Let’s face it—not all the massages in our past have been what we were hoping for. Maybe we just wanted to relax and had a therapist digging massaging way too hard, or perhaps we wanted some deep tissue work and our therapist’s touch was much too light. These things are just a few scenarios of what could put us off from getting a massage in the future.
Here’s the good news: with a little research on your end, you can find a massage therapist that is the perfect fit for you. Here’s what to look for:
Clearly Identify Your Goals, and Understand Your Current Health
Are you interested in reducing stress, pain relief, treatment for a certain medical condition, or are you just looking to treat yourself to the decadence of a massage?
There are many different modalities of massage that achieve different results, so knowing what you need out of your massage, and knowing how to communicate that with a therapist, is a giant step in getting you on the right track with your massage therapist.
Get Some Names
Sometimes the best discoveries happen through word of mouth. Ask around. An easy way to find a new therapist is simply by getting a personal referral from a trusted friend or family member. If they are a current client, they can be a great inside source on questions you may have.
Consider Your Personal Preferences
There are many important factors in making your decision. You may include or eliminate potential therapists based on what you would be most comfortable with. Ask yourself:
Would you be most comfortable with a male or female therapist?
Is location important? (If you plan to go once or twice a week, you may want to find a massage therapist close to your home or work.
Do Your Homework
Once you have your selection narrowed down, there are still many factors to consider. Check out their website or try to schedule a brief phone call with the massage therapist. The following is a great list of questions to ask so you can get a better idea if they are the right therapist for you:
What type of massage education do you have?
Are you licensed and/or certified?
How long have you been practicing?
What type of clients do you usually work with?
What is your favorite modality to practice/what’s your philosophy when it comes to holistic healing?
Finally, The Only Thing Left to Do Is Try
Okay, so you’ve done thorough research, and you think you’ve found your new massage therapist. It’s time to schedule your first appointment. If you are hesitant, try booking a 30-minute session to start, and if you like their work, extend the treatment to either 60 or 90 minutes.
Just remember, it is important to find a massage therapist with a great background and experience, but it is equally as important to find a therapist who is willing to listen to you. After all, no one knows your body better than you do.
When you’re ready to take that first step and find a new massage therapist, we hope you keep the professionals at Executive Spa & Massage in mind. From sports and deep tissue, to Russian, Swedish, and hot stone massage, we have just the right treatment plan for you. Call us today to book your first appointment.