Choosing a massage therapist should be done with care and consideration. You need to consider what gender of therapist would make
you feel most comfortable. After deciding on the preferred gender of your therapist; now it’s time to do some research. First, ask
friends, family, and co-workers if they can recommend a good therapist. These personal referrals are some of your best starting points;
but keep in mind, massage is very personal and what one person likes another may not like. You can also search for massage therapist
reviews and testimonials online.
Next thing you can do, is actually meet your therapist. This can be done with a phone call,
or better yet, in person. You can "interview" the prospective therapist. Ask the massage therapist questions such as, How long have
you been in practice? What certifications do you hold? Are you licensed? What draping techniques do you practice? What kind of oil/
lotion is used? How much do the massage services cost?
Professional massage therapy is an intimate form of holistic medicine.
There will be some things that can not be asked; they have to be felt intuitively. Do you feel a connection with the therapist you
have chosen? Does the therapist exhibit confidence in himself/ herself? Do you feel comfortable with the therapist? It doesn’t matter
what credentials the therapist has, if you don’t feel comfortable, you will not be able to relax during your session. The client/
therapist relationship is similar to patient/ doctor relationships. They are built on trust.
After your massage therapy session
you should evaluate your experience. Did the therapist treat you as you expected? Did you feel comfortable during the massage? Was
it a positive experience? Would you recommend the therapist? If you answered yes to these questions, you should relay your feelings
to your therapist. This can be done by leaving a gratuity, booking another appointment, or leaving a written testimonial/ thank you
note.
Choosing a massage therapist doesn't have to be difficult, but it should also not be taken lightly. Remember to trust your
intuition above all else. Your therapist should be able to meet your needs, and you should be able to communicate freely with your
therapist.