LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Body Works |
by Gregory Myers |
In the last issue, I discussed the effects of massage. In this issue I'll try to answer the question, "What are the types of massage you can receive?" Well, the most common form of massage is called "Swedish Massage" and was essentially codified by Per Henrik Ling in the 1800's. But, it's very important to understand that massage and other forms of hands on health care have been around since we first began touching one another! Swedish Massage is a system of mostly superficial muscular techniques which serve to relax muscular tension and improve circulation of the body's fluid systems. Another form of massage includes Deep Tissue Therapy and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), both of which focus on relieving neuromuscular pain at specific areas (this is what a massage therapist will do when you tell her or him that your shoulders are really sore or tight). This technique will begin with some superficial Swedish Massage techniques, but the therapist will use deeper and more specific techniques to work more deeply into a specific area as a means to relieve muscular tension contributing to acute pain. Then there are all the different types of connective tissue therapies such as Rolfing, Myofascial Release, and Structural Integration. These techniques are often misconstrued as being painful, but this is not necessarily the case. And perhaps this is an appropriate time to discuss the "no pain, no gain" issue. It is my belief that it DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAINFUL TO WORK! When receiving any form of bodywork, the deeper strokes should hurt good. You know what this feels like, it's that thin line where you just say, "OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh!" If you say, "OWWWWW!" Then something isn't right. And this brings us back to the issue of "empowerment." You should ALWAYS feel empowered to tell your massage practitioner when something hurts. Ask them to lighten the touch or to move more slowly. If you are seeing someone who consistently ignores these requests, well, I'd look for a new practitioner. Now, back to connective tissue therapy: this form of therapy focuses on the connective tissue structures of the body, in particular the "myofascia." This is a continuous fabric of tissue beginning at the deep layer of the skin, surrounding and investing within all of the muscles and continues into the tendons, ligaments, and even the bones! Through trauma and chronic habitual patterns of use, our body's connective tissues become adapted and will shorten in areas and lengthen in others. This restricts the body's muscles from having their fullest potential for movement, and presents us with issues of pain, tenderness, and aches. Through the slow stretching and accompanying movements inherent in connective tissue therapy, these tissues are brought back into balance. The results from connective tissue therapy can often times be very dramatic, sometimes rather subtle. The benefit, however, is more mobility, decreased pain, and improved functioning of the body's systems. Finally, there are certain forms of massage that are geared for specific populations. Sports-massage, this is no longer just for the pros; the weekender can benefit too. Come down to the mid-Atlantic Lifeguard competition on July 14th if you want to see this in action! Pregnancy massage is dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of the pregnant Mom (and includes teaching Dad some techniques for partner massage, as well as using massage in the delivery roomAWESOME!!). Infant Massage is an extraordinary technique which has been shown to improve nearly all the infants' systems, and is a wonderful technique for fathers to physically bond with their children. Pet massageyes it really is happening! And all sorts of massage techniques for physical challenges and different health challenges such as cancer, HIV infection, MS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and the like. Now, what should you expect from your therapist? First, choose a therapist by asking your friends for some referrals or check with your other health care providers. Word of mouth is definitely the way to go. And if you're not comfortable with a particular therapist, that's ok. Generally, they'll be understanding; I certainly know I'm not going to be able to meet the needs of all the people who come into my massage practice, and I'll try to refer them to someone who I think might be more suited to their needs. The therapist will have you fill out a health and lifestyle questionnaire, then they'll ask you to describe what's going on in your body. This will include where you generally hold tension as well as what areas of your body are complaining. Then they will leave the room while you disrobe (most clients will remove all clothing, some prefer to keep on some of their underclothingthe key is you should feel COMFORTABLE, if you don't you won't be able to relax!). Then you'll lie on the massage table (we prefer to not call it a "bed"), and UNDER a sheet. During the massage, through a system known as "draping," the practitioner will expose parts of your body to be massaged, while leaving the rest of your body covered. This is not only for modesty's sake, but as you relax and your muscles contract less, your body temperature will begin to drop. If you begin to chill, ask your therapist for a blanket. Generally at some point in time, you will be asked to turn over, so the therapist can massage portions of your other side. Now, let's talk body parts: A woman's breast tissue is generally not exposed nor massaged. The exception to this rule is for lymphatic drainage massage for women who are at risk for cancer or are recovering from cancerAND REQUEST THIS PARTICULAR KIND OF WORK. The therapist should be trained specifically in lymphatic drainage technique. Some clients will also request that particular areas NOT be addressed. This generally includes the abdomen and gluteal (butt) region as well as the feet (some people are just too ticklish). You should, once again, feel empowered to tell your practitioner what areas you want worked as well as those you do not! Once the session is over, the practitioner will again leave the room while you get dressed. Price ranges for the session in this area generally fall in the $50.00-$75.00 range. Some practitioners accept tips, some don't: if they're working for a salon or a group practice, they probably get anywhere from 50-80% of the fee. I would personally always tip them; if they work for themselves, they'll tell you if they accept or don't when it's offered. Since I use a sliding scale for clients who might not be able to afford my usual $60.00 fee, I do accept tipsI figure it all works out in the end! If you liked your session with this practitioner, you might want to schedule your next appointment. I suggest my clients schedule again in two weeks, and then see how that feels. Some clients come weekly, some every other week, some monthly. The benefit of seeing a client repeatedly is that I get to understand their body much more intimately, and therefore bring a variety of techniques to the table to meet the ever-changing needs! Rehoboth is a great area for bodywork. We have at last count about a dozen bodywork practitioners right here in town. So ask your friends who they see, and give one of them a call. It may be the best call you make! Next Issue: Energy workthe esoteric forms of bodywork explained in simple language! Gregory Myers, LMT is a dancer/choreographer and bodyworker. He has a private practice in Rehoboth Beach and is a faculty member of the Baltimore School of Massage. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 10, July 30, 1999 |