If you are interested in enjoying massage therapy, you need to take the time to find a qualified, experienced therapist to use.
Massage therapy provides immense benefit to those struggling with muscle aches and pains,
stress, and tension. Not only can it lesson tension by loosening muscles, but it also improves your body’s overall functioning through increasing blood flow and improving the circulatory system. Finding a good therapist makes a huge impact on your overall health and well being.
Sadly, many companies advertise themselves to be “massage therapy” providers, when their “therapists” hold no certification and have little training. Sure, the treatment these places offer may loosen your muscles and provide temporary relief, but without proper training, a therapist cannot give you the full benefit of a true treatment. Because of this, you need to do your homework when choosing one.
First, talk to those around you to find out if they have had any treatments done. If so, find out if they liked their therapist or not. This will give you good insight into whether or not a particularly therapist is a good one.
When you call to make an appointment, ask some crucial questions to ensure you will get quality treatment. Ask about certifications that the therapists hold. Ask about both state and national certification (NCTBMB certification). There is no national standardization for this industry, so do not write off a therapist because they do not have national certification, but look for at least state certification. Also ask about their license.
Other questions will be based on your personal preferences. For instance, massage therapy treatment requires you to undress before the treatment. You may want to find out about the draping technique used, and make sure that it is one you are comfortable with. You may also want to enquire as to the specific techniques that they use. As you enjoy the treatments, you will find that certain types of techniques work better for you than others, so ask for specific names of treatments they use. Also, ask about the oils, creams, or infusions they use, and make sure you like these and are not allergic to them.
As you choose a therapist, you must decide whether you would prefer someone of the opposite gender or the same gender. Remember, you will not be fully clothed throughout the session. Massage therapy can be a very personal experience, so you may feel more comfortable with someone of the same gender.
Finally, find out the price and the length of the session. The price for massage therapy ranges tremendously from one clinic to another. Make sure that you are comfortable with the price and the services offered. Do not be afraid to call around to see if there is a similarly qualified clinic that offers a better price.
Once you find a therapist you are comfortable with who provides a quality service, you will want to build a relationship with that therapist. Soon you will be enjoying the benefits of regular massage from a therapist who knows the areas that you need the treatment the most.
