about massage

Massage is one of the best things you can do for your body. Where we, of the amta don't certify or license massage therapists, our members do have to prove their education and commit to continuing educational guidelines, a code of ethics and adhere to standards of practice. If you are interested in recieving a massage, please click the link below to find a therapist in your area.

Massage Therapy is as diverse as the people who recieve and perform it. No two massage are ever alike, yet if you are searching for professional massage therapists, whether in a spa, or medical clinic, an amta member is your best bet. Understand, Oklahoma is not a regulated state, (some municipalities do license massage in Oklahoma, but it is a business license, not a proficency exam), so you need to make sure that your massage therapist is a professional.

The amta is the association of professional massage therapists,

Thinking about a professional massage but are a little uncertain as to what to expect? Here are some answers to a few common questions you may have about massage.

Where Will My Session Take Place?
Your massage should take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet environment. Soft, relaxing music may be played while you lie on a comfortable table. A massage practitioner who has been properly trained will conduct your massage. You may request the type of massage that will benefit your needs. Some practitioners practice in a professional office setting, some may also choose to come to the client’s home, and some may practice out of their home office. The location of your massage session should not negatively affect your relaxation.

Must I Be Completely Undressed?
Most sessions are performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your comfort level. You will be properly draped at all times. The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket. The only area exposed will be the area being worked on and then it will be covered before moving on to the next area. You may request that certain areas not be worked on.

How Long Is The Typical Massage Session?
The average full-body massage lasts one hour. Some massage therapists offer half hour sessions that focus on specific areas such as the back, or the shoulders and neck. Chair massage, which can be done while you’re fully dressed, is a great quick session. If you have the time, you may want to consider scheduling a 90 minute or even a two hour session. It really depends on what you want, and what the massage therapist offers.

What Are The Benefits Of Massage?
Some massage clients report that chronic tension and pain can be addressed, circulation improved, joint flexibility increased, reduced mental and physical fatigue and stress. Some massage clients report faster healing of injuries, reduced blood pressure, and improved posture. Some people sleep better, have improved concentration, and reduced anxiety. Athletes may reduce the risk of injury by keeping the muscles and tendons relaxed and also recover more quickly after sporting events.

The main thing to remember about receiving massage is that it is all about communication – you with your therapist, as well as your therapist with your body. If you have a concern, speak with them about it.

 

types of massage

Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.


Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.


Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.