What is a massage therapist job?

May 18, 2012

A massage therapist is a professional who performs massage and bodywork. The field of massage therapy is quite large, running the gamut from therapists who perform basic Swedish massage to people trained in more esoteric fields like trigger point. A massage therapist’s goal is usually to relax his or her client while promoting general health and well being. Some branches of massage therapy are focused on treating specific health conditions, and on addressing congenital muscular problems.Image

People have been performing massage and bodywork on each other for thousands of years. A friendly human touch is believed to be important to psychological as well as physical health. Several cultures have developed their own distinctive branches of bodywork, such as lomi lomi in Hawaii and Shiatsu in Japan. Bodywork is often integrated into a greater holistic healing practice, like Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many people around the world consider massage as an important part of their personal health and beauty regimen.

As part of a massage therapist’s job, he or she works with a wide range of clients. Many people seek massage therapy purely for relaxation and comfort, but some people come to a massage therapist for deeper work. A massage therapist uses his or her training to treat clients on an individual basis. He or she may work as a freelancer or in a spa or medical clinic, charging varying fees for different services. Some therapists offer additional services like facials, and body treatments to supplement their massage practices.     Philadelphia Massage Studio
CAMAC CENTER at 12TH ST GYM
204 SOUTH 12TH ST
Philadelphia p.a. 19107. center city, cc

Massage and me!

May 17, 2012


I am a license massage therapist and wrestled since I was 6 years old. Being exposed to how the body moves at such an early age helped me tremendously. I have put on many different faces in my life. I was an H.V.A.C mechanic, direct tv technician but Massage I was completely in love. There is nothing better than work in which you serve and help others. It is endlessly rewarding.
As a certified massage therapist for 10 plus years, each and every patient presents with different problems, a different health history, different symptoms. I have to listen very carefully and try to decipher the root of their problems. For instance, if 5 people came in for headaches, they would most likely be treated in 5 different ways. It is like a puzzle and definately intellectually stimulating.

Then, I get the chance to put my training into practice and give a treatment. I’ve been doing this since 2004, but still, every day is interesting Philadelphia massage studio.

People usually only come to massage after having exhausted their other options. Once they come and get a massage, I believe they will feel awesome for days.

When they improve, it is incredibly rewarding. There is nothing better than helping people. It is not like work. I put in long hours, but I choose to do so, and it is not difficult, because I enjoy it!  http://www.philadelphiamassagestudio.com

Massage therapy isn’t just for spas anymore!

February 8, 2012

Treat yourself to a relaxing and therapeutic massage! Massage therapy can be an integral part of your health maintenance program. It promotes relaxation, helps relieve sore muscles and back pain, and enhances athletic performance. It is an excellent self-awareness tool. Our massage therapists are all certified by an accredited massage therapy school and have completed a minimum 720 instructional hours in massage therapy and its many techniques.

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Take a look at our new studio. Located in the heart of Philadelphia. To contact us please call 267-694-9360 or you can visit us 1211 suite 236 vine st Philadelphia PA 19107. http://www.philadelphiamassagestudio.com

What is considered a “good” massage?

January 31, 2012

This is to educate my readers about what constitutes a “bad massage” and what constitutes a “good massage” and how you can tell the difference. Most of us are lucky and get good massages, but there are some of us that might have been unfortunate enough to receive a “bad massage”. Alot of people do not recognize it when they are getting a bad massage because they think the pain is all part of it. Well, I am here to tell you, there should be NO PAIN in a normal Swedish Massage and most other modalities/therapies. There are certain places on our bodies that a therapist MUST avoid when giving you a massage: heavy pressure on these places could lead to injury or complications to your health. So, what are these places? Let’s find out!

1.) Your eyes! ( there is no reason for your eyes to be touched or pushed in)

2.) The front of your throat! (Anterior neck)

3.) Breasts (go to a doctor for a mammogram, do not let a therapist touch your breasts, ever, unless a certain treatment is prescibed by their doctor!!!) This does not pertain to men, however, because athletes and bodybuilders need their “pecs” worked on.

4.)Spinous Process or right on the spine. ( This could cause nerve damage to the spinal cord )

5.) Xiphoid Process or you tailbone! This doesn’t feel very good anyway.:)

6.)Budial Fold or…yep, you guessed it…. your buttcrack! There is no reason for the therapist to go near here!

MAJOR CAUTION AREAS

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1) Temporal Area – your temples (light pressure is fine for clockwise rotation rubbing for a headache but no further pressure should be applied)

2) Axillary region – your armpits ( special exception for Acupuncture, acupressure, and Shiatsu: you can find further information later at http://www.philadelphiamassagestudio.com

3) The front of your elbows! Major arteries and blood vessels could be affected.

4) Popliteal Fossa – the back of the knees!

5) Kidneys – area covers T-11 to L-3 ( 11th Thoracic vertebre to the 3rd Lumbar vertebre )

6. Ankles of pregnant women! This is a trigger point and a meridian point and if pressed too hard could induce labor prematurely!

Yes, these places are the danger zones and if your therapist isn’t paying attention and you feel any pain or discomfort in any of these areas, don’t be afraid to speak up and let them know what’s going on!

The therapist is always supposed to ask your permission before working on your glutes.

If any of these occur during your massage or treatment, you have received a “bad massage”. Choose your therapist more carefully next time.🙂 There are very good ones out there with alot of experience, you just have to do your research and not just “inny miney moe” around in the yellow pages. Don’t be lazy and take the initiative! This is your body we are talking about and you need to take care of it the best you can. A good massage every 2 weeks will help you do just that. There are so many great benefits to your health and well being by getting a massage. Here’s how you know you have gotten a good massage:

1.) The therapist respected boundaries while waiting for you to get undressed and on the table.

2.) The therapist regulated your breathing before starting

3.) Upon starting the Effleurage stage the therapist asked you if the pressure was ok.

4.) Therapist used smooth, relaxing strokes applying light to moderate pressure and not going near the danger zones or making you feel uncomfortable.

5. You fell asleep!🙂 This is a very good sign!

That, ladies and gentlemen is how you know you have gotten a “good massage”! Save some “take care of me” money and keep getting those massages and treatments. They will help you feel better, have more energy, be healthier AND happier along with prolonging your life! Thank you for your interest and I hope to see you again soon..

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Philadelphia massage studio.  1211 #236 vine st, philadelphia pa 19107.  Bill Engstrom C.M.T   267-694-9360