The following interview was conducted with Mary Davis, a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) based in Asheville, North Carolina. Her practice of 10 years is located on Elk Mountain in North Asheville, and she specializes in deep tissue massage work. Davis keeps a supply of different massage oils, lotions, and creams at her practice for different clients, various types of massage, and deep tissue techniques.
Why do massage therapists choose to use massage oil, rather than massage creams and lotions?
The first issue of choice is the preference of the client. Some people actually prefer lotions because they don’t make the body feel greasy. I tend to choose oil more often. When I want to do deeper work, oils work better for me. When I do deep tissue massage, I use less oil, because I can use more grip and get down into deeper layers of tissue.
How do you decide upon how much massage oil to use?
It doesn’t matter if it’s massage oil, lotion, or cream. The quantity of the substance you use has an impact. If I’m performing a Swedish, rather than a deep tissue massage, I use plenty of massage oil, and I’m generous with it. Lots of massage oil helps with the long, sleek, even strokes.
What about massage creams? When is it necessary to use them?
Often I will use a massage cream on a client who has had an injury or muscle spasms. Creams contain ingredients that are particularly stimulating for an area of healing. There are some fantastic massage creams.
What special massage creams facilitate the relief of muscle pain or spasms?
Banner Therapy has a Therapeutic Herbal Muscle Calm cream that is part of their organic skincare products. This is a muscle mending lotion with essential oils and Capsicum, which is the heat-producing ingredient. In terms of really getting down into deep muscle and stimulating healing the Therapeutic Herbal Muscle Cream is pretty potent.
What about other types of creams can you use in massage therapy?
I use some of the new creams. They have different textures, and I find they work well. Some massage therapy creams are designed for general use in massage and provide a pleasant experience for my clients. One main issue with massage creams is that one person’s skin may react very differently than another person’s skin. I am careful to select a cream when I know it will work well for that particular individual and their skin type.
Another cream I like is an all-purpose cream I use in a variety of massage situations: Soothing Touch Versa Cream. It’s parabin free and for a simple general massage (as opposed to major deep tissue) this cream is nice for going a little deeper. It is slippery enough that I don’t get stuck. It allows for a glide that gives more fluidity. When I want to I can go deeper with the Soothing Touch massage cream.
What types of massage techniques would be improved with the use a massage lotion?
Massage lotions are a great tool for use in deep tissue massage. Interestingly enough, some of the lotions are better than the creams. They tend to be absorbed more easily and are less slippery than creams. When the lotion is absorbed it leaves a little more grab for deeper massage work. So, many massage therapists will opt for a good lotion over a cream for deep tissue work, if they do not use oil for this.
Are there any other types of massage oils, lotions, or creams you incorporate into your therapeutic, sports, or relaxation massages?
I do prefer to use special skin products just for feet when I work on a client’s feet. Usually natural and organic skincare products are made to work well on the body, but it takes a specially made cream to work well on the feet. I tend to choose foot cream with a peppermint or tea tree oil scent. Tea tree oil is good for fungus. I look for a product that not only works well for massaging feet, it softens the feet and feels stimulating and refreshing.
What’s the best approach for a massage therapist to take when considering which massage oil, lotion, or cream is best?
I suggest you try new things, and see what works best for you and your client base. It’s very good to have some diversity in massage oils, lotions, and creams on hand for use on different areas of the body and for various massage techniques.
Tom Maroney, CEO of Banner Therapy Products in Asheville, NC, was a practicing N.Y. attorney for many years prior to being in a terrible car accident. As the result of severe neck and brain injuries, he was exposed to many rehabilitative products, first hand. This experience prompted him to become an investor, advisor and later CEO, of Banner Therapy Products. Since the inception of the company, 10 years ago, the company has gone from carrying 400 to 6,000 products. His wife, Dianne, is a principal in the business as well and has a medical background in neurology. Currently, she works with children to assist in analyzing medical disabilities. Tom and Dianne continue to travel the world seeking out new products. Email:service@bannertherapy.com or visit http://www.bannertherapy.com for more information.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Maroney
De-stress Day Retreats In New York City
The Big Apple is a place where you have to keep on your toes to get ahead. If the pace of life has caused you to lose a little of your luster, there are places you can take a quick timeout.
De-Stress Day Retreats In New York City
Living in New York is hectic. With all the hustle and bustle of living in the world’s busiest metropolitan area, you might be in need of a way to relax – and fast! It’s not always easy to drop everything and take a week off to regroup. That’s why it’s a great thing to look into the New York City day retreats that are available for your use. You can have a few hours of relaxation and then go back to your working world, all without ever leaving the comfort of the city.
Juvenex is a New York City institution that touts itself as the most romantic of the New York City retreats. Juvenex combines American, Asian and European rejuvenation and relaxation services to create an experience that will get you back on your feet. Open for just women during the day (6 am to 7pm), Juvenex also welcomes couples from 7 pm on, making it a great place for those who want to enjoy their experience with their significant others. When the stress of daily life has put a crimp in your relationship, Juvenex is the place to work those knots out.
Juvenex offers packages for their various treatments, such as purification and beautification rituals, as well as packages for couples. The couples packages include romantic massages and soaks in the Private Soaking Tub in Juvenex’s celebrity room. It’s an experience you won’t forget, all while you stay within New York City.
If you’re looking for a traditional European experience in European New York City day retreat, why not try Faina European Day Spa. It is located in the heart of New York City. Faina offers many different rejuvenation and relaxation packages, which include such treats as seaweed wraps along with facials, pedicures, manicures and massages. Also available at Faina are men’s services, perfect for that special guy in your life or the stressed out executive. Treat that man in your life to a special facial, deep tissue massage or reflexology, a perfect gift of a relaxing experience for your Dad, husband or other significant other.
Enjoying New York City day retreats can be
1000
as simple as walking a few blocks from your home or place of work. Be sure to book your treatments ahead of time.
By: Richard Rspad
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Richard Rspad is with ResortSpaDestinations.com – reviews and articles on resorts. Visit us to read spa articles as well.
Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…
New York’s Massage Therapists Required to Complete Continuing …
A bill intended to require that massage therapists complete continuing education has just cleared the New York State Senate.
Massage Therapy for the Elite Gentlemen over – (New York, New York …
Serving the Elite Gentlemen of Hampton Roads 40 years of age and older. We appreciate being treated like royalty and you should never settle for anything less. Allow a professional massage therapist to customize a fabulous sensual and …
Alliance for Massage Therapy Education Sends Veto Request to New …
This week, the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education sent a letter to New York Governor David A. Paterson asking him to veto Senate Bill 5431. This legislation would establish mandatory continuing education requirements for New York …
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Have a great day!
