Top 10 Massage Therapy Questions and Answers
Ask the 37 million Americans who get a therapeutic massage at least once a year, and most will tell you massages rival nirvana in terms of bliss. The idea of placing your nearly naked body into unknown hands - which maybe hasn't happened since a doctor spanked your baby bottom in the delivery room after you were born - can be intimidating to some new clients. More than just being relaxing, massages have been shown by promising clinical research to help relieve lower back pain, reduce anxiety and depression, support immunity and even reduce pain in postoperative cancer patients. In fact, 30 percent of massage clients say they go primarily for their own health benefits. For those new to massage, these answers to 10 frequently asked questions will ensure you have an "awesome" experience.

1. Do I have to get naked?
Absolutely not. The phrase every massage therapist learns is "Please undress to your level of comfort". Although many clients disrobe completely, many also choose to leave on their underwear, shorts or bra. Massage Therapists are trained in the art of draping, which involves adjusting a sheet and/or blanket so that only the body part being worked on is exposed. If being in your knickers still sounds uncomfortable, consider acupressure, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Cranial - Sacral massage, modalities in which you remain clothed.

2. How much does massage cost?
A basic one-hour massage costs $80. However, other more medical insurance options may be available.

3. How much should I tip?
According to Schafer, $5 is standard, "unless you really love them, and then maybe $10." Keep in mind that many massage client's standard tips are closer to $20.

4. Will my health insurance cover it?
A growing number of health plans cover massage, including Prudential, Oxford Health Plans, Great-West Life & Annuity, and Kaiser Permanente. A handful of states such as Washington and New York even mandate coverage. Some insurance policies, however, require that a doctor prescribe the massage for a particular condition (stress, whiplash, lower back pain). Some plans also stipulate that you receive the massage in a medical setting such as a doctor or chiropractor's office that staffs a massage therapist. Each client is responsible for their payment in Alabama unless your insurance plan covers massage therapy provided by a licensed massage therapist.

5. Can I eat or drink beforehand?
Since massages can lower your blood sugar, it's not a bad idea to have a small snack a half hour beforehand. Choose foods that are easy on the stomach, like toast with eggs or a yogurt drink. Too large a meal or hard-to-digest foods can cause uncomfortable gassiness when she presses down on your abdomen. It's hard to relax if you're feeling gassy because that's all you might be thinking about. Nevertheless, don't fret if some gas does pass. It's a natural thing that happens. Final stipulation: Avoid drinking alcohol before the massage therapy session. It is a sedative, it can dull the sensation.

6. Are massages - and massage rooms - sanitary?
The massage room looks and smells clean. Expect clean sheets on the table and uncluttered, clean floors. She will avoid breathing in your face. She will smell neutral (without body odor). Return the favor by being clean and odorless yourself.

7. How do I know it's a reputable place?
Robin is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork (the principal national credential). If you desire, however, the muscle-packed buttocks constitutes a legitimate massage target - the iliopsoas, piriformis and hamstrings balance your hips and most likely needs it. Your extremities get their power from your core muscles.

8. How often do I need to go to feel the benefits?
You can reap many of the health benefits - like lowered stress and anxiety with a single massage. Acute injuries like whiplash and sport injuries, however, may call for weekly sessions. You should feel physically much more relaxed and loose for the first three days afterward, and the physiological effects may last much longer.

9. What are Schafer's main types of massage?
Her big four include Swedish for relaxation and energy; deep tissue for muscle damage from an injury; sports for sports-related injuries and to increase endurance plus flexibility; and acupressure, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology or Reiki for neck, shoulders and upper back since you keep your clothes on for these techniques.

10. What should I do after the massage?
You can't jump from first gear to fifth without your car complaining - likewise with your own body. So rest for awhile before you drive in traffic, return to work or household/yard chores. This allows your body to gradually adjust to restore your improved postural balance and alignment for function and performance. What are bodywork and manual therapy?
Bodywork and manual therapy are general terms that refer to body manipulation therapies used for relaxation and pain relief. Massage therapy is a well-known form of soft tissue manual manipulation therapy.

The idea behind bodywork is that people learn - or are forced by injury or stress into - unnatural ways of moving or holding their bodies. This unnatural movement or posture changes the natural alignment of bones, which in turn causes discomfort and may contribute to health problems.

The aim of bodywork is to realign and reposition the body to allow natural, graceful movement. Bodywork, along with identifying possible contributing causes of unnatural movement and posture, is thought to reduce stress and ease pain.

What is bodywork used for?
People may use bodywork to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and reduce pain associated with certain disorders of the muscles and joints, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Is bodywork safe?
Bodywork can be a safe form of therapy when a qualified and experienced practitioner performs it. Its effectiveness is not scientifically proven. Talk with your doctor before you start any bodywork program, so you can choose the most appropriate form of bodywork for your specific condition.

Alabama licenses massage therapy practitioners and establishments who provide bodywork therapies. Your family, friend, health food store, gym, doctor or local hospital may be able to help you find a qualified bodywork practitioner. Schafer will also be happy to refer you to another qualified practitioner.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

There are about 1,300 massage therapy schools, college programs, and training programs in the United States. The course of study typically covers subjects such as anatomy and physiology (structure and function of the body); kinesiology (motion and body mechanics); therapeutic evaluation; massage techniques; first aid; business, ethical, and legal issues; and hands-on practice of techniques. These educational programs vary in many respects, such as length, quality, and whether they are accredited. Robin has her certification with 500 hours of training, which is the same number of hours that many states require for certification. She also has pursued many specialty advanced training and education, lecturing, volunteering and mentoring for over twenty three years. Robin's Licenses and Certifications
Licenses or certifications for her massage therapy profession include:

BA - Penn State University
CMT - Certified Massage Therapist (Atlanta School of Massage)
LMT - Licensed Massage Therapist (Alabama #6)
Establishment License - Alabama E # 1320
AMTA - American Massage Therapy Association
NCTMB - She has met the credentialing requirements (including passing both a written and practical exam) of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, for practicing therapeutic massage and bodywork
NPI - National Provider Identification #1871721472 What Massage Therapy Does When Treating Clients
Massage therapy treatments usually last for 30 to 60 minutes; less often, they are as short as 15 minutes for emergency responders, or as long as one and a half (1 1/2) to two (2) hours. For some conditions (especially chronic ones like her burn clients), she often advises a series of appointments. She provides an environment that is as calm and soothing as possible. For example, she dims the lighting, plays soft healing music, and sometimes upon request, adds scented oils or fragrances.

At the first appointment, a massage therapist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, the results you (and your health care provider, if applicable) desire, and possibly other factors such as your work, exercise, sleep, nutrition, and levels of stress. She will likely perform some evaluations through touch. If she finds nothing that would make a massage inadvisable, she will proceed with the massage. At any time, you can bring up questions or concerns.

During treatment, you will lie on a special electric padded massage therapy. You might be fully clothed (for example, for a "Jin Shin Do acupressure massage") or partially or fully undressed (in which case you will be covered by a sheet or towel; only the parts of your body that the therapist is currently massaging are exposed). Oil or powder helps reduce friction on the skin. The therapist may use other aids, such as ice, heat, fragrances, or machines. She may also provide recommendations for self-care, such as drinking fluids, learning better movement, and developing an awareness of your body.