Never been to a myotherapist before or been too afraid to ask something? Here are the top questions to ask your massage therapist.
What is the difference between relaxation, remedial massage and a myotherapy treatment?
Relaxation massage is generally for the sole purpose of relaxation. The massage can be at what pressure you prefer. Be it soft, medium or firm, but generally it will be a full body massage not specifically intended to address any muscle tension or injury. Relaxation massage is ideal for chronic autoimmune conditions such fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. For when the patient cannot tolerate deeper treatment but needs help regulating their pain, and central nervous system.
A remedial massage is, as it sounds, to remedy a problem. This type of massage is generally used when someone has chronic pain, for someone maintaining a muscular health condition, or after recovering from an injury. The therapist is usually qualified with a diploma in remedial massage. They will probably use a range of different modalities like deep tissue massage, cupping, stretching and heat during the treatment.
Myotherapy is the clinic assessment and treatment of soft tissue pain or injury. The myotherapist will have either an advanced diploma or degree in myotherapy and will take you through an orthopaedic assessment for your condition before treatment. They will use a range of modalities to treat you including deep tissue massage, dry needling, joint mobilisation and TENS.
The pressure isn’t deep enough, but I don’t want to insult my massage therapist. What should I do?
Please don’t be afraid to speak up. This is your treatment, you should be able to receive the type of pressure you desire. Honestly, I will not be offended. If I am at my maximum strength, I will also say so, and either suggest a different modality such as cupping or trigger point therapy. Or suggest that I may not be strong enough to treat you.
Is there such a thing as too much pressure, or should I take as much as I can stand?
There is such as thing as too much pressure. You can end up bruised, with more inflammation or injuring the injury further. Please speak up if you would like more pressure, however, if i think it is too much I will explain why.
Why do I sometimes get a headache after a massage?
There are many trigger points in the muscles around the neck, shoulders and head that can refer to the head and present as a tension headache. If these muscles are being worked, these trigger points can be activated. I will try and communicate with you during the treatment, and relieve these trigger points before the treatment is over.
Alternatively, the massage has been too firm for you and has created muscle bruising or tension. Please speak up if the pressure is too much, even if you think it is doing you good.
Massage also dilates blood vessels and flushes fluid through the lymphatic system, leaving you dehydrated. It’s important to drink water after a massage to help you rehydrate.
The face crest can apply pressure to the sinuses, if you are uncomfortable lying face down please let me know, as we will adjust the face crest or turn you over to reduce this.
Is it normal to bruise once in a while after a session?
It is normal to feel or appear bruised after a remedial or myotherapy treatment, especially if it is the first treatment or the first one in a while. Working on the deeper tissues will bring blood into the muscle and even break some blood vessels. If you are on blood thinning medication, please tell your massage therapist, as this will make you bruise easier.
There are alternative massage techniques that can be used to reduce bruising, such as myofascial release or stretching techniques. If you are prone to bruising please tell your massage therapist so they can alter their treatment to suit you.
Should I wear underwear during my appointment?
If you are having a remedial or myotherapy appointment it is advisable that you leave your underwear on. Women may be asked, or want to leave their bra on. The therapist may need you to roll over, to move your limbs around, or tuck the towel in for your discretion and their ease of work.
Sometimes I fall asleep on the table. Does that make things difficult for the therapist?
During a relaxation massage falling asleep is not a problem. I always say that if the body needs it then go with it. However, during remedial massage or myotherapy the therapist will need your feedback on how things feel and probably need you to move around. Mostly people find the intensity of remedial massage and myotherapy too much to fall asleep anway.
I like my massage therapist, but she’s very chatty. How do I let her know I’d rather not talk?
If you don’t want to chat, and want to relax, please say so. I usually take your lead and talk 20% to your 80%. However, I will usually need your feedback on pressure, pain and how your feeling throughout the treatment.
I’ve never had a massage before. Should I schedule one before my sporting event next week?
If you’ve never had remedial massage or myotherapy, it’s not a good idea to schedule one just before a big event. Your body will need time to recover from the treatment and if you have an injury or condition that needs treating, chances are you will need a couple of treatments and some time to rest from your sport.
If you are looking for a recovery or preparation massage in the lead up to an event, schedule one a couple weeks beforehand, and another three day ahead. You should be recovered from the massage and limbered up in time to perform.
I don’t feel comfortable. Can I stop the massage?
Of course. This is a space where you should feel comfortable to speak up about anything you don’t feel comfortable with. If you are cold, the face crest is not at a comfortable height, the pressure is too much or not enough. Maybe you need the toilet, or if you just don’t feel like you are in a safe place, please say so.
If you have any questions about me or my treatments, please don’t hesitate to ask. Feel free to book online, or contact me via the box below.
