range of motion‚ and aid a menopausal woman in her natural ability to let thoughts‚ feelings‚ and emotions flow rather than keeping them bound up‚” states Stahl.
• Reflexology. Uses pressure on points in the feet‚ hands‚ and ears thought to correspond‚ or “reflex‚” to all areas of the body. “Reflexology can work specific points that deal with the ovaries‚ uterus‚ and adrenal glands and addresses points that might cause tension headaches‚ stress‚ constipation‚ and hot flashes‚” explains Stahl.
• Swedish. A system of long strokes‚ kneading‚ and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles‚ combined with active and passive movements of the joints. “If a woman’s really stressed and anxious‚ this promotes a general sense of relaxation through light pressure‚” says Vierling.
• Trigger Point Therapy. Applies concentrated finger pressure to trigger points to break cycles of spasm and pain. “This is very effective in reducing neck‚ shoulder‚ lower back‚ and hip pain and enhancing muscle relaxation‚” Vierling notes.
• Thai. A technique in which the therapist uses his or her body to move you into a series of poses‚ and includes muscle compression‚ joint mobilization‚ and acupressure. “This is great for stretching tight muscles and improving flexibility‚” Miller-Read says.
Find Healing Hands Now that you’re curious‚ keep in mind that massage therapists typically work in private practices‚ spas‚ health clubs‚ physicians’ offices‚ rehab facilities‚ and hospitals‚ so first decide which atmosphere you prefer. Give
some thought as to whether the gender of the therapist matters to you. Then seek out referrals from a friend‚ physician‚ or chiropractor‚ or contact your local hair salon‚ women’s center‚ or community center‚ where classes such as yoga are offered. You can also use the online tool offered by the American Massage Therapy Association (
www.findamassagetherapist.org)‚ which provides a listing of nationally certified massage therapists by location and specialty. “While most therapists don’t list menopause as a specialty area‚ they might list prenatal or pregnancy‚ which is a good indication that the therapist is in tune with menopausal women since we are cyclic‚” says Stahl. Once you pick prospective
therapists‚ consider interviewing them. Find out what techniques they use‚ what training they’ve taken‚ if they’re certified or licensed‚ what
professional organizations they belong to‚ if they teach self-care techniques‚ if they’re familiar with the symptoms of menopause‚ and if they can accommodate someone experiencing a hot flash during the session. If you prefer a male or a female therapist‚ no problem‚ just say so and ask for references. “Massage therapists working in non-clinical settings should be able to recommend at least one client to speak to you about her experience‚” notes Miller-Read. If all this sounds wonderful‚
yet you think you could settle for an occasional shoulder rub from your significant other‚ Guymon advises otherwise. “Women give so much to everyone else that we feel guilty asking a loved one to massage us for an hour‚” she says. “Getting a professional massage removes that guilt and ensures that the hour’s all about you!”
Does Insurance Cover it?
Massage therapy provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician‚ registered physical therapist‚ occupational therapist‚ chiropractor‚ or osteopath is often covered by insurance providers. “Many of my menopausal clients come in with prescriptions for massage‚ but the prescriptions are written for symptoms caused by menopause‚ such as headaches‚ not for menopause in general‚” says Kathleen Miller-Read‚ LMT‚ massage therapist at Green Lake Massage Health Center in Seattle‚ WA. Find out by calling your insurance provider before you schedule an appointment. Your provider may have a list of in-network therapists who are covered under your plan.
If insurance isn’t an option‚ expect to pay at least $60 or more for an hour of professional massage. Plus‚ factor in 15 to 20 percent for gratuity‚ though tipping is more common in spas and hotels than in clinical settings.
For less expensive options‚ check out local massage schools and health fairs.
SPRING / SUMMER 2012 pause 35
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