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Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy. A Massage Therapist assesses clients by conducting range of motion and muscle testing and propose treatment plans; treats soft tissue and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, hydrotherapy, remedial exercise programs and client self help programs; provides courses of treatment for medical conditions and injuries or wellness maintenence; maintains records of treatments given; and may work with other healthcare professionals as part of a team that facilitates an environment that promotes health and overall wellness. In commercial settings, massage techniques involve the client being treated lying down on a massage table or in a massage chair, or on a mattress on the floor. Although the massage subject is generally unclothed, the body may be "draped" with towels or sheets. This also helps keep the client warm. In some jurisdictions it is required that certain areas such as the genitals on both genders and the breast/nipple area on women be draped at all times. Due to the necessary physical contact between the practitioner and the client, sexual arousal is not uncommon, although in most forms of massage this is unintentional. Massage can also be a part of lovemaking for many couples (see erotic massage), and often takes place in the context of sex work. The treatment may start with the client face up or down for the first part of the session: the client then rolls over (draped by the towels or sheets) for the second half of the session. Also important WHEN HAVING a MassageCommunication Good communication IS essential TO effective massage. IN a commercial setting, the client IS encouraged TO communicate the TYPE OF treatment expected, FOR example relaxation OR pain relief, FULL body massage OR focus ON a specific area, the amount OF pressure that IS comfortable, preferred techniques, AND past medical history AND CURRENT physical condition. Pressure Most types OF massage can be performed WITH pressure ranging FROM superficial TO deep. The ideal amount FOR therapeutic massage IS WHEN the receiver experiences SOME discomfort ("hurts good"), which activates the body's natural healing response. If it is too deep, the result may be another trauma to the body. Some soreness after the massage is acceptable if it lasts less than one or two days, but if the soreness lasts longer, it usually means the massage was too deep. Information about various Massage therapies |