Ask your therapist where they were trained; there are many reputable massage training institutions in New Zealand. Their training can range from a 3 to 6 month course for a Certificate (relaxation massage only)to a 3 year Degree course, and most of these courses are recognized by Massage New Zealand. As there are different levels of massage expertise throughout our country, our members have to meet specified requirements to fit into each level of membership that we have. Most members of MNZ hold a diploma in therapeutic massage, having undertaken a 12 to 18 month training course.

Massage is a healthcare practice that needs clothes to be removed as it involves using oil, massage waxes and lotions. It is a ‘whole body’ treatment which requires direct contact between the therapist and client. It is usual for the therapist to leave the room while you undress and get on the table. It is not always necessary to remove all clothing; this depends on what your massage needs are at the time of treatment. Even with a full body massage you can leave your lower undergarments on.

MNZ therapists have ongoing training requirements of at least 20 hours each year to keep their skills and knowledge base up to date. Our Association also has a Code of Ethics, which MNZ therapists must display in their clinics for clients to read, and which gives details of a Complaints Procedure for clients to use if they feel dissatisfied with their treatment or the therapist’s behavior.

All massage therapists are trained to drape/cover their clients so that only the part of the body they are working on will be exposed. If this does not happen, you should ask to be covered or ask your therapist why you are not covered. If you are not satisfied with the answer you can terminate the appointment.

Your therapist should explain a feedback scale or system to you at the start of the treatment, so that you can let them know how you are feeling. Sometimes there may be some discomfort involved if you are having treatment for a particular muscle problem, but you should advise your therapist if the treatment is too painful so that they can adjust their treatment and make it more effective.

Unfortunately it is not covered by ACC. Southern Cross Medical Insurance does have policies which include refunds for massage therapy payments made to MNZ RMT members

Massage works well with physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy. It can also be used in conjunction with acupuncture. You should inform the massage therapist and any other healthcare professional of the treatment you are undergoing, however, to ensure the treatments complement each other.

The following conditions should be checked out with your doctor before getting a massage:
• Severe back pain, especially if pain is keeping you awake at night.
• A high fever or the symptoms of a cold or flu.
• Blood clots
• Cancer
• Skin conditions such as burns, cold sores, bruises, open wounds or swollen areas. You should not have a massage in those areas.
• Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester (massage is not advised during the 10 to 12 week period).
• Osteoporosis.
• High blood pressure.
• Allergies (especially to nuts, as many therapists use sweet almond oil).
• Varicose veins.
• Lymph node removal.
If you have any concerns about any existing conditions, you should always check with your healthcare provider to see if massage is an appropriate treatment for you.

Massage manipulates the soft tissues of the body. It is used for the beneficial effects on the nervous, muscular systems and connective tissues and for enhancing the circulation of blood and lymph.

• Increases blood and lymph circulation; Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues; Assists the clearing of metabolic wastes; May help remove excess fluid/ swelling.
• Decreases muscle tension to enhance functioning of muscles and associated vessels.
• Reduces or removes tension- related muscle pain.
• Speeds recovery of muscles from exercise.
• Frees up connective tissue layers for increased mobility and circulation.
• Can reduce nerve irritation and pain.
• Improves lung functioning by relaxing overtight muscles associated with breathing.
• Can improve immune function and encourage energy flow in the body.

Health maintenance and/or health promotion
Promotes general tissue health and encourages lifestyle and general health awareness.
Stress management
Helps relieve associated muscular tension and encourages general relaxation.
Injury Rehabilitation
Speeds recovery from injury and regaining full range of movement.
Post-operative care
Helps reduce recovery period, speeds up elimination of anaesthetic and reduces pain and stiffness associated with bed rest.
Emotional and/or psychological disorders
Releases endorphins that help to uplift and reduce depression.
Terminal illness
Helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with long term bed rest as well as providing support and reducing the effects of emotional stress for the patient as well as the family.
Chronic pain
Helps break the “pain – spasm” cycle whilst reducing associated muscle tightness. Deactivates trigger points which can cause referred pain.
Care of the disabled
Provides emotional support as well as assisting in the maintenance of general tissue health

“Massage cannot be aptly explained in words but needs to be experienced to realize its full potential” – MC Nisbit
Modern massage therapy has been assisted by the accumulation of scientific evidence that both supports and explains the beneficial effects of massage in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.
There are more and more research studies being done on the benefits of massage therapy. The following links will give further information on this subject.
Some Massage Research links:
Massage Therapy Foundation – http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org
Touch Research Institute – http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/
Massage Magazine USA Research Organisations – http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2006/issue120/Orgs.php
Massage Therapy Research – http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Therapies/MassageTherapy-Research.htm
Research databases:
Pubmed: http://www.pubmed.com
MANTiS: http://www.healthindex.com/
Index New Zealand: http://innz.natlib.govt.nz

The Importance of taking a Client History and Assessment: Client history includes finding out about you and the history of your ailment, aggravating factors (what makes it worse), previous diagnosis and treatment, and effectiveness of any previous treatment. It also builds up information about your general health, since there are a number of conditions which can contribute to muscular problems; a previous whiplash injury, for example, could lead to headaches or dizziness.
A client history ensures that the massage therapist’s diagnosis of the condition they are treating, as well as the treatment they give, is accurately recorded for future reference if necessary. Since the treatment you receive is likely to continue over a period of time, and may involve more than one visit, the therapist can monitor your progress and vary the treatment if necessary to ensure you receive the optimum benefit.
A client history includes an initial assessment of your condition: this enables the therapist to use the appropriate techniques to help relieve any discomfort that you may be experiencing. If you have any serious health issues, these should be disclosed during the assessment; the therapist can then determine if it is appropriate for you to have massage at that time or whether your condition is contraindicated for massage.
Your massage therapist is aware of their limitations, and is required to work within their scope of practice. Taking a client history when you first arrive will allow them to talk through all your needs to establish if it would be in your best interest to be referred to another health professional, or whether having complementary treatment (eg using acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy or physiotherapy) is going to be beneficial to you. Taking the time to sit down to discuss what is causing you discomfort gives you time to become comfortable with the therapist, especially if you are new to massage therapy; it is the first step in building a rapport and trust between you both.