Many people around the glove go for a therapeutic massage from time to time. At least 92% of people say that massages are effective at curbing pain. The problem is that, like many things, not all massages are created equal. It all starts with finding the right massage therapy specialist. That can be tricky business but it is possible to find the right person for your needs and goals.
- Think about what you want to get out of the experience. Not everyone wants the same thing from their massage therapy specialist. Sports massage therapy can be very different from medical massage. There are a lot of benefits of massage therapy. They range from pain relief to getting treatment for a certain medical problem. Some people go in for deep tissue massage therapy simply to get some stress relief. What you want to get out of the massage has a big impact on your decision making process in selecting the right therapist.
- Research your options when it comes to getting a great massage. The more you know about the different kinds of massage, the different techniques and the different modalities, the better equipped to find the right massage therapy specialist for you. When you know at least a little about each kind of massage, the more you will understand what questions to ask and what to look for in a massage therapy specialist. In this area, knowledge really is power.
- Do some research on the massage therapists in your area. You should ask the right questions and you need to do some research. Here are some steps to take and questions to ask:
- Talk to your friends and family. Between July 2014 and July 2015, at least 54% of all American adults had gone in for a massage for medical purposes. These ranged from needing pain management help, soreness/stiffness/spasms, injury rehabilitation and/or overall wellness. So, the chances are good that you know someone who knows good and bad massage therapy specialists.
- Look online. Many massage therapy specialists have a website. Even if they do not, there may be reviews online. Look into your options.
- Ask about their training. Not all massages are created equal. Not all massage therapists are created equal and not all massage therapy training is created equal. Now that you have looked into the different kinds of massage, you need to find someone who is an expert in the kind of massage that you want.
- Ask about their experience. Some people do start out as great massage therapists but, for many, being great at this comes with experience. It is good to go to someone with a lot of experience doing the kind of massage that you think will help you and be good for your situation.
- Ask what kind of clients they work with. Just like some therapists are experts in certain kinds of massages, people have different experience with different kinds of clients. For example, if you need sports massage therapy, you need someone who does that a lot. If you are older and are going in for pain from hip surgery, you want a therapist who has a lot of experience with older people.
- Ask for references. You should read the reviews but there may be clients who would not mind giving you their opinion. Of course, doing a simple Google search can be illuminating in finding what you need to know about the person.
- Try out some local massage therapists. No matter how much research you do, at the end of the day, the proof really is in the pudding. You need to make an appointment and try out the different massage therapy experts in your area. Start with a shorter massage. Try for a 30 minute massage. If you can, see if the therapist will book you at a time when they know they have an open spot right after. Then you can extend your time if you like the massage. This may not be an option but they cannot say yes if you do not ask.
A good massage can make a world of difference. Finding the right massage therapist is the first step in getting that.