I'm a Massage Therapist.... & no I do not give happy endings

I’m a massage therapist…. No I do not give happy endings. I say this because once I tell people I am a massage therapist, they usually ask "Do you give happy endings?" When people ask me what I do for a living I often want to say "I am a massage therapist and no I do not give happy endings." 

A massage therapist doesn’t mean prostitute. Unfortunately there are prostitutes who tell people they are massage therapist which gives me, and people like me, a bad name. A massage therapist is a person who works on the muscles in the body to promote relaxation or use therapeutic techniques to make you feel better.

A massage therapist that does relaxation massage, also known as swedish massage, are often found in spa’s and salons. Their main purpose is to get you to relax. It also promotes healing. Relaxation massages gets the blood flowing, and gets the toxins moving. That is why most massage therapist advice water after a massage so the toxins can leave the body. There are many more benefits from relaxation massage.  

A massage therapist who does therapeutic massage is often found in chiropractic office and in a small business. Their main purpose is to fix a problem. People come in with pain acute (temporarily) or chronic pain (long term), this massage therapist is going to use techniques that will help relieve and get rid of the pain. They use techniques like Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Sport’s Therapy.

There are tons and tons of techniques out there. I named off four types I personally do and enjoy on a daily basis. Another very popular massage is hot/cold stone, a lot of people have heard of this massage because they have seen it in the media. There is also energy work, like Cranial Sacral and Reiki, which uses energy from the client and massage therapist to help heal the client. There are also massages from around the world, like Thai Yoga and Shiatsu, which is done on the floor and the client is fully dressed.

Now I’ve heard that there are 80 to over 100 types of massages. I did not want to spend my evening counting so I will let you have the pleasure counting if you’d like. What I do know is, there are so many types of massages out there, there has to be one for you. Every type of massage has at least one benefit, if not more. Plus it is a natural way to heal the body, which is great!

If you are looking for a massage therapist, here are some tips.
1) Ask yourself what type of massage do you want:
                If you are have a shoulder pain, migraine, ect you are going to want a therapeutic massage.
                If you want to treat yourself and get away from the world, go for a relaxation massage.
2) Call around to see what place offers what:
                Do not let money be an influence. Just because prices are higher doesn’t mean that massage    therapist is better.  At the same time, low prices doesn't make the therapist bad either.
3) Try everyone out:

                Make sure you find the therapist that meets your needs. Make sure they have the pressure you want. Also, make sure the therapist is doing what you ask of them. If you have questions, ask them. Don't be afraid to try someone new either.

Here are a few lies about massage therapy

·         Massage therapist give happy endings

                A good massage therapist will not waste their education on anything that is unprofessional. We work hard to become massage therapist and to become certified in the techniques we love.          

·         Deep tissue massages will hurt

                Deep tissue massage does not have to hurt. There are times there is going to be some discomfort, but you can always ask your therapist to ease up or to stop.

·         I have to get naked

                Most clients wear their underwear on the table. Some wear nothing. It is a preference and if you are concerned you can ask your therapist what they prefer. Also, if you are not getting a full body massage, you may only have to undress half way. (If you are getting your shoulders and neck worked on, you can leave your pants on.) Either way, massage therapist use professional draping, so they only uncover the area they are working on and once they are done, they cover the area back up with a sheet. If you have questions, you can always ask your therapist.

·         I don’t want to see a male therapist

                A male therapist is just as good as a female therapist. Some men are worried about another male touching them due to stereotypes. Remember guys the male therapist may have a firmer pressure which you might need. At the end of the day a female pressure might not be able to do what you need if you are bigger or very muscular. Females also get nervous about a male therapist and might feel insecure. Remember any therapist is going to be professional and chose this profession so they can help people.  

Now that you have read this, go find a massage therapist! A regular massage can help with headaches, backaches, acute or chronic pain, stress, and much more. I honestly believe everyone needs a good therapist in their life.

Happy Massage and Blogging <3