When Massage Hurts

Often new clients will make comments like "You can't push hard enough", "I like really deep work", "It's ok if it hurts as long as it helps me", or my favorite "No pain, no gain right?"

What I really think my clients are really trying to tell me by this is "I want you to find where it hurts and address the problem."

Many of my clients may have experienced a general massage treatment that does not address the specific area what needs work or a massage that includes a lot of intense specific pressure that may bruise tissue yet still missing the area that needs attention leaving the client feeling like they need more pressure.

Massage can be ineffective or even cause more harm than good.

Orthopedic massage addresses the bodies muscles and connective tissue. When applied effectively it should include a number of important elements.

Effective listener: The therapist listening skills go a long way toward understanding what areas need work.

Great assessment: Assessment skills are also an important part of solving the clients orthopedic problems.

Effective Technique: The right massage technique, the ability to treat each area specifically, a great knowledge of anatomy, and experience with a wide variety of orthopedic conditions are all important parts of effective treatment.

Appropriate pressure: I like to tell my clients if the discomfort they feel causes them to tense up or interrupts their normal breath pattern it is to much. Also if the tissue is not letting go or the pressure doesn't feel like it fades after a few seconds then progress is not being made. The right amount of pressure can make all the difference in effective massage release.

Presence and focus: Nothing is worse than getting a massage from a therapist who is lacking focus. An effective massage treatment requires thoughtful and well directed energy on the part of the therapist. If you experience this in a massage you will know the difference.

Knowledge of limitations: If massage cannot effectively help the clients condition they need to know it. Solving orthopedic problems must involve a holistic approach to treatment. This means encouraging the client to get treatment that is appropriate for their condition.

In conclusion the most effective massage work must include, the right amount of pressure, using the best technique, applied to the specific areas of the body that need attention.

www.benkingmassage.com

Muscles need pure water

Our bodies need a lot more water than most people think.

Within one day our body needs half our body weight in ounces.
For instance if you weighed 150 pounds you would need to drink 75
ounces of water per day.

Exercise takes more water. For ever half hour of exercise our body needs another 8 ounces of water.

Increased energy, improved circulation, improved digestive function, reduction of muscle tension and pain, and improved flexibility are just a few of the ways water improves your body's overall health.

Hands of Hope Massage