Massage is one of those therapies used by many but considered by some as nothing more than just a pampering exercise.
But people who struggle with injuries or ongoing body ailments disagree, because for them, massage is something of a necessity – a requirement that helps keep their physical health ticking along.
When it comes to choosing the right therapist, whether it be to ease a back niggle, shoulder complaint or a stiff neck, it is important to ask the right questions.
Celina McNally, a massage therapist at BounceBack Physiotherapy Abu Dhabi, says it is crucial to enquire about a therapist’s approach and qualifications.
“When making your appointment it is perfectly acceptable to enquire about the therapist, their qualifications, types of massage and years of experience,” she says.
“The therapist’s qualifications should be on display or readily available to view on request.”
Aside from this, McNally, who has a diploma in anatomy, physiology, body massage and reflexology and has been practising in the UAE since 2001, says it is important to look for someone who is knowledgeable and able to answer any questions you might have.
“Communication is also important with regard to them getting your particular health history on previous or present injuries, or any issues that could be of concern during the treatment. A qualified massage therapist will be able to read what’s going on in the body through the initial palpation of muscles,” she says.
If it’s simple stress relief and relaxation you’re after, Dubai-based therapist Sam Saunders, who runs her own yoga and massage business, says traditional styles such as Swedish, hot stone and aromatherapy are ideal and there are many therapists specialising in them.
“These massages are usually performed by a masseur who has been taught the technique and performs the same routine on every client,” she says.
Sports or remedial massage, on the other hand, is better suited for people who have minor, soft-tissue injuries, muscle tension or musculoskeletal injuries.
“With a sports or remedial massage, every treatment will be individual and specific to the client. Unlike a spa massage where you lie down and zone out, a sports massage is a little more interactive,” says Saunders, adding that if you have acute pain and inflammation, massage in any form is not recommended.
No matter what type of massage you are looking for, McNally warns there are therapists in the UAE who claim to be experienced but are not fully qualified.
“They can certainly do damage,” she says. “Working on an already injured or aggravated area can do more harm than good if you don’t know what you’re doing.”
McNally, who is experienced in sports massage, deep-tissue release and myofascial release techniques (a soft-tissue therapy to relieve muscle tightness), adds that an unqualified therapist may be unaware of the dangers of blood clots and deep-vein thrombosis. She suggests that when it comes to general body concerns, it’s best to work alongside a physiotherapist.
“In this way rehabilitation and recovery is supported and promoted in the best possible way.”
McNally also says there are a lot of sensitive areas in the body that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether. “For example the spine, at either side of the spine in the lumbar region, where the kidneys are, the abdomen, which is quite a sensitive area, but there are also a lot of organs in that region, too.”
Before you decide on a treatment, make sure you do the research. If you’re unsure, the experts suggest seeking medical advice or consulting a physiotherapist or chiropractor.