Angie's List: Massage Therapy Tips

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A massage can be a great way to help relieve pain and stress and it could be the perfect gift for that special someone.

Angie's List has some tips for what you need to know about massage therapy.

In her free time, Danielle Frey hits hard as a roller derby girl on the flat track, but she offers a soft touch in her job as a massage therapist.

"If someone wants to come in and relax, I'm going to use mostly Swedish techniques. If someone is coming in for pain relief I'm going to add in some trigger points, deep tissue work, and maybe some myofascial release," Frey said.

For nearly six years, Danielle Bell says massage therapy helped relieve her back pain.

"I have a lot of muscle pain, especially in my upper back. I find that the medications my doctors prescribed don't really address that. So, I come and get massages from Danielle to address those problems and I find that the massage actually does address the problem rather than covering it up like medication does," Bell said.

Swedish and deep tissue are the most common massages, but there are many techniques available today.

"I've gotten massage for many years just because I have a lot of tension," Amy Wallarab said.

Wallarab enjoys a massage called "Thai Yoga" which involves stretching and compression work.
Frey says it has many benefits.

"Increased flexibility is a big one. It really works deep into the muscles to help relax the muscles. You feel relaxed, but also rejuvenated and energized afterwards," Frey said.

Massage might not be ideal for anyone, especially those with health problems.

Massage might not be ideal for anyone, especially those with health problems.

While most states require massage therapist to be licensed, Angie's List says there are a handful of states that do not.

Ask what level of education or testing they have acquired as a precaution.

RELATED LINKS:
More Consumer News
More Angie's List Reports
More Reports by Susan Koeppen
Koeppen's Corner

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