| Part Two: Make the Most of Deep Tissue | | | | through pain is the best option in a massage? |
| Massage | | | | Does he or she communicate during a treatment |
| It's important to find the best possible therapist | | | | session? |
| for any type of bodywork, but it's especially | | | | Here are a few suggestions for getting the most |
| important when you're looking for someone to | | | | out of your treatment once you decided on a |
| practice deep tissue massage. Fortunately, a few | | | | therapist. |
| simple rules should lead you to a wise decision. | | | | 1. Make sure your therapist keeps communication |
| 1. Look for the license. Make sure your therapist is | | | | with you open. For example, your therapist should |
| licensed or certified in your state before you get | | | | guide you through deep breathing techniques |
| on the table. If you don't see the license, ask. | | | | during the session, especially when working on |
| 2. In addition, find out what deep tissue training | | | | tender or painful areas of your body. |
| the therapist has received, either in massage | | | | 2. Be honest. Your therapist will ask you to be |
| school or through certification in techniques such | | | | clear if the treatment becomes uncomfortable; |
| as neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release or | | | | don't hesitate to do so. In addition, a quality |
| integration, trigger point therapy, or Rolfing. How | | | | therapist will be sensitive to signs of squirming, |
| many hours of training did the therapist receive in | | | | flinching, or hand clenching during deep tissue |
| the specific technique? | | | | techniques. |
| 3. Keep an eye out for testimonials from the | | | | 3. Make sure you rest after receiving a deep |
| therapist's current or previous clients. They may | | | | tissue massage. If you go straight to strenuous |
| indicate what type of experience you're likely to | | | | activity or heavy lifting, you risk injury. |
| receive. | | | | 4. Finally, follow any post-session instructions your |
| 4. Make certain the therapist is clear about what | | | | therapist offers. These may include stretches, |
| you should expect from your treatment. You are | | | | icing or heat and are designed to extend the |
| in charge of your body! A good therapist will | | | | benefits of your massage well beyond your time |
| review your problems with you and suggest | | | | on the table. |
| solutions before the session begins. | | | | If you follow these simple rules, you maximize |
| 5. Ask about the therapist's deep tissue | | | | your chance for a great deep tissue massage. |
| philosophy. Does the therapist believe that pushing | | | | You could be amazed at the results. |