Massage Therapists vary widely in their methods and styles.  Which therapist is the right one for you?

Bodywork now comes in a confusing array of names.  When I attended Downeast School of Massage in 1991, the term “Swedish massage” encompassed most massage techniques other than oriental/meridian methods.  Today Swedish often refers to gentle kneading and long soothing strokes, to differentiate from “deep-tissue massage”.   Deep tissue utilizes greater pressure to work the muscles, with hurts-so-good results.  Shiatsu or acupressure massage may also use deep pressure, following the body’s energy meridians similar to acupuncture.

Neuromuscular massage/triggerpoint work applies strong pressure to tender spots to release muscle spasms.  Some massage therapists incorporate other techniques such as hot stones or aromatic oils.

Even within each grouping, massage therapists exhibit a broad range of styles.  I think most therapists aim to deliver the massage they would most enjoy.  Even individual massage therapists graduating from the same class give very different massages, and our work grows with experience, continuing education and the needs of our clients.

Where do you fit in?  Begin by getting clear about what you want from your massage.  Is there a knot between your shoulder blades that just won’t let go?  Are you recovering from an injury?  Stressed?  Exhausted?  Do you want a full-body massage, or do you want to concentrate on specific areas?  Knowing why you want a massage will lead you to the type of massage you want.   Although information on various modalities and benefits of massage is beyond the scope of this article, therapists can answer your questions about their own forms of bodywork.

Find the massage therapists in your area in the telephone book, on websites and community bulletin boards, and especially by word of mouth.  Speak with your doctor or chiropractor.  Ask your friends and colleagues whom they see.Massage therapists work in private practices, at spas, with chiropractors and in home offices.  Some are willing to travel to your home or office.  Consider available appointment times and ease of scheduling.

While spas have receptionists, most massage therapists rely on answering machines and return calls between appointments.  You will also want to ask about prices, which generally range from $50 to $75 for a 60-minute massage, and possible insurance coverage.  Workers compensation, liability insurance and other insurance reimbursement often require supporting office notes from your therapist.   

Feel entitled to interview your prospective massage therapist.  “What type of massage do you practice?  Can you accommodate deep and firm (or very gentle)?  What training and experience do you have?  How long have you been practicing?”  We learn from experience.  I graduated from massage school able to give a nice relaxation massage, but it was not until I had been practicing well over a year that I developed the ability to assess the muscles beneath my hands.

While the massage therapist answers your questions, read between the lines to decide whether his or her personality is agreeable to you.  Massage crosses our normal societal boundaries of touch.  If you are not comfortable with the massage therapist who is touching you and can't relax, the treatment will be less helpful regardless of the techniques they use.  Trust your judgment.

Remember that massage is an art.  Like other hands-on therapies, it involves personal talents that go beyond specific training, certification, or licensure: Some people are gifted with their hands.  Furthermore, what works for one person may not work for another. For these reasons, some trial and error is often necessary to find the best massage therapist for you.

Always communicate with your therapist if the session is not to your liking or if you feel uncomfortable. Remember that you know your body best.  It is your responsibility to speak up.  Massage therapists want your business and are usually very responsive to their clients' concerns.

Massage may not be appropriate if you have certain medical conditions such as phlebitis, an infectious disease, serious cardiac problems, certain skin conditions, inflammation or infection, open wounds, or some forms of cancer, so consult your physician if you have any doubts.