Masseuse/Massage Therapy At Home

Massage Therapy At Home

Statement of Authenticity

I confirm that:

• This is an original assessment and is entirely my own work.
• It contains no material previously published or written by another person or myself except where due acknowledgement is made in the text.
• No material which to a substantial extent, has been submitted for any other academic course, is included without acknowledgement

About Massage Therapy

Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about: The purpose of Massage Therapy The benefits Types of Massage Therapy

Overview

Massage is used for both relaxation and therapeutic purposes. A massage is a scientific and systemic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to maintain or obtain the body's health using various techniques.

Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Reduces stress
• May relieve headaches
• Increases blood circulation
• May reduces or eliminates pain
• Improve the immune system
• Enhances range of motion and flexibility

Activity

Internet Research Use the website of Massage New Zealand or any other source and gather more information about Massage Therapy.

Use the Further Reading about Message Therapy in general Google document

Types

There are various types of performing massage therapy.

Most commonly used styles are:

• Swedish Massage
• Trigger Point Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Reflexology
• Shiatsu
• Thai Massage
• Indian Head Massage
• Traditional Chinese Massage

Activity

Read more about various massage styles. Watch this presentation to get an overview about the different types of massage therapy.

Self Assessment

Print the crossword puzzle underneath and fill out.

Use the Massage Therapy Types Crossword Puzzle Google document

Massage Environment

Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about: Necessary tools, such as massage tables, chairs and lubricants How to set up a general massage enviroment

Tools

Table

Foldable Massage Table Plant View

Massage tables can be either portable, stationary or electric. A portable massage table is shown in the picture to the left.

The advantage of using a massage table is that the patient is safe comfortable and relaxed. It is also safe and ergonomic for the massage therapist if used correctly.

Massage tables should come with an adjustable face cradle, this allows the patient to breathe while lying face down. It also lengthens the table for any tall patients you may have. Otherwise the face hole within the table can also be used. When you purchase a table you may want to consider the maximum weight it can hold. You may also get other extensions such as the arm rests that are shown attached to the table in the picture. These are ideal for widening the table if needed.

The table's surface is usually padded vinyl which can be cleaned quite easily. It is recommended that a carry case is used for both the protection of the table as well as ease of transportation.

Tip: There are various types of massage tables available on the market. This online course was created to give massage on a private basis and it is recommended that the learner purchase a portable massage table. The advantage of this table is that it can be folded down and can be carried from one location to another. This enables you to visit your family members, friends or your partner easily. Furthermore, portable massage tables do not take much space at home and can be put away within minutes.

Activity

Internet Research - Learn more about Massage Tables: Visit various websites of massage table companies Examples are: http://www.auroratables.co.nz/ or http://www.mastermassage.com Write down criteria which will be necessary to identify the suitable table for your practice. Do the same for accessories Add further examples of massage table retailers of manufacturers on the following document

Use the Recommendations of massage table retailer and manufacturer Google document

Enabling Knowledge

Learn How to buy a portable massage table step by step

Chair

portable massage chair

Pictured to the left is a massage chair.

It's design is dedicated to being ergonomic and portable. Massages can be given on the patient's head, neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands. This kind of massage chair can be taken to any place and the patient can remained clothed. Thus, it is often used to massage in other environments such as offices, training or events. It is important when choosing a massage chair that it is light, easy to take up and down as well as sturdy. A desktop model is also available which is even more portable.

Tip: You may consider a massage chair if you only massage from time to time or if you have got not much space at home.

General Room Environment

In order to give a relaxing massage, it is advisable to create an environment where the patient will feel comfortable and be able to enjoy the treatment.

Some examples of massage enivironments are on the internet.

Activity

Setting up the massage room environment Use a private room or place where you will not be distracted. The room should be quiet. Playing some relaxing music is ideal if the patient wishes. There should be enough space to move around easily. The room should also be a clean and have nice, neutral surroundings. Light is needed, natural if possible otherwise a light can be used. The massage space needs to be able to be heated or cooled easily, to suit the patient.

After you have chosen your massage environment (room), it will be necessary to furnish it. Therefore you must provide assisting furniture which supports while massaging and makes you and your patient comfortable. Take a look at the following example, which will show you the crucial requirements.

Example

Watch the following slide show which provides consecutively steps about furnishing a massage environment at home http://de.slideshare.net/Maseusse14/how-to-furnish-a-massage-room-environment

Tip: After you have prepared the massage environment you can lie on the massage table to get an impression of how your patient will feel like. Change or add things if necessary.

Lubricants

Massage Oils

As a beginner it may seem hard to know what lubricant to use during a massage. But don't worry, it is not as difficult as it seems.

The purpose of using a lubricant is to reduce the friction between the therapists hands and the patients skin. This allows the massage therapist to massage with ease.

For a beginner it is recommended that either a massage oil or wax is used as a lubricant. There are many kinds of these on the market, it really depends on the type of massage you want to give as to what lubricant you use.

Always check with your patient what their preference is and that there are no contraindications or allergies to the massage oil or wax you will be using.

Example

Understand Massage Oils Click on the link below and read the instructions! It will show you some basics about massage lubricants and guide you how to use oils. http://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Massage-Oils

Precautions

Hygiene

Cleaning the Massage Environment

A clean and tidy environment is important to ensure hygiene. In addition, whoever receives a massage will feel more comfortable and able to relax more easily when he/she is not disturbed in an unclean environment.

Key points

Clean the massage environment! Remove rubbish after each session. Tidy up and put items back where they belong. Vacuum the environment regularly. Properly clean the massage table/chair and any other items you touched, ensuring you use adequate cleaning supplies. After massaging, immediately wash towels, sheets and blankets. Replenish supplies.

Hand Washing

During a massage you will be touching your patient with your hands. Therefore it is necessary to wash your hands properly before starting and after you have finished the massage.

Why:

• This will prevent the spread of infection or bacteria.
• Removes pathogens.

How to wash hands:

1. Wet hands, forearms and elbows
2. You may use a brush to clean fingernails
3. Rub hands with soap
4. Rinse hands and arms until lather has disappeared
5. Dry hands with a clean towel or paper towels
6. Avoid touching anything afterwards

Activity

Hand Washing and Hygiene Click on the following link to see the hand washing procedure step by step. http://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_and_When_Brochure.pdf Buy and prepare the supplies Give it a try

How To Massage

This chapter will focus on information about Swedish Massage, the most common type of Massage Therapy.

Objectives

You will learn: Basic information, such as pressure, direction, duration Techniques of Swedish Massage And its benefits

Preperations

Before you start off, make sure have everything you need near by.

Self Assessment

Preparation List Click on the following link. You will find a checklist of items. Use this list on your tablet or print it out. Add further ideas!

Use the Preparation Checklist for Massage Therapy Google document

Basics

Activity

Learn the Basics of Massage Therapy Click on the link below and watch the slideshow. Follow the steps and practice.

Use the Slideshow about the Basics of Massage Therapy Google Slides

Preknowledge

Five basic strokes of Swedish Massage: Effleruage is a smooth repetitive stroke that relaxes soft muscle tissue. Your hands should glide easily over the surface of the body. Make long, gliding strokes from the neck all the way down the spine; From the shoulder to the fingertips; Then, use the your whole hand/s and and stroke towards the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. [[1]] Petrissage involves squeezing and rolling or pressing the muscle, but also lifting the muscles away from the bone. Every move with gentle pressure. It is useful for loosening muscle tension and to increase circulation. Further, it may clear out toxins from muscle and nerve tissue. [[2]] Friction is the use of deep and circular movements handled with steady pressure in order to cause tissues to rub against one another and stimulate circulation. Movements are usually made close to joints and bony areas. It contributes to flexibility of muscles. [[3]] Tapotement is performed by making a series of briskly percussive movements. These can be taps done with the sides, fist or finger tips of the hands. [[4]] Vibration involves shaking the hands (with pressure) on the back. [[5]]

Reading

Read further information about the correct approaches and techniques of Swedish Massage Therapy. http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/media/us/samplechapters/9780729538695/Foundations%20of%20Massage%203e%20-%20Casanelia.pdf

Self Assessment

After you have read the article above, answer following questions on the online quizz!

Use the Swedish Massage Therapy Quizz Google document

Activity

Learn Swedish Massage Therapy step by step! Click on the link below and watch the slideshow. Follow the steps and practice.

Use the Slideshow about Swedish Massage Therapy Google Slides

The right Balance of Massage Movements

Activity

Watch the presentation about the elements of massage movements http://prezi.com/1usapzivhyuw/find-the-right-balance-of-massage-movements/

Trigger Points

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/309200330636827142/

Further Examples

Example

You may use the following links to see further video content of Massage Therapy Free massage course by Will Green: http://freemassagecourse.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/willgreen7717/videos

Tip: Ask for feedback after you are finished. You will be able improve each time.