Benefits

• Having professional massage therapy on a regular basis not only helps you relax and rejuvenate, but a professional can build a treatment plan to address your overall health. You may experience an improvement in posture, increased circulation and lower blood pressure. As massage relaxes your muscles, you may have more flexibility and movement. Certain types of massage can strengthen the immune system and help with pain management issues. Massage provides relief from ailments such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal disorders.
  
  

Types

• The types of massage a professional therapist may offer are innumerable. Basic Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading and circular motions, and these principles are incorporated into most other types of massage. Massage therapists may use aromatherapy and hot stones to enhance the massage. Therapists may massage deeper into the muscles and connective tissues to ease soreness. Eastern forms of massage therapy include shiatsu and Thai massage. These massages focus on applying pressure to specific points on the body. Therapists may be specially qualified to give pregnancy massage because they have a deep understanding of which techniques to use and which areas of the body to avoid.
  
  

Regulation

• As of 2010, 37 states regulate massage either by requiring a license, registration or certification. Though there are no nationally enforced standards in place, a massage therapist who graduates from an accredited massage program may take a national exam for certification. The certification proves that they attended a nationally respected school and meet professionally recognized standards. For a list of accredited schools, see the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). When you receive a massage, ask the therapist about his or her training and any professional affiliations he or she has.
  
  

Professionals

• On average, a massage therapist receives 500 hours of training before practicing massage professionally. A massage therapist who has been professionally trained understands the anatomy and physiology of the body. They also study organs and tissues and Kinesiology, which is the study of muscles and how they move. Some therapist practice massages with a holistic approach, meaning that they focus on the mind-soul-body connection and incorporate advise on nutrition and exercise during a treatment program.
  
  

Considerations

• The National Institute of Health advises against vigorous massage for people who have bleeding disorders, low blood platelet count or those who take blood-thinning medicine. A massage therapist should also avoid areas on the body with blood clots, fractures, open wounds, skin infections and weakened bones. Cancer patients and pregnant women should consult their physicians before receiving massage. Never use massage therapy as a replacement for medical care.