Massage therapy is a practice that’s been around since 3,000 BC. Some of the techniques and methods established during that time are still in use today. Massages are a wonderful way to ease muscle tension and take some time for yourself.
It can be overwhelming trying to choose a massage therapist, especially if you’ve never gotten one before. Different therapists advertise various massage styles. Finding the right therapist and type of massage that works best for you can be a lengthy process.
This guide will discuss what you need to know about how to choose a licensed massage therapist. Take the time to try out more than one therapist until you find someone that best suits your needs.
Find Out Your Goals for Getting a Massage
Before you get started searching for massage therapists, ask yourself what you want to get out of your massage. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I need an hour to relax and get pampered?
- Am I dealing with neck or back pain?
- Am I an athlete dealing with a sports-related injury?
Knowing what you want to achieve will guide you when making your choice. There are specific types of massage that are better suited for relaxation, while other kinds will get into your muscles, breaking up scar tissue. The last thing you want to do is go in for a massage, expected to relax, only to end up gripping the table while your therapist digs their elbow into your back.
Research the Different Types of Massage
As you start researching massage therapists, you’ll notice on their websites that they say they offer certain types of massage. All massages aren’t created equally. Knowing the difference between them will help you pick the right therapist.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massages incorporate long, kneading strokes with shorter tapping strokes. The therapist will utilize light to medium pressure. It’s a great choice for beginners to massage or if you want to release tension from your body.
Sports Massage
Sports massages aren’t just for athletes. They can be beneficial for those wanting to:
- Correct imbalances
- Decrease muscle pain from repetitive motion injuries
- Quickly recover from sports injuries
Sports massages use faster strokes than Swedish massages. Your therapist might incorporate friction, pressure point therapy, and compression.
Deep Tissue Massage
Some people might think that deep tissue massages are too uncomfortable or painful. Even though massage therapists focus on troubled areas of your body, deep-tissue massages shouldn’t ever be painful.
These massages use intense, slow, and firm strokes to work out muscle kinks in the body. It’s a wonderful choice for those dealing with:
- Chronic muscle pain
- Injury or soreness
- Body tightness
- Muscle imbalance
Thai Massage
Thai massage has been around for thousands of years. Another term for it is “assisted yoga.” That’s because it’s an active type of massage that incorporates deep stretching.
Some of the benefits of Thai massage include:
- Improved blood flow
- Increased flexibility
- Boosted energy levels
Thai massage utilizes acupressure and muscle compression to improve flexibility and reduce stress. It might provide relief for those dealing with back pain or migraines.
Reflexology
Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on various pressure points of the hands and feet. The goal of this type of massage is to restore your natural energy levels. Other advantages are:
- Improved mood
- Reduced fatigue
- Increased relaxation
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage has been around for a long time. It translates to “finger pressure massage.”
Massage therapists will apply pressure to various spots of your body. As they apply pressure, your muscles will loosen and you’ll notice a decrease in uncomfortable symptoms. The benefits of shiatsu massage are:
- Improved posture
- Decreased back pain
- Less anxiety and stress
- Increased blood circulation
- Better sleep
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
A lymphatic drainage massage might be a type that you’ve never heard of before. Unwanted waste and toxins build up in our bodies every day. Our lymphatic systems use our tissues and organs to flush the toxins out of our bodies.
Massage therapists can use various techniques to stimulate our body’s lymph flow. They’ll utilize long strokes to move the fluid, helping your organs process and flush it out better. The hand strokes can re-stimulate a sluggish system, working with it to build your immune system.
Determine Where You Want to Get Your Massage
Once you figure out your goals and what type of massage you want to get, you’ll need to then think about what your preferences are. You can get a massage in a wide range of places. This includes a doctor’s office, spa, hair salon, or even your home.
Are you looking for a more relaxing environment? You might want to explore getting a massage in a salon or spa. Massage therapists will have their room set up with relaxing music, candles, and dim lights.
Are you more focused on reducing your pain? You can check out local chiropractors or physical therapists’ offices.
At the end of the day, you should be comfortable when getting a message. Check out their website and social media accounts to see photos of their space. If it’s something you like, then that therapist might be the one for you.
Do Your Homework on the Massage Therapist
Once you’ve created a list of potential massage therapists in your area, it’s time to get to work. Find out as much information as you can about them from their website. Ask them to schedule a short phone conversation so you can ask some questions.
Some of the things you can ask include:
- Are you certified and/or licensed?
- What’s your background education and experience?
- How many years have you been a massage therapist?
- What are your treatment goals?
- What’s your favourite type of massage to perform?
- What types of clients do you work with?
Reading online reviews is also a key step in this process. Every person’s experience is unique. However, you can tell a good therapist from a bad one based on the reviews that you read.
Compare Multiple Prices
Comparing massage therapy costs can help you find out which option would be best for you. Different kinds of massages cost more than others. For example, you might have to pay an additional fee if you want aromatherapy included.
Additionally, massage prices are also based on how long your treatment is for. The time lengths for the average massage include:
- 30 minutes
- 45 minutes
- 75 minutes
- 90 minutes
Your massage might be covered by your health insurance. Ask the therapist about that during your initial phone conversation. You can also inquire if they offer any discounts or specials for certain types of massages.
Don’t Worry if You Have to Wait
A good massage therapist might have a long waiting list to get an appointment. Those who have a longer lead time for your initial appointment means they have a regular amount of clients. That could indicate that they’re a high-quality therapist.
You can sometimes get a massage appointment without having to wait too long. If you schedule an appointment but it’s not for a few weeks, see if there’s another massage therapist you can see in the meantime. That’ll give you a chance to address whatever symptoms you’re experiencing while testing out another therapist in your area.
Pay Attention to Professionalism
Most massage therapists are running their businesses. Their level of professionalism is a good indicator of how they’ll treat you.
They should be on time for their appointments. If they cancel them, they should provide you with a new appointment that’s within a reasonable timeframe.
The massage therapist should also make you feel comfortable. They should listen to your concerns and goals, letting you know their plan to help you move forward.
Try Different Massage Therapists Out
When searching for options for massage therapists, the best way to know if someone is a good fit for you to is to make an appointment. You don’t need to sit through a 60-minute massage to find out if you like them. Schedule a 30-minute one and go from there.
Keep in mind that just because a massage therapist looks good on paper doesn’t mean that they work for you. However, it’ll help you get closer to finding someone that will give you the right kind of massage. You can learn things you like and don’t like, using that information as you continue your search.
Choose a Massage Therapist That Fits Your Goals and Preferences
Knowing how to choose a massage therapist is just as important as picking another type of healthcare provider. You’re putting your comfort and well-being in the hands of another person in an intimate setting. Ensure you’re partnering with the best massage therapist by doing your homework ahead of time.
Masahista Healing Hands offers a wide range of massage services in the Edmonton area. From foot massages to cupping therapy to couples massages, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
