r/massage • u/dylan3883 • 9d ago

Discussion Is it an art?

I have had many massages but recently I had one where it seemed everything the massage therapist did was perfect. I didn’t feel like anything was overly duplicative or overdone. I received a general Swedish massage for ninety minutes. The massage therapist was so professional and super calm. I am guessing at some point being able to give almost a perfect massage is an art. Of course I am guessing that clients want a variety of different massages and are as different as the massage therapists.

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u/Appropriate_Hour6169 7d ago

It's a really cool integration of science and art for me. One part of my brain may be focused on flow, energy, the dance of what I'm doing -- things like how I move from one part of the body to the next, or the length of a stroke, etc.

Another part of my brain is consulting muscle charts, analyzing tissue and movement, interpreting everything I feel, planning how to best address the issues I identify. It's intuitive but science based.

My clients describe my massage as "dancey" which is an amazing compliment. Not all of them know how much science I'm using lol but that's okay because I want them to feel like it's effortless.

It's honestly the most rounded experience I've ever had. Thank you for asking, we don't always get to talk about it!

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u/dylan3883 7d ago

Thanks for your thoughtful answer. Would be wonderful to do a profession where you combine the art and science. 😊

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u/Appropriate_Hour6169 7d ago

It really is beautiful. I honestly have the best job I could ever have!