How can I find the right massage therapist?

Massage is like pizza: it's fine even when it's awful. When you're in pain and need professional assistance, your expectations rise, and you start to find that a lot of so-called therapeutic massage seems to be a little dubious. It's necessary to spot a massage therapist who possesses the skills you need. Here are some simple things to remember.

Set a Target

Setting targets for the massage session is the very first thing you can do. Starting off with basics the questions you should ask yourself when you are seeking massage therapy is:

• Are you hoping for Stress relief?

• Do you want to get rid of any Muscle tightness or contractions?

• Do you want to live a pain-free life?

• Are you looking for a way to boost your productivity at work?

• Are you looking to improve your overall health and happiness?

• Do you want to improve your athletic performance?

Consider why you want to see a massage therapist in the first place: 

• Is massage recommended to you by a licensed medical practitioner, such as a physical therapist, a medical doctor, or a chiropractor? 

• Is there something you're dealing with that your physician is really not aware of and that you feel massage could help with? 

• Do you have a friend or family member who suffers from those same aches and pains as you and has benefited from massage therapy?

Make a list of names.

Most people would prefer to get a personal recommendation from a friend. Your friends will be able to answer questions about the massage therapist and discuss how well they have benefited from their sessions. Also, your personal doctor or nurse or a medical consultant are excellent sources of referrals. They will have a list of massage therapists who have received advanced training and have experience with methods that are successful in treating your condition or concern.

To learn more about the therapist, give them a call.

If you don't already have it, make a call and inquire about:

• The technique or style used

• Treatment principles

• Years of work experience

• Areas of expertise, as well as familiarity with specific situations such as heart diseases and blood pressure

• Advanced qualification and training

• If so, which professional organizations does the therapist belong to?

Aim for a massage therapist who has successfully completed 500 hours of training from a credible, recognized program. (You can inquire about a school's certification by calling the institution directly.)

Make inquiries about pricing and facilities.

Ask a few questions about the cost. Specifically, inquire:

What are the different lengths of sessions and how much do they cost? The therapist will usually give you a few choices, such as 30 minutes,45 minutes, and so on increasing with 15. Ask some questions about the cost for hands-on time and whether or not the intake is included.

• Do different methods have different fees?

• Is it possible that your massage will be protected by insurance?

• Are there any hidden costs or taxes?

• Are there any special or reduced package rates available?

This way you will be able to know your options and hence can make a better decision.