| A massage performed by an experienced and | | | | A massage therapist is a trained and educated |
| licensed massage therapist is a therapeutic | | | | professional who knows exactly how to apply the |
| technique that helps the muscles relax so that | | | | proper massage techniques to a particular injured |
| tension and soreness can be alleviated and healing | | | | area. They will attend a special school where they |
| of an injured area can begin. The goal of a | | | | will acquire a certificate. To work as a massage |
| therapeutic massage is to improve and enhance | | | | therapist, they will have to be licensed. As well, a |
| the healing process. An injured or torn muscle can | | | | massage therapist can even specialize in areas |
| be so sore that it prevents one from engaging in | | | | such as Swedish massage, sports massage, and |
| their normal activities. Massage therapy promotes | | | | clinical massage. To become a licensed massage |
| muscle healing by increasing blood circulation to | | | | therapist, most states require national certification. |
| the injured area, reducing tension, reducing stress, | | | | Training, education, and certification highlight the |
| and draining lymph nodes. If one is not | | | | importance of not having an inexperienced person |
| experienced and educated in the art of massage | | | | who tries to massage an injured muscle or tissue. |
| and its therapeutic methods, the injured area can | | | | There have been very little risks associated with |
| receive further damage thereby delaying the | | | | engaging in massage therapy. There have been a |
| healing process. | | | | few noted injuries, but it was normally the result |
| A massage therapist will be able to identify which | | | | of an inexperienced and unqualified person giving |
| muscle is injured and know which type of | | | | the massage. Before you decide to have |
| technique and oils are best to treat the injured | | | | massage therapy, ask the therapist about his or |
| area. An improper massage can further injure a | | | | her training, experience, and any licenses or |
| torn muscle, so it is important to use the services | | | | credentials acquired. As well, make sure you tell |
| of a licensed massage therapist. For instance, | | | | the massage therapist about any medical |
| deep tissue massage is a preferred massage | | | | conditions you have and ask whether he or she |
| technique to help people with lower back pain. The | | | | has had any specialized training or experience with |
| therapeutic movement and motions of massage | | | | the particular condition, and ask about the number |
| therapy will loosen tight muscles to increase | | | | of treatments that will be needed. |
| flexibility and reduce stiff and sore muscles. The | | | | Massage therapy is an ancient practice with |
| improved circulation brings much needed oxygen | | | | proven results. There are many types of |
| and nutrients to the injured area which enhances | | | | massage therapy that involve working the |
| the healing process. As well, a professional | | | | muscles and other soft tissues of the body. In |
| massage will decrease muscle spasms, decrease | | | | the United States, massage therapy is often part |
| pain and soreness, relieve tension, improve range | | | | of traditional medicine. As well, it is part of |
| of motion and muscle and joint flexibility, and | | | | complementary and alternative medicine. When |
| drains fluids so swelling is minimized. The over all | | | | engaging in a massage session, it is important that |
| result is reduced discomfort and quicker recovery | | | | you use the services of a licensed massage |
| time. | | | | therapist. |