http://www.amtamassage.org/etouch/CONSUMER17.html#1

THE KNEAD FOR TOUCH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING A MASSAGE

By Diana M. Abatecola, NCLMT

We need touch to survive. What people don’t realize is that the need for touch begins during infancy. Massage therapy is specialized touch developed through advanced educational training.
What can one expect from a massage session? First, the client will be asked to complete a medical history. Massage therapists need to know if the client has any medical conditions or is taking any medication that may contraindicate the massage. Massage works with the blood flow in the body, so it will alter the effect of any medication taken close to the session.
Once a medical history is documented, the therapist will review it with the client and find out how he or she currently feels, the reason for the visit and what expectations there may be. The therapist will then create a plan for the massage session and explain the techniques to be used. Only the area being massaged is exposed. A client’s privacy is respected at all times. The client will be asked to undress to a personal level of comfort and lie on a massage table, fully covered at all times. If the client does experience discomfort, he or she should let the therapist know immediately and the therapist will adjust the pressure accordingly. A client has the right to stop the massage at any time.
Massage therapy works with all the systems of the body, and increases blood and lymph flow, thereby improving the functioning of the immune system. Massage gives people more energy and aids in the removal of metabolic wastes that cause muscles to fatigue. It can aid in digestion, colitis and constipation. It also can help with conditions such as depression, arthritis and fibromyalgia.
By increasing blood flow, it provides organs and muscles the nutrients needed to perform efficiently, allowing joints to move more freely with less restriction.
Massage is great for athletes; it can prepare them for an event, relax them after it or get them back in action after an injury. It is a great modality in conjunction with chiropractic care and physical therapy. Massage helps the body recuperate efficiently.
Sometimes areas of the body get tight and people experience pain. However, the pain felt might not be where the problem originates. The root of the problem might be stemming from another area. This is called referral pain. An example of this is a headache. There is a pressure point located near the junction of the neck and shoulder. When this area is extremely tight, it causes referral pain up the back of the neck and along the side of the head to the temporal area (the area near the ear and eye). To relieve the pain, therapists will instruct clients to focus on their breathing, while the therapist applies techniques such as kneading movements to the area of tension or direct pressure to the pressure point. This facilitates blood to flow to the area which relaxes the muscles and decreases the severity of the headache.
To understand pressure points, think of a valve that has built up so much pressure it’s going to burst. To release the pressure, the valve needs to be opened up gradually. With a headache, pressure builds in the head because muscles shorten and contract, restricting blood supply. Massage applied at a slow pace with a gradual increase in pressure will break down barriers, allow adequate flow and thereby regulate blood pressure.
It is important for the therapist and client to trust each other. A client should ask questions prior to the start of the session to set their mind at ease and thereby encourage relaxation. During the massage the client should focus on breathing and relaxation. This will lead to a feeling of  being energized and refreshed.
The credentials of all licensed massage therapist are always available. In many states, massage therapists must pass a National Certification Exam to be licensed. Each state has different requirements.
I am a Nationally Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Massage Instructor who has been providing specialized massage techniques and bodywork modalities to help alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms and stress. I care about my clients and do my best to promote health and wellness.

MY CREDENTIALS INCLUDE:
 • Associates Degree in Applied Science
 • Certificate in Therapeutic Massage
 • Certified in Muscle Release Technique
 • Certified in Sports Massage
 • Certified in Myofascial Release
 • Certified as a Reiki Master
 • Certified in European Stone Massage
 • Certified in Cranial-Sacral Fundamentals
 • Certified in Ethics for the Massage Practice
 • Certified in Ethics: Practice Management
 • Certified in Ethics: Therapeutic Relationships
 • Certified in Infectious Diseases: HIV/Aids
 • Certified in First Aid and CPR
 • Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage
   and bodywork (NCBTMB)
 • State of Rhode Island Therapeutic Massage    License
 • Professional Member of the American Massage 
   Therapy Association (AMTA)