Professional masseuse massaging shoulder
So, you’re inspired by what you’ve read. Your fingers are already itching to google “massage therapist near me.” Great! Here’s what you should know now that you’re ready to begin looking for a professional masseuse.
Before searching for a professional, ask yourself “What am I looking for?” Are you an athlete with performance issues or someone recovering from an injury? Do you experience chronic muscle tightness and discomfort? Or maybe you’re just looking for some much-needed relaxation and energy renewal. There are many options for bodywork, massage, movement therapy, and energy work therapy, so it’s important to do your research. Knowing what you hope to achieve will help you pinpoint the types of treatments that will help you the most and which specialists offer those treatments.
Professional masseuse massaging shoulder
FINDING A SPECIALIST
When entrusting your well-being to a virtual stranger, it is extremely important to find a specialist who is knowledgeable, trained, and certified in the type of work they are providing. No matter what modality you decide on, make sure the specialist in question has received the proper certification.
Personal referrals are a good place to start. If a friend has been raving about her new massage miracle worker, ask for the person’s contact info. Get the specialist on the phone, explain what you’re looking for, and ask if you would benefit from the specific treatment he or she provides. Even if that person is not the best fit, he or she can likely refer you to someone else who is. Or consider an online directory: “Massagetique” and other similar directories list professionals whose backgrounds and credentials have already been verified and approved.
WHAT TO ASK YOUR THERAPIST
Once you have a therapist in mind, there are several key questions you need to ask before scheduling an appointment.
Background: Ask the therapist how long he or she has been a massage therapist and what kind of training he or she has. Ask which style of massage he or she specializes in and where else he or she has practiced. Make sure the therapist is comfortable working with your specific needs or health condition. (Once you visit your new masseuse, that person should do an intake interview with his or her own set of questions.)
Woman lying on massage table
Policies: You will want to know how far in advance you need to book your massage and what the cancellation policy is. Do you need to bring certain clothes, for example a bathing suit, gym shorts, or workout bra, to wear during the massage? Does the specialist need to see a prescription from a physician or an exercise plan from a physical therapist? You will also want to call your health-care provider to see if your sessions are covered. Many are.
Pricing: Pricing boards with long lists of services and prices can be intimidating to the uninitiated. Don’t be daunted by all the options and add-ons. Before you go to the massage parlor, make the appointment based on exactly what you’re looking for. Find out what length sessions are available and what the cost is for each session. Ask if there are different fees for different techniques. Will there be any additional fees or taxes? Do they offer any special rates or discounts? Go in knowing exactly what you want and which service you will be using, and how much you expect to pay.
TIPPING GUIDELINES?
To tip or not to tip can be a touchy subject. Knowing the protocol and expectations beforehand can alleviate a lot of stress and help you enjoy your massage. If you’re going to tip, the usual rate is 15–20 percent. It is always appropriate to tip at a spa, on a cruise ship, or in a massage chain. If you are seeing a medical massage therapist or the owner of a medical practice, it is not appropriate to tip.