for asking this question, in this manner, is some therapists do more massages than other therapists. A therapist who has only been in practice for a year may have more actual hands on experience than someone who has been in practice for 2 or 3 years.

Some additional questions to consider asking:
1.    What certifications do you hold?
2.    What type of draping techniques do you practice?
3.    What massage modalities do you use?
4.    What kind of lotion/ oil do you use?
5.    How long does the massage session last?
6.    What is the cost of a session?
7.    Do you offer package deals or specials?
8.    What type of payment is accepted? (cash, check, credit card)
9.    Do you have references?

Professional massage therapy is an intimate form of holistic medicine. There will be some things can not be asked; they have to be felt intuitively. Do you feel a connection with the therapist you have chosen? Does the therapist exhibit confidence in himself/ herself? Do you feel comfortable with the therapist? It doesn’t matter what credentials the therapist has, if you don’t feel comfortable, you will not be able to relax during your session. The client/ therapist relationship is similar to patient/ doctor relationships. They are built on trust.

After your massage therapy session you should evaluate your experience. Did the therapist treat you as you expected? Did you feel comfortable during the massage? Was it a positive experience? Would you recommend the therapist? If you answered yes to these questions, you should relay your feelings to your therapist. This can be done by leaving a gratuity, booking another appointment, or leaving a written testimonial/ thank you note.

Choosing a massage therapist should not be taken lightly. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Trust your intuition above all else. Communication between you and your massage therapist should be open and free. A good professional massage therapist will meet your needs, make you feel comfortable, and treat you with respect.

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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com