Finding the Right Massage Therapist For You

In my years as a massage therapist, I've met many massage virgins. Giving someone their very first massage is always exciting for me, because I am setting the standard of expectations for their future massages. And yes, I think highly of my skills as a LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). ;)

Searching for the right practitioner in any trade can be a stressful and tedious process. Not everyone's perception of a good hair stylist, doctor, surgeon, or dentist is the same. So, it goes without saying that finding a massage therapist that fits all of your needs won't be any easier.Whether you take your chances searching the yellow pages or asking for referrals from family or friends, you should ask yourself a few questions to make sure the MT can fit your needs.

1. What are your specific needs? Relaxation, therapeutic, stress, acute or chronic pain, injury rehab, sports enhancement?
2. What area(s) do you want to focus on?
3. How frequent do you want to schedule appointments?

From here you can now narrow your search based on these questions. Before booking your appointment you can call and ask a few questions to your potential MT.

1. Are they licensed or certified in the state they work in? (Difference between Licensed and Certified) 
2. If licensed, is it up to date?
3. How much experience do they have?
4. What other modalities are they certified to perform?
5. How much do they charge and where are they located?

When the time comes for you to meet your massage therapist make sure that all forms of communication are open. You want to ensure that the needs you are paying for are being met. If something the MT does is either uncomfortable or painful, make sure you let that be known. No matter how skilled the MT is, if you can't relax you won't enjoy your massage session and you won't reap it's benefits. 

Happy Massage Therapist Hunting!!

.Dawnette.
LMT