How to Do Massage Therapy

As defined by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy can be a wonderful, noninvasive technique to provide relaxation, stress management, and health to the body. Unfortunately, if done incorrectly, it can create the opposite effect in these categories. It is important that the therapist work only within the area of their training and knowledge and also that they are closely attuned to patient feedback during the massage. While many states and localities require specific certification or licensure to perform massage therapy, experience and sensitivity to patient needs are equally important to success.

Step 1

Gather the lotions or oils you intend to use, draping materials for patient privacy, and any hot packs or ice packs you intend to use so that you will not need to interrupt the massage session to obtain these things. Locate a secure massage surface, keeping in mind that adjustable massage tables are the easiest on the therapist's back. Make sure that the surface you have chosen will bear both the weight of your patient and the force of your massage work. Ascertain that your work area will be quiet and private enough for you to focus and for your patient to relax.

Step 2

Conduct an intake interview to determine what the patient wants and to explain to your patient what to expect from the massage and how they should arrange the draping and position themselves on the surface. Exit from the room to allow privacy during this time, as recommended by the American Massage Therapy Association. Announce your return in a calm voice and begin the massage by initially contacting the patient's skin at a joint in the most noninvasive area possible on the region being massaged, usually the farthest from the trunk. Use a few long, medium-pressure strokes to allow the patient to become accustomed to your touch and to spread the lotion to the area to be worked.

Step 3

Maintain contact with the patient's body with at least one hand to provide continuity. Mentally assess the patient's condition and the work to be done and plan how you will use the time allotted to address these needs. Continue your bodywork plan, revising as needed. Speak to the patient often in a calm voice to determine whether they are comfortable with the amount of pressure being used and the work being done. Modify your techniques as needed to meet the patient's treatment goals.

Step 4

Remember that the patient must feel secure on the surface in order to be able to relax, so always position her arms and legs in a way that will not cause the patient to feel that she might fall. Be aware of privacy issues and inform patients of what you are doing and when you will be changing her position. Keep draping in place in accordance with the laws of your area. If a patient becomes agitated during the massage, resume the initial long, slow strokes in a noninvasive area and ask whether she wishes to continue with the treatment. Terminate the session immediately if the patient requests you to do so.

Tips and Warnings

Place a test sample of your lotion inside new patients' wrists during the intake interview and then check prior to beginning the massage for any allergic reaction. Give your patient a pain scale of one to 10 to use to communicate sensation to you. A one is very light and tolerable, a 10 represents extreme pain and must stop immediately.
Laws vary widely regarding massage. Know what you are allowed to do in your area. Many people have issues with being touched, especially in such a personal way. Be very clear about your boundaries and explain them to the patient. Verify where their boundaries regarding touch are, also. Never attempt to treat conditions with which you are unfamiliar. The increased pressure, circulation, or nervous stimulation can worsen some health problems. Never massage a pregnant woman without first consulting her physician. Do not massage an area with open wounds or inflamed skin.