You see the offers on discount sites such as the Omaha World-Herald's Daily Deals. At 50 percent off, massages — whether hot stone and sports or Swedish and shiatsu — are becoming more affordable and accessible to the general public.

But with so many choices, just which one is right for you?

Massage experts Steve Carper, Paulette Genthon and Maureen Moon explain the benefits of getting regular massages and how to maximize your massage experience.

First, massage is more than a luxury.

"Massage is passive exercise for the body," said Genthon, director of the Universal College of Healing Arts School of Massage Therapy in Omaha. This doesn't mean you'll develop six-pack abs, but when massage therapists focus on muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and connective layers of tissue, they increase blood circulation.

"When there is trauma to muscles, they contract, and they're not getting proper blood flow," said Carper, campus president of the Omaha School of Massage and Healthcare of Herzing University. "If you don't have proper circulation, tissue doesn't heal as fast. When muscles aren't in their normal relaxed state, their fibers tear."

For this reason, it's important to think of a massage as a process. Typically, one massage is not enough.

"After one you may have some relief, but it's not sustained," Carper said. "You might need to have a massage once a week for several weeks or every other week until your problem is addressed."

How do you find a massage therapist?

"Research a little. Talk to your doctor or chiropractor. Consider your needs and pain level and how long you've had your pain," said Moon, who is on the national board of directors of the American Massage Therapy Association and has a massage practice in Boulder, Colo. "A lot of times, the best way to find someone is by word of mouth."

If you're concerned about finding an experienced massage therapist, take comfort in this: The State of Nebraska requires that all massage therapists be licensed and complete 1,000 hours of training. It further requires ongoing continuing education to maintain certification.

Once you've found a therapist, how do you ensure maximum benefits?

"The number one thing," Genthon said, "is to give accurate health information." Massage therapists usually ask clients to fill out health forms ahead of time, and she lists several examples of why it's important to be upfront about medical conditions.

"If you have an infection and are taking an antibiotic, you shouldn't get a massage. It can make it worse," she said. "If you're taking blood thinners like coumadin, avoid deep tissue massage. If you're taking anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, you can't give accurate pain information. And if you have allergies, such as to peanuts, the therapist will know not to use peanut oil for the massage."

Carper additionally recommends letting the therapist know exactly what you want from the beginning.

"Communicate with the therapist ahead of time," he said. "Discuss the type of massage you need."

Moon stressed that communication doesn't end once the massage begins.

"Be sure the massage therapist listens to your requests."

This means things such as the right room temperature or if the music is too loud or too soft. If you don't like the scent of candles or oils, say so. And make sure to indicate whether the pressure is too deep or too light.

Genthon said the therapist should refrain from too much conversation.

"Clients need to focus on their bodies, as do the therapists. They need to watch body language and see if the body is too tense."

Carper said people shouldn't be concerned about switching therapists.

"You need to find the right therapist, and you may need to try several. Don't be afraid to try several, even if it's in the same location. Massage therapists are professionals and understand they might not be meeting your specific needs."

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