How to Choose a Massage Therapist?

Everyone needs a massage, but many people run into incompetent practitioners and give up on massage altogether! The thing is that there are many kinds of massage, and even more "massage therapists". There are also different indications for massage, so you need to understand all of this in detail...

Who needs a massage?

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• anyone with pain in the body, for whatever reason
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• after physical exertion, whether in the gym or after a long hike while travelling
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• anyone with a sedentary lifestyle or, on the contrary, an extremely active one

Pain in the body can be related to muscles, ligaments and tendons. If you had an injury and then pain appeared, that is one thing, but if you had long static loads (for example, working at a computer) and then pain appeared, that is something quite different. Why does the back hurt so often? Everyone writes that the main causes are protrusions, osteochondrosis... but those are more of a consequence than a cause... Often the cause lies in a wrong bite or in constant strain on one group of muscles. Moreover, migraines can also come from a wrong bite or from misaligned vertebrae. The right approach to diagnosing the cause of pain is to see a doctor (a traumatologist and a vertebrologist, respectively). Without finding out the cause of the pain, going to a relaxation massage therapist makes no sense. Going to the doctor seems simple enough: you will be sent for an MRI or CT of the areas of the spine that hurt, and based on the results you will be stuffed with pills in the best case, or sent to a surgeon in the worst... So a doctor's consultation is definitely needed, but don't rush into drastic decisions after that. The next step is to choose the right massage therapist. And for some reason, when you type "how to choose a massage therapist" into Google, all the answers are along the lines of: read reviews about them, ask about their achievements and, even funnier, look at how the office is decorated) In reality, first of all you need to understand the different kinds of massage and massage techniques.

How to choose a massage therapist across different areas of medicine

Kinesiology, chiropractic and osteopathy are three different medical professions that focus on different aspects of the body and use different approaches to treatment. Below is a brief explanation of each discipline and their main differences:

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  Kinesiology as a kind of massage

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Kinesiology is the study of human movement and body mechanics. It involves assessing and analysing physical movements to identify imbalances, weaknesses or dysfunctions in the body. Kinesiologists use exercises, rehabilitation methods and therapeutic interventions to improve movement, strength and overall physical function. They may work with people who have musculoskeletal injuries or chronic pain, or who want to improve their performance. There is such a thing as kinesiological testing, which helps to determine the cause of pain sometimes even better than any MRI or CT!!! The point is that during testing all the neuromuscular chains in the body are checked, and the places of blocks and tension are identified. The beauty of this diagnosis is that it looks not at the painful area itself but at the whole organism. For example, back pain can be caused by a wrong bite!!! Only a kinesiologist can determine that. Nowadays dentistry is actively working on bite alignment after every intervention. A dentist carefully shapes the cusps of the teeth to their anatomical form after every cavity treatment and adjusts the height of the tooth to its partner above or below. In the 1990s, by contrast, dentists put in a flat filling or a flat metal crown that could not be filed down or adjusted in height in any way. As a result the row of teeth adapted to the new filling or crown - the bite was distorted. A wrong bite can lead to two problems:

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• wear of the jaw joint - resulting in severe pain in the jaw and head. This kind of pain is sometimes mistaken for a headache or an earache... Wear of the joint is, alas, an irreversible process.
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• spasm of the back muscles - another outcome is that the joint keeps working normally, but the whole "blow" of the wrong bite is taken by the muscles of the neck and back. As a result, some muscles switch off and may eventually atrophy, while others go into a state of hypertonus, which over time shortens them and also causes pain - not severe, but so constantly aching that a person becomes irritable, and in time this can turn into protrusions and hernias of the spine. Muscle hypertonus and even a protrusion can easily be handled by a kinesiologist, of course after the bite has been aligned by a dentist.

A kinesiology session can only be called a massage by a stretch. Although a visit to a kinesiologist lasts 1-2 hours, don't expect a relaxing massage) It is more pressing, stretching and continuous testing of muscle tone. Tools such as a percussion massager and an Amplipulse device may also be used. At the end of the session, taping is often done - the "tuned" muscles are fixed in place with tapes that look a lot like an ordinary sticking plaster, only rubberised. At home you can also use a percussion massager and an Amplipulse, and in addition a Lyapko applicator or a Kuznetsov applicator. A percussion massager (the Booster E massager) should be used on one area for no more than a couple of minutes, avoiding bones and joints. A Lyapko applicator can be used for 15 minutes or more - you can even fall asleep on it. An Amplipulse should be applied to one area for 15-20 minutes.

Kinesiologist in Dnipro (Ukraine)

Two top-level kinesiologists work in the city of Dnipro (Ukraine) and can be recommended with confidence: the radiologist Vadym Kyblyk (tel. +380664137600) and Dmytro Barykov (the Amel Dental dental clinic at Bosfor). Dnipro even has several kinesiology centres, but don't "fall" for them. These places employ either students of the Medical Academy, or sports trainers, or kinesiologists who will insist that all your problems come from your internal organs and that you need to take dietary supplements, which they miraculously happen to sell. All kinesiologists in Ukraine come from the school of L. F. Vasilyeva, who in turn is a student of  David Leaf (USA, Italy).

• Chiropractic as a kind of massage

    Chiropractic is a medical profession that specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially those related to the spine. Chiropractors mostly use manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine and other joints to relieve pain, improve function and boost general well-being. They believe that displacements or subluxations in the spine can affect the nervous system and lead to various health problems. Chiropractic often involves a holistic approach to health, including lifestyle changes, exercise and nutrition recommendations.

Essentially, chiropractic is the "trendy" modern name for manual therapy and manual therapists. You certainly can't call it a massage - it is more twisting and "cracking" of the vertebrae. A session lasts 5-15 minutes. Sometimes therapists warm up the muscles first and only then perform the "aligning" of the vertebrae, in which case it can take up to 1 hour. This type of practitioner needs especially careful selection, given the risky intervention in the musculoskeletal system. It is precisely the "crack" of the vertebrae that can straighten rounded shoulders, displaced vertebrae and so on. In Barcelona I can recommend the Family Quiropractic clinic, namely the doctor TIMOTHÉ BRENELIERE. I think you could also go to the founder of the clinic Family Quiropractic -DAMIEN MESTRE. There is, of course, a catch: after such visits you may have pain after the session, for up to several days, which calls for painkillers. However, the results are visible already after the first visit... People who had forgotten what a straight back is can now walk perfectly straight) I first came across this method back in the 2000s, when the academician Mykola Andriiovych Kasian (Kobeliaky, Poltava region, Ukraine) was still practising. With his help I got rid of coccydynia caused by a dislocated coccyx, although before that only a blockade (Cel-T + lidocaine) had helped. Over his career he acknowledged only a few of his students, namely Oleksii Chyhryn (sees patients in Kobeliaky, Ukraine), Jalal Saidbegov (Italy, the Kasian clinic) and Rashid (Uzbekistan).

In Argentina (Buenos Aires) I recommend a chiropractor / kinesiologist who masters craniosacral techniques - Dr Lic Adrián Gallego in the private practice IN BALANCE | Centro Quiropráctico • Fisioterapia Deportiva & Bienestar at Prof. Agustín Rogelio Vidal 4015, B1650 San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires.

• Osteopathy as a kind of massage

    Osteopathy is a branch of medicine that emphasises the relationship between the structure of the body and its functions. Osteopaths see the body as a single system and focus on the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue. Osteopathic doctors use manual techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft-tissue manipulation and stretching to improve mobility, relieve pain and support the body's natural ability to heal. Osteopathy also takes into account the influence of other factors, such as nutrition and lifestyle, on overall health.

Despite some similarity in the use of manual techniques and a holistic approach among these disciplines, there are also significant differences in their education, treatment philosophy and scope of practice. It is important to consult professionals from each discipline to better understand their specific approaches and decide which one suits your health needs and goals.

How to choose a massage therapist by different criteria

When choosing a massage therapist, you need to consider several factors to find a qualified specialist who meets your needs and preferences. Here are a few steps that will help you in the process:

• How to choose a massage therapist by the purpose of the massage

Decide why you need a massage and what you hope to achieve with it. Whether it is relaxation, pain relief or a specific therapy, clarifying your goals will help you choose the right massage therapist.

• How to choose a massage therapist by type of massage

There are various techniques and types of massage, such as relaxing, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, sports, Thai or aromatherapy. Learn about the different styles and their benefits to decide which one matches your goals.

• How to choose a massage therapist by qualifications

Find out in advance whether the therapist has certificates and licences, and where and how many times they have trained. If a therapist has studied, it is easy to find out - they will show it off themselves) Look for therapists who are licensed or certified by recognised professional organisations or governing bodies in your country. This guarantees that they have met specific training and education requirements.

• How to choose a massage therapist by recommendations

Of course, the best way to choose a massage therapist is word of mouth. If a therapist has really helped someone and put them back on their feet, that person will try to spread the word so that this therapist can help anyone else who needs it... Ask family members, friends or healthcare professionals whether they can recommend a good massage therapist based on their own experience. Their opinion can provide valuable information and help you find reliable specialists.

• How to choose a massage therapist by online reviews

Fortunately, in the modern world Google can safely replace word of mouth from acquaintances. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Online platforms and directories often provide reviews and ratings of massage therapists. Consider both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced picture. But here you will have to learn to tell ordinary advertising from real reviews.

• How to choose a massage therapist by the first appointment

Interview potential massage therapists: contact them and ask about their experience, specialisation and technique. Ask about their training, years of practice and any additional certificates. A short conversation will give you an idea of their professionalism and how well you get along.

A few more tips on how to choose a massage therapist:

• Ask about insurance coverage: Some massage therapists may carry liability insurance, which is useful in case of any accidents or mishaps during a session. Although it is not mandatory, it shows their commitment to professionalism and client safety.
• Visit the premises: If possible, visit the massage room or clinic to assess the cleanliness, the setting and the general atmosphere. A clean and relaxing environment can contribute to a positive experience.
• Discuss the price and the rules: Ask about the cost of sessions, their duration and the availability of package deals. Also clarify the cancellation policy, the possibility of rescheduling sessions and any other terms.
• Trust your intuition: In the end, when making a decision, trust your intuition. Choose a massage therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who listens to your needs. Building rapport and feeling at ease with the therapist is the key to a successful massage.

Remember that the most important thing is to find a qualified specialist who can effectively meet your specific needs and preferences.

How many massage sessions do you need?

Note that massage therapy is not a quick process, and a couple of sessions will not fix the situation at all. Moreover, massage should be done in parallel with eliminating the cause of the pain. If the cause physically cannot be eliminated, massage can only be an alternative to a painkiller "pill". Admit it, it is better to go for a massage session than to take diclofenac or Nimesil. But of course, a massage session is much more expensive than any pill... Half a year of visits to a kinesiologist (3 times a week) can completely remove scoliosis in an adult who has had it since childhood.

If you have an intense work schedule or a nervous lifestyle, or you simply want to relax in soul and body, then you need a relaxing massage every day - The best relaxation, sports and energy massage in Dnipro: +380684130693 Ivan Honcharenko. During a relaxing massage they certainly won't find the cause of your pain, but they will 100% help you relax. This is exactly the massage that suits every day)