What is the 1st rule of massage therapy?

First do no harm – to yourself!


What are the 5 basic manipulation of massage?

They are:
  • Effleurage-Circular stroking movements.
  • Petrissage-Kneading movements.
  • Friction-Rubbing Strokes.
  • Vibration-Shaking movements to loosen the body.
  • Tapotement-Tapping.


What is the first step in massage?

HOW TO MASSAGE IN 5 STEPS
  1. Step 1: Choose an Oil. This is a vital element to consider for massage as it is essentially the link between you and the recipient. ...
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Area. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply your Touch. ...
  4. Step 4: Use some Technique. ...
  5. Step 5: Bring to a Close.


What should be the first thing that you must do after receiving a massage?

So, if you missed your massage therapist's little chat, here's a quick recap of what you should be doing post-massage.
  • DRINK WATER. Massage increases your blood circulation and hydrates your muscle tissues. ...
  • STRETCH. ...
  • EAT. ...
  • REST. ...
  • HAVE A BATH. ...
  • WELCOME ANY EMOTIONS. ...
  • PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY'S REACTION. ...
  • URINATE.


What is the order of a full body massage?

Average 60 Minute “Full-Body”Massage:
  • 20 Minutes on the back.
  • 10 Minutes for working the back of both legs (approx. 5 minutes each)
  • 10 Minutes for the front of both legs & feet (approx. 5 minutes each)
  • 10 Minutes for the arms.
  • 10 Minutes for the neck, scalp and face.


5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Into Massage Therapy



What are the 4 T's of massage?

In massage therapy training, most learn about the “4 Ts” of palpation: Tone, Texture, Temperature, and Tenderness. This is an extremely useful list that aids the therapist in remembering and organizing; what is being felt, what that might tell us about the state or acuity of the tissues and what to do about it.

How many times a week should you get a body massage?

It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.

What not to do during a massage?

What NOT to Say / Do with Your Massage Therapist
  • Ask your massage therapist to go see a movie / come to your house / etc. ...
  • Excessive noises. ...
  • Comment on our looks/attractiveness. ...
  • Poke your head out of the room to let us know you're ready. ...
  • Start undressing while we are still in the room. ...
  • Touch us.


What not to do after a massage?

What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy?
  • Not Drinking Enough Water. After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. ...
  • Take A Shower Immediately. ...
  • Taking Hot Shower. ...
  • Eating A Large Meal. ...
  • Drinking Coffee. ...
  • Drinking Alcohol. ...
  • Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ...
  • Stressing Yourself Out.


What not to do before massage?

Ten Things Not To Do Before a Massage
  • Don't Sunburn. ...
  • Don't "Caffeinate" ...
  • Don't Eat a Large Meal. ...
  • Don't Run a Marathon. ...
  • Don't Apply Lotion or Oil. ...
  • Don't Apply Topical Medications, Patches or Tapes. ...
  • Don't Take Prescription Pain Medication.


What is a good tip for a 1 hour massage?

In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.


How much do you tip on a massage?

We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is straightforward. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.

Why do they hit you at the end of a massage?

It is primarily used to "wake up" the nervous system and also as a stimulating stroke which can release lymphatic build up in the back.

What are the 3 main massage techniques?

You'll most often see the Swedish massage, the Deep Tissue massage, and the Sports massage offered at a professional massage studio near you. These are the most popular options that offer a variety of strokes and pressure.


What is the easiest massage to learn?

1. Kneading. Perhaps the most easily performed by amateurs, kneading involves either using your thumbs or your palms to apply pressure onto various parts of the body. The idea here is to pull the muscle away from the bone, a practice that helps reduce muscle spasms.

What is the best massage technique?

Longitudinal gliding is a traditional effective massage technique administered in the direction of the blood flow. It aids the fluid dispersion from the injury site and thus helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It is also instrumental in relaxing tight muscles.

What parts of the body should you not massage?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.


Are you supposed to talk during massage?

Is it okay to talk during a massage? Yes it is, as the client you can choose to converse with your therapist whenever you want. If you want to talk, feel chatty or just want to be heard it can be an important part of the letting go process.

How many hours after a massage can I take a shower?

Whether you receive an oil massage, aromatherapy, or reflexology, the answer is to not shower before a massage or after. Leave a few hour buffer period before doing so. When in the shower or a bath, the surface of the skin has increased blood circulation, which after a massage can lead to surface congestion.

What's the best time to get a massage?

To get maximum benefits from your massage, schedule your massage when you are less busy. For instance, you can go for your massage in the morning before reporting to work, during your lunch break or in the evening, whichever works for you.


Is it rude not to tip a massage therapist?

Since tips are standard protocol for massage therapists, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any massage or spa treatment situation (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive). Not sure? When in doubt, always ask, says Post, who says tipping is always appreciated.

What can a massage therapist tell about you?

This month some of our Massage Therapists, share what they know about you from spending an hour with you. A therapist can tell whether you stretch or exercise and what type of activities you participate in based on the length of your muscles or tensions you may have in certain areas. Whether you drink enough water.

When should you not get a massage?

Here are the conditions that fall into these category;
  • Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. ...
  • Contagious Diseases. ...
  • Blood Clots. ...
  • Pregnancy. ...
  • Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. ...
  • Cancer. ...
  • Inflammation. ...
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension.


How long do the results of a massage last?

Generally speaking, you may feel sore for a couple of days after the massage, which is normal. Beyond that, the benefits may last a couple of days to an entire week. There are some things you can do to help the relaxing, stress-relieving benefits last for as long as possible.

How long do the benefits of a massage last?

On average, the benefits of massage can last up to a month or as little as 1 day. On average, most people notice the benefits for about a week. This is one of the reasons it's recommended that you get a massage on a regular basis.