Continuing from the first part....
after 15 to 30 seconds, walk-roll back on the ball until you are staring at plugs/outlets in the wall. This will stretch abs, lower ribcage and some into lower abs. Your back may feel a stretch and settle while on the ball.
Walk down to first position and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Allow your lower back to rest against the ball. You may feel a slight stretch around your sacrum or across your hips as it relaxes. And during this entire routine your head should rest comfortably on the ball.
Walk back again and reach over your head with both arms for the floor. Note: if this is too much of a stretch for you at this time, leave out this part and try again in a few days or weeks as you limber up.
With your hands on the floor, you should be able to see the floor directly in your line of sight. Allow your hips to stretch with your feet flat on the floor. This position is well supported by the ball and if you feel comfortable or desire additional stretch, you can stretch out your legs.
And finally, walk towards your feet again back to the first position. Let your tail bone sink toward the floor.
To get back into a seated position, lift your head and press your tailbone into the ball as you walk backwards, and keep walking backwards until you are sitting on the ball again. This is the opposite of how you got down into first position. If you press your back into the ball instead of your hips/tailbone, then you will have some difficulty sitting up, but it is still manageable.
As a quick reminder:
1. Squat & stare at the ceiling
2. Roll back & stare at pictures on the wall (or wall meet ceiling)
1. Squat & stare at the ceiling
3. Roll back & stare at plugs/outlets
1. Squat & stare at the ceiling
4. Reach over & stare at the floor
1. Squat & stare at the ceiling
Done
I developed this stretch for my own self maintenance several years ago, and I hope that you find it equally relaxing and beneficial. I often use this with meditation and increase the times to 1-5 minutes per position, but only 15-30 seconds is necessary to see results within a few weeks.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ball Stretch Homework (part1)
With a structural massage, I often give homework to help you counteract your daily activities which will, in turn, help the muscular balance last longer.
One of the easiest and most fun dailly homework that I will recommend is the Ball Stretch. The Ball Stretch is a gentle, but powerful way to counteract sitting and forward reaching activities that we do daily. The stretch will also improve your balance, and improve your leg conditioning when done correctly.
Start with a large ball, commonly called a 'yoga' ball. The main metric sizes are 55cm, 65cm, and 75cm. Pick the size that best fits you. If your height is under 5' or up to 5'3" the 55cm will be your best choice, but a 65cm not overly inflated will work. If your height is over 6' then the 75cm ball will be your best choice. For heights between 5'2" and 6', the 65cm would be your best choice. There is some
overlap because not all balls inflate to exactly the labeled sizes and also for better stability and an easier bend, it is not recommended to inflate the ball to its maximum.
Inflate your ball until it is firm but will flatten slightly when pressed on. It should be able to bounce but 'basketball-tight' is way too firm.
You will need about 6' by 3' of space. If you are concerned about balancing, place yourself within easy arms reach of a wall, bed, or couch, but not BETWEEN a wall and bed or couch so you don't roll off and get stuck between a flat surface and the ball (it's happened before).
A Bit About Stretching....
A static stretch should never hurt or feel a strong "pull". The muscles you are aiming to stretch must be relaxed and supported. For this reason, the ball is an excellent tool. Like with any tool, using it improperly will bring less than desired results and could potentially cause a minor injury, so proceed at your own risk with care and caution.
The Stretch....
Start out sitting on the ball and roll onto your back. Keep your knees above your feet and your feet pointed parallel to each other with about 6 to 8 inches between them. So you can stare at the ceiling (don't have to stare at the ceiling actually but it should be in your direct line of sight), relax your neck and chest. Relax and lower your hips toward the floor. A few inches should remain between your glutes and the floor. This is the 1st position. Remain for 15 to 30 seconds.
For the second position, walk back until your ribcage is pointed at the ceiling and the wall and ceiling junction is in your line of sight. Keep both arms supported, either on you, the ball, or by holding onto a surface for balance. Allow your chest to relax on the ball and your head to remain in contact with the ball. Your hips should remain relaxed and close to the ball.
Always walk back down to first position and remain again for 15 to 30 seconds....To be Continued...
One of the easiest and most fun dailly homework that I will recommend is the Ball Stretch. The Ball Stretch is a gentle, but powerful way to counteract sitting and forward reaching activities that we do daily. The stretch will also improve your balance, and improve your leg conditioning when done correctly.
Start with a large ball, commonly called a 'yoga' ball. The main metric sizes are 55cm, 65cm, and 75cm. Pick the size that best fits you. If your height is under 5' or up to 5'3" the 55cm will be your best choice, but a 65cm not overly inflated will work. If your height is over 6' then the 75cm ball will be your best choice. For heights between 5'2" and 6', the 65cm would be your best choice. There is some
overlap because not all balls inflate to exactly the labeled sizes and also for better stability and an easier bend, it is not recommended to inflate the ball to its maximum.
Inflate your ball until it is firm but will flatten slightly when pressed on. It should be able to bounce but 'basketball-tight' is way too firm.
You will need about 6' by 3' of space. If you are concerned about balancing, place yourself within easy arms reach of a wall, bed, or couch, but not BETWEEN a wall and bed or couch so you don't roll off and get stuck between a flat surface and the ball (it's happened before).
A Bit About Stretching....
A static stretch should never hurt or feel a strong "pull". The muscles you are aiming to stretch must be relaxed and supported. For this reason, the ball is an excellent tool. Like with any tool, using it improperly will bring less than desired results and could potentially cause a minor injury, so proceed at your own risk with care and caution.
The Stretch....
Start out sitting on the ball and roll onto your back. Keep your knees above your feet and your feet pointed parallel to each other with about 6 to 8 inches between them. So you can stare at the ceiling (don't have to stare at the ceiling actually but it should be in your direct line of sight), relax your neck and chest. Relax and lower your hips toward the floor. A few inches should remain between your glutes and the floor. This is the 1st position. Remain for 15 to 30 seconds.
For the second position, walk back until your ribcage is pointed at the ceiling and the wall and ceiling junction is in your line of sight. Keep both arms supported, either on you, the ball, or by holding onto a surface for balance. Allow your chest to relax on the ball and your head to remain in contact with the ball. Your hips should remain relaxed and close to the ball.
Always walk back down to first position and remain again for 15 to 30 seconds....To be Continued...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Migraines - Where they come from (muscularly)
You don't need to know all the muscle names or chemical process by which a migraine occurs to understand the basic concept of migraines.
Migraines are caused by a number of factors and triggered by a plethora of things ranging from smells to food to stress or even blood pressure.
There are a few main principles that are at the core of understanding how the body works.
Muscles don’t push, they only contract, hold, and relax.
No muscle works without affecting other muscles.
Muscles move bones.
When your body is in a state of stress, the muscles contract and hold your body into a forward or flexed position. This position is commonly known as fight or flight. When your body is not in a state of stress, the muscles relax and hold only minor tension when needed to perform everyday actions like standing, sitting, and walking.
In the stressed state, your core muscles will contract. Not all muscles will contract equally on all sides of the body, the muscles will contract based on your dominant side or dominant hand. Not everyone who is right handed will contract in the exact same way, but the pattern will be similar.
As your core muscles contract, you will flex forward. This will shorten the muscles on the front side of your body and stretch muscles on your back just like if you ball up your fist. But unlike a fist, your head will tilt up so you can see, not unlike riding a street-style racing bicycle.
So the muscles attaching at your collarbone are pulling down, and this causes your shoulder blades to rise like a hoop-skirt, and your neck extends in a sharp arc backward pulled by contracting muscles in the back of your neck.
The force of the muscles pulling at the front of your neck and collarbone and the muscles contracting in the back of your neck put pressure on the front and back of your head. This is why these are common places for migraines to be felt. People often refer to this feeling as “the halo”. If the pressure continues, the tissue across the top of the head is pulled taught and this is where the “exploding-head” feeling comes from.
The combination of muscles contracted and holding continuously and then contracting even more when a stressful reaction is triggered can result in a migraine. In people that do not suffer from migraines, the muscles may be contracted but not to excess.
Migraines are caused by a number of factors and triggered by a plethora of things ranging from smells to food to stress or even blood pressure.
There are a few main principles that are at the core of understanding how the body works.
Muscles don’t push, they only contract, hold, and relax.
No muscle works without affecting other muscles.
Muscles move bones.
When your body is in a state of stress, the muscles contract and hold your body into a forward or flexed position. This position is commonly known as fight or flight. When your body is not in a state of stress, the muscles relax and hold only minor tension when needed to perform everyday actions like standing, sitting, and walking.
In the stressed state, your core muscles will contract. Not all muscles will contract equally on all sides of the body, the muscles will contract based on your dominant side or dominant hand. Not everyone who is right handed will contract in the exact same way, but the pattern will be similar.
As your core muscles contract, you will flex forward. This will shorten the muscles on the front side of your body and stretch muscles on your back just like if you ball up your fist. But unlike a fist, your head will tilt up so you can see, not unlike riding a street-style racing bicycle.
So the muscles attaching at your collarbone are pulling down, and this causes your shoulder blades to rise like a hoop-skirt, and your neck extends in a sharp arc backward pulled by contracting muscles in the back of your neck.
The force of the muscles pulling at the front of your neck and collarbone and the muscles contracting in the back of your neck put pressure on the front and back of your head. This is why these are common places for migraines to be felt. People often refer to this feeling as “the halo”. If the pressure continues, the tissue across the top of the head is pulled taught and this is where the “exploding-head” feeling comes from.
The combination of muscles contracted and holding continuously and then contracting even more when a stressful reaction is triggered can result in a migraine. In people that do not suffer from migraines, the muscles may be contracted but not to excess.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Dragonfly FAQs
Does Dragonfly do outcalls?
For massage, yes. For one client, the minimum time is 90minutes. For 2 clients, each client can get 60 minutes each, with back-to-back appointments.
For acupunture, yes, but only for a minimum of 4 or more clients at one location.
How do I schedule an appointment?Our online scheduler will show you all of our availability making it easy to book an appointment days or weeks in advance.
Only have time today? Call us during regular business hours and we will do our best to accommodate you with the times we have available. Before or after business hours, contact us via our website at www.dragonflyaustin.com/contactus.html
Is my appointment confirmed?
All appointments made online will receive an email confirmation and reminder notice will also be sent 24 hours prior to your appointment.
If for some reason we need to reschedule you, or your therapist is unavailable last minute, we will contact you as soon as possible by the information you provide us.
We do our best to be compassionate and understanding if you have emergencies, and we appreciate your understanding when life happens for us too.Online appointment scheduling is available 24 hours a day for your convienence at http://www.dragonfly.genbook.com/
Or call us during regular business hours at 512-364-0897.
I just have a question....Contact us via our website before, after or during business hours at www.dragonflyaustin.com/contactus.html
For massage, yes. For one client, the minimum time is 90minutes. For 2 clients, each client can get 60 minutes each, with back-to-back appointments.
For acupunture, yes, but only for a minimum of 4 or more clients at one location.
How do I schedule an appointment?Our online scheduler will show you all of our availability making it easy to book an appointment days or weeks in advance.
Only have time today? Call us during regular business hours and we will do our best to accommodate you with the times we have available. Before or after business hours, contact us via our website at www.dragonflyaustin.com/contactus.html
Is my appointment confirmed?
All appointments made online will receive an email confirmation and reminder notice will also be sent 24 hours prior to your appointment.
If for some reason we need to reschedule you, or your therapist is unavailable last minute, we will contact you as soon as possible by the information you provide us.
We do our best to be compassionate and understanding if you have emergencies, and we appreciate your understanding when life happens for us too.Online appointment scheduling is available 24 hours a day for your convienence at http://www.dragonfly.genbook.com/
Or call us during regular business hours at 512-364-0897.
I just have a question....Contact us via our website before, after or during business hours at www.dragonflyaustin.com/contactus.html
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Insurance FAQs
We, at Dragonfly Wellness Center, do not bill insurance for you, but our services may be covered under your health insurance policy, PIP for auto insurance, liability from another driver's auto insurance, or may be reimburseable by your HSA.
Due to current insurance practices, we are not looking to bill insurance on your behalf for the forseeable future. Insurance companies will often delay payment or deny partial or entire payment when the service provider bills your insurance on your behalf. You are your insurance company's customer and it is in their best interest to reimburse you for covered medical expenses.
Most HSAs will reimburse for acupuncture and medical massage or preventative maintenance massage.
For your insurance to cover the services, you will need a diagnosis by a recognized western medical professional.
The services we can provide include Acupuncture, Herbs, Medical Massage, maintenance massage, and Muscle Therapy.
You will need to verify your insurance prior to treatment, pay for your services at the time of service, and submit a bill to your insurance company for partial or full reimbursement depending on your insurance policy.
Insurance usually only covers massage services that are used for therapy similar to physical therapy, not spa-like massage services. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan that is limited to treating your immediate condition diagnosed by the doctor and will end when the prescription is completed.
Insurance currently only covers massage therapy for conditions in which mobility and function of your body is impaired, such as spinal injuries, pulled muscles, pinched nerves, bursitis, conditions like carpel tunnel syndrome or muscle injuries. Relaxation massage, massage for muscle soreness, or pain without loss of function usually will not be eligible for reimbursement by insurance.
To verify your insurance benefits prior to treatment, you will need to call your insurance company. Often the phone number you will need is located on the back of your insurance card.
To reduce future problems, it is very highly recommended that you write down the answers to each of the following questions as you ask your insurance company the following questions.
1. Time and Date of call
2. Name of Representative
3. What are my massage therapy benefits?
4. Do I need a prescription for massage therapy services?
5. What are my acupuncture benefits?
6. What are my benefits for muscle therapy?
7. What is the insurance companies definition of 'medically necessary'? (note: it may be listed in the rehabilitation section of the policy)
8. Does massage therapy need to be medically necessary?
9. Does a diagnosis code need to be given when submitting a bill?
10. Is massage for preventative maintenance covered?
11. Does the prescription need to come from a primary care physician or can it be from a chiropractor, Naturopath, or Acupuncturist?
12. How many massage sessions are allowed per year? Is there a maximum time allowed per session?
13. How many acupuncture sessions are allowed per year? Is there a maximum time allowed per session?
14. Are the massage benefits part of a combination of rehabilitation benefits that include other modalities such as physical therapy or acupuncture? If so, how many sessions are allowed per year? As a combo, is there a maximum time allowed per session total?
15. Is there a co-pay or co-insurance?
16. What is the plan deductable? Has this been met for the year?
17. What is the remaining deductable amount, if any?
Due to current insurance practices, we are not looking to bill insurance on your behalf for the forseeable future. Insurance companies will often delay payment or deny partial or entire payment when the service provider bills your insurance on your behalf. You are your insurance company's customer and it is in their best interest to reimburse you for covered medical expenses.
Most HSAs will reimburse for acupuncture and medical massage or preventative maintenance massage.
For your insurance to cover the services, you will need a diagnosis by a recognized western medical professional.
The services we can provide include Acupuncture, Herbs, Medical Massage, maintenance massage, and Muscle Therapy.
You will need to verify your insurance prior to treatment, pay for your services at the time of service, and submit a bill to your insurance company for partial or full reimbursement depending on your insurance policy.
Insurance usually only covers massage services that are used for therapy similar to physical therapy, not spa-like massage services. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan that is limited to treating your immediate condition diagnosed by the doctor and will end when the prescription is completed.
Insurance currently only covers massage therapy for conditions in which mobility and function of your body is impaired, such as spinal injuries, pulled muscles, pinched nerves, bursitis, conditions like carpel tunnel syndrome or muscle injuries. Relaxation massage, massage for muscle soreness, or pain without loss of function usually will not be eligible for reimbursement by insurance.
To verify your insurance benefits prior to treatment, you will need to call your insurance company. Often the phone number you will need is located on the back of your insurance card.
To reduce future problems, it is very highly recommended that you write down the answers to each of the following questions as you ask your insurance company the following questions.
1. Time and Date of call
2. Name of Representative
3. What are my massage therapy benefits?
4. Do I need a prescription for massage therapy services?
5. What are my acupuncture benefits?
6. What are my benefits for muscle therapy?
7. What is the insurance companies definition of 'medically necessary'? (note: it may be listed in the rehabilitation section of the policy)
8. Does massage therapy need to be medically necessary?
9. Does a diagnosis code need to be given when submitting a bill?
10. Is massage for preventative maintenance covered?
11. Does the prescription need to come from a primary care physician or can it be from a chiropractor, Naturopath, or Acupuncturist?
12. How many massage sessions are allowed per year? Is there a maximum time allowed per session?
13. How many acupuncture sessions are allowed per year? Is there a maximum time allowed per session?
14. Are the massage benefits part of a combination of rehabilitation benefits that include other modalities such as physical therapy or acupuncture? If so, how many sessions are allowed per year? As a combo, is there a maximum time allowed per session total?
15. Is there a co-pay or co-insurance?
16. What is the plan deductable? Has this been met for the year?
17. What is the remaining deductable amount, if any?
Monday, October 4, 2010
Community-Style Acupuncture vs Regular Acupuncture at Dragonfly
What is the difference between "Community-style acupuncture" and the regular acupuncture sessions at Dragonfly Wellness Center?
Answer:
Chart
Community-style vs. Regular
Lower cost vs. Good value for session
5 needles max vs unlimited needles & many extras like ear acupuncture & moxa included in the session
only 1 problem per session vs may address multiple problems in a session
no privacy - open room w/ other patients vs. your own private room
you bring your own linens vs. we supply linens
minimal talking + 30 min in-and-out vs. 30-45 min of consultation with first session and up to 15 min consultation with each follow-up session
Who are the best candidates for "Community-style acupuncture"?
Answer: The people who are best suited for this type of acupuncture have ONLY ONE physical problem (such as a sprained wrist), can follow directions, and has computer access to fill out the form. While we strive to maintain privacy as much as possible, you will be in a room full of other people receiving acupuncture as well. People with multiple problems like insomnia and a sprained wrist will need to schedule multiple community-style acupuncture sessions or schedule a regular session.
Why is "Community-style acupuncture" less expensive than a regular acupuncture session?
Answer: We keep the cost down by you providing your own linens, using minimal needles, you doing the consultation part online, using one big room for all clients, and keeping the session time to exactly 30 minutes.
Answer:
Chart
Community-style vs. Regular
Lower cost vs. Good value for session
5 needles max vs unlimited needles & many extras like ear acupuncture & moxa included in the session
only 1 problem per session vs may address multiple problems in a session
no privacy - open room w/ other patients vs. your own private room
you bring your own linens vs. we supply linens
minimal talking + 30 min in-and-out vs. 30-45 min of consultation with first session and up to 15 min consultation with each follow-up session
Who are the best candidates for "Community-style acupuncture"?
Answer: The people who are best suited for this type of acupuncture have ONLY ONE physical problem (such as a sprained wrist), can follow directions, and has computer access to fill out the form. While we strive to maintain privacy as much as possible, you will be in a room full of other people receiving acupuncture as well. People with multiple problems like insomnia and a sprained wrist will need to schedule multiple community-style acupuncture sessions or schedule a regular session.
Why is "Community-style acupuncture" less expensive than a regular acupuncture session?
Answer: We keep the cost down by you providing your own linens, using minimal needles, you doing the consultation part online, using one big room for all clients, and keeping the session time to exactly 30 minutes.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Right Kind Of Massage For You?
What do you think of when someone says to you "go get a massage"? Do you think of an island retreat with someone rubbing your back with delicious smelling oils melting stress away? Or do you think of the spartan massage table you hop on right after a big grime-filled race to work on your plantar fasciaitis? Perhaps your mind is on being in a clinical setting with your therapist stretching out muscles to balance your hips and improve your posture? Well surprise!! All of these are massages.
With so much misleading media, many people think that the first vision is the only valid kind of massage. How wrong they are! The massage profession has made many positive advancements over the years being recognized by the medical community and the public as a beneficial addition to a person's health habits, and as a respected form of healing. But how can you choose the right kind of massage for you?
Massage is, unlike most medical treatments, offered in a variety of settings like a clinical doctor's office, a field outdoors next to an athletic event, a spare room in a person's home, or even a lavish spa.
Thankfully the kind of massage you get has a lot of bearing on where you are getting the massage. Each of these places represent a generalization of the main focus in common types of massage.
Doctor's office - clinical and medical massage for injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, muscular & joint correction
Athletic environment - sports massage for maintenance, injuries, and soreness
Spare room/retail massage - general relaxation, circulation, sports maintenance, energy work, some varying spa treatments
Lavish spa/beauty shop - routine based Swedish massage (occasional routine deep tissue labeled massage), wraps, scrubs, hot towel, hot stone, basic aromatherapy (blends or small selection of individual oils)
Massage therapists gravitate to a place that offers the type of massage that they specialize in and feel most strongly about. These fields do overlap some and you may on occasion find a sports therapist working in a spa but most likely you will find them, if they overlap, in a doctor's office.
You wouldn't expect your manicurist to fix a broken finger or treat arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome, and by that same token, you can't expect the massage therapist in the spa to rehab an injury or correct a joint disfunction. Spas specialize in feel-good relaxation in all their services.
Spas offering massage have strict guidelines as to how the massage will be performed so that all customers have the same experience and each time a patron returns, they get the same quality of massage no matter who the therapist is. These rules apply also to 'deep tissue' labeled massage, thus making it not a true form of deep tissue massage.
Spare room and retail massage establishments offer general forms of massage, but have more freedom to customize. They run a middle ground, primarily focusing on relaxation and feel-good techniques, but will occasionally offer snippets of advanced techniques mixed in with general massage. Random routines are designed by the individual therapist primarily based on what the therapist would like in a massage on themselves. Many customers will find a particular therapist that they are fond of and will go to them on a regular basis. Deep tissue massage in these environments also follow a random routine designed by the individual therapist which also makes it not a true form of deep tissue massage.
Sports massage is focused on the athlete and their sport of choice. Maintenance is done with general massage while injury work is done with advanced forms of massage. Runners generally don't usually receive lots of work on their hands, and swimmers don't receive lots of work on their feet. True advanced forms of massage are specialized to the individual, not the therapist. Deep tissue, done on an injured joint or limb, is mostly true deep tissue massage in sports massage. Sports massage maintenance can be relaxing, but it's primary goal is circulation to reduce soreness and promote muscle growth and healing.
Doctor's office environments or clinics focus on health maintenance, improving injury healing, and working medical conditions. They primarily use advanced massage techniques. The massage is tailored to the individual and their condition, and in holistic centers, how that condition relates to the entire structure.
This is not the place to request a feel-good, fluffy, couples massage or a mani- pedi- combo. Swedish and relaxation techniques may be employed here for calming, anxiety reduction, and stress relief, but they are not usually a large part in every massage. Deep tissue massage is done only where needed on the body to facilitate correction and speed healing for that individual. The whole body isn't worked in the same way as a spa or retail establishment. In western theory clinics, an individual with carpel tunnel syndrome in the right wrist will result in only the right arm being worked on. In eastern theory clinics the same individual will experience the right arm, spine and hips being worked on.
In conclusion, the world of massage therapy is much like a swiss-army knife tool. It helps many problems but you have to pick the right tool for the job. If you need a relaxation massage, spas and retail franchise massage places might be the best place to look for those. And likewise, if you need actual therapy for chronic pain or injuries, look to more clinical settings using advanced massage techniques to find the relief you need. Using the wrong tool for your problem will eventually lead to greater dissatisfaction or disability depending on your situation.
With so much misleading media, many people think that the first vision is the only valid kind of massage. How wrong they are! The massage profession has made many positive advancements over the years being recognized by the medical community and the public as a beneficial addition to a person's health habits, and as a respected form of healing. But how can you choose the right kind of massage for you?
Massage is, unlike most medical treatments, offered in a variety of settings like a clinical doctor's office, a field outdoors next to an athletic event, a spare room in a person's home, or even a lavish spa.
Thankfully the kind of massage you get has a lot of bearing on where you are getting the massage. Each of these places represent a generalization of the main focus in common types of massage.
Doctor's office - clinical and medical massage for injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, muscular & joint correction
Athletic environment - sports massage for maintenance, injuries, and soreness
Spare room/retail massage - general relaxation, circulation, sports maintenance, energy work, some varying spa treatments
Lavish spa/beauty shop - routine based Swedish massage (occasional routine deep tissue labeled massage), wraps, scrubs, hot towel, hot stone, basic aromatherapy (blends or small selection of individual oils)
Massage therapists gravitate to a place that offers the type of massage that they specialize in and feel most strongly about. These fields do overlap some and you may on occasion find a sports therapist working in a spa but most likely you will find them, if they overlap, in a doctor's office.
You wouldn't expect your manicurist to fix a broken finger or treat arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome, and by that same token, you can't expect the massage therapist in the spa to rehab an injury or correct a joint disfunction. Spas specialize in feel-good relaxation in all their services.
Spas offering massage have strict guidelines as to how the massage will be performed so that all customers have the same experience and each time a patron returns, they get the same quality of massage no matter who the therapist is. These rules apply also to 'deep tissue' labeled massage, thus making it not a true form of deep tissue massage.
Spare room and retail massage establishments offer general forms of massage, but have more freedom to customize. They run a middle ground, primarily focusing on relaxation and feel-good techniques, but will occasionally offer snippets of advanced techniques mixed in with general massage. Random routines are designed by the individual therapist primarily based on what the therapist would like in a massage on themselves. Many customers will find a particular therapist that they are fond of and will go to them on a regular basis. Deep tissue massage in these environments also follow a random routine designed by the individual therapist which also makes it not a true form of deep tissue massage.
Sports massage is focused on the athlete and their sport of choice. Maintenance is done with general massage while injury work is done with advanced forms of massage. Runners generally don't usually receive lots of work on their hands, and swimmers don't receive lots of work on their feet. True advanced forms of massage are specialized to the individual, not the therapist. Deep tissue, done on an injured joint or limb, is mostly true deep tissue massage in sports massage. Sports massage maintenance can be relaxing, but it's primary goal is circulation to reduce soreness and promote muscle growth and healing.
Doctor's office environments or clinics focus on health maintenance, improving injury healing, and working medical conditions. They primarily use advanced massage techniques. The massage is tailored to the individual and their condition, and in holistic centers, how that condition relates to the entire structure.
This is not the place to request a feel-good, fluffy, couples massage or a mani- pedi- combo. Swedish and relaxation techniques may be employed here for calming, anxiety reduction, and stress relief, but they are not usually a large part in every massage. Deep tissue massage is done only where needed on the body to facilitate correction and speed healing for that individual. The whole body isn't worked in the same way as a spa or retail establishment. In western theory clinics, an individual with carpel tunnel syndrome in the right wrist will result in only the right arm being worked on. In eastern theory clinics the same individual will experience the right arm, spine and hips being worked on.
In conclusion, the world of massage therapy is much like a swiss-army knife tool. It helps many problems but you have to pick the right tool for the job. If you need a relaxation massage, spas and retail franchise massage places might be the best place to look for those. And likewise, if you need actual therapy for chronic pain or injuries, look to more clinical settings using advanced massage techniques to find the relief you need. Using the wrong tool for your problem will eventually lead to greater dissatisfaction or disability depending on your situation.
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