Choose Your Massage Therapist Wisely

October 1, 2014

Back massage — Back facial: This alternative facial cleanses those tough-to-reach spots on the back and sometimes comes with a neck and shoulder massage.

Our daily routines can make our bodies stressed and tired. We can develop muscle pain, which can hinder our ability to do the things we need to do. Sometimes, rest is not enough and we need a more active way of relieving our pain. This is where a massage therapist comes in. A professional massage can ease and the pain and strain of our tired and overworked muscles. Through different massage techniques, a massage therapist can help provide deep healing and relaxation.

What exactly do massage therapists do?
Today a more common term is “Massage Therapist.” Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose improving their condition. It consists of manual techniques such as applying fixed or movable pressure. There are many different massage techniques (Thai massage, deep tissue massage, for example).

Job Scope

Make a client feel relaxed – this is the main job of a massage therapist, to put the client at ease. There are many different massage techniques to achieve this.
Ensure the type of massage suits the client’s condition – A massage therapist masters a range of specialized massage techniques, each with a different end goal. Tell your massage therapist about your specific needs in order to get the desired outcome. Let them know of any pre-existing injuries and treatments.
Knowledgeable about massage equipment – a massage therapist should be an expert in massage oils, lotions, massaging tools, and other massage equipment that t can help achieve the desire outcome. Many clients make specific requests.
Provides advice– a massage therapist should make suggestions for how a client can take care of him or herself. Things like stretching, breathing techniques, strengthening exercises, yoga, or ways of standing or walking that will help prevent muscle aches and pains.

How a massage therapist can help you

Address anxiety and depression – a massage not only relaxes the body, but also the mind. A pleasurable massage will help release negative thoughts.
Ease muscle stiffness and muscle pain – a massage can help ease the pain and strain of muscle injury or stiffness.
Treating injuries – other injuries in the joints, for example, can also be treated through massage. The increase in circulation helps to lessen swelling and therefore speeds up healing.
Strengthen the body’s immunity – by increasing circulation, a massage helps nourish the body’s cells, which increases immunity.
Help during pregnancy – a massage therapist can help pregnant women strengthen their body in order to avoid miscarriages. A massage therapist can correct the position of the baby in the womb so a woman may be able to have a head first birth, and avoid the need for a C-section.

Choosing the right massage therapist

Know what type of massage you want and need – different massage therapists will specialize in different techniques. Once you figure out what type of massage you’d prefer, you can go in search of the properly skilledmassage therapists.
Check for accreditation – before going to a spa, check their credentials. Most spas advertise their services on the internet so it will be easy.
Ask for opinions – if you have friends or relatives who have regular massages, ask their advice.
Choose a massage therapist that you are comfortable with — Choose the massage therapist that you are comfortable with; trust your judgment. A massage is an intimate activity and you don’t want to do it with someone that makes you feel uneasy.
Check your insurance – If you want to be able to write-off your massage under your medical insurance plan, check with your insurance company before booking the massage. You should whether the care needs to be pre-authorized or pre-approved by a family doctor, whether there is a co-payment, how many visits are covered, whether you will need to see a practitioner in your network, and if so, can they provide you with a list of practitioners in the area. If they allow practitioners not in their network, check whether there are out of pocket expenses. Many insurers cover some form of alternative medicine, however, there may be a co-payment and the amount of visits may be limited.

Spotting an unqualified massage therapist

Check for credentials – it is very important to check for the massage therapist’s credentials before getting their service. An unqualified massage therapist may cause injuries and muscle sprains. Be sure to ask about their education and their previous work history. Better yet, inquire through satisfied customers.
Get a massage from a reputable spa – the safest way to be sure that the massage therapist is professional is by getting their service in a spa. Once you are satisfied with the service of a particular massage therapist, you can ask for their contact details and request future massages at home. Many health spas offer home service.

Massages are a regular part of many people’s lives. They can be an important part of a healthy, active lifestyle. In order to get the best massage for your needs, make sure you find a well-trained, skilled and friendly massage therapist to trust your body to. If you want to be able to write off massage under your insurance plan, it is best to phone your provider before booking the appointment and find out what they cover.