Ispani Episode 15 on Massage therapist

TX Date: 21/05/2013,  A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of a client's body in order to decrease stress, treat injury and promote health and well-being. Massage therapists usually work in a clinical setting within an alternative medicine clinic, or a sports rehabilitation clinic alongside other practitioners such as physiotherapists or osteopaths.

The basic tool of massage is a massage bed. These come in portable versions so that clients can be visited in their own homes. Massage chairs are also frequently employed in on-site massage, at an office or special event for example.

For the application of massage, special oils are used, most commonly the neutral smelling and chemically stable walnut oil. Hours can be long in order to treat clients outside working hours; early morning and evening treatment sessions are common as are weekends. 

Massage is extremely tiring for the practitioner, so good technique and working posture must be maintained in order to work efficiently.

Massage therapy although hard work, is a very rewarding career and the sense of achievement gained from helping people to relax and overcome injury is cited as one of the main reasons people continue to practice. We take a look at this exciting and relaxing career with 26 year old Emmah Kubayi.

For further details, e-mail us at ispani@sabc.co.za.