A registered massage therapist can provide incredible advantages through excellent massage techniques, be it for a minute of relaxation, to reduce muscle tension or to attain relief from lingering pain. A therapeutic massage performed by well-trained practitioners can enhance your overall sense of physical and emotional well-being as well as the quality of your life.
There are more than 80 different types of massage therapies but the most common methods are: aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, reflexology, Thai massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage. A good massage therapist usually specializes in a number of different techniques. It is quite common to see self-employed therapists running their own businesses, but many of them work in different establishments, like spas, health clubs, healthcare centers, retail centers, resorts, and many others.
Number two is the practitioner certified by the National Certification Board? This is a requirement to practice in the state of Virginia and also a barometer for the comprehension of core fundamentals of bodywork. If your practitioner is right out of school there is a grace period of 60 days before the requirement is mandated. This is due to the lengthy application process that can take 4 – 6 weeks. Additionally, once the practitioner is certified they must further credentials by becoming certified through the Board of Nursing. Proper credentialing is mandatory when selecting a qualified therapist.
The average life span of a massage therapist is very short: 1-3 years. If the therapist has been practicing for more than three years, this shows real dedication. Massage is a craft that you truly learn through the experience of actually working on real people. So make sure your therapist has invested some time in the field.
If the therapist has been practicing for 10 or more years, ask them how they continue to improve their craft. Make sure they still take continuing education classes to stay on top of new developments in the field.
These questions will guarantee you find a qualified massage therapist. Lastly, any therapist who respects and enjoys the art of massage will be ready and willing to answer all of your questions. If a therapist does not return your phone call promptly or seems frustrated by your questions, then I strongly suggest you stop doing business with them. You want their professionalism to be top notch during your first encounter. If it’s not, it’s likely to continue to decline.
Massage is relaxation therapy. Why pay someone for stress relief when they cause you more stress?
These questions may seem detailed, but how many strangers do you hire that you share such an intimate space with? Massage is psycho-somatic, meaning there’s a physical component and psychological component. So make sure your therapist is qualified before you get on their table.