| Massage therapy is safe and given in a private | | | | on specific parts of a client's body. They may also |
| place so a client will feel secure. It has been | | | | be held in the therapist's hands to give a massage. |
| around for a very long time so it has many | | | | The stones are usually river rocks that are flat |
| different variations. A person receiving a massage | | | | and even. |
| will choose what type of massage to receive. | | | | When given in a professional setting, a massage |
| Certain equipment and supplies are used during a | | | | will usually be given on a table. The table can be |
| treatment. Physical therapists may incorporate | | | | portable or stationary depending on if a massage |
| massage to help patients heal. When you know | | | | is given in the therapist's office or whether it is |
| what to expect during therapy, the massage is | | | | given in a different location. Clean linens will be on |
| sure to be pleasant and satisfying. | | | | the table. They help provide comfort and help a |
| Before the first massage the therapist will ask | | | | client maintain privacy. A massage therapist uses |
| some questions about a client's health condition | | | | their hands, hand rollers, backnobbers, or a |
| and medical history. The therapist may also ask if | | | | combination to give the massage. Usually |
| any pain is being experienced and if the client is | | | | hypoallergenic lotions, oils, or creams are used |
| under any stress. By answering these questions | | | | during the massage to eliminate friction on skin. |
| honestly, the therapist is able to make sure it is | | | | To facilitate relaxation, the room is kept |
| safe for a client to receive a massage. | | | | comfortably, warm. Often, the lighting is dim and |
| The actual massage is given in a private room. | | | | candles may be lit. Music can be played softly in |
| After a client is shown to a room, they will have | | | | the background. Lightly scented oils, known as |
| the option of unclothing, but only to their level of | | | | aromatherapy are sometimes used to help with |
| comfort. They will then lie on the table under a | | | | the ambiance of the room. |
| sheet or blanket. The therapist will uncover only | | | | Doctors may suggest a patient receive massage |
| the part of the body that is being massaged. | | | | with a physical therapist. Physical therapists can |
| The idea and practice of massage dates back to | | | | incorporate massage to help a patient heal faster. |
| the earliest of times. There are many styles that | | | | A physical therapist uses the same supplies and |
| have been created by different cultures around | | | | equipment that a massage therapist uses. |
| the entire globe. Regardless of what type of | | | | Massage is safe for almost anyone. It is done |
| massage is received the same results are | | | | privately. There are many different styles of |
| achieved. Some notable results are improvement | | | | massage, so there is something for everyone. A |
| of circulation, pain relief, and just good old | | | | patient may receive massage as part of physical |
| relaxation. Swedish massage is one type of | | | | therapy, or as recommended by a doctor. |
| massage that is used very often. Swedish is | | | | Because there are so many different types of |
| characterized by long, flowing, light strokes which | | | | massage, there is sure to be something for |
| are always towards the heart. | | | | everyone. Knowing what to expect during |
| Another well-known massage is stone therapy. | | | | massage therapy may help a client to relax and |
| The therapist will use warm or cold rocks placed | | | | get the most out of a session. |