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<\/a>There are a variety of factors that play into whether a particular massage therapist is right for you or not.\u00a0 Here are some things to think about when searching for the best massage therapist for you:<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0 Know what your needs<\/em> are:\u00a0 Think about what your goals are for your massage session.\u00a0 Think about what you need \u2014 relaxation massage, relief from pain, an injury or disease, injury prevention work, athletic performance enhancement, or general health and well-being.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0 Training:\u00a0 You should always look for a massage therapist who is professionally licensed.\u00a0 Licensed Massage Therapists in California should have a minimum of 500 hours of training from a reputable, accredited school.\u00a0 Also, ask if a therapist is nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). If so, he or she has at least 500 hours of training from an accredited school and has passed a written exam.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0 Skill:\u00a0 A few key questions can help you get an idea of the massage therapist’s skill level and style before you book an appointment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4.\u00a0 Communication:\u00a0 One of the key factors in being sure you get what you want from your massage session is communication<\/em>.\u00a0 How does the Massage Therapist know what you like or don\u2019t like, if you don\u2019t tell them.\u00a0 As intuitive as practitioners may be, they may not be good at mind reading.\u00a0 Also, before the session, be sure and communicate the areas that are bothering you, where you would like focus, and what your goals are for the session.\u00a0 And don\u2019t be afraid to speak up during<\/em> the session if you need.<\/p>\n Likewise, a good professional Massage Therapist should ask you what your needs are and adapt within their abilities to ensure you are getting the right session for you.\u00a0 In addition, the therapist should communicate with you occasionally throughout the massage to make sure you are comfortable and receiving the bodywork you want.\u00a0 If you want a little deeper or a little lighter don\u2019t hesitate to let your therapist know.\u00a0\u00a0 Often times, when a therapist \u201cchecks-in\u201d with a client during a treatment and asks \u201cHow\u2019s the pressure?\u201d The typical response is \u201cFine,\u201d even if it\u2019s not.\u00a0 I promise, you won\u2019t hurt anyone\u2019s feelings by asking for what you want.\u00a0 \u201cI could use a little more pressure,\u201d for instance.\u00a0 And if it\u2019s something the therapist isn\u2019t capable of or can\u2019t do, they\u2019ll tell you.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0 Personal Connection:\u00a0 Healthy touch can be quite intimate (in a non-sexual way of course) and client\u2019s put a great deal of trust in their practitioners to take care of their bodies appropriately.\u00a0 Sometimes it comes down to your comfort level, rapport, and connection with a particular massage therapist.<\/p>\n Just because you didn\u2019t like a particular practitioner\u2019s massage doesn\u2019t mean someone else doesn\u2019t think they are the best.\u00a0 Touch is very subjective, everybody likes to be touched differently and different people want different techniques or types of touch in their massage.\u00a0 Some like deep pressure, some like light pressure, some like stretching incorporated, etc.\u00a0 The main thing is to first be sure you\u2019re working with professionals who have skill and training to practice appropriately.<\/p>\n The bottom line is this, true Massage Therapists are professionals, and great ones are trained and experienced in how the body works as well as the application of appropriate techniques.\u00a0 They will listen actively, make suggestions or recommendations as appropriate, and strive to give you the best session they can for your needs.\u00a0 Sometimes, it\u2019s simply not a good fit, so you find someone that is.<\/p>\n\n
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