How to choose the right massage therapist - for you!

You’re starting to feel tense in your shoulders after too many hours in front of the computer. You pulled a muscle while doing sports. Or that old injury is starting to send you reminders again that you need to take care of you body. You start to flip through your agenda and realize that it’s been a while since your last visit with a massage therapist, so you decide it’s time again and start googling.
And you get. So. Many. Results.  ​

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There are so many different types of massages, and each and every massage therapist works in their own way, and personalize their skills and techniques. So how do you choose between all these hundreds that shows up in your search? How can you tell if that specific one is the right therapist for you, with the right skillset and the right type of massage? 
 
In the end, one just has to try, but there are a few things one can do to navigate the long list of search results. And here are some of them: 
 
First of all,

• Figure out what it is you want to have help with. Is it tight muscles and knots in specific muscles or areas of your body? Is it a general feeling of tension and tiredness in your body? Are you dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, or are you struggling with chronic pain? 
• Think about if there’s a specific massage technique or way of treatment that you prefer. For example, if you like more or less strong massages, or specific techniques like Swedish massage, Tui Na, Thai, shiatsu etc. 
• Read up! Check their websites how they describe the type of massage they do and how they work. See if you can find testimonials and reviews from other clients. 
• Check practical things that can matter, for example where they are located, their price range, their availability (if you would only be able to come later in the evenings or on weekends). 
• Ask questions! Contact the therapist you find most interesting and explain to them how you feel and what your needs are. Ask as much as you can. If the therapist is professional they will be clear with what they can help you with, or they will refer you to a different therapist. 

 
Once you have made your appointment:

• Communicate beforehand. Many good therapists can easily feel where your body stores a lot of tensions and knots, but the more information you give, the easier it is for the therapist to help you in the right way. It’s your story and you’re the expert on your body. 
• Never tolerate too much pain when getting a massage. If your therapist seems to think there’s no gain without pain, move along. You want an intensity that is satisfying for you: neither too little, nor too much. 
• If you are focused on a specific therapeutic goal (e.g. relief from back pain) continue with this therapist and therapy only if you see some signs of progress within 2-5 appointments. 
• Always speak up if something feels painful, uncomfortable or strange. You should always be able to feel safe and cared for during the session. 

 
Now, if you finally have found a massage therapist that is a good fit for you, my recommendation is that you stick with them!