Many people love to get massages but are unsure of the actual benefits and how to get the most from their sessions. After working as a massage therapist for over a decade, I've spoken to many clients and prospective clients about the important, need to know information regarding massage therapy. Its long term use for significant health and wellness benefits. I've narrowed it down to address the most common questions I get from people wanting to know more about this amazing therapy. 1. Massage therapy, like most natural therapies, requires consistency and time to reap benefits. It would be fantastic to go in for a massage and come out feeling brand new, but that isn't always the case. Our bodies create muscular imbalances over time, so naturally, it will take some time to undo them. Some styles of bodywork can release chronic muscular holding patterns and benefit your overall posture. Still, it will take several weeks, months, or even years, depending on what is going on. Some therapists also make suggestions for home care or refer to additional health care providers so that your treatments will be more productive and last longer. I always encourage my clients to make massage a regular self-care habit to prevent pain and stress. Massage Therapy works best as preventative care. 2. Massage therapy helps muscle tissue rest, repair, and recover after strenuous activity. Not only does massage therapy feel good, it's also an excellent option for a speedy recovery for people with muscular pain or athletes wanting to enhance their performance. Thinking that the only benefit to getting regular massage is feeling pampered severely underestimates this extremely effective natural therapy. Regular massage adds to our quality of life by reducing everyday aches and pains that nag at us and consequently makes our stress levels rise. 3. There are many styles of massage therapy, and every therapist is different. It's true; we all study different types of massage and have different skills that are unique to each individual. While we all study the same necessary massage foundations, some of us specialize in different areas. Many therapists choose to study clinical styles of bodywork, while others are passionate about relaxation and stress reduction. Some therapists want only to use modern Western techniques, while others enjoy ancient, Eastern styles of bodywork. It's best to ask around for a referral to someone that can be a good match for your specific needs. Luckily, massage therapists are very friendly and love to discuss their work, so finding a good referral is pretty simple. For example, you wouldn't want to see a therapist who practices massage for relaxation if you need detailed work on specific muscles for pain relief from an injury. You'd want to see a clinical or medical massage therapist. Whenever I hear someone complain about a massage they didn't like, it's because the intention of the session wasn't clear to both parties from the beginning or they were seeing a therapist who's style wasn't a good fit for them. 4. We are the facilitators, but you are the healer. Massage therapists create space for our clients to rest and move their nervous system from its stress response into it's parasympathetic or "rest and digest" response. When we can take a complete rest, miraculous things can happen. Our bodies can heal from many stress-related dysfunctions, we can see the world more clearly, and we can make better decisions for our well being. Massage therapists can only hold that space for our clients, but we can not take credit for healing them. The real healing of our mind/body relationship happens in its own time and when we as individuals are ready. Question: What do you what your massage therapist to know? Leave a comment. ![]() Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own Gaia Bodywork in Richardson, TX. and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Barefoot Bar Therapy and iRest® Yoga Nidra. Gaia Bodywork PLLC offers the Best Massage in Richardson, Texas for pain and stress management.
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Massage therapy has become some what of a mainstream natural health practice in the past few years with the help of large chains that offer memberships for monthly massage. Even before it's rise in popularity, therapeutic massage found it's way in to my life. After years of dealing with intense anxiety, and feeling unraveled emotionally, I began a healing journey, becoming a massage therapist. It wasn't just to help others through the difficulties in life, but to also help myself and to grow me up in to a balanced person.
It is an honor to do this type of work and some times I feel like it was my destiny to become a holistic health provider. The perfect fit. A way to integrate my scattered self and become whole. Being introduced to the bodymind connection- massage therapy opened me up to a better understanding of how my mind and body work together and how when using massage as preventative health care, instead of as a pampering treat, I was able to live a happier, relatively conflict free life. I noticed things came easier. My emotions and thoughts were less overwhelming. Communication with others was clearer and easier. I use my massage practice to inspire people to take care of the bodymind. My main focus in my work is stress relief, something that for whatever reason, our culture doesn't value too much although everyone seems to want it. I love to create the healing environment for people. Giving my clients a safe haven away from the rest of the busy world. Working with people who are burnt out and needing to rejuvenate their life, people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress related illness. These are some of my regular clients. My sessions are quiet and have a focus on healing for that reason. I work with people who need to step away from life and recover from overwhelm, depression, anxiety, and and all the adverse effects of our multitasking, pressured filled, modern day lifestyles. Massage therapy has given me many gifts over the years. One of the biggest gifts has been an appreciation for self care. I never thought about caring for myself before I found massage therapy. I use to do harmful things to my body and mind. I had no clue that I was in control of my mental health and that taking care of my physical AND emotional/mental self was really, really important. I loved getting "pampered" at the nail or hair salon, but true self care goes deeper than physical attractiveness. Sometimes when I'm feeling pain or physically ill, I can explore that deeper through self inquiry or meditation practices and often discover that what I'm really experiencing is an emotion, thought, or a toxic, old belief that's coming up ( "I should do this or be that") and making me feel uncomfortable. This has brought me a lot of peace because I can then resolve this emotion or whatever is coming up for me, and in turn resolve the pain that is showing up in my physical body. Having a massage during a time when we need to release emotional or mental pain can be super helpful because putting ourselves in a healing environment and allowing our body to rest can help our brains process and become clear. One of the reasons Massage therapy works in this way is It takes us from our hectic, stress filled lives in to a place where our nervous system can switch over to the parasympathetic "rest and digest" response. This is when healthy changes can occur in our minds and bodies. Mental clarity and focus are benefits of regular massage. We can't be at our best when we are constantly in survival mode, frazzled, and living a lifestyle that doesn't allow for rest. We are told that it's lazy or that being unproductive is a bad thing when in reality, it's a vital part of healing and staying healthy. Becoming a massage therapist also introduced me to the world of alternative health. One of the ideas of alt. health care is looking at not just the physical but also the mental, spiritual, and emotional parts. I read so many life changing books searching for more and more on true wellness and what it means to be balanced. I changed the way I felt about myself and the harmful negative self talk turned in to sweetness. I work on accepting other people and myself, just as they are. This is a conscious and daily practice. I've developed a deeper spiritual knowing through meditation that gives me peace. Real peace. Which is what I made as my heartfelt desire, my wish for my tumultuous life several years ago. Reflecting over the past ten years as a licensed massage therapist gives me a sense of happiness and pride. I'm proud of myself and so inspired by everyone I have met, studied from, and practiced with. It's a feeling of being home and centered in my life purpose. With gratitude! ![]() Massage therapy is a treatment whose sole purpose is to make us feel better and to add to our health. It relaxes us and boosts our bodies immune response, but sometimes it's not the best treatment for us. Massage therapy can actually intensify your symptoms or cause other issues to arise that are uncomfortable or unwanted at times. Here are a few examples of when massage therapy is not such a great idea.
Remember to discuss any health concerns with your massage therapist and to let them know if your health history has changed since your last visit. Tell me: How does massage help you stay healthy? Leave me a comment- I love hearing from you! Related posts: Ditch the bad habits and replace them with massage. My natural healthcare secrets. ![]() Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta LMT040051 and is located in Richardson, TX. offering the best massage services in the area for pain and stress management. Visit Gaiabodywork.com for more information. ![]() Yes, my title is a bit shocking. I recently asked this question to therapists on face book: "What's one thing you wished clients knew (etiquette wise) before they become your clients or what's an example of times where you felt communication could be better?" I got feedback from people all over the country. With that feed back, I was inspired to come up with few pointers on what to avoid doing before, during, and after your massage visit. Let's see what you think. 1. Being habitually late. For many therapists, this is the #1 discussed aggravation. For me, I have certain booking policies that are clear about this issue. For therapists that try to accommodate late clients, it makes their whole day a mess and pushes back other clients sessions. Usually the other people that have to wait are not happy campers. It's just a bad situation for everyone. 2. Not showing up for a booked appointment. For most people who work by appointment, they depend on clients to show up for their sessions when they book them. It takes up valuable time where they could be working with other clients or attending family or personal events. This communication is so important and it's just good manners to let someone know in advance if you're not going to make a meeting that is set up specifically for you. 3. Neglecting your hygiene before your massage appointment. You should arrive at your session clean and in the mind frame of relaxing. It's a courtesy to your therapist and it's more beneficial for you. A clean environment is a healthy environment for all considered. 4. Making inappropriate remarks of the sexual nature to your therapist. No further explanation needed. Many therapists report this type of behavior to local police departments as a safety concern and in protest to human trafficking. 5. Trying to haggle on pricing. For most therapists, pricing is set at what they need to make to feed their families. I've never met a wealthy massage therapist and while I'm sure they exists, most of us are just normal people trying to make a living wage by helping others with our skills. We work hard and we train hard to give you that great massage time and time again. Support your favorite therapists and understand that they have kids, mortgages, and bills to pay as well. I think most of us do what we can to make it as affordable as possible. The price for a one hour session is usually between $60-$100 depending on where you go. Try out other spas or therapists if you're new to massage. Once you get more experience with different styles, You 'll know if you're getting a fair price for the type of work you receive. 6. Attempting to retrain a therapist on their skills. Letting therapists know about pressure, temperature, and pain tolerance is great! That feedback is extremely helpful during a session. Trying to tell a therapist how to massage you is usually not going to work out very well. Every therapist has a different style naturally, even if they have the same training. Clients who are massage therapists themselves tend to be the worst at this- it's best to try out a few therapists and find the one that works in the way that feels best to you instead of trying to make a therapist work in a completely different way than what is normal for them. They may not have the specific training you are looking for. 7. Helping too much during the session or neglecting to tell your therapist about your comfort. Your only job as the client is to soften your body and recieve the massage . Unless your therapist asks for help or for you to move a certain way, there's no real need for you to move your body during the massage, unless you're uncomfortable of course. I can't tell you how many times I've been kicked in the stomach on accident when I'm trying to drape a leg or smacked while moving an arm. It's also extremely hard to massage a neck when its owner is moving it all around. For everyone's safety, please be still ;) Also, please tell your massage therapist when something isn't right. Communication is important. Massage therapists go through a lot of training but one thing we are NOT trained in is mind reading. It would be so cool if we were! If the pressure is uncomfortable or you're too cold during a session and you can't relax, please tell us. Cindy, a massage therapist from Michigan says "I wish more clients would realize that it's { the session} really about THEM and I could care less if they want more pressure, less pressure, more heat, etc. I just wish they would tell me so I can give them the best session." Most massage therapists feel just like Cindy. We just want to make you happy with your massage therapy treatments. Don't worry about hurting our feelings. We don't mind when you tell us how to make you more comfortable. Question: What do you look for in a massage therapist? Give me your reply in the comments below! ![]() Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta LMT and is located in Richardson, TX. offering the best massage services in the area for pain and stress management. Visit Gaiabodywork.com for more information. ![]() For many years, I thought deep tissue massage was simply pushing harder. That seemed to appease most of my deep tissue clients and the managers or spa owners who ran the spas where I was employed. They’d say "Yeah, just PUSH HARDER and give more pressure” when I’d wonder why a client wasn’t happy with the deep tissue massage I’d just given them. As I grew in my career and got more education, I learned that deep tissue massage is NOT deep PRESSURE massage. I can work deeply in to your muscles and soft tissues without using deep pressure just by slowing down my work and heating up the area first, either with my hands, feet, or with a heating pack. The problem with continuing this idea of "just push harder” is that it's counter productive. The harder you push, the harder the muscles push back. Muscle guarding, as it's called is a signal from the muscle that it has had enough. It won't let you continue to force pressure without injury to the tissue. If you’ve ever heard of someone complain that they were so sore from their massage, this is probably the cause. Honestly, nobody wants to feel MORE pain from the massage than what they originally came in with. Many therapist retire early from overdoing it on the pressure. Injuring and breaking down their own bodies in the process of trying to help and assist healing for their clients. This simply doesn't have to be the case. Of course, I don't have anything against deep pressure. My favorite style of massage, Ashiatsu (Barefoot bar therapy) as you will find it on my service menu, is meant to give deep pressure by design. Standing above the table and using the force of gravity + weight just makes that deep pressure happen effortlessly. What I don't like is the misguided notion that deep pressure = pain and those silly sayings like " pain is weakness leaving the body." Or "no pain, no gain." Pain is a signal from your body telling you to stop, slow down, and take notice. Those ideas that pain is weakness have no place in massage therapy or fitness for that matter. Many of my clients have chronic pain from a sports or fitness related injury and this tells me that we need to cultivate body awareness. In my practice, communication between client and therapist is crucial. I can usually tell from muscle guarding or body language when I've reached the client's pain tolerance.....but not always. Sometimes muscles don't react or it's too subtle to notice. Also, some medications clients maybe taking can block this conversation between myself and the tissues. That is why my clients use a subjective pain scale to alert me to any discomfort ( 1-10- 1 being no pain and 10 being excruciating pain.) If the pressure or pain goes past a 6 on their scale, they let me know and my work changes to accommodate them. It keeps everyone happy and comfortable throughout the session. Deep Pressure: is exerting more pressure or force. It should have skill behind it but many times it doesn't, especially if the therapist doesn't have good training. If it's done right, it's AHHHmazing! If it's done wrong it's painful and dangerous to soft tissue. It can have some emotional side effects as well inciting panic and fear in a client. Done correctly, deep pressure can actually relax the nervous system. Deep Tissue massage: According to leading deep tissue massage instructor, Art Riggs, Is simply using techniques to access deeper muscular structures. Any technique will do but most often the therapist uses myofacial release, trigger point therapy, friction, compression, traction, heat and more. Along with expert palpation skills to locate the specific muscle that needs the work. Sometimes you (on the client's end) will FEEL the depth of the pressure and other times you won't. It all depends on the technique being used. Some deep work is done very gently. Therapists...It's important to get training and learn a pressure intensive style thought the proper channels. I love pressure and compression, giving it and receiving it. I choose to study with THE BEST ashiatsu trainers and instructors. My favorites are the people over at Center for Barefoot Massage and Lolita knight’s Fijian Massage. QUESTION: Do you enjoy deep pressure? Have you ever left a massage feeling more pain than you came in with? ![]() Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta LMT and is located in Richardson, TX. offering the best massage services in the area for pain and stress management. Visit Gaiabodywork.com for more information. ![]() I recently posted a question on my facebook page that asked "What's the one thing that's stopping you from scheduling a massage right now?" Can you guess what EVERYONE said???? That's right, Money. Funds. Cheddar..... I started thinking about my self and I know that there have been times where I've thought "I really need some bodywork but I'm so broke right now." In the last few years I've been working on my "relationship" with money and have been to all kinds of financial seminars. In the last one that I went to, the presenter asked this question: "How much does it cost to be you every month?" HMMMM, I thought about that and it's a very good question. It made me sit down and see where I spend my money and then rearrange my habits so that I can actually do things that I really want and that benefit my health and quality of life-like Massage Therapy. Here's a few things that I swapped out so that I could get the things I really want. 1. The Starbucks addiction.... I found out that I spend an ungodly amount of money on lattes. They may give me happiness in the moment but they're loaded with sugar and other bad stuff which ultimately takes away from my health and bank account- That $4.60 everyday can go to something waaaay better. Of course I can't give up coffee entirely, duh! so I switched to americanos (way cheaper) or making my own at home! 2. Eating out...a lot- I love cooking but hate grocery shopping so I have fallen in to the habit of picking up food for most every meal. That gets so incredibly expensive not to mention.... Have you seen Gordon Ramsey's show Kitchen nightmares? You should watch it- you'll save so much money and avoid horrible health hazards by cooking at home. Just saying- 3. Become a DIY-er I've learned that there are many things that can be done with out hiring someone else to do them. Pedicures, Manicures, this website- heck I even groom my dog myself. With the invention of pinterest, I've been able to fix things, cook things, and save lots of money- check it out! Okay, there's my suggestions. QUESTIONS: What do you do to save money so that you can have the things you really want? and If money wasn't a factor, what's stopping you from scheduling a massage session right now? ![]() Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta and is located in Richardson, Tx. Visit gaiabodywork.com for more information. How much time do you devote to self care on a weekly basis? How about monthly? is "self care "even in your vocabulary? ![]() If everyone in the world was required to start their day with a massage, would it lead to world peace??? I see an amazing transformation in clients that go from high stress energy to deep mellow calm energy in a mere hour everyday. I get to be a witness to this magic and it reaffirms that massage therapy is so incredibly important and has it's place in this world. Lots of people think that getting a massage is a luxury but with all the wonderful benefits it can offer it should be seen as a necessity. Massage therapy has a strong effect on the autonomic nervous system. The ANS is divided in to two sections, The parasympathetic (rest and digest) and the sympathetic (fight or flight). Many times I have clients come in and it's very obvious that they are stuck in a sympathetic response. The way we live our lives, pushing ourselves constantly to be perfect at everything and thinking that resting is only for the weak is very dangerous (in my opinion). I whole heartily believe that the insanity we see on the news and in our daily interactions are examples of this derangement. Excessive anger and unhealthy stress can be lessened with compassionate touch. So many people are walking wounded. They are damaged emotionally, physically, spiritually, (and/or) mentally and are suffering and in need of a moment of silence and time away from the craziness. That's where massage comes in by creating an environment and a space where peace can happen and where people can reconnect to themselves and remember what is really important in their lives. How much time do you devote to self care on a weekly basis? What about monthly? Is "Self Care" even in your vocabulary? It should be. I'm always taking in mind the four pillars of health (mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual) and asking myself if there Is a way to create balance among them so I can live a fuller and happier life. Sometimes I'm really good at implementing my plan and other times...not so much. Discipline is really hard and I admire people who can keep it going. How do you keep your mind, body, spirit, and emotions healthy? What is your self care plan? Let me know in the comments section! ![]() Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta and is located in Richardson, Tx. Visit gaiabodywork.com for more information. ![]() The world is stressed out! There are so many reasons to get a massage and everyone in the world can benefit from a monthly session. That's my opinion, anyways. I am always surprised when I hear people say that they've never experienced a professional massage before because of one reason or another. Maybe they say that they are too shy or they don't feel that it has value or even that its too indulgent and that they would feel guilty. I say "nonsense" to all of that silliness :) Check out some of the ways massage therapy can add value to your life. (I've also listed them here)
As you can see, massage therapy has some excellent benefits to offer and can totally increase your quality of life. There's no need to be shy, massage therapy is done in a safe environment with proper draping- so you don't ever have to worry about your body being exposed. Also, Massage therapists are trained professionals. We don't judge people and only care about helping and making our clients comfortable. With all that being said, I'll share with you MY top three reasons I get regular massage. YEP! I also get regular massage therapy- twice a month I go see my massage therapist, Bobby Lane of Custom Touch Massage in Dallas. Bobby is an awesome therapist and I highly recommend his work. Alright....
I feel like I can think clearly and my brain functions better. When I skip a few sessions, I notice I start to feel raw and fried (if that makes any sense) and that I just can't deal with life. HAHA! I get pretty dramatic and don't always communicate the way I'd like to...as a serene, grounded and centered individual. Drama queen? yikes-Better stick to my regular sessions! (for my husbands sake, of course) Now you know my reasons, What are some of the reasons you get massage therapy? Comment in the comment section! Thanks :) ![]() Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta and is located in Richardson, Tx. Visit gaiabodywork.com for more information. ![]() There are many places to go and get a massage so how do you know if you're picking the right setting for you with all those choices? In one of my first blogs, I discussed the fact that not all massage therapists or massages are the same. ***You can read it here*** Let me share some insight on the most popular massage settings. Massage Schools: Massage schools are a great option if you're on a budget and are okay with a hit or miss type situation. The students in massage school clinics are practicing and are fulfilling the requirements to get their license so there will be heavy turn over. It's great to help these students out and get them their hours. You may also find your next favorite massage therapist! PROS:
CONS:
Massage memberships: These are the "massage envy" type places. You pay a monthly fee and in return you get a monthly massage at a low rate. Pros:
Cons:
Chiropractic and massage go together like peas and carrots. Which is why you find them together a lot. It just makes since to relax the muscles that are pulling on bones before an adjustment. "Medical massage" is usually done in these clinics. Pros:
Spa Massages: While a lot of people make the comment that spa massage is "fluff and buff", I've had some pretty intense deep work done in a spa. They have fun products and you can get many different treatments along with your massage too. Pedicures anyone??? Yes please! Pros:
Cons:
Independent Massage Therapists: This is what I am. I run my own practice and book my own appointments. When you schedule a session at Gaia Bodywork, you will only work with me and I will be your only contact person. i have worked in all of the above places (except envy) and have honed my skills over the past nine years to create my special brand of massage. Pros:
Cons:
What's your preferred massage setting?? Do you agree with my list of pros & cons or have I left something out? I wanna know what you like so leave me a comment in my comment section! ![]() Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta and is located in Richardson, Tx. Visit gaiabodywork.com for more information. ![]() I've been reading about massage myths, things that were once thought to be true about the benefits or dangers of massage therapy that have now been debunked. When I was in school we were taught that massage for someone healing from cancer was inappropriate or possible harmful, that massage can cause a woman to have a miscarriage in her first trimester, and that water after the session is important to flush out "toxins" , a very vague and popular buzzword these days. Things change as more and more research and studies are being done and our knowledge of how the body works changes. I've listed the benefits and some of the now known "myths" in a chart below. When I read the list of the benefits, I feel truly amazed! Everyone I know could benefit from regular sessions. I know I do- and my regular clients who are people who have a lot on their plates, know that making time for massage helps them be their best- More alert, clear-minded, happier people. Reaping benefits does have one catch. You must get massage REGULARLY. It's not a one time deal and all your aches and pains are gone. It takes time but the results are better than anything pain pills can give you- just check out the list below! I suggest once a month for maintenance and more regularly (weekly) if you're in pain or needing to work on a specific issue.
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