Choosing the right Massage Therapist is like finding a new pair of shoes. The fit is important. With shoes, one may need orthopedic functions, a wide toe box, maybe something flat, or without laces. Should you go with the comfortable walking shoe or something cute yet painful to walk around in. Will the shoes last? Can they hold up to an expectation from referrals and community support? I will provide you with information on how to choose your therapist, fit for you.
One of my favorite things about being a therapist is the variety of clients I see, and the issues presented to me. Everyone is so different, with generally the same anatomical features. Therapists are also very different. Just as an experienced shoe salesman will want to sell you a better shoe, based on your preference and needs, your therapist should be able to deliver a better massage just the same.
When choosing a therapist, it’s a good idea to ask around for referrals. Talk to people in your community where you live, work or play. Since massage is more utilized and recognized as a form of “wellness”, it is also more accepted to talk about in a relevant conversation. Without feeling like you are bound to any one suggestion, do your homework! Not all therapists are created or trained equal. With massage schools concentrating on core basics, some with modality specific programs, one might offer a killer relaxation massage and knows very little about neuromuscular therapy. Another thing to consider when researching your perfect therapist is how their treatment can serve you. In other words, when I’m working with a client who has a chronic neck injury, If we communicate well, I would know which precautions to take, as well as some techniques which might give long-lasting benefit, that may or may not be noticeable until after several treatments. Will this client trust my knowledge and expertise, or immediately think I’m just incentivizing my own gains? How a newer or untrained therapist or body worker might handle a situation like this could be scary for everyone. My hands have had enough experience to feel the most subtle differences or changes in muscle tissue. It takes time for us to take in the knowledge necessary to make good, informed decisions, and experience to see when progress is made.
I have had my share of clients who have also requested “anyone who’s available”. When there is no specific goal in mind or the client will benefit from touch alone, a less experienced therapist will be an appropriate fit. For more complicated structural issues, or a client with a desire to have better life quality, a specially trained Certified therapist might be a better choice since they are either specialty certified or have extensive training with modalities such as Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular and even some stretch or sports massage. For the client with headaches or post-traumatic stress disorder, a much different approach could be used, such as Reflexology or Craniosacral. Pregnant women should see a Certified prenatal therapist. Infant and pediatric massage also offers continuing education certification programs.
Energetically, not everyone works. It’s easier to get through an hour session with a miss match then it could be for a whole treatment cycle, so if you have a hard time communicating by the end of your first visit, move on. We are likely feeling it too and may even have a suggestion for a therapist who may be a good match. It doesn't necessarily mean you don't like each other. It could be anything. There are many out there who you will jive well with, and plenty you won’t. Don’t feel bad for not staying with someone just because they are nice, your best friend’s cousin, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. I have yet to find a massage program with a legitimate mind reader course, so please be easy on us if we don’t always know what you are thinking or might want from us.
If you want to really get at the pain, even if it hurts more, try something other than just massage. If you, as a client are having to stress muscles to take the work, it’s not only probably too much pressure, it may also be too much stress on your therapist (even though we are trained for that, it’s still harder on us than it needs to be). There are some areas deeper work is very appropriate, and we will communicate with you on that.
Go into your appointment well hydrated, communicate with your therapist and most of all, enjoy your treatment.
Massage, like shoes, serve better with a good fit.
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