What is therapeutic massage?

Therapeutic massage is the intentional and systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing. In a nutshell, it is the treatment of muscles which are bound as a result of overuse, injury, a structural problem, or a combination of all three. It is important to note that not all types of massage will yield the same results.

What is trigger point therapy?

Trigger points are hyper-irritable knots in the muscles that can cause tension, pain, stiffness within the muscle itself, as well as in other areas of the body. Trigger point therapy is the intentional application of pressure to specific points that correspond to these points of pain, tension, and stiffness. It is important to remember that pain in one area may not mean the only corresponding trigger points are in that area. Tension in one region will cause pain in another and must be addressed accordingly.

What is hot stone massage?

In most establishments, hot stone therapy uses light pressure with the use of hot stones in the therapist's hands. At Central Coast Therapeutic Massage, hot stone massage is used in conjunction with therapeutic massage and trigger point therapy. The heat from the stones helps to relax the body to aid release of the muscles. Furthermore, when stones are placed on the specific trigger point area, the sensitivity to pressure can decrease. Heat can be penetrating the problematic regions while the therapist is working on another part of the body thus therapy can continue after she has left that region.

Why should I get a massage with trigger point therapy and hot stones?

There are many reasons you might want to get a massage. The most prominent reason is the added benefit to your overall health. Whether it is an issue of injury (e.g., car accident, fall), overuse of the muscles (e.g., from exercise, manual labor, sitting at a desk for long hours, holding children for a long time), stress relief, relaxation, or enhanced circulation, massage can make your quality of life better. And best of all, it feels great!

What should I wear during this kind of massage?

The general rule is to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Since massage incorporates the manipulation of muscles, bare skin is best. Most people don't wear anything during a massage because body part not being massaged are always covered (if your back is being worked on, only your back and arms are uncovered). However, it is perfectly acceptable to wear underwear, shorts, socks, or anything else that would facilitate your having a more relaxing experience. After all, if you can't relax, the massage won't be as effective.

What can I expect to happen during this kind of massage?

You may be started face up or face down, depending on your reason for coming in. A bolster or pillow will be placed under the ankles or knees. Once the areas on the starting side have been worked on, the therapist will make a tent with the sheet and allow you to turn over. The rest of the session will then be used for the remaining side of the body. A massage suite should be a relaxing place with low light and soft music. This is to aid you in your journey back to health.

What happens after this kind of massage?

Expect to feel a little "out of sorts" directly after your massage. This feeling is from lying down with your face in a face cradle along with increased circulation. Depending on the person and even the particular day, you may leave feeling drowsy or full of energy. Often the outcome has to do with a combination of your diet, amount of exercise, and amount of sleep the night before etc. Drink 50% more water than usual within 36-48 hours after receiving your massage. This will help your body to move any toxins released from the muscles out of your body. Often times you will feel relief from your ailment right away. But take heart if you don't; the healing process is just that, a process.

Will I be sore?

Some people will be sore after a massage, and some won't. It is perfectly normal and safe to be sore especially if you haven't received a massage in a long time and don't exercise often. The muscles are being manipulated in a way that they either have never been before or haven't been for a long time. As with anything new, it can take a little time for them to adapt to the new stimuli. The best course of action is to drink plenty of water, get some mild exercise like walking, and be patient. It will pass.

How often should I get this kind of massage?

It all depends on what your reason is for getting this kind of massage in the first place. The primary step is to listen to your body; it will tell you about about what kind of regularity you need. However, your therapist is the best judge, so ask her about a treatment programs. Whatever you decide, it is best to find a REGULAR program that works for you. Regularity is the key to keeping your muscles and circulation in good working order.

What benefits can I expect long term?

Being pain free or managing pain, less stress, more energy, better sleep, faster recovery time from workouts, less anxiety, better digestion, lower blood pressure, and better circulation to name a few.

What benefits can I expect short term?

As stated earlier, it is quite common to feel relief right away. However, since our body's muscle memory is so efficient, the pain can also come back within a week of your first few massages. Your muscles are so used to being in painful positions that they naturally seek to be back in that position. In essence, they try to reach a homeostasis, the place the body is used to. This is called the unwinding process. It is a time of retraining your muscles to be in a position of health and without pain. Unfortunately the longer you have had an issue, the longer it takes to feel long term results. The good news is that there is hope without drugs or surgery!