Licensed Massage Therapist

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Do your research....Trained massage therapists are happy to share their credentials with clients. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and are required to meet continuing education requirements to retain membership. Learn more about massage therapy credentials.

Currently, 44 states regulate massage therapy practice. In states that don’t regulate the profession, it is common for municipalities or counties to regulate it. Always ask your massage therapist if they are licensed or if they meet requirements to practice in your area. You might also ask your massage therapist if they have special training in particular massage modalities or techniques.
Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.

Don’t eat just before a massage session. Let your body digest your meal first.

Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don’t want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.

Privacy - The therapist will either leave the room or otherwise provide privacy while you undress. A sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage and the therapist will uncover only the part of your body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. After the massage is finished, you will be provided with privacy while dressing.

Communicate with your massage therapist

Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.

Allergies to Oils, Lotions, Powders – The therapist may use oil, lotion or powders to reduce friction on your skin. If you are allergic to any oils, lotions or powders, tell your massage therapist, who can choose a substitute.

Some massage therapists play recorded music during the massage session. Others find music distracting. If it’s provided, let your massage therapist know if you have any music preferences or if you would prefer they turn off the music.
Some people like to talk during a massage, while others remain silent. Tell your massage therapist what you prefer.

During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it’s from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
Give feedback to the massage therapist during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc. If anything happens that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.
Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.
Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.

Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

Drink extra water after your massage.

Don’t get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you’re dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.

Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions. Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you’re getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. 1. Where did you receive your massage therapy training and did you graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)?
To ensure that your therapist has had proper training, AMTA recommends you find a graduate of a COMTA-accredited program. COMTA confirms that massage schools offer rigorous training and possess qualified faculty and proper equipment.

2. How many hours of initial training did you have?
AMTA suggests that your massage therapist has completed at least 500 hours of training, which is also the standard for most states that regulate the massage therapy industry.

3. Are you trained in any specific massage modalities?
The various types of massage are termed massage modalities. Each massage and bodywork modality requires specialized training. While some massage therapists use just one or two types of massage, most employ a variety of techniques in their practice. Look at the Glossary for explanations of different massage modalities.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. There are many types of massage and sometimes massage techniques become fashionable. Though some consumers may know a specific massage modality or technique they want, it is generally best to ask your massage therapist what massage modality will give you the results you want. Most massage therapists use a variety of massage modalities or types in a massage session to best achieve desired results.

The four most common types of massage are:

Swedish: The most common type of massage, to relax and energize you.
Deep tissue: For muscle damage from an injury, such as whiplash or back strain.
Sports: To help prevent athletic injury, keep the body flexible and heal the body should injury occur.
Chair: Massage of the upper body, while fully clothed and seated in a special portable chair.