Body Sense

Winter | 2014

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www.massagetherapy.com—your resource for all things bodywork 7 MEDICAL CONCERNS So, are there any reasons you shouldn't try a massage? What if you have a medical condition? Many diseases are the result of stress, which makes massage a powerful tool for promoting positive change to just about any condition. From simple relaxation and tension reduction to anxiety, inflammation, injury, and insomnia, massage can provide much-needed relief. But massage is not always for everyone. If you have advanced osteoporosis, broken bones, infectious disease, fever, some skin irritations, or varicose veins, massage should either not be performed or should only be applied to unaffected areas of the body. It is essential to have a thorough discussion about your health history with your massage practitioner before the session. Tell your practitioner everything that's pertinent, including medications you are taking, surgeries you've undergone, and accidents you've been involved in. COMMUNICATION IS KEY! Ultimately, the single best way to ensure you receive the right massage for you is to discuss your comfort level, goals, health history, and sensitivities with your massage practitioner. Communicate your comfort level with touch and disrobing, so you can relax. Massage can be as simple as rubbing the hands and feet with the client fully clothed, while still providing great benefits. Any massage can, and should, be tailored to you. After all, this is your time! Whether you are recovering from injury or simply looking for some bliss in the midst of life's harried pace, open communication with your therapist throughout your session will ensure a delightful, comfortable, and beneficial experience. Enjoy! B S Cindy Williams has served the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor since 2000. She enjoys the challenge of blending structure with creative flow to provide balance in her classroom, bodywork practice, and life. Open communication with your therapist throughout your session will ensure a delightful, comfortable, and beneficial experience.

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