Things You Shouldn’t Believe About Massage Therapy

Just like other services, massage therapy service has some misconceptions prevailing in the industry. And unfortunately, many people believe them and don’t take advantage of massage therapy.

Massage therapies are good for you. Not only do they relax you but treat many of your health problems. Sometimes, massage therapy improves the result of the treatment you are currently undergoing. You feel better as the pain and difficulties associated with the treatment reduce.

Massage is beneficial, so don’t believe the misconceptions. In this post, we will discuss common misconceptions that people have regarding massage therapy.

Misconception 1:

All massage types are the same 

This can never be true. If this is true, then no massage therapist has to spend years learning techniques. They can learn a method and apply it to all their clients. Some of the massage types are Swedish, sports, deep tissue and refresh therapeutic massage.

Just like their names, their techniques and effects are different. For example, a therapist applies a firmer amount of pressure using slower movements in a deep tissue massage but a light to medium amount of pressure in a Swedish massage.

Misconception 2:

Massage therapy is only for pampering

Massage therapy is for pampering but not only for pampering. Other than self-care, massage therapy treats multiple health conditions. For many people, massage is a part of their daily routine as consistency does wonders for health and wellness.

Massage reduces stress by releasing “feel-good” hormones, and helps people with severe headaches and migraines by targeting specific trigger points in the head and neck and others.

Misconceptions 3:

Body should pain the next day 

The effect of massage varies from a person to person. You might not feel the same as your friend after the massage. Some people feel soreness the day after a massage, especially if it is a deep-tissue massage. And some people don’t feel anything.

It’s said that any pain afterward is a good sign. It means the massage is working and it’s beneficial. But, the fact is that pain after the massage signifies nothing. Even if there is no soreness or pain, the massage is effective.

Misconception 4:

Relief from massage is short term 

Massage therapy provides instant as well as long-term relief. You might feel the impact of a massage for days. Sometimes, it’s for the entire life if you take the recommended number of sessions. Everything depends on your objective to take massage therapy.

The repeated sessions of massage therapy train the muscles in the body, keeping them flexible, strong, and pain-free over time. Massage tells the muscles to feel more relaxed and stretched out, keeping them in a relaxed state for longer periods.

Massage is related to your health. So, you shouldn’t take any step without equipping yourself with accurate information. If you have any doubts, ask professionals and not any random person. Also, you shouldn’t have incomplete information. This is more dangerous than knowing nothing.

 

Does Massage Therapy Really Help? Let’s Dig Deep!

These days, heading to a renowned spa center is the best way to pamper your body; however, it can also be a great way to boost your well-being! Not to mention, massage therapy can lessen all kinds of ailments, be it physical pain, stress, or anxiety. It is the best way to unwind you. Individuals who opt to refuel their healthcare routine with a regular massage not only cherish the hours they spent at the spa, but they will come across the perks of massage throughout the day and week. Yet in confusion?

No worries; read out the below-mentioned advantages of having a massage by the hands of the best massage therapist in Philadelphia.

  1. Lessen Stress: 

As already stated above, having a massage at the spa is a great way to de-clutter and de-stress yourself not only on the day of massage but weeks after the appointments.

  1. Boost Blood Circulation:

To increase the blood flow throughout the body it is important to loosen up the muscles and tendons. Enhanced blood flow can have tons of benefits on the entire body including lessening fatigue and pain management.

  1. Decrease Agony:

Well, massage is perfect for treating areas like lower back pain as well as stiffness. An expert massage therapist can precisely target the root of your agony and support you get the apt massage regimen.

  1. Eliminate Toxins: 

Massage therapy can stimulate the soft tissues of the body that help in releasing toxins from the blood and lymphatic systems.

  1. Boost Flexibility: 

With massage, your stiffed muscles can get loosen up, helping the body to achieve the full range of movement.

  1. Enhance Sleep-cycle:

Massage therapy is a way to encourage relaxation, and it also helps to boost your mood. Hitting the sack with relaxed muscles enables more profound sleep. Moreover, you will feel more energetic the next morning.

  1. Improve Immunity:

It is obvious; through massage, stimulation of the lymph nodes helps in recharging the body’s defense system (immune system).

  1. Lessen Fatigue: 

As already stated above; massage is known for enhancing mood and promoting quality sleep. Hence, it makes you feel relaxed and less worn out at the end.

  1. Alleviate Depression and Anxiety:

In your body, massage can help to release endorphins, which help you to feel more energized and jubilant.

How can I find the best massage therapist in Philadelphia?

Well, to find, the best and easiest way is to seek help from Google or reach out to a local massage therapy school. Why massage therapy school? Because; these schools put their therapists under intensive training! These approaches will help you know that you have selected a reliable massage therapist.

So, what are your thoughts about the above-mentioned perks? Do you think they can help? No matter what, let us know what sort of improvements you are willing to see in your health. Reach out to us today with your queries and see how we can help you in the best possible way.

Can Massage Help Improve My Immunity?

Most of us have heard about the prominent benefits of having regular body massages, such as improved circulation, decreased muscle tension, stimulated lymphatic system, reduced stress, and so on. But, “massage can also work as immunity booster” is an idea that rarely comes to our mind. Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, everybody is looking for different ways to strengthen their immunity. So, it is natural for massage lovers to cerebrate whether massage plays a role in boosting their immunity or not.

If you also wonder whether massage improves immunity, here is our answer.

Yes, Massage Can Help Strengthen Your Immunity. It is not a Myth.      

Thanks to the research conducted by Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, now, we know for sure that people who undergo massage experience significant changes in their immunity and endocrine response.

Even a Single Massage Shows Immediate Impact on Immunity

Though several small studies have been conducted regarding the health benefits of massage, the aforesaid research is considered as the systematic study of a larger group of healthy adults. Based on the research results, immediate massage benefits included anxiety and a long-term increase in the serotonin values – natural killer cell numbers and lymphocytes.

Massage Therapy Helps in Alleviating Pain and Stress that Leads to Improved Immune System.

Massage therapy is popularly known to help alleviate pain. Do you know pain has a major immunosuppressive effect on your body? It is scientifically proven that pain negatively affects the immune system – the system that helps your body deal with infection and fight diseases. The same goes for stress as it increases the levels of cortisol and thereby, inflammation in the body. Since massage helps relieve mental stressors, improve circulation, and decrease inflammation and pain, undergoing massage therapy shows positive effects on your immunity.

Regular Aromatherapy Sessions Have Measurable Impact on Pregnant Women’s Immunity

Massage is said to be the best friend of pregnant women. During pregnancy, the immune system of women undergoes suppression which leads to their decreased ability to fight off infections and diseases decreases significantly. Thus, they become more prone to urinary tract infections, coughs, colds, flu, and postpartum infections. In other words, pregnant women experience substantial immunological changes, including the decreased activity of NK cells, decreased activity of T cells, and decreased production of cytokines. According to a study, aromatherapy massage significantly decreases stress and enhances immune function in pregnant women.

In short, massage not only makes you feel good, but it is also good for you at a physical level.

Find the Best Massage Therapist in Philadelphia

If you want to maximize your massage benefits, it is important that your massage therapist knows the ins and outs of the human body, how the system works, and which massage techniques encourage the production of T cells and promote a healthy lymph system. Staying healthy and having a strong immune system have always been important but have become even more crucial these days. So, when it comes to finding the best massage therapist in Philadelphia or your area, you should ensure that they are certified, licensed, highly trained, and have sufficient experience in this field.

Choose the best massage therapist and give your body the little love it deserves!

Massage is just not a luxury, but a way to live a happy life!

 

Well, it’s true to the core that finding the right massage therapist in the town is utterly excruciating. However, the procedure of deciding which therapist to choose doesn’t have to be intricated. All you need to ensure is that you have counterbalanced all the essential things and ready to put your little effort into schooling yourself. In this write-up, we have tried to cover the maximum number of things that might help you in locating the best massage therapist in Philadelphia. Keep reading to know more. 

 

Imperative factors to Consider-

 

1. Comprehend Your Needs: The initial step towards locating the best massage therapist in Philadelphia is- understands what sort of massage you want. Whether it’s a sports massage, deep tissue, or relaxation massage? Many individuals prefer to have a massage session at their homes for utmost solace, while others choose a therapist’s office to have their sessions. However, when it is about mood or typical ambiance or setting, most of the humans who just want to have an unwinding massage session choose to have it in spas. On the flip side to this, those who take massage as part of their medical treatment usually prefer to have their sessions in a therapist’s office.

 

2. Take References: Do you know anyone who goes out for taking a regular massage? It would be wiser if you ask them where they go, how fruitful their experience is, and so on. Another apt source for taking a reference is your healthcare specialists. They are the ones who have a pool of contacts of well-versed massage therapists. So, prior to you make any decision, ensure to ask around. This will give you an apt idea about which therapist to choose. 

 

3. Screen Education Background: Prior to you take an appointment, always read about the therapists, their education, the success rate, etc. On the off chance, if you are dealing with an autoimmune disease or looking to have a sports massage, your therapist ought to be specialized in treating your conditions. Also, it is crucial to ask how long he has been in this business.

 

4. Contemplate Location: When it is about finding the best massage therapist in Philadelphia, it is crucial to search nearby your location. Distance plays a great role in deciding whether to take up a massage session or not. In case you liked the first session of your massage you had with your therapist and willing to incorporate routine massage, would you be able to spare time and travel? Think, and then make any decision. Remember, haste is always a waste! 

 

All in all, what matters the most is – your therapist should understand your needs and have no other agenda except to help you feel better. So, choose wisely! In case you need help, contact us hassle-freely. 

How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Philadelphia?

As professional massage therapy and bodywork are becoming increasingly popular, the demand for licensed massage therapists is also increasing. Massage salons and spa centers always look for professional massage and bodywork therapists to join their team. So, if you wonder How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist, then you are not alone.

To become a professional massage therapist in Philadelphia, you can either join a full-time certification course or pursue an educational degree with massage therapy and bodywork as a specialized subject. Most people prefer to join a certification course after their formal education to start their career as a professional massage therapist.

Massage Therapy Program

You can enroll in an accredited massage therapy program accredited by Pennsylvania’s Board of Massage Therapy in a trade school, community college, or licensed massage therapy school of your choice. You can pursue an associate degree, advanced degree, or a diploma and certificate program in massage therapy based on what kind of massage and bodywork practitioner you want to become.

Like any other professional career, you must go through the proper education, examination, and background screening to become a Massage Therapist in Philadelphia.

How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Philadelphia
            How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Philadelphia

Eligibility criteria to enroll in the program

  • A high school diploma with CGPA over 2.0
  • Official transcripts for any college coursework
  • Pass a criminal background check

After your training, you have to pass the MBLEx licensing exam in Pennsylvania. It is a two-hour exam to test the knowledge of the subject matter. You must pass this exam to get your license to become a massage therapist.

No matter which school or program you have enrolled in, a student must also complete the complete 600 program hours  (175 hours on subject training,  250 hours of massage theory and practice, 25 hours of business ethics, and additional 150 hours of coursework on massage therapy)  in order to apply and receive the license in the state of Pennsylvania:

What after completing your certification?

After completing your certification course and passing the exam, you are ready to apply for the license by registering with the State Board of Massage Therapy before you can start practicing. You can submit your application online at the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website. You have to pay the processing fee of $65 with your application. You also need to send your official transcripts from the massage therapy and current CPR certification directly to the Pennsylvania Board.

It is also necessary to go through a police background check and submit the report to the Pennsylvania Board with your application. A valid ID proof such as a driving license and your high school graduation certificate will also be required to support your application.

The State Board of Massage Therapy in Pennsylvania will review your application and approve it to issue the license. You are now a Licensed Massage Therapist accredited by the State Board of Massage Therapy. You now can join any spa center as a professional massage therapist or open your own business in Philadelphia as per the massage therapy act and rules in the state.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Massage Therapist in Philadelphia?

A lot of individuals who want to be massage therapists in Philadelphia often ask–“How Long does it Take to Become a Massage Therapist?

Well, the answer may vary based on how deep you are ready to go in terms of education.

Are you planning to get certifications so that you quickly become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)? Or do you want to pursue general education degrees that feature massage coursework as a specialization?

To start your career as a massage therapist in Philadelphia, you must register with the State Board of Massage Therapy. To be credentialed by Pennsylvania’s Board of Massage Therapy, you need to meet three requirements:

  • Education
  • Examination
  • Background screening

Massage Therapy Education Requirements

To become a massage therapist, education takes place at the post-secondary level. Before getting admission to an accredited massage therapy school, you need:

  • A high school diploma
  • Official transcripts for any college coursework completed
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • CGPA over 2.0

Apart from these, massage therapy schools may have their specific requirements.

Massage Therapy Education Levels

Currently, there are three different levels of massage therapy education.

  • Diploma and Certificate Programs – These programs focus on the basic knowledge and skills you need to become a practicing massage therapist.
  • Associate Degree – It is a general education degree, and therefore, its curriculum is not massage therapy-specific.
  • Advanced Degree – You can find master’s-level program in somatic psychotherapy that combines bodywork and counseling.

There are currently no doctorate programs in massage therapy in the United States.

The majority of candidates pursue certification programs that usually last around six months. To receive a license for Massage Therapy in Philadelphia, you must complete a minimum of 600 hours of massage therapy education and have passed a national massage licensing examination.

Additional Coursework

  • Starting from January 1, 2015, candidates for massage therapy licensure must take three hours of training in recognizing and reporting child abuse. The training must be approved by the Department of Human Services.
  • Candidates are also required to have training in CPR that takes around 4 hours or less. You may pursue this training through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Note:

  • Externships or off-site practical experiences are not credited toward the required 600 hours.
  • Online CPR training cannot be credited.

Massage Therapy Licensing Examination

Pennsylvania has approved the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). As a prospective massage therapist in Philadelphia, you need to register with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).

Examination applications are usually processed within one week. Test takers receive results shortly after testing.

New graduates may get temporary practice permits that authorize them to provide services pending examination.

Background Checks

Philadelphia applicants may obtain their reports of criminal history by visiting the Pennsylvania Access to the Criminal History (PATCH) System online. The initial review is typically carried out within ten to fifteen working days.

The licensing agency sends out notification of incomplete files within eight weeks, and you must complete all supporting documentation within six months of application. Otherwise, you need to reapply and submit another application fee.

By now, I hope you have got a rough idea of how long it will take to become a Massage Therapist in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania State.

Some Unique Benefits of Massage Therapy You Probably Didn’t Know About!

Out of all the various options for relaxing and relieving stress available in the market today, massage therapy is considered to be somewhere around the very top of that list. Massage therapy is known to be one of the most effective, most relaxing, and most versatile forms of treatment that is available to us.

A majority of the people goes to a Massage Therapist in Harrisburg, PA for a relaxing time, but little do they know about the various unacknowledged benefits of massage therapy. Many people know about some common benefits such as they give you a relaxing sensation, relieve any structural issues in the body, and so on. But massage therapy is known to be helpful in more ways than just these simple aspects.

The following are some of the unique and unexpected benefits associated with massage therapy that goes a long way in helping you achieve physical, as well as mental, peace.

  • Reduced postural stress:
    There are people who spend most part of their days either sitting or standing, and fail to find a good balance between them. No matter what work you are involved in, most probably you indulge in sort kind of repetitive motion or staying in the same posture every day of the week. This results in many people suffering from postural stress, which can be a very serious health problem. To minimize or even relive this stress completely, massage therapy has the capability to play a vital role. The Best Massage Therapist in Philadelphia or wherever you reside, would be able to realign the entire musculoskeletal system and restore the much needed balance to give you relief from postural stress.
  • Better quality of sleep:
    Massage therapy is also known to improve the quality of sleep in numerous ways. First and foremost, it enables you to relax and get some relief from all kinds of stress by providing you with a calm and peaceful feeling. Moreover, it also relieves postural stress as mentioned above along with structural abnormalities and any sort of muscular pain, all of which allows you to fall asleep more quickly and improves the quality of sleep you experience.
  • Regulate anxiety and depression:
    Anxiety and depression are quite prevalent in the modern age as many adults are facing these issues. Massage therapy can be of help in mitigating these conditions by creating a peaceful atmosphere during the session. The healing benefits of skin-to-skin contact in addition to the practical analgesic effects of the massage tend to alleviate certain symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, if you too want to enjoy all these unique benefits, book a session with a highly reputed massage therapist and get yourself relaxed and calmed.

The 3 Best Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

Not all stress is the result of a major traumatic event; even a holiday season filled with fun and excitement can be stressful. It might be both surprising and shocking for you but it’s the truth. The holiday season takes place over an extended period of time so it becomes chronic and leads to several health concerns.

In most cases, people think it’s just exertion due to increased physical activities which will go in a week or two. They avoid the symptoms of holiday stress and don’t seek help from the right specialist. We know it’s a fun factor but the intensity of the stress and damage caused to the body is the same for all.

Do you know why and how holiday stress happens?

The reasons for holiday stress are different for different people. The common ones are listed below:

  • Stressed about family and office gatherings with no help as all are busy
  • Stressed about spending the holiday season alone because no family members and friends are nearby
  • Stressed due to lack of money for gifting and holiday arrangements
  • Stressed due to seasonal health problems which increase at this time
  • Stressed due to social pressure of enjoying holidays with something unique
  • Stressed out due to increased consumption of alcohol and so on

The reasons are such that you cannot avoid, but you try to reduce the stress and return to the state of relaxation. You only have to include 3 simple ways in your life after the holiday season gets over:

Start exercising and keep moving

Exercise or workout is something that should be your best friend forever. Even if you are not stressed out, you should exercise daily. It has proved to be the best way to reduce anxiety and depression. If you are unaware of the exercise schedule, you should go for a walk for at least 30 minutes daily. The primary goal is to stay active. 

Engage yourself in social activities 

You should start socializing yourself. Not necessary with those people whom you know, try interacting with strangers, and making new friends. You should stay active on your social media profiles and post different things regularly. You should make online friends and chat with them. Also, talk to your old friends with whom it’s has been years interacting. You should take part in social causes.

Go for a massage therapy

Undoubtedly, massage therapy has been the most effective thing to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, reduce pain, and improve depression. You should book an appointment with a massage therapist in Philadelphia and enjoy the sessions. Massage therapy activates the nervous system and allows the body to recover and repair the injuries. Besides, it reduces anxiety by decreasing heart rate and making breathing easier.

We don’t think including these simple ways in your life would be difficult. So, start at the right time and beat the holiday stress effectively and efficiently.

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