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Finding a massage therapist with the necessary skills is important. Below are some simple steps you can take.

1. Identify your goals and health status

First, you need to set the goal for your massage session. Interested in:

Relieves stress?
Reduces muscle contraction or muscle tone?
Living without chronic or acute pain?
Improve work performance?
Are you improving your overall health and well-being?
Are you improving your athletic performance?

Secondly, think about why you want to see a massage therapist:

Did a licensed medical professional such as physical therapist, medical doctor, or chiropractor suggest you try massage?
Are you managing conditions your doctor is unaware of, but hoping that massage can help with pain?
Do you know someone with the same pain as you who has benefited from massage therapy?

The answers to these questions will help you determine the skills you are looking for in a massage therapist.

2. Get some names

Many people feel most comfortable when they get a personal recommendation from a friend. Sometimes friends answer questions about massage therapists and describe how they benefited from seeing them.

Another good source of referrals is your healthcare provider or medical specialist. They may have a list of specially trained and experienced massage therapists with techniques that are effective in treating your condition or ailment.

You can also visit massage schools, local fitness/health clubs, spas, wellness centers and chiropractic offices.

Consumers should be careful in choosing massage therapists based solely on websites, yellow pages listings, local magazines and newspapers. Most advertising agencies aren't looking for self-taught therapists, therapists in illegal business, or providing escorts or sex services. It's up to you to do your homework.

3. Consider your personal preferences

You can include or eliminate potential therapists or styles based on your personal preferences. Examples:

Are you most comfortable with a male or female therapist?
Location Matters is it? (If you plan to walk once or twice a week, we recommend finding a therapist near your work or home.)

4. Make a phone call to find out more about the therapist

If you don`t already have this information, call and ask about:

Style or Technique Used
Treatment Philosophy
Years of Practice
Specialty, Experience with Certain Conditions (Diabetes, Heart Disease, Pregnancy)
Education, Advanced Certification
If the therapist belongs to professional organisations, and if so, which ones

You should look for a massage therapist who has at least 500 hours of training in a reputable and licensed school. (Whether a school is accredited can be determined by contacting the school directly.)

Therapists are nationally accredited by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) If so, the therapist must have completed at least 500 hours of training. Graduated from an accredited school and passed the written exam.

If you have any questions or concerns, it is always appropriate to clarify the styles and techniques used by your massage therapist and that the service you book is not a sexual massage.

5. Ask about costs and logistics

Ask about the fee. Specifically, ask:

What are the lengths of sessions available and how much does each cost? Usually, therapists offer a variety of options, but usually 30, 45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes. Ask if the price is for hands-on time or if the time includes intake.
Are there different prices for different techniques?
Are your massages covered by insurance?
Are there any additional fees or taxes?
Do they offer any special or discounted package rates?

Also, ask about logistics:

How far in advance do you generally need to make an appointment?
What does the estimated time mean - when should you arrive or when should you be ready to start the massage?
What is the cancellation policy?
Do you need to bring clothes to experience better clinical treatments? For example, should you bring a bathing suit, gym shorts, or a sports bra to wear during the massage? Should you bring clothes to change into afterward?
Do they want to see a doctor's prescription, physical therapy program, or post-surgery prescription?
What is the therapist's pleating policy?
Finally, to get there more comfortably, get clear directions and learn about parking options.

Choosing the right therapist to do your massage is also essential, and it's better to consult with a professional therapist. In Sophia’s Health Massage, you can find several kinds of massage, remedial, relaxation, deep tissue massage or even waxing. If you don't know which message you need, Sophia’s Health Massage therapist will help you decide it.