Three Factors to Consider When Choosing a Massage Therapist

Are you feeling tense or sore lately? Maybe it's time for a great massage. Here are some tips to help you choose the right therapist. Don't be afraid to ask questions; a good therapist considers client education part of his work. Hopefully you will find a suitable therapist who can help you through life's rough patches for years to come.

Licensure

Find out if you are in a state that requires massage therapists to be licensed. If you are not, then here are some warning signs that a massage business may be a front for prostitution. Don't make an appointment at any place with "happy" or "V.I.P." in the name or any massage clinic that is advertised on a billboard. Especially steer clear of a group of people calling themselves a spa who don't offer hair cuts or manicures. Unless you're into that kind of thing; in that case I hope to see you getting arrested on Cops.

If you are in a state that requires a license, make sure the therapist has the letters L.M.T. and a license number on their card. Otherwise they might have gone to massage school but didn't pass the licensure exam, or they might have just decided that because their friends like their neck rubs to hang out a shingle.

Modalities

Check out a book on massage or do internet searches to find out what type of massage you want to receive. The traditional spa massage is a Swedish massage, which feels good but is characterized by light pressure. You may want deep tissue or neuromuscular massage which concentrates on problem areas and you want to make sure ahead of time that this is what you'll be getting. Other modalities include energy massages such as acupressure, massage to manipulate the flow of spinal fluid such as cranio-sacral massage and Rolfing, a type of massage in which you must commit to ten sessions but which leaves you literally in better physical condition.

Ask what type of massage the therapist provides. If you are looking for a modality she doesn't give, such as shiatsu, she should recommend someone else. This way you know she is connected with a network of other therapists with whom she trades massages. If the other therapists use someone, you know they know what they're doing.

Personality

Be sure the therapist listens when you are speaking to him about your issues and does not interrupt you when you're talking. If he isn't a good listener he might not use too much pressure and not pay attention to the warning sign that he is hurting you. Also, be sure and tell the therapist if he hurts you instead of making him guess. If he does not back off, he is not a good therapist.

The therapist should offer you enough covers for your comfort level of modest and temperature. She should not try to convince you to take off more clothing than that with which you are comfortable. The therapist should not try to massage any area for which you have not given permission.

When the massage is finished, your therapist should discuss how to care for yourself afterwards, giving such tips as how much water to drink and whether to treat an area with heat, cold, or soaking. He should also explain that certain areas may be sore to the touch and for how long.