Some people do not enjoy being touched by strangers and to be honest, I was one of those people, I didn't like to be tickled or even have a shoulder rub from my partner, so the thought of indulging in a body massage was not for me.
Some time ago, I really damaged my knee. I visited my doctor and he recommended that I seek the assistance of several other practitioners who would help with my rehabilitation. I am an avid runner, so I was keen to recuperate and stay in shape.
The physiotherapist I had experience with, but the massage therapist was something new for me. Let me first go through the difference between a masseuse or someone who performs relaxation or aesthetic style massage, and a registered massage therapist. Both can help you relax and wind down, but a registered massage therapist will have studied human anatomy and biology and will take a more scientific approach to your treatment. Relaxation massage, or a Swedish massage are totally different treatments and though they may help your soreness a little, a massage therapist should understand rehabilitation from injury and if you are working with the right person, will also understand sports injury.
My first visit was like visiting a medical practitioner who had a more holistic approach and I filled in a form that not only covered information about my recent injury but also injuries in the past, lifestyle etc. My practitioner assured me this was important to understand the wear and tear I naturally place on my body.
I have to say that the treatment I had was not at all relaxing and I did find some of it a little painful. After my treatments, I took baths with epsom salts as advised and I made sure that between visits, I practiced the exercises that my practitioner had advised for rapid improvement. As part of regular maintenance as a sports player, I was advised to use massage therapy. And even though I wasn't a fan before, I am going to stick to this advice!
Some time ago, I really damaged my knee. I visited my doctor and he recommended that I seek the assistance of several other practitioners who would help with my rehabilitation. I am an avid runner, so I was keen to recuperate and stay in shape.
The physiotherapist I had experience with, but the massage therapist was something new for me. Let me first go through the difference between a masseuse or someone who performs relaxation or aesthetic style massage, and a registered massage therapist. Both can help you relax and wind down, but a registered massage therapist will have studied human anatomy and biology and will take a more scientific approach to your treatment. Relaxation massage, or a Swedish massage are totally different treatments and though they may help your soreness a little, a massage therapist should understand rehabilitation from injury and if you are working with the right person, will also understand sports injury.
My first visit was like visiting a medical practitioner who had a more holistic approach and I filled in a form that not only covered information about my recent injury but also injuries in the past, lifestyle etc. My practitioner assured me this was important to understand the wear and tear I naturally place on my body.
I have to say that the treatment I had was not at all relaxing and I did find some of it a little painful. After my treatments, I took baths with epsom salts as advised and I made sure that between visits, I practiced the exercises that my practitioner had advised for rapid improvement. As part of regular maintenance as a sports player, I was advised to use massage therapy. And even though I wasn't a fan before, I am going to stick to this advice!
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