What’s in a name (of a massage)?
Salons and spas may offer dozens of types of massage therapy. Sometimes, fancy names get in the way of the actual effectiveness that’s offered to clients.
Joshua Neidich, the owner of reYOU Massage, spoke to us about massages for sports injuries and relaxation, as well as how you can best be prepared for a massage.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to where you currently are professionally with reYOU Massage?
I started reYOU massage with a single thought while I was in massage school. I was sort of interning at a spa and realized that many spas don’t offer true deep tissue therapy. They focus more on the relaxation and atmosphere for massage than massage itself. I have always found that the best therapists usually work independently (typically out of their homes or with chiropractors). I wanted to have a company focused around that approach to massage.
What are some of the beauty benefits of massages?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that a massage provides immediate benefits when it comes to beauty. I do think, though, that we can serve as positive role models for body acceptance. We tend to work on body types of all sorts. The more you work on people, the more you realize we’re all the same with insecurities and doubts.
What are the different types of massage therapy that salons or spas can offer?
I feel that there are several massage types out there that can be lumped together. A sports massage, deep tissue massage, and medical massage can all be classified as therapeutic in nature. They often share similar techniques tailored towards the intent for the massage. The other aspect is for relaxation, which I will touch on in a bit.
I always start a massage with an intake form with the intent of establishing expectations for the massage and treatment areas. I analyze what the client wants and needs, and then select the appropriate techniques to make it happen. I focus less on the style of the massage.
What type of massage is best for relaxation?
I personally classify Swedish, esalen, lomi lomi, and hot stone massages as relaxation massages. I say the best solution for choosing which type is to simply tell your therapist that you’re looking to relax for the day and let them take it from there.
If someone has pulled a muscle or has a sports injury, which type of massage is best?
That varies depending on the exact injury and situation. I always look at the injury to determine if it’s safe to work on and what the optimal massage techniques would be.
Is there anything one should do to be prepared for a massage?
I’d say arrive early with any intake form filled out prior to your appointment. Double check traffic and the map of where you are going. Other than that, I wouldn’t say drink any more water than usual or anything in particular.
Which rumors about massage would you like to see go away?
I wish people would understand our need to take their health information into account. Unfortunately, there are times where a massage is not safe to perform. Those are always delicate situations to handle, and sometimes people may be highly upset even if we have their best interests in mind (if we have to decline treatment).
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Stretching is the number one way to prolong your need for a massage between sessions. We can recommend some great stretches for you, but we are no substitutes for a qualified physical therapist. We cannot diagnose or treat people.
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Check out our courses if you want to learn how to offer massages and perhaps build your own massage business.