The Importance of Finding the Right Masseur

With many benefits, from alleviating back pain to enhancing immunity, it appears that we could all be boosting our health by taking more massages. The upsides of massage can also be felt psychologically, as touch is such an imperative factor in human well-being.

To reap maximum benefits from massage, it is important to find a skilled masseur and then stick with them for regular sessions, as opposed to trying out a new clinic or masseur every time. 

Trust is vitally important when it comes to the masseur/client relationship. Attending your first session with a new masseur can be a nerve-wracking experience to some clients, especially those who have never had a massage before. 

After all, lying unclothed on a massage table can make anyone feel a little vulnerable. Although, a true professional will make you feel perfectly at-ease.

Once you have unclothed and lay on the massage table, I cover your body with a warm towel, and then only work on the part of the body that is exposed.

Some clients are comfortable being in the nude and prefer not to be covered with the towel. This is fine by me too. The client preferences are always taken into account.

For clients who wish to be covered, their private parts are always concealed. That way, the therapist maintains a professional and ethical practice while avoiding embarrassment to the client. 

A sign of an experienced massage therapist is that he or she handles draping/covering and uncovering in a quick way that makes you feel safe and comfortable. In ​fact you may not even notice it because they handle everything and let you know if you need to do anything, like turning over. The therapist will give you precise instructions, so you know what is happening and what is expected of you.  

The room temperature will be kept warm enough so that you, the client, is comfortable. If you are feeling too hot or too cold, then please let me, the therapist know. I always tell my clients to interact with me and be direct if there’s anything they need to say or ask or need me to change.

Reasons why Men should be getting Massages

Workout recovery – Massage is a necessity for men who play physical sports. Massage not only eases the onset of muscle soreness, but can speed healing by boosting the body’s circulatory and immune system. A sports massage is specifically designed to improve athletic performance.

Mood boost! Men are less likely to seek help when they’re feeling blue. While massage is not a substitute for more substantial mood therapies, the serotonin boost provided by massage can lift the blues and improve mental outlook.

Massage can alleviate physical symptoms of stress, like headache and high blood pressure, which can affect men especially as we age. A relaxing massage is perfect for reducing stress. Did you know that massage can even combat hangovers!

Cure desk stiffness – Men often suffer from back and neck pain, caused by sitting at a desk all day or repetitive injury. A massage can ease back and neck pain — plus, it feels great!

Be comfortable in your own skin – Normal male body reactions are totally fine in a massage. Some men tend to avoid massage because they are afraid they’ll get an erection. This is a normal physical reaction when the blood rushes around the body and of course "down there," and as a professional and experienced massage therapist, I will not be fazed at all!

Massage increases flexibility. Men are typically less flexible than women, which can make them more prone to injury and muscle pain.

Better sleep – About 20% of all men suffer from insomnia, an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia is associated with a lack of the hormone called serotonin, the “feel good hormone,” which is released in the body after a massage.  The sense of relaxation and well-being you feel after a massage helps men fall asleep and spend more time in deep sleep.

Cardiovascular wellness – Massage is good for heart health. It relaxes the body, boosts circulation and lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. All these things help reduce stress on the heart and improve cardiovascular health.

Manage back pain – Men are extremely prone to lower back pain. 25% will experience lower back pain in any given three month period. Avoid surgery for back pain — massage is proven to loosen tense muscles and ease back pain in men. Check out my previous post for more details on how massage can combat back pain.

Benefits of Back Massage and Helping Target Back Pain

Massage was once considered a luxury - something you’d enjoy at a spa or health club. However, the benefit of a massage is now considered a more mainstream therapy and is also recommended by certain doctors and other medical professionals. Massage can be part of an overall wellness program. One of the most common conditions people suffer from is back pain. And beneficial parts of the body for massage is the back, since the nerves run through the spine.

Relieve Lower Back Pain

A good back massage can help relieve lower back pain. After a strenuous workout or sitting at a desk all day, your back muscles are likely to be tense from overuse or repetitive use. So when I treat those muscles, some of the tension is released.

Relieves Tension from Upper Back

Repetitive motion or immobility may cause neck and shoulder pain. An upper back massage may help relieve the tension in that area and reduce the pain from migraines.

Releases “Feel Good” Chemicals

A back massage stimulates the production of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that make the body feel good. This helps manage pain and may allow you to reduce the amount of pain-killers you take, if any. A back massage can help decrease pain in the lower back, which may also help prevent anxiety and depression.

Improves Sleep

The back massage relaxes the larger muscles and relieves tension that may be causing you to have a difficult time falling asleep or staying in a deep sleep. This allows you to have full sleep cycles necessary for optimum performance and good health.

Helps the Healing Process

Even after a long history of back pain, a massage can help heal the tissues and muscles that have become tight, weak or atrophied. This will in turn improve your range of motion. According to Massagetherapy.com, it also helps reduce stretch marks and scar tissue. Athletes who have strained muscles in the lower, middle and upper back may notice increased joint flexibility after a back massage.

Increase Circulation

A back massage stimulates circulation and increases blood flow to the area. This will help bring blood with oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and major organs.

Feels Good

One of the best benefits of a back massage is that it feels good. Sometimes you just need to take a little time to relax and enjoy the pleasurable sensation of the human touch.

Source: LiveStrong

Massage Therapy for Sportsmen and Gym-goers

A number of my clients do sports. These men prefer massage with deep pressure. Most of them come for a massage after the sport, and of course there are the gym-goers who come for a massage after a vigorous training session at the gym.

Massage is a brilliant way to ease sore muscles, and to treat the areas of the body that have been working hard. Pain relief is also possible for minor injuries like you have pulled a muscle, or have a bruise.

There are also some clients who have been to see me before going to play sports or gym. This actually helps build fluidity in the muscles. It reminds me of sportsmen who do the Indian Kalaripayattu martial arts. They often have massage before the sport as it helps fluidity in the muscles. I include kalaripayattu "kalari" massage technique in my Unique 3 Step Massage Treatment. 

My clients who have had massage before going to the gym or playing sports, have told me that they did feel a difference. Massage can invigorate and stimulate just as much as it can relax and soothe.

Some clients have had my Simple & Standard Massage Treatment after the gym as not everyone is interested in deep tissue massage and deep pressure. This simple massage treatment is done with light to medium pressure and helps relax and soothe the muscles.

If you would like to discuss what type of massage treatment would suit you, please contact me on  078 7386 1344

    

Clients with Physical Disabilities and Medical Conditions

Customers with physical disabilities and medical conditions are welcome to contact me. So far I have treated wheelchair users, visually impaired and a few customers suffering from depression.

I have also treated 2 customers with parkinson's disease (whom I helped get undressed before the massage, and also get dressed after the massage), and one customer suffering from psoriasis. The oils I blended worked well for him and after a few visits, he told me that his skin condition has improved tremendously. I also advised him on some skincare.

I once had a customer who wore a colostomy bag. He didn't tell me this upfront and later confessed that he was embarrassed by it. Unfortunately, another masseur had refused to treat him in the past. I told him that this was nothing to be ashamed about. All I asked was that he put on a fresh bag before the massage.

I do not have lift/elevator access in the building I practise massage at. I am on the first floor. I have, on a few occasions, helped the occasional disabled customer upstairs, but that rarely happens. This is because most disabled customers ask for home visits. I don't advertise home visits, but do them in exceptional circumstances.

I have had customers in the past who have visited me with their carer. I have no issue with this as long as the carer does not observe the massage. This is because the treatment I do, especially the 3 step technique, is rather unique and I don't want anyone copying it!

I have also treated clients with cancer, in the past. Back problems are very common and I have treated many men who suffer from this condition. I also do some assisted stretching exercises for them.

So basically, if you have a medical condition or disability, please let me know about it. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Don't feel reluctant to let me know. It helps. I also advise clients who are overweight, to let me know as I can then take the necessary precautions before doing the massage. This includes proper support, and making arrangements in terms of space etc.