Massage: Finding the Right Therapist for You

Looking to get a massage? Here are some things you should look for when shopping around for a massage therapist. The most important thing is to make sure they have the appropriate credentials and designation to be a massage therapist.

For this look for certifying organizations such as the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork designation which is awarded by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Beyond that it's important to also make sure that you are aware of the education requirements that massage therapists need to possess to recertify themselves.

Once you've covered those bases, it may be a good idea to meet with a potential massage therapist first to see if you'd be comfortable with this person who will be massaging your body.

If you've had lots of massages done in the past you will know what works for you, what doesn't work, and what you like. Be sure to go over the key areas with your massage therapist to see if they are adaptable to your requirements. Massages in this regard are like haircuts in that everyone will have different prerequisites and preferences.

By building rapport and trust with your massage therapist, you will have someone to turn to anytime you need a massage- which is increasingly becoming in vogue as far as the health conscious are concerned.

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What is Massage Therapy?

Any method of pressure on or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of the external soft parts of the body with the hands or with aid of any mechanical electrical apparatus or appliances with or without rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments or other similar preparations used in this practice, under such circumstances that it is reasonably expected that the person to whom treatment is provided ...
Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.
The manipulation of skin, muscle, and joints (usually by hand) to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation, and eliminate wastes. Over 80 types of massage are in use today. Various forms include: acupressure, athletic, polarity, reflexology, rolfing, shiatsu, sports, Swedish, traeger, and watsu.