Trauma Touch Therapy^TM 

• What is Swedish Massage?
• Does massage hurt?
• How much of my body will be massaged?
• Do I have to get undressed to receive massage?
• Is massage therapy covered by insurance?
• Is massage safe for everyone?
• How do I find a good massage therapist?

What is Swedish Massage?

Most massage therapists receive their basic training in Swedish massage - a systematic application of smooth strokes, vibration, kneading, and compression that relaxes and rejuvenates the muscle tissue of the body.

The label "Swedish" comes from a nineteenth century Swedish physical therapy program that included massage techniques; but modern Swedish massage is actually a blend of techniques that were developed by physicians and physical therapists throughout Northern Europe.

Swedish massage is much more than a "back rub" or "the fluff treatment." A well-trained therapist uses her strokes to precisely address tension patterns, tracing the length of the specific muscles to assess their tone and encouraging fresh circulation in areas where blood flow is constricted by tension.

As muscles receive a fuller measure of oxygen and nutrients, their flexibility improves while the pain of constriction decreases. Lactic acid and other cellular waste products are washed from the tissues into circulation. Lymph flow is enhanced, boosting the efficiency of the immune system. As normalcy is restored, the nervous system is calmed, breathing slows, and deep relaxation occurs.

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Does massage hurt?

In the course of a massage, the therapist will probably find areas of tenderness or pain. The level of pain will depend entirely on the therapist's techniques. Receiving Swedish massage strokes in those areas often creates a very satisfying sensation of "good pain." If, however, a client has to hold her breath, furrow her brow, or tense her body to endure the pain, she needs to ask the therapist to decrease the pressure or try a different technique. Severe pain triggers the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream, which is hardly the goal of massage therapy.

Some massage techniques involve deep pressure that can be very painful, yet they have long-term benefits that may outweigh the short-term discomfort. A responsible therapist will always explain the benefits of painful procedures and allow the client to accept or decline such procedures.

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How much of my body will be massaged?

The extent of a massage will depend on several factors, including the length of the session, the specific need for treatment, the techniques used, and the client's comfort level with touch.

When there is an injury or condition to be addressed, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need for treatment of other body areas that are affected by an injury, such as when a sprained ankle forces the opposite leg to bear all the stress of walking and weight-bearing.

When a Swedish massage is sought for relaxation, it is important for the client and the therapist to discuss and agree upon the areas to be massaged. The term "full body massage" will mean different things to different therapists. Typically, a full Swedish massage will include the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, and feet; but some therapists may also offer treatment of the face, chest, abdomen, or hips.

The genital region will never be undraped or touched by the therapist. If other areas seem equally private to a client, she must inform the therapist of her unwillingness to receive touch in those areas. Massage therapists understand that even such public areas as hands or elbows may be emotionally or physically sensitive areas for a given client. No one should ever accept touch that feels "wrong" to her in any way, nor should she feel pressured to offer a detailed explanation for her sensitivity.

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Do I have to get undressed to receive massage?

Swedish massage is traditionally applied to bare skin, lubricated with oil, cream, or lotion. This doesn't mean that the client's modesty is ever compromised. Massage therapists drape their clients with a large sheet or towel (often both), carefully undraping only one area of the body at a time as the need arises. The legs, for instance, are treated separately, so the lower body is never undraped all at once. Therapists who offer massage of the abdomen or the hips have been trained to address those areas with very respectful undraping techniques.

While many clients have no qualms about removing all of their clothing, some prefer to leave on their undergarments, or even some of their outer clothing. Some massage techniques are impossible to apply through clothing; but therapists who are trained in "onsite massage" (frequently offered at health fairs, airports, and malls) have many effective treatment options for fully clothed clients. Onsite massage is usually done on a portable massage chair. This is an excellent introduction to massage therapy for those who are nervous about disrobing. Many people come away with a greater trust in the therapist's role and go on to schedule appointments for Swedish massage.

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Is massage therapy covered by insurance?

A steadily growing number of insurance companies are acknowledging the health benefits of massage therapy. At this time, massage is most likely to be covered as treatment for a specific injury or condition, or when it is prescribed by a physician. The number of allowable treatments may or may not be limited. Coverage may also depend upon the licensure and/or credentials of the therapist.

Insurance companies that cover chiropractic treatment will often cover massage as well when treatment is rendered and billed through a chiropractic clinic. The same may be true for hospital-based massage therapy programs.

If insurance coverage is essential for you, check with your insurance company before scheduling an appointment for massage to be sure that they will cover the type of massage treatment and the practitioner from whom you wish to seek it.

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Is massage safe for everyone?

For most people, massage therapy is very safe and beneficial. As with any treatment, however, certain precautions must be taken.

Massage therapy has a profound effect on many of the body's systems. Some of those effects are documented by research while others are still only partially understood. Some are beneficial for almost everyone; others depend entirely upon the health profile of the client.

For these reasons, well-trained massage therapists interview their clients prior to their first session to determine whether any existing health conditions or medications may challenge the safety of massage treatment. Often, even in the presence of such challenges, massage therapy may still be an option with modifications or in cooperation with other forms of health care. However, some conditions (such as unregulated hypertension or a systemic infection) are clear contraindications for massage.

Massage therapy should never be a substitute for primary health care by a physician. Physicians should always be made aware when a patient is receiving massage therapy, especially when an injury or a health condition is present.

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How do I find a good massage therapist?

Only about half of the states in the USA require licensure of massage therapists -- and regulations vary tremendously among those states. In many phone books, trained massage therapists are listed side by side with adult entertainment services. The consumer may be rightfully confused and fearful about seeking legitimate massage treatment.

There are several national associations and boards that have established standards for massage therapy. The links below provide referrals for consumers. Each organization refers only to its own members.

• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
• Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
• American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
• International Massage Association (IMA)

When such referrals fail to produce local options for you, you may wish to ask the following questions of the massage practitioners in your town:

• Do you practice therapeutic massage? (The word "therapeutic" is a term that distinguishes a legitimate massage therapist from a purveyor of adult entertainment. Watch for it in a therapist's advertising.)
• How long have you been in practice?
• Where did you receive your training?
• How many hours of training did you complete before beginning your practice? (Five hundred clock hours is becoming the industry standard.)
• In which techniques have you been trained? (Ask for more details if you are not familiar with the techniques named.)
• Are you certified in any techniques? (Certification indicates that the therapist has met a standard set by an association, school, or instructor. It is not the same thing as a license, and it may not always mean a high level of expertise; but it does indicate that some training has occurred.)
• Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients?
• Have you been trained to recognize contraindications for massage?
• Are you a member of any professional organizations?
• Do you regularly seek continuing education?

Referrals from other local health care providers or from friends may also assist in the search for a good therapist. Bear in mind, however, that a massage that felt great to your friend may in fact be quite dangerous for you if the therapist is not trained to recognize the relevance of your particular health condition. Look for a good blend of practical skills and professional knowledge

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