How to Choose the Right Massage Therapy and Therapist to Suit You

There are a lot of different types of massage therapy available. Therapists also use different techniques and have varying qualifications and levels of experience.

So how do you choose the right one for you? Which therapy and therapist will best suit your health concerns and priorities?

Here is a brief summary of the types of massage, and what to look out for when choosing your massage therapist so that you can get the greatest therapeutic benefit possible.

What Types of Massage are available?

Here’s a quick summary of the types of massage.

You can also read more on the specific benefits in our previous article The Different Types of Massage and the Amazing Benefits.

Remedial Massage – focuses on the treatment of soft tissue injuries, muscular aches and pains and postural imbalances
Swedish or Relaxation Massage – great for general full body relaxation, management of minor pain and those new to massage
Hot Stone Massage – similar to relaxation massage but using hot stones, eases muscle tension, improves blood flow, relieves pain and stress
Lymphatic Massage – a gentle whole body treatment to relax the nervous system and aid the body’s immune system
Deep Tissue Massage – uses deeper pressure to assist with chronic muscle problems, soreness, injury or imbalance
Sports Massage – assists with injuries from repetitive muscle use, improves flexibility and sports performance and reduces risk of injury
Pregnancy Massage – focuses on gentle pressure and is good for relaxation and mild tension relief
Aromatherapy Massage – combines gentle swedish/relaxation massage with addition of essential oils
Seated Massage – great for those short on time or new to massage, focusing on your neck, shoulders and back to relieve stress and promote relaxation

Consider your Personal Preferences

Every person wants something different from their chosen treatment. It’s important to identify what you are hoping to get from the session before looking for a therapist. Your personal health goals will determine the type of technique and therapist and could include –

Needing pain relief treatment from a sporting injury
Pain relief from muscular tension
Help with stress management
Living with chronic or acute pain
Enhancing general health and well being
Improving your work or sporting performance
Relaxation and pain relief during pregnancy

Other considerations can include if you are willing to travel, or whether you’d like someone close to home or work. Would you also like a therapist that works within a professional business premises, or are you fine with a home based or mobile business?

Also consider whether you’d like a male or female therapist, and what type of experience you would like them to have. Is a junior therapist that is still gaining experience ok, or would you like someone more experienced?

How do I find a great Massage Therapist?

A personal recommendation from a friend or health professional is usually the best way to find a great massage therapist, or otherwise finding a recommendation in a social media group that you trust. That way you know that they have other clients that are happy and trust them, and the clients are obviously getting great results in order to make a referral.

Another great way is to do an online search to find therapists in your location, but then make sure you check out their website and read over their online reviews on platforms like Facebook or Google. They are very useful tools to see their overall business satisfaction rating, various customer comments and how long ago was their last great review etc. Unfortunately some people use these review tools to intentionally defame some businesses, so you have to keep that in mind.

You can also check the listings available at the Association of Massage Therapists, or simply by local signage or advertising in directories. But again, be sure to check on their references or reviews.

What to find out about your new Massage Therapist

Firstly be sure to check the therapist is fully trained and has certificates and licenses that are up to date. Also check if a member or a professional association.
As mentioned above, check on their website and reviews.
Give them a call or meet in person, before booking an appointment to have a conversation about them and their experience and philosophies or beliefs. This will allow you to gauge whether you would feel comfortable with them. It also allows you time to ask questions and tell them what you are after.
Check what massage techniques and methods they use and if they have any specialty areas. Does this fit in with what you need now and possibly in future?
Check their location to ensure it will be practical to travel to and their facilities should you have special requirements.
Check their prices are reasonable and in line with other therapists, and if the therapist has a Provider number so you can possibly claim on private health insurance. Also check on whether they have any packages available to make the cost cheaper when returning regularly.
Check on the availability of appointments. If they have a waiting list of 2 months that is a good sign they are a fabulous therapist, but are you willing or able to wait that long now or for future appointments?

In Summary

Massage can be a great way for you to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Always communicate your expectations and intentions with your massage therapist and speak up if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable.

Also feel free to experiment with different types of massage and with different massage therapists until you find the type and provider that is most suitable for you.

Talk to your doctor or Physiotherapist before getting any type of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions.

SPHC Massage Services

At Sandgate Physical Health Clinic, we provide a wide variety of massage services and have highly trained and experienced massage therapists to assist you.

Our full range of Massage Services Include

Find out more about our massage services or make an appointment with one of our specialist massage therapists today!

3869 1099

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