Choosing a Massage Therapist

So, you've decided massage just might be what you need to ease your muscle aches & pains. Welcome to the club! According to several government & health industry studies, massage; already one of the top three sought after alternative therapies (along with acupuncture & chiropractic) is also the fastest growing. People from all walks of life; athletes, construction workers, business and white collar professionals are incorporating massage therapy into their health maintenance and fitness routines. As traditional western medicine further embraces the 'mind-body connection' and research continuously links more of our illnesses and diseases to stress, massage continues to grow as an integrative, non-invasive, drug-free therapy that is beneficial to our overall wellness.

Choosing a Therapist Massage therapists can be found in a variety of settings including; private practices, many health clubs, hair salons, chiropractic offices, even working from a spare room in their home. Their skills, therapeutic specialties and business practices are as varied as their office settings. Finding just the right therapist for your individual needs can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. I've seen the term 'massage' used to encompass a very broad field of bodywork which may include; sportsmassage, swedish massage, reiki, therapeutic touch, crystal therapy, magnetic healing, past-life rebirthing & a whole host other modalities. Asking yourself a few important questions will help narrow your search;

• What are your goals for the session? Knowing what you hope to accomplish will help you focus on finding a therapist to help your specific problem. If you need muscle therapy or sportsmassage you can probably rule out the local hair salon where they most likely specialize in relaxation sessions and facials.
• Can a friend/relative/doctor recommend a therapist to you? The best way to narrow your search is if someone you trust has experience with a therapist.
• What are the therapists credentials? Are they certified and licensed? Will their education and experience be relevant in your situation? Each state, and some cases each municipality within a state, governs massage as they see fit. Licensing & certification requirements differ tremendously.
• What setting is the therapist's practice in and what effect will this have on your treatment? Will the commotion of a hair salon interfere with your session? Is the health club going to charge more or restrict appointment times because you're not a member? Does the therapist working from their home offer a clean, quiet, safe setting?

Any negatives on this list will most likely distract you during your session and one of the prerequisites to a beneficial session is the ability for you to relax. Once you have a list of potential therapists, call them, visit their office, interview them. Therapist's are looking to build a loyal clientele, they should be willing to talk with you prior to scheduling a session. Above all, you need to be comfortable with your decision, don't hesitate to try different therapists until you are satisfied.

Some other important considerations may be; Do they accept credit cards, insurance, or workers' compensation claims? Are they conveniently located near your home or office? What are the office hours? Be choosy, expect the same level of care and commitment as you would from any other health professional.

Still stuck? A few additional sources for finding qualified therapists are to call; massage therapy schools for referrals to local graduates, the American Massage Therapy Association at (847)864-0123, or, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals at (303)674-8478

IMPORTANT: Massage therapist are not doctors. We do not diagnose medical conditions, illnesses or diseases nor do we prescribe any form of treatments or medications. We encourage you to discuss your health status, treatment options and decisions with your primary care provider. We welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. protouch@tiac.net

Norm St.Onge, a massage & muscle therapist, is MA & NH licensed and internationally certified . He is the owner of ProTouch; Professional Massage & Muscle Therapy in Townsend, MA. and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals organization, and the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce.

© Cool Running 1997