How To Choose a Massage Therapist

When muscles grow stiff and aching, tension has
a firm grip and it’s hard to relax, chances are you’re ready for a
massage—or perhaps a whole series. Besides providing short term relief,
body work offers a whole array of more lasting benefits. If you’re not
sure where to turn for a quality experience, here are some places to
start.

~Review the options in your area while forming ideas about which
seem most appealing. Descriptive terms can be overwhelming, so unless
you focus in on a specific modality it’s probably best to start with a
standard chair or table massage. You can test your comfort level with a
therapist and setting while remaining open to other options.

~Those new to body work or squeamish about baring their skin will
definitely want to try a chair massage. After removing only bulky outer
clothing and perhaps some jewelry you will semi-recline face forward on
a cushioned, specially designed “chair.” The massage will focus on
shoulders, neck and back, with perhaps some attention to arms and
hands. The standard length is 15 minutes, though both shorter and
longer durations are possible. The chairs are usually set up in public
places to attract a flow of customers, so expect some extraneous noise.

~Table massages take place in private, sound-proofed spaces with
soft music and other relaxation inducing features, such as fountains,
heat, dim light and aromatherapy. Here you remove most or all of your
clothing and recline between soft sheets, remaining fully draped except
for the area your therapist is currently working on. Oil or lotion is
used to moisturize the skin and allow for a smooth glide. Durations
range from 30 to 90 minutes with an hour as the standard. Although half
an hour makes a fine introduction it’s less conducive to full
relaxation and is best suited to a focused rather than a general
massage.

~While you zero in on a modality, solicit recommendations from
anyone you know who receives body work. Some see specific therapists
regularly, while others are content with whoever is available in their
time frame at a health center or day spa. In either case, word of mouth
impressions are invaluable. For more information, seek out ads,
business cards, brochures and web sites.

~Now you’re ready to compare details such as credentials, experience
and fees as well as more general impressions. Mini interviews with
therapists and appointment takers can be extremely helpful here.
Credentials indicate a therapist’s level of training and
professionalism as well as areas of specialization. Years of experience
are desirable for obvious reasons, although someone just starting out
may charge less. Many offer introductory rates and package deals, so
don’t hesitate to ask. The most economical rates are found at massage
schools where students are doing their internships.

~As you proceed to making a first appointment (chair massage is
usually walk-in), specify your needs as best you can, making sure you
are heard. Feel free to mention areas that you think need special
attention, how much pressure you prefer and your state of health. If
stairs are a problem for you, ask about this now. You may also wish to
inquire about out-calls, which many therapists will happily provide for
an extra fee.

~Before any table appointment, be sure to bathe so your therapist
will enjoy working on you. In turn, expect him or her, as well as the
site of your massage, to be clean and uncluttered. Be punctual and
prepared to be taken right away. You will need to dialogue for a few
minutes at the beginning about what’s going on with your body, whether
you’re comfortable on the table, what will be used on your skin, the
amount of pressure, how your massage will be structured, and so forth.

Any dialogue afterwards, other than to convey how you’re feeling, is
completely up to you. It is never rude to close your eyes, fall asleep,
ignore chatty comments or even announce that you’d rather just be quiet
now. Anyone who does not take the hint, or is less talkative than you
like to be, is not a great fit. Ditto for those who answer phone calls,
are inflexible about their routine and otherwise suggest that they’re
not fully focused on you. This is your time to be nurtured and you’ve
earned it.