• How do I select a fully trained therapist... ?
• Where are you located?
• What is the difference between relaxation massage and medical therapeutic massage?
• What inspired Patricia to become a massage therapist?
• What can I expect at my first massage ... ?

Massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an individual’s health and well-being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body.  Doctors are increasingly recommending it to their patients for stress relief.  Additionally, it is being used as part of treatment programs for many medical conditions, including chronic pain.  Many businesses are now seeing its potential to boost worker productivity, help morale, and decrease the number of days that employees miss work.  Public interest in complementary therapies has helped many consumers to try massage.

Personal referrals from friends or healthcare providers are a great way to find a massage therapist.  You can also look online.  It is recommended that you talk to them on the phone or via email before going for your first session.

A therapist’s most important concern should be that you are pleased with your experience.  So when you go to look for a therapist, and to ensure that your expectations are met, open a line of communication between you and your potential MT.  A therapist should want to share information about their businesses and should therefore welcome any questions you may have.

If you have never had a massage before, you could be nervous and not know what to expect. Asking questions can help you to be more relaxed which will make your first massage experience even more enjoyable.

Questions to ask a therapist

• What certifications do you hold? 

• Are you state certified?

• How long have you been practicing massage?

• Do you give discounts if I refer people who I know to you?

• What kind of oils, creams, products, etc. do you use?

• Do you use a drape while massaging? (i.e. A sheet or other covering for the client)

• What kind of training have you had? 

• What types of massage will you be using?

• What are your prices?

• Do you sell the products you use?

• How long will the session last?

• What kind of payments do you accept? cash, check, credit card?

• How can I make an appointment?

• Do you have references?

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You can either call Massage Therapy for Families at 218-348-6888 or email us to request an appointment. 

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A salon, spa or relaxation massage begins on one part of the body; typically on the back, then to the leg area; followed with the client turning with their head neck and face massaged and ending with the client's legs and feet.  Relaxation massage works all muscles and improves circulation.  Another form of relaxation massage is called Esalan. 

Relaxation massage may include the following: gentle stretches, long flowing strokes, soothing holding of energy points, rhythmic rocking, comfortably supported movement of limbs, nurturing breath instruction and comfortable kneading of tight muscles.

A medical therapeutic massage works deeper into the grizzly and fibrous and dehydrated muscles.  Professional massage improves respiration, digestion and elimination.  Therapeutic massage works deep into the muscle tissue to release fibrous tissues to relieve knots and shorten muscles while increasing range of motion.  Medical massage directly addresses numerous health issues with a combination of Western and Eastern massage techniques and influences. 

Treatment techniques are used when soft tissues of the body are causing pain and/or dysfunction. The focus of the session is to address the soft tissue pain and dysfunction. The client often feels more relaxed after the therapy due to elimination or diminishment of pain.

Before the hands-on part of a treatment session begins, a careful assessment of soft-tissue problems is needed. Discussion between the client and therapist will help identify work needed. This part of the session frequently takes longer than the assessment phase of a relaxation session.

Treatment massage also differs from relaxation massage in several other ways. One important difference is the amount of verbal exchange between therapist and client. During relaxation sessions there may be little or no verbal exchange between therapist and client or verbal exchange may take the form of chatting. During a treatment session, on the other hand, verbal exchange is essential to assist the therapist in providing the most beneficial treatment. This verbal exchange may be information relayed from client to therapist about changes in tissue discomfort. Good communication is also needed during change of client position that is often needed to address a particular problem. The therapist may also request the client to use the muscle being treated in a very specific way.

Treatment massage techniques are not painful to receive. A trained therapist will monitor the reactions of the client and modify techniques accordingly. The therapy does not have to hurt to help. Treatment manual therapies have precise protocols applied in specific ways to address particular dysfunction. They are not relaxation techniques applied with more pressure.

Manual therapies have been used for thousands years by dozens of cultures to improve the healthful functioning of the musculo-skeletal system

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Patricia Luoma grew up with her Grandmother Judith Miller as someone who served as a strong, inspirational, and motivating factor in her life.  Being the oldest of seven children, Patricia learned how to massage others by watching and learning from her Grandmother as she massaged her six siblings.  Grandma Miller was well known for using natural ingredients and using herbs to cure illnesses and common diseases.  Patricia then used massage on her own three children as they grew up, relieving their childhood aches and pains, relieving anxieties, and soothing those stress filled teenage and young adulthood years.

Patricia completed her first massage course in Duluth which included the basics techniques, introduction to anatomy and physiology, while she learned of the important ethical aspects of becoming a professional massage therapist.  There she relearned what her Grandmother taught her many years before and that was that the body functions best when the mind, body, and spirit are connected.

For the next four years Patricia completed monthly courses to increase her course work and training.  She began to broaden her experience with numerous specialty courses, while performing massage for her ever-growing clientele list. 

Currently she is pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Chinese and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Two convenient locations for massage therapy are now offered, by Patricia and Jane.  Our Duluth and Superior clinics await you. 

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First time massage clients are typically uncomfortable with the unfamiliar process.  The first time client arrives and is welcomed and introduced to their certified massage therapist in the reception area.  The reception area offers a tranquil, yet professional atmosphere where Eastern and Western influences grace the room.  The new client is then asked to fill out a medical intake form.  The medical intake form is reviewed and then discussed with the massage therapist and the client.  The decision as to which massage works best for the client and their needs is selected.  Any unanswered questions are politely and respectfully addressed while the client is informed that the most important aspect is their comfort with every faucet of the massage. 

You can expect your massage therapy session, whether a relaxation session or therapeutic medical session to be beneficial. Your massage therapist will help assure this.

The client is then invited to the massage room which offers a relaxing, professional and tranquil setting.  Adequate time is allowed for the client to prepare for their massage.  During your session you can wear the amount and type of clothing that feels most comfortable for you.  If you have elected to have a therapeutic medical massage therapy that is better facilitated by removal of some clothing, your certified massage will enter the room only after you are undress in private, and drape yourself with a sheet or towel provided by the therapist. You may leave underwear on or off, at your discretion. It is best to remove jewelry and glasses.

You'll lie on a comfortably padded massage table covered by a draping. If you are receiving therapy on a chair, a specially designed chair is provided.  The therapist will always undrape only that part of your body being treated, ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times. You can expect a peaceful environment for your massage with comfortable room temperature and smoothing music.

Through out the massage the therapist will be communicating to the client inquiring about their preferences, likes and dislikes.  During the massage the body is respectfully draped at all times, with no area of the body exposed that is not being massaged.  The client's comfort is always held in high regard as well as respecting the client and their body.  A carrier oil that is unscented and organic is used to aide your massage therapist. 

You may choose to talk during your session or you may opt to gather your thoughts and remain quiet.  In either case, report anything that needs your therapist's attention.

Following your massage a post massage interview is conducted.  This conversation allows your certified massage therapist to improve future appointments.  As there are numerous benefits massage therapy can provide, open communication, and building a trusting, professional relationship ensures the client receives all that his/her massage offers for the future appointments.  Relax and experience the art - and science - of massage therapy.

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