In most cases, yes! Massage Therapy has been proven to increase circulation, relieve tension, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, promote relaxation, improve mobility, and so much more. These are things we could all use more of! However, there are conditions in which Massage Therapy & Bodywork should not be received. These include:
The following medical contraindications require approval from your physician prior to receiving massage & bodywork.
In the event that you're feeling like you're coming down with a bug, I highly encourage you to reschedule your appointment for both of our sake! When you are already dealing with symptoms in the early stages of the sickness, massage can increase your symptoms and actually make you feel worse. This is due to increased circulation and the release or processing of metabolic waste; think "releasing toxins". Your body is already having to fight off the virus, you don’t want to be adding to it. Your best bet is to stay home & rest!
Absolutely not! I recommend each client undress to their comfort level; you are free to leave on or take off whatever is comfortable for you. Each client, unless performing a fully-clothed massage modality, is covered by a top sheet & blanket using a modest draping technique in which private areas remain fully covered at all times. This means that the only area of your body that will be exposed will be the area I'm immediately working on while the rest of you is tucked in nice & snug! This ensures the safety, modesty, and comfortability of you as a client.
I am a licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Kentucky with over 10,000 hours of hands-on experience and countless hours of continuing education.
Outside of my personal practice, I also perform sports massage for various athletic events such as marathons, tri-athalons, cycling, and rock climbing. The annual Iron Man Louisville is among my favorites, where I offer pre & post-race bodywork while also volunteering medical massage techniques alongside medical personnel during race day.
Before making the leap into working solely for myself, I was voted Massage Therapist Of The Year two years in a row, 2016 & 2017, within the company I had previously worked for.
If you would like to check the legitimacy of my massage licensure you can find an up-to-date status on www.bmt.ky.gov
As you can see, I tend to use these terms interchangeably, however, there is a difference.
Massage therapy is simply the manual manipulation of soft tissue to enhance one's health & wellbeing. It's primary function is to promote relaxation. People seek massage therapy for a plethora of reasons- to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and increase blood to name a few.
Bodywork goes a bit beyond that. Though it is a broad term for approaching the body that can involve Massage Therapy, bodywork is a therapeutic approach to the body that can involve techniques using breath work, energy medicine, movement, stretching, and various other modalities aimed at re-educating the body's movement patterns so that it functions better.
I often use these terms interchangeably because of my style & approach to the body. In my work, I use any techniques I feel will encourage the most beneficial change. I call on the ideas of Thai Massage, Cranial Sacral, Movement re-education, & Structural Integration philosophies to guide me through what your body needs. In this way, each & every session is uniquely yours.