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Top 10 Topics to Share With Your LMT

Massage therapy can help resolve a myriad of issues, it can also make things worse. Check out these top 10 topics to discuss at your next appointment.

10. Poor Posture

When you were a kid, your parents told you to sit up straight and stand tall. Now you’re the adult and its clear you’ve gotten out of practice. Poor posture is a visual indication that your muscles have adapted to physical demands. Militant force won’t help you achieve better posture, but massage can. By identifying weak muscles and learning a few stretching you can stand tall and confident.

9. Athlete’s Foot

Did you know that Athlete’s Foot can spread to other parts of your body, and other people? The fungus in question, known as Tinea, is responsible for the telltale red, itchy, and scaly skin patches between the toes, but not everyone gets the itch. Tinea is the same fungus that causes Ringworm and Jock Itch. Not exactly something you want to spread around. This contagious fungus is considered a Local Contraindication– a situation where massage can be performed, while avoiding the infected area.

8. Infertility

People find that frequent  massages can help reduce stress and turn off overactive Fight or Flight responses which may be hindering the body’s natural balance. Reflexology is another technique that focuses on specific points found on the hands and feet to stimulate blood flow to the reproductive organs.

7. Past Injuries and Accidents

You may not give much clout to all that you’ve been through over the years, but your body remembers every rolled ankle, strained muscle, dental repair, slip and fall. With each injury during your lifetime, the body augmented its actions to help you carry on down the road. A complete medical history and deductive reasoning skills can help your LMT develop a plan that incorporates work to address current and long outstanding needs.

6. Menstruation

If your period is wrecking havoc in your life, discuss this with your LMT. Massage aims to balance body systems, which can effect hormones, mental clarity, and general well being. Clients with PMS, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome may find that massage helps reduce the telltale symptoms.

5. Previous and Upcoming Surgeries

All previous surgeries, and any complications noted, are important to share with your Licensed Massage Therapist as part of your complete medical history. This is for your safety. In some cases, you will need a note from your doctor to ensure you are cleared to receive massage treatments. Upcoming surgeries are important to note so that the LMT can help you prepare mentally and physically for surgery and in some cases, suggest Massage Therapy as an alternate solution.

4. Hobbies

How you spend your time tells your LMT how your muscles are being used. Do you golf once a week? Do you watch TV each night? Do you lie in bed with your smartphone before going to sleep? Do you play basketball in the spring? Our habits, healthy or otherwise, put strain on muscle groups. By sharing your day-to-day hobbies, your LMT can suggest ideas to ease pain and help you enjoy your hobbies even more.

3. Stress

Is there something in your life that is stressing you out? You may think stress is a mental game, but it shows in your muscles. You’ve heard the phrase, “I hold all my stress in my ______ (shoulders, hands, neck, ect.) It’s true. Stress is a form of tension, and the aim for massage is to alleviate tension. Simply admitting your stress level can help your LMT design a massage that is both relaxing and beneficial to your muscles.

2. Cold and Flu Symptoms

If you aren’t feeling well, tell your LMT. Cold and Flu symptoms such as fever, runny nose, body aches, and coughing all indicate that your body is busy battling a bug of some kind. In most cases, massage can make you feel worse, not better. Not to mention the risk of spreading the illness to the LMT and other clients. When in doubt it is always best to reschedule the appointment- for your well

1. What is Working!

Between appointments, keep a journal of how you feel. Note the days before your massage. Write out how you feel after the massage. Track the days following your massage. Simple notes such as, “two days before my appointment- feeling sore”,  “I finally got a good night’s sleep”, or “6 days later-no improvements” are all effective ways to share your experience with your Massage Therapist. Having the full picture can help clients and massage therapists work together towards greater well being.