How to Find a Good Massage Therapist
Are you a person who has received many massages from many different therapists and has enjoyed each one of those massages to the same extent? If so, that’s wonderful! But if not, you fall into the majority. My only hope is that you don’t let one less than ideal session ruin your view of massage therapy and swear them off for good.
I, just like all massage therapists, entered this career knowing one very important thing: I am not the massage therapist for everyone.
Likewise, I went into this career knowing another truth: I am definitely the massage therapist for someone!
My bodywork instructor put it like this:
“Some patients will think you’re the best thing that ever happened to them, and others will hate everything you do. Nothing can be done about this.”
I mean, he left out the part about people who think I’m good or just ok, but I got the gist.
With all that in mind, how are you going to find a good therapist for yourself?
Here Are Some Tips to Help You Find a Good Massage Therapist
Know The Modality You Want
Are you a deep tissue massage sort of person? Or do you like more relaxing Swedish techniques? Sports massage? Thai massage? If you’re not entirely sure, take a look at this article I wrote some time ago! It can give you an idea of the modality that best fits your needs.
When you’re setting up an appointment, know which type of massage you’re looking for. Not all therapists perform the same techniques, so you don’t want to be paired up with just anyone. It will be awkward if you want a deep tissue massage and get set up with a strictly Swedish massage therapist.
Also, make sure your therapist can accommodate your unique needs. For example, if you have an injury and need help with transferring, make sure your therapist is comfortable doing that.
Be Honest
Have you ever been too shy to speak up during an uncomfortable massage? Don’t be! For all you know, the therapist working on you can provide the best massage you’ve ever had if you just lead the way. Give it a chance and be honest about the pressure, speed, technique, or anything that could use a tweak.
True story: (This did not happen at Moyer Total Wellness.) I once had a client who did not care for my work and told me so at the end. I would have preferred if she told me during the session, but oh well. Two years later, she booked with me again, seemingly forgetting who I was. But I didn’t forget her, and I’d left notes about everything she disliked about my last massage. I did the opposite of everything I did the time before, and she was quite happy. So be vocal if something’s not feeling right.
Try Out Different Therapists
Even if you liked your previous massage therapist(s), it doesn’t hurt to try out another one. There may be times when your regular therapist is unavailable, but you really need some work done.
Do you know what ends up happening sometimes? Oh, it feels treasonous just writing this. You might find that a different therapist meets your needs better than your original therapist. And if this does happen, don’t feel bad. This is another one of those things we know about in massage therapy. There is always the possibility that our client(s) will be better suited for someone else later down the road. Your old therapist will miss you, just as I’ve missed all of mine who’ve moved on, but we also want what’s best for you! And who’s to say you can’t be a regular for multiple therapists? You can have multiple go-to therapists if they’re all good for you!
Don’t Let a Poor Experience Get to You
I’ll copy and paste what I said at the start of this blog: My only hope is that you don’t let one less than ideal session ruin your view of massage therapy. And I mean it. Please don’t do that to yourself! Massage is amazing, and you just need the right therapist!
I’ll tell you about something interesting I’ve run into on many occasions. Here and there, I’ll meet elderly men who haven’t had a massage in fifty or so years. They are often the husbands of my regular clients, and they’ve grown tired of their wives nagging, “Go see Katrina!” Also, they’ve grown tired of nagging back, “That massage I had in 1970 was the worst experience of my life!” And then here they are, on my table, enjoying the massage. You see, there was a therapist out there for them all along! But they went all those years thinking she didn’t exist, which is just so sad. And I guarantee there was a therapist for them long before I did exist, too. But the massage of 1970 was so bad, they made no effort to search.
Look At The Staff Page
Take a good look at each bio! Knowing a bit about their backgrounds and values can impact how you connect with the therapists. You might look at one of their biographies and say, “Hey! This person is just as crazy about fitness as I am! I already know this person rocks!” I assure you, every one of these therapists is knowledgeable and talented. But there may be one who really stands out for you!
Now Go Book an Appointment!
Katrina Jenkins
Author, Licensed Massage Therapist
Katrina Jenkins graduated from Towson University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and worked as a nurse’s aide briefly before pursuing her true passion. She graduated from the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado in April 2016 with honors and completed the Touch of Healers Scholarship Program the following summer. She has been a part of the Moyer Total Wellness Team since the summer of 2017.