How To Find the Best Massage Therapist 

There are now over 491,800 professionals employed in the massage services industry. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of massage therapy, firsthand, you need to find the right massage therapist. Otherwise, you might choose a professional incapable of meeting your needs. 

Here are a few tips that can help you find the best massage therapist in town. With these tips, you can find a professional without unnecessary stress. 

Read on to find the tips you need before starting your search today! 

About 11 to 40% of adults in the US are living with chronic pain, with many looking for drug-free relief alternatives. Perhaps you’re living with back or neck pain and want to find your own drug-free source of relief. Before choosing a massage therapy clinic, outline your needs and goals. 

For example, you might want to: 

Identify Your Goals 

• Reduce muscle tightness or contractions 
• Improve your work performance 
• Increase your workout recovery time 
• Reduce stress 
• Improve your ability to play sports 

• Enhance your general health and wellbeing 
• Ease chronic or acute pain 

Outlining your goals will help you find a massage therapist who offers the skills and services you need. 

Otherwise, consider your health status and why you want to see a massage therapist. For example, perhaps a licensed medical professional recommended you try massage therapy. Or perhaps you’re trying to manage a condition your doctor thinks massages can alleviate. 

Maybe you have a friend struggling with the same kind of pain you are, who benefited from massage therapy in the past. In that case, ask about their experiences. You can ask “what does a massage therapist do for your condition” or “how have they helped?” 

Consider the type of massages you’re interested in, too. You might want to find someone who specializes in relaxation, deep tissue, or sports massages.  

Maybe you’re looking for someone who can provide massages inside a spa, therapist’s office, or at your home instead. 

Making a list of your needs and goals will help you narrow down your options.  

Gather Referrals 

To streamline your search, speak with friends, family members, and coworkers. Ask if they can recommend a massage therapy clinic in town. Ask who they see and if they’re happy with the services they’ve received. 

As you speak with friends and family members, consider asking: 

• Is the massage therapist trained and experienced 
• Where are they located 
• What type of massage do you receive  
• Have you encountered any problems during appointments 

• Would you recommend I choose someone else 

You can also gather referrals from a medical specialist or your primary healthcare provider. They’ll likely have a list of professionals with specialized training specific to your condition or needs. 

Otherwise, check the American Massage Therapy Association or Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals sites. These professional associations can provide you with a list of qualified massage therapists.  

Look for Hands-On Experience 

Before choosing a massage therapy professional, look into their credentials and experience. 

First, make sure the massage therapist has completed at least 500 hours of training from an accredited institution. Determine if they’re certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), too.  

Otherwise, determine if the therapist has a membership with a professional association such as the American Massage Therapy Association or Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals.  

Finding someone with the proper credentials will give you peace of mind. These professionals will have an easier time meeting your needs and assessing your health.  

Determine how long each massage therapist has worked in the industry as well. Make sure they have years of literal hands-on experience. 

If you’re struggling with a specific condition, think about whether they have experience treating the problem you’re experiencing. Ask how they were able to help their clients in the past. 

Review Their Services 

Before making a decision, consider what type of massage the spa or clinic offers. For example, you might benefit from: 

• Swedish massages 
• Hot stone massages 
• Deep tissue massages 

• Pregnancy massages 
• Oncology massages 
• Couples massages 

Try to find a professional who specializes in more than one type of massage. Then, you can choose between options based on your specific needs. 

Read Reviews 

You can also learn more about each therapist on your list by reading customer reviews. Check the massage therapist’s website, BBB listing, and Google Business listing. Read a handful of reviews from each site. 

If the massage therapist has an abundance of negative reviews on their profiles, keep searching. Instead, find someone with a positive reputation. 

Reading reviews can help you determine which massage therapists to prioritize or avoid during your search. Keep an eye out for comments about the location, massage therapist’s abilities and demeanor, or atmosphere.  

Compare Costs 

Ask at least three local massage therapists about the fees.  

First, consider what lengths of sessions are available (and the fee for each). For example, the therapist might schedule 30, 45, 60, or 90-minute sessions. 

Ask if there are different fees for different techniques, too.  

Additionally find out whether your insurance coverage will help pay a portion of the costs. 

Try a Session 

Schedule a consultation with one of the massage therapists on your list. During the appointment, ask about their: 

• Training and credentials 
• Style or techniques 
• Philosophy of care 
• Specialty areas 
• Experience with the condition you’re experiencing 

• Memberships with professional organizations 

Make sure to discuss the problem you’re experiencing. Ask the massage therapist what type of massages they would recommend and why. Make sure they develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. 

Consider scheduling a trial run session with the massage therapist. Afterward, consider your comfort. Ask yourself if you were happy with the session and if it helped ease your pain. 

Then, start reaping the benefits of massage therapy firsthand with regular sessions! 

Ease the Pain: Find the Perfect Massage Therapist Today 

Don’t make the mistake of choosing the first massage therapist you find. Instead, use these tips to find someone qualified to meet your needs and goals. With help from an experienced therapist, you can start easing your aches and pains in no time. 

Start experiencing the benefits of massage therapy for yourself today! 

Eager to schedule your first massage? We can’t wait to see you. 

Call us at (402) 384-8400 or schedule an appointment online today!