Frequently Asked Massage Questions
So you are thinking of getting a massage, and you have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to think about as you choose from among your many options for a massage and/or massage therapist.
- What are the different types of massage (modalities) available to me through Your Massage Advocate? (More details on each are available under Modalities.)
- Swedish
- Deep Tissue
- Reiki
- Myofascial Therapy
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Visceral Manipulation
- Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
- CranioSacral Therapy
- SomatoEmotional Release
- Energy Balancing
- Chakra Balancing
- Acutonics Tuning Forks
- Healing From The Core
- Guided Meditation
- Hot Stone massage
- Sports massage
- PNF Stretching
- Aromatherapy
- Healing Touch
- Strain/Counterstrain
- Unwinding
- Trager Approach
- Acupressure
- How much money should I spend on a massage?
- Keep in mind, minutes matter. A spa may advertise a 60 minute massage for $85.00, but 60 minutes counts from the second you walk in the door until the time you walk out the door, meaning 60 minutes is usually 50, 90 minutes 80, and so forth. Not all independent massage therapists use this scale. As a matter of fact, some will even go over the time allotment that you signed on for.
- Why would I get a massage? (Know yourself, know your needs, and know the reason/s do you want a massage.)
- Relaxation
- Chronic pain
- Curiosity
- Stress reduction
- Treat tired over used muscles
- Health maintenance
- Preventative medicine
- Illness-disease
- Therapeutic touch
- Pre- and post-surgery
- Someone has highly recommended a therapist
- How far should I drive to the massage?
- This is a matter of personal preference; some people do not wish to drive far after the relaxation state that comes with a massage.
- The quality of the massage may be worth the drive, if you don’t lose the positive effects during the drive home.
- How do I go about finding a massage therapist?
- You can check online, massage schools, and through your doctor/healthcare professional as to reputable and effective massage therapists specializing in your particular needs. Friends and associates who get massage can be excellent sources of recommendations.
- Whose advice do I seek out and take about the proper therapist and modality for me?
- See question #4.
- Seek advice from any medical specialist you are currently seeing who can recommend therapists who have been effective with the doctor’s other patients.
- What should I look for in a massage?
- Do you want to feel pampered, have a more medical atmosphere, a gym or sports atmosphere? Do you mind going into a person’s home office?
- Know your pain tolerance level and what type and depth of touch you want.
- Does the therapist’s gender matter? Do you prefer a male or a female therapist?
- What should I look for in a massage therapist? (Refer to #2.)
- You should look for a massage therapist who has current licenses and credentials.
- Your massage therapist should be up-to-date on current methodologies and research.
- Your massage therapist should be concerned about you as he/she recommends a treatment protocol and plan.
- Seek out a therapist that has been referred and recommended by friends or others who have gone through massage therapy.
- The working space should be clean, neat, and professional.
- Should I tip the therapist? How much?
- As with others in the service fields, massage therapists appreciate a tip for a job well done.
- Ascertain beforehand if tipping is permitted.
- Though you should only tip an amount with which you are comfortable and able, 15-20% of the total fee is a standard amount for tipping.
- Certainly let the therapist know verbally as well as financially about a job well-done.
- Some therapists may have s strong medical background and professionalism, and their fees are priced accordingly. Some clients opt out of tipping these therapists.
- What should I tell the therapist before, during, and after the massage?
- Before the massage, be sure to tell your therapist your medical and massage history, your reason for getting a massage, and any pains, open wounds, ticklishness, etc. that you may have. (A reputable therapist should ask you these things in a medical history and questionnaire prior to your massage.)
- During the massage, let your therapist know if the treatment is uncomfortable or painful. Keep in mind that some procedures may cause a bit of necessary discomfort in order to achieve the desired result; the amount of discomfort, however, should not cause great tension in your body. Your therapist should talk you through this.
- After the massage, let the therapist know what you liked or did not like about the massage; inform the therapist of what you might like done differently should you schedule another appointment.
- How often should I get a massage?
- The frequency of getting a massage should depend upon your condition and your needs.
- Consult your therapist as to his/her recommendation for the frequency of your massages.
- Consult your primary care physician as to his/her recommendation for the frequency of your massages.
- If a specific condition has been cleared up and/or a specific need met, maintain a maintenance schedule to help avoid further problems. This can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on how you use your body on a daily basis.
