Choosing a Massage Therapist: 5 Important Questions to Ask

Essentially everyone can agree that nothing feels better than getting an excellent massage. If performed correctly, the sore, tense body you started out with should feel free of stress, tightness, tension, and as good as new.

A professional massage therapist performs pressuring movement over soft tissues of the body. Finding out as much relevant information about your massage therapist and his or her training is crucial.

If you have plans of future on-going sessions with a massage therapist, there are questions you will want to have answered. Below are five of them that we recommend asking to new or prospective massage therapist.

These questions were provided on behalf of the Bloomington, IL massage therapists of N8TouchMassage.com. As a professional destination for massage in Bloomington, IL, the therapists at N8 Touch Massage are advocates of helping individuals seek the best massage therapist they can find in their local area.

1). How Long Has the Massage Therapist Been Licensed?

You want to know how long the massage therapist has been offering massage treatment as a licensed therapist, not just around the profession. A good starting foundation to consider is five years.

You will find many in different ranges from energetic, inexperienced beginners to overworked, burnt-out vets. If you can find a therapist with ten years under their belt, you can feel safe with their level of knowledge and experience.

2). Where Did the Massage Therapist Receive His/Her Training?

This question may seem like an unnecessary concern; However, different schools offer different levels of training. There are schools that only offer the approach of book training rather than on-hand experiences learning.

The students that spend all their time in school learning from books has very little knowledge with practical experience. Ask questions such as what state they received their training. Some states only require 400-600 hours, while others are stricter requiring 1,000. Most importantly, on-hands experience is the knowledge you are seeking.

3). What Types & Styles of Massage Therapy Do They Specialize In?

Sports massage and deep tissue therapy are the two most common specialties therapist typically use. Others may offer a gentler approach through energy work and alternative methods.

Finding out they types of massage treatment offered is easier if the therapist is in a private practice. If you go a therapy center, the information is typically available on their company website or pamphlets in the office.

4). Does the Massage Therapist Work Full-time or Part-time?

For a massage therapist working on a part-time basis, fitting in new clients is not as simple as one working full time. Also, unless the therapist has modified their workload due to years of experience, there is a chance of getting a therapist that is only doing massages for extra work.

If this is the case, the quality of service may suffer if this is not their chosen career or if they haven't been able to establish a clientele. Knowing when someone is a good worker that works part-time for a good reason, versus one that has no choice due to poor work ethics, are two different situations.

5). Do The Massage Therapist Work from Home, Privately, or for a Massage Center?

If you are just casually meeting an individual asking this question is an important step. Knowing whether they work from home, ask if there is a designated office space. You probably won't enjoy your massage in the basement or their bedroom.

If the massage therapist works for another person or massage center, ask who makes the appointments. You will want to know if another makes close appointments back to back, rushing your appointment time.

Getting to know a massage therapist should be as important as your doctor, dentist or physical therapist. What is typically a relaxing, enjoyable moment can quickly turn into a dangerous ordeal if the massage therapist working on your body is not properly trained.