Trade Secrets

Things to consider when choosing a Massage Therapist

  • Determine the type of massage therapy you’d like. There are different types of massage therapy, and the most popular ones include the following: Swedish massage, which makes use of long strokes and friction on the muscles of the body; Shiatsu massage, which makes use of rhythmic pressure from the fingers to different body parts to promote the flow of chi; deep tissue massage, which applies pressure on deep layers of muscles; and pressure point massage, which focuses on easing the stress “knots” on the body. Once you’ve determined the type of massage that you like, find a massage therapy who specializes on this.
  • Find a reputable establishment. One of the easiest ways to find a legitimate and experienced massage therapist is to go in a reputable day spa. Do expect to pay up more through these locations, compared to when you hire an independent massage therapist. 
  • Know the certification and number of years of experience of the massage therapist. Find out where your potential massage therapist was schooled, and the trainings that she has undertaken for her continuous education. She should be certified as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) – the actual title will depend per state. Finally, find out how long she’s been working as a massage therapist. A valid massage therapist should not hesitate to give you this information.

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    More to consider...

    The word “massage” just sounds relaxing, and rightfully so. The goal of massage is to reduce muscle tension and stiffness caused by anything from sports injuries to repetitive movements (like typing in numbers all day). Anyone with any stiffness or discomfort is a good candidate for massage therapy, but there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a therapist.

    1)      It is for a lot of people, but not everyone: There are contraindications to keep in mind. It is recommended that people with acute inflammation, bone injuries (breaks or fractures), deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, open sores or wounds, irritable skin conditions, undiagnosed lumps, malignancies or other tumours, recent burns or inflamed arteries avoid having affected areas massaged without first consulting a physician.

    2)      There’s some protocol: Many therapists recommend that patients avoid eating 90 minutes before an appointment. They say massage will direct blood flow away from the stomach and towards the areas being massaged, which may make digestion slower or uncomfortable.

    3)      Insurance: Massage therapy is generally not covered by provincial or territorial health plans. Some or all treatments might be covered by third-party plans if a physician deems the treatment helpful or necessary. Check with your employer or insurance company to find out more about their policy. In some cases, worker’s compensation may cover all or part of your treatment in the event of an injury.

    4)      Personalization: Your therapist should design a plan that caters to your needs. He or she will personalize plan based on your overall health, age, and condition. Be proactive in your treatment plan to ensure you’re getting the best results. If you’re an athlete, look for a therapist who specializes in sports injuries.