 |
|
|
|
|
|
please visit our sponsor
|
| Article: Choosing a massage therapist - by Robert Sigler, C.M.T. | ||
|
As the saying goes, not all massage therapists are created equally. Some have more training than others, some have no credentials and others are just beginning (which can be great or not). In fact the laws vary tremendously from state to state as to what even constitutes a massage therapist. So it can be quite a daunting task choosing a therapist that you like. There are now thousands and thousands of massage therapists, so the question becomes how do you know which one is right for you? Unfortunately the only way to know for sure is to get a massage from them. But before you do, there are some general rules of thumb that can help you pick the best therapist (or at least weed out the ones who might not be right for you). Depending on your goal, keep in mind there are essentially two types of massage. One is therapeutic and the other is a relaxing massage. The difference is that the therapeutic massage will often times only address a specific area and will frequently use deeper pressure. The reasons for visiting a massage therapist for therapeutic massage varies but usually is related to some sort of specific muscle injury or discomfort. Relaxing massage is typically a whole body routine designed to free the body from stress and tension. Relaxing massage uses more flowing strokes and seeks to help the person relax overall. This type of massage is frequently found in spas, for example. Both are great, but it depends on what you would like to achieve with the massage. Some people just want a relaxing massage and they end up getting a well-intentioned therapist who specializes in deep tissue therapeutic and if not communicated can become less than what you expected. And because massage is such an intimate experience, it's a good idea to ask the therapist some questions on the phone before deciding to give them a try as your massage therapist. Here are some questions to consider... 1) Are they certified/licensed to practice in your state? Some states don't have licensing at the state level, but do at the local level. If you live in one of those states, ask them if and where they went to massage school. 2) How long have they been doing massage? Obviously someone who has been doing massage for 17 years ought to know what they're doing. But don't discount recent massage graduates, they often times have more energy and are eager to build their practice. 3) What type of massage do they offer? What kind of pressure? Deep / light If they say they offer deep pressure, it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable if you haven't had that many massages. Typically as you receive more massage, you can enjoyably tolerate more pressure. 4) Do they have a particular specialty? If you want a nice relaxing massage and the person you go to is a Rolfer, then that's a huge mismatch. Rolfing is deep tissue fascial work. It can relaxing, but it can also be intense. If you need more info as to what specialties are out there, then check out our free body guide. 5) Do they charge by the hour or by the session? Some therapists are very time oriented. A one hour massage means one hour from the time you enter the room (which includes getting undressed and on the table). Others charge by the session, so keep that in mind. 6) Do they use draping? Some states don't require draping. Personally, I think massage therapists should drape. This means using a top sheet to cover you, and often a couple towels for the genitals and breasts. That way you won't feel exposed at any time during the massage and you'll always be covered where it counts. It's tough to relax when you feel uncomfortable. Draping is a way to help the client feel more relaxed. 7) Do they accept tips? Some therapists don't accept tips, but the majority do. Massage is hard work and it's a service, so if they do a great job, consider tipping. For most therapists, it's nice to receive a tip, but certainly not expected. 8) Do they do outcalls? Is there an additional charge? Consider having a therapist come to your home. That way you won't have to drive anywhere and you can just relax. But if you do this, there is frequently an additional charge to cover the massage therapists time and effort. What many people do is they will try a therapist first at the massage therapist's office, then if they like them, they'll have them come to their house, if possible. 9) If it's a spa, can you choose a male or female therapist? If you're not comfortable with a therapist of the opposite or same sex, then when at a spa, let them know in advance. They should be able to accommodate you. 10) If it's therapeutic, do they have experience with your particular problem? If the therapist has been around long enough, they will have encountered most musculoskeletal issues, and since it's your time and money you should make sure. Now, just these questions alone can help alleviate any kind of confusion as to your choice in picking a massage therapist. Carefully listen to the responses, a good therapist, in my opinion, will take their time and talk to you. You can tell a lot about them during that conversation if you keep your ears open. Remember, the goal is to choose a massage therapist you can trust so you can let go and really relax. It is often worth the time to shop around a bit, til you find the right one. Ask your friends (although your friends have a different body and might like someone different than you), check out the internet, the yellow pages, and the local health food stores. Often times chiropractors have massage therapists working with them. It might take a little more time to be picky, but it's your body and once you find a therapist who you like, it will be well worth it in the long run. (c) 2005 Robert Sigler, C.M.T. and SmartBreeze, LLC. All rights reserved. |
||
|
Robert Sigler, C.M.T. is a certified massage therapist in Virginia. He is also an instructor at the Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy. For more information, visit his website and learn how to massage online. |
|
|
| Home Page | Complete Directory | Articles | Natural Health Newsletters | About Us | Advertising |
| © 1999-2003 Self Improvement Online, Inc. All rights reserved. |
