Massage Therapist

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

A. Speak with the provider prior to the session and make sure that they are able to adapt to your comfort. Make sure that they are / will be respectful of you. Discuss any concerns you have for your health and/or expectations for your session.

How long they have been in business.

Does the provider have an affiliation with insurance or health care services.

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

A. If the provider has professional training at a good school and how long they have been in practice.

If the provider is insured.

If the provider has taken part in continuing education and what professional memberships he/she has the affiliation. (American Massage Therapy Association / Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, others )

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

A. Be clear about your requirements. Relaxation, specific injury or issues - and confirm they have proper training or experience to address your concerns. If there is something specific you need, ask/explain so that the provider can confirm they can offer you the best possible service.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. If they have any medical or health concerns - to make sure they express them fully and clearly. If they are taking any medications to be prepared to discuss the medications. If they are in therapy for depression, anxiety, or some traumatic event - to be prepared to at least express at the surface level that they are in therapy. There are times when massage can bring about an emotional response that may not be anticipated - communicating with your therapist will help prepare the therapist to better support you and your needs for anything that may arise during the session. Many people hold their body VERY tight while holding themselves together emotionally.. The release of physical tension in the body can sometimes bring out pent up emotions.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I adapt the massage to each person. I assess their needs based both on client communication and responding to what I detect physically during the session. I do not have a routine. I work within each person's comfort level adjusting the massage to suit each individual.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like helping other people to feel better! To help take away stress, reduce pain, and increase range of motion. To be a part of making someone's day or week brighter!

It is really a great feeling to do something that can make such a positive difference in the day, week, or life or someone.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Q: you work so hard, don't your hands get tired?
A: It is hard work, but if I use good techniques my hands do not hurt.

Q: Do you ever have to work on difficult people?
A: I think when someone comes for a massage, they know you are there to help and just want to relax and enjoy the session - so I dont see people being difficult in this setting.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I had a couple GREAT therapists that helped me when I was in pain. It changed my life and helped me be more mobile, having little to no pain, and helped me to be able to really LIVE. It made such a difference I had to learn it and understand how it works - and now I am able to do this for others. It is very rewarding.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes! continuing education is required. It is also a great way to meet and socialize with other therapists and to learn from them as well.