Olivia’s top tips for finding the right massage therapist for you.
Finding a good masseuse is difficult. Why? Because there are so many frauds! When you’re in pain, exhausted or just dying for some therapeutic touch it is so frustrating when it’s not the right touch for you! Trust me! As a therapist I am as picky as they come and I have had my share of massage therapy all over the world. On many occasions I’ve found myself searching for a masseuse in foreign countries where English is not the first language and have found myself in some undeniably awkward situations. So after much trial and tribulation and also many success stories, I can say that I am somewhat of an expert at sourcing out these rare creatures that are actually amazing at what they claim to do.
Tip 1. Qualifications – One of the reasons that there are so many fraudulent massage therapists out there is because massage is not regulated in New Zealand! This means that any one with a weekend course or any self taught flower child can open a practice as a massage therapist.
The highest qualification in NZ currently is a 3 year Bachelor. Following this is the 2 year diploma which is also a very sound qualification.
A therapist who has invested their time for the benefit of your health through extensive study is a therapist worth seeking.
Tip 2. Experience – Everyone needs to start somewhere and I do not want to discourage you from seeing a therapist fresh out of school, especially considering that most extensive massage courses should include a large portion of clinical practice to prepare them for the outside world.
However, our practical experience in massage therapy is where we develop our learnt skills. Learning to feel the difference between tight and weak muscles, adhesions in the tissues and tension in the facia cannot be taught completely in theory, it is a skill you develop through practice and a sensitivity that gets stronger the more you massage. Knowing the right amount of pressure to use can initially be found through good communication and the use of pain scales etc. But with experience a therapist is able to judge the pressure needed simply through how the muscle presents, reacts and feels under the touch.
In summation, choose qualifications over experience but even better, choose qualification plus experience if possible.
Tip 3. Spa ‘Menu’ – A treatment menu is lovely if you are simply requiring a relaxation experience – very little thought needed in the matter, simply pick the treatment that sounds the most luxurious and then let the therapist go through their routine. If, however you are wanting a treatment for a specific problem, a menu should not apply as the therapist should be knowledgeable enough to create a treatment plan that is unique to you specifically and may include several different treatment types blended together. Someone who needs to follow a menu is less likely to be skilled in differential diagnosis. This is the ability to diagnose pain in the body as it relates to the muscular system. It is also a skill unique to a highly qualified therapist.
Tip 4. Professionalism – Many therapists are intuitive and have a natural apt for healing. Sadly this skill quite rarely combines with professionalism and sound business minded structure. This takes me back to my original point of the therapist investing time into you, the client’s health and wellbeing. If a therapist has put the time and effort into creating a beautiful, efficient, professional business then they are taking their career seriously and your health seriously. It exhibits their passion and commitment to the field.
Tip 5. What kind of therapy do they offer?
If a therapist offers Relaxation and Swedish massage only, then it is likely that they have undergone a shorter course. Relaxation, although a skill and an art that takes practice, can be learned over a short course and knowledge of the body is not necessary. Swedish – a wonderful technique used by most therapists with varying qualifications, is a technique again that doesn’t require a lot of knowledge of the body. However the techniques are very safe and therapeutic.
Deep Tissue on the other hand does require substantial knowledge in anatomy and physiology of the body and should not be performed without this knowledge. Neuromuscular therapy is a specialised technique, along with myofacial release techniques and trigger point therapy. If your therapist is qualified in all of the above then you can rest assured they will understand what your body needs.
Tip 6. Referrals! – Especially from other health professionals such as physiotherapists. When in doubt, give a trusted health professional a call and they will be able to point you in the right direction.