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