Massage Tips

No, this isn't going to be a post about how to give a massage, but something more fun: how to get one. I just got my monthly massage this morning, and Oh. My. God. It's one of the things I most look forward to after a long, hard month of working, hunched over the computer, running, sleeping poorly -- in other words, doing all the things we all tend to do when we let life overwhelm us.

Maria is my 3rd regular massage therapist. In South Carolina I relied on Aaron, a sports massage therapist who counted Olympic athletes among his clients. Aaron could literally make me cry, but his deep tissue work is still the best work I've ever had. In Dallas I went to Greg, who was the director of a local massage school and was expert at kneading out the kinks from the stressful job I had at the time. Maria is my go-to woman here, a soothing, sweet massage therapist who's also a registered nurse and is familiar with a number of different modalities, including Cranio-Sacral and Traeger.

Massage is an excellent addition to your beauty regime, and it's definitely worth the extra money if you can afford it. I don't consider it a luxury anymore than I consider my $100 running shoes a luxury. To me, it's an investment in my health and well-being, as regular massage cleans out the toxins in my body and eases all those tight muscles (including those on your face), inducing a relaxed state that contributes wonders to the beauty of your whole body.

Here are some tips to find a good massage therapist:

• Ask for referrals from trusted sources. Do your friends get regular massages? Ask them for recommendations. Don't just go to a massage therapist just because your sister loves him or her, though. Call up the therapist and ask questions about his technique, his policies, his experience.

• Find a licensed/registered massage therapist. My state (Colorado) only recently passed legislation requiring all massage therapists to register with the state; registration requires a minimum of 500 hours of education, among other requirements. At this time 39 states require licensure/registration, but even in the remaining 11 states you're bound to find registered/licensed massage therapists who have undergone the requisite education and adhere to the American Massage Therapy Association's code of ethics. There are, of course, plenty of practicing massage therapists who aren't registered and aren't required to do so by their state. If that description applies to your long-time therapist and you're pleased with his/her practice, there's nothing that says you should change. But know that registered therapists who have the education behind them will likely be more familiar with the anatomy and physiology of the human body than someone who does not have that background.

• Tell the therapist what you're looking for in a massage. Some people like cranio-sacral, others don't. Some like deep tissue, while others prefer the lighter touch of the Swedish massage. Some want the sports massage to enhance their training regimen for whatever sport they play, while others simply want the relaxation benefits that massage affords. Whatever your reason, make sure you inform your therapist and you find out if s/he is knowledgeable and/or specializes in that technique. You don't want to go to a spa massage therapist, for example, whose expertise lies in Swedish massage if what you're looking for is deep tissue sports massage that targets the muscles you use while you're playing tennis or basketball.

• Know your comfort level, but don't be afraid to discuss any concerns with your therapist. More than a few people -- especially those who've never had a massage -- are uncomfortable with having anyone touch them. If you're really unsure, talk to your therapist about your concerns. You may not, for example, want to fully disrobe during a massage and would prefer to remain in your street clothes during the entire session. A good, ethical massage therapist will respect your concerns and won't force you to do something you're uncomfortable with. Massage works best if you can at least disrobe down to your undies, but what's most important is that you're comfortable.

• Try out the chair massage at your local health food store or mall if you're just wanting a "taste" of massage. Most of those who operate those by-the-minute chair massages are registered therapists (they all are if they're practicing in a state that requires licensure), so you can be assured of a good massage. This is a great way to try out massage and see if it's something you might be comfortable with. You can also "audition" the therapist; if you like him, you could ask him for his card and make an appointment for a full, private massage. The beauty of the chair massage is that there's little discomfort involved. You're fully clothed, and the session typically can last as long or as little as you want, since chances are you're paying by the minute.

• If you're looking for a good sports massage, call your local university or college and ask to speak to their athletic director. Chances are, if they have a large enough sports program, they have contacts with some of the best sports massage therapists in town. I met Aaron through contact with our college's athletic director, who herself is also a runner. It turns out that Aaron specializes in professional and college-level track and field athletes. While I'm more of a distance runner and definitely on the amateur-level, he knew exactly what kind of therapy program I needed based on his extensive knowledge of, and experience with runners.

• Price does not equal quality. Greg, my massage therapist in Dallas, was the director of the massage therapy program in my town, so he charged the same as those of his instructors, who themselves charged a relatively low fee. On the other hand, I've also gotten expensive massages at high-end resorts that were relatively poor in quality. You may have to audition a few therapists in order to find the one you want, but don't turn your nose at someone just because they charge less than what others do.
  

• On the other hand, massage schools, while offering rock-bottom prices, may not offer what you want. Many of these schools charge no more than $20-25 for a one-hour massage -- a deal that you'd find hard to beat with a practicing massage therapist, but the caveat is that you'll be in the hands of relatively inexperienced students. To be honest, I've yet to get a really good massage from a student. If all you're looking for is a light, relaxing massage, the student option may be all you need, but if you have more specific issues that require the services of a specialist, you're better off finding that specialist. $20 is no bargain if you don't get what you want.

• If and when you find a therapist you like, try and negotiate a lower price by offering to pay up front for a certain number of massages. For example, Aaron gave me a 25% discount if I prepaid for four massages. I never had to worry about coming up with the money each time, and I got a discount to boot. Obviously, if you don't have the money to prepay, this won't be an option, but remember that most practicing therapists are small businesses themselves. Maybe you can barter something with them, such as discounted accounting services (if you're a CPA) or desktop publishing, in exchange for free or discounted massages.

• Treat your massage therapist like a professional. Most of them will be licensed/registered and have undergone an educational program that rivals those of many allied health programs. Arrive on time and pay promptly. Don't even think about asking about "extra services." If you're looking for that kind of massage, you're reading the wrong blog. As for tipping, that's a delicate issue that you'll need to feel out yourself. Since most therapists consider themselves as professionals, tipping shouldn't be necessary, any more than it would be for, say, nurses or radiologists or medical assistants. Maria, for example, graciously refuses tips. Other therapists may beg to differ. You'll need to work that for yourself on what you're comfortable doing.

What about you? Do you have any tips on finding a massage therapist or just about getting a massage in general?