The back is a sensitive region and the slightest bit of damage can leave you suffering for years to come. Preventative measures are the best cure for pains and ailments with a good massage being the best solution. Finding the right place to get this massage and knowing exactly how to target the problem areas helps the healing proceed smoothly. Read the tips given below and you’ll be able to locate and communicate with the best masseuse in your area.
If you decide to get a massage in the comfort of your own home, take a hot shower first. The hot water will help relax your muscles through the penetrating heat. This will ensure that your massage is more comfortable and any aches or pains are eliminated before the start.
If you suffer from back pain, especially in your lower back, having regular massages could be very beneficial. Having a professional relax your muscles can really work wonders and prevent you from further back injuries. It can also help with back spasms, which can be very painful and sometimes debilitating.
If you consistently get pain in your muscles, get a book that discusses the body’s trigger point or have your massage therapist teach you all about neuromuscular therapy. Trigger points are tiny knots which happen when muscles become knotted. Pain can be sent elsewhere from these points. Books on skilled massages and trigger point therapy may help you eliminate these points.
One of the most important things to consider when you are giving your massage to someone is to make sure that the environment is up to par. Try to keep things comfortable and use towels to soften the area that the person you are massaging will be lying on top of.
Make sure the person you give a massage to is comfortably installed. Ideally, you should use a massage table or at least a comfortable mat. If you do not have this equipment, have the person lay down on a comfortable couch or a supportive mattress. Make sure their head is properly supported.
An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.
If your baby is having a difficult time sleeping, give massage a try. Massage is relaxing and easy for any parent to do. Just rest the baby on your lap and rub the back, arms, legs and neck gently. You can even use a little oil to make the massage more enjoyable.
If you experience stress or other negative emotions, you should try massaging specific points of your body. Target your nerve endings to get your body to relax. Sensitive nerve endings are located along your spine, the top of your head and in different parts of your face. You should try gently tapping on the top of your head, your forehead, cheeks and chin before taking a deep breath.
The speed of your hands is important for the kind of massage you are trying to give. If you are looking for a massage to relax your partner, go for slow strokes. If you are looking to work out tired muscles that have been over exerted, faster strokes work better.
If your goal is to calm the massage recipient, use movements that are slow. If you move your hands too fast or generally attack the back, you’ll definitely not create a relaxing atmosphere! Instead focus on being calm yourself. Slow down your pace and move slowly but deliberately. Wait for cues from the massage recipient as to whether to speed up or slow down even more.
Training to become a massage therapist takes time. Begin by performing massages on a friend or family member. Then, ask them how you did. Feel free to practice on friends and relatives.
When you are giving someone a massage, avoid talking. If someone wants to relax while getting a massage, having someone talking the whole time can make it difficult to do so. There should be no sound, except possibly some nature sounds or soft music. Try to keep things very silent otherwise.
Before you give a massage, stretch all of the areas that you are planning to use. This means that you will need to stretch your fingers, arms, neck, back and legs so that you can reduce cramps during your massage and get all areas involved. If you are providing a long massage session, stretching is imperative.
There is no real dress code when you decide to go out and get a massage. If you are concerned about dressing appropriate, speak with the spa or your message therapist beforehand. By addressing clothing concerns, you can ensure that you won’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable during your massage. If there is an area you also don’t want massaged like your behind, tell the therapist before starting.
Be on time, or a little early. Besides being good etiquette, being punctual can actually help your massage be effective. When you are running late, you are usually in a frenzied state, increasing stress levels and putting your body on edge. In a massage, this means it will take you longer to unwind and you may not get all of the benefits of a relaxing rub down.
A sports massage is a great way to feel better before or after a game. They help improve your overall performance by reducing tension and strain. This kind of a massage is more forceful than most massages and can really help your circulation out because it’s more rough.
Finding a great massage parlor can be difficult with all of the slummy, low-quality parlors available in most large towns. These tips provide a good set of guidelines for reducing the number of candidates to personally consider. With a smaller list of potential masseuses, you can personally visit each business and make a commitment based on experience.
