MassageExchange.com Poll

Massage training for Enthusiasts

Do you learn the muscles of the body to improve your massage techniques?
Yes
68%
381
81%
39
69%
420
No
7%
37
2%
1
6%
38
Any place I rub is a massage.
24%
136
17%
8
24%
144
What’s a muscle?
1%
5
0%
0
1%
5
Votes: 559 Male 48 Female 607 Total
Member Comments ?
Sam52401
Yes
I have taken several classes and practiced on professionals for coaching
ScottieB
Yes
That is actually fairly essential to give a significant therapeutic massage at least. Massage could be almost anything without formal knowledge (unlicensed complimentary massage between consenting adults sort of deal)
pinkskiss
Yes
Took classes when I was 16
TallTroubleForFun
Yes
I can name them all but understanding them and what they do makes for better results
jaymaica
Yes
Knowing muscle groups and trigger points are key to relieving stress and tension .
garfield11
Yes
Finding the trigger point in your body is the key
SFmassagebuddy
Yes
Some of the other answers are fun too.
JayYUL
Yes
3 layers of muscless studied. Superficials, Intermediaries and core
littlebare
No
Been there, done that over 30 years ago. I now teach anatomy and lead ZOOM Active Stretching classes where I educate my students about which muscles they are stretching so they understand better what and why they are doing a particular stretch.
melbmaturemale
Yes
Best way to learn a muscle is to feel and explore the muscle
love2massage2015
Any place I rub is a massage.
My body is so tense these days, long overdue a massage
DenverDanTheMan
Yes
That's what it's all about, isn't it?
Massagelife37
Yes
I went to Pittsburgh School of amassage
IslandGirl7
Yes
Some areas require a more gentle approach, while other muscles need more pressure. It is important to have an understanding of where the bones are, so as to avoid them. I focus on the skin, the muscles, body language, and over all sharing of "energy"
Gudnow
Yes
Knots should be gently released.
MikeSouthPhilly
No
As someone who's lifted weights for years, and read about it, I have a fairly good understanding of the main muscles. Very familiar with injuries and soreness which also helps. If I had more massage opportunities, I'd do more book-learning to improve.
stevebench
Yes
Touch is everything. It's what most Humans desire and react too.
Ebystouch
Yes
Without knowledge of A&P you will risk the well-being of clients
Hodges2019
Yes
Knowing the anatomy greatly helps improve your massage technique.
[Private]
Yes
Learn the muscles origin and insertion, and their actions. This greatly aids your massage education. Secondly, practice and communication with your partner.
IN2RMM
Yes
It is beneficial to know the muscles of the body to ensure a quality massage like a sports massage.
PMM1
No
I rely on good communication and clearly indicating what one wants, what one consents to, and what one does not want touched.
Kucing
No
I'm going with my intuition rather than knowledge of human body. I am sure that having a good knowledge of muscles would an added advantage in giving better massages
marksam
Any place I rub is a massage.
ANY PART OF THE BODY IS A MASSAGE
Silkandfeathers
No
We learn together , we talk and guide each other and explore sensual massage as a couple . Keen to learn and be guided by others
stifffromcycling
Yes
nationally accredited sports massage
massagejordan
Yes
I studied human anatomy and physiology as part of my profession. I've also been told I know intuitively which parts of the body need attention.
[Private]
Any place I rub is a massage.
I am fairly competent with my massage techniques. I like to do it slow and hard.
sunnyday07
Yes
I have done some study on muscle groups but just very general study and nothing too involved. Practice by doing and communicating with massage partner is so helpful.
[Private]
Any place I rub is a massage.
I know what feels good to me, so I try to make my massage partner feel good too. The power of the touch is very sensual, both giving and receiving.
Hands1302
Yes
I learned the muscles in the body from my physiology and biology classes.
JohnGee6682
Yes
I’m a good intuitive amateur masseuse, especially hard massage, because I have exchanged massages with an expert female masseuse.
OzSwapMate
Yes
Yes I have my Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy. Anatomy was the hardest component of the coursr.
PlymouthUKguy
Yes
This is important for sports/remedial massage and knowledge is always useful.
Not being training sports massage I would not offer this.
BareMeYourSoles
Yes
yes, it's makes the difference between a regular massage and an invigorating murrsaaarge
Jag36
Yes
I studied human anatomy and physiology as part of my profession.
Tony4709
Yes
I larn by give a massage and more maaaages from people i know and they all love the way i give masssages to them they call me all the time now
SlowCamilleSlow
Yes
I learn mostly by practice and receiving professional massages. I classify myself as an interested amateur, but would not look to offer more than a relaxation massage
It is dangerous to step outside your area of expertise, so dont try and cure people
Typically I receive a professional massage from a myotherapist
tantricone
Yes
I have studied Tantric massage for 8 years and I find it useful especially for couples in my travels. The bonding and energy is incredible!
Arknude
Yes
I have been massaging for a long time and very good at it. I have massaged well over 500 people or more. Men and women and under 18 yrs old with a parent present during the massage.
Excalibruce
Yes
I teach human anatomy, so I know alot about the musculature of the human body.
CentralTexas
Yes
Yes, I do Thai massage and muscles are important for that! Plus I own a kayak/SUP school and knowledge of muscles is important for that!
Subieblue56
Yes
Some difficulty remembering the Latin names
pickarris1108
Any place I rub is a massage.
Follow your intuition and energetic guidance as to where and what needs to be worked on. Ask for feedback from the recipient.
Longpb1066
Any place I rub is a massage.
Yes
Duzitwell
Yes
It's good to know what they're called and have knowledge about them, but ultimately as long as you can pay attention and remember how people react to certain spots with certain techniques then you'll do fine.
Himmy
Yes
It is but some times it is good to do what feels good
strokeing
Yes
Yes it's important to me so you can complete a good massage
Massage1001
Yes
Yes and knowing how to cross and not certain meridians of the body!
Fun5
Yes
It’s important to know the body and how the muscles work and their movements to know the proper way to work it.Everyones body is different regarding alignment, muscle size, do you should beagle to feel the body and know how to work that individual.
[Private]
Any place I rub is a massage.
I need more training, so not an expert on muscle names, but always learning and my hands are very strong and gentle, so just figuring it put as I go
joey01
Yes
We did cover them in some massage training, a while ago, some hands on again should help refresh the memory, and perhaps go back over the learnings for a better use, and understanding. Currently giving a relaxation style massage.
SaffronNights
Yes
For therapeutic reasons you can do more with knowledge. If I'm going to lay hands on you, you want results..
Lee13
Yes
It is good to know each muscles Origins and Insertions for a thorough massage wether it be for a therapeutic massage or relaxation.
Goodwithhands88
Any place I rub is a massage.
I think it is important not to rush, and to allow the body to warm up to get the most benefit from the amazing touch of a great massage, paying attention to the muscles that need it most
tantrictherapistuk
Yes
Of course to study anatomy and physiology is essential for deep tissue and sports massage. This is not required for relaxation massage modalities.
ME250795
Yes
I trained to become Licensed Massage Therapist, and also trained in Asia to learn more healing techniques as well as sensual massage. I am no longer licensed, as it is not required in my state any more.
Bravehard9
Yes
Yes, It is important to know all the muscles and their function! This facilitates a better healing and massage experience!
GoodTouch
Yes
The muscle manipulation improves circulation and helps calm the body.
cdm5
Yes
The more one knows the better the Massage.
gentletouch2
No
I've learned massage techniques from the many massages I've had over the years
Ayurvedicmassage
Yes
I have personally experienced and provided massage for my clients based on their physical issues.
serioushands
Yes
Knowing the musculature is important as having a map to guide you when traveling. Much of massage focuses on the muscles so knowing the body is key. Which are the key muscles, what do they do, and what should to avoid putting pressure on. For example, the erectors on both sides of the spine are some to our largest and we hold a lot of tension in them. They usually can handle deep work but you need to avoid the actual spine which you can hurt if not careful.
Question? Short of going to a massage school, does anyone know a good source for learning musculature?
drama60
Yes
a massage is good for stress
MassageMasters2010
Yes
Yes! However, I like variety in exchange partners, so I choose partners from beginners to advanced.
Kneads
Yes
A general knowledge of anatomy, biology and even physiology are a great help in learning bodywork. Expanded anatomical studies are recommended. As Bomber stated before function, attachment, origins and insertions are all helpful when doing massage(s).
BigBombero
Yes
Understanding function, attachments, and common issues can assist with providing the appropriate massage.
Faithcultivater
Yes
Definitely, but intuition and touch is very important and I pray attention to suttle body reactions.
[Private]
Yes
Go with what feels right. Don't over think it or stress. If something feels good, go with it, if it doesnt feel good do something different.
transituk
Yes
Completed an nvq3 in aromatherapy and Swedish massage .
TampaMike
Yes
My licensure required full anatomy courses including neuro-muscular anatomy and physiology.
luvoilyones
Yes
#s 3 and 4 are a wee bit silly
pnkyzbrain
Yes
Without an understanding of where muscles attach AND their actions, tou won't be nearly as effective.
MassageRoom
Yes
Learning more about the muscles and how they react can make for a better overall massage. Even a sensual massage can be made better if you are able to work the muscles correctly. It can lead to a much better experience.
MaleTiger
No
I found some times the issue of body is not just muscle but other systems. There are different theories and philosophy of massage therapy than just focusing on the muscle layer.
DapperDandy67
Yes
well, duh. if you don't know a trapezius from a gastrocnemius, you're already in trouble. and your client is in more. I've educated myself thoroughly on the subject.
montrosemassage1301
Any place I rub is a massage.
I will use my hands on ALL body parts.
GreyMane
Yes
Yes - ongoing knowledge of anatomy is essential for a good massage. I use an anatomy application on my tablet to share range of motion and muscle action with the person on the table. Not so important if you're giving/receiving a grab and grope massage...
Madmad
Yes
Well it was part of the courses done to learn the muscles. Do I remember them these days NO

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