Choosing the right massage therapy session for me

How do I know what kind of massage therapy is right for me?

So here’s the thing. I consider myself to be a good massage therapist to my clients. I listen to their concerns, issues and ask them a whole list of really important questions about their health, stress, lifestyle and what their main goal is for our session. I check in with my clients on pressure - a lot, and I aim to offer a great tailored service that helps my clientele to feel better, good and great about themselves.

I’m British, I’m female and I am confident in my knowledge and skills. I enjoy nothing more than sharing my anatomical and physiological knowledge with my clients to help them understand what is happening within them. Sharing how they can help themselves in small ways to achieve their goals for functional improvement. I consider my service standards to be high and I take pride in my clinic space.

However, I am sure that I am not everyone’s ideal therapist. Massage therapy is very subjective, and what may work exceptionally well for one person, may be disappointing or unremarkable to another.

It may take a little bit of experimentation with a few different massage therapists, to find one that really works well with you, and that’s ok. But please, make sure you choose a good therapist. Make sure you know how to discern from an average/poor therapist and make sure that you are getting value for money.

How do I choose a good therapist and how do I know I have chosen well?

Just like going to see a Physio, Doctor or Vet or any other professional, you should expect that your Massage Therapist has the qualifications to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of the Musculoskeletal system and a standard of service and professionalism in delivering massage therapy.

However, currently in New Zealand there is no regulation as to who can offer massage therapy. Anyone can start up a business tomorrow. Anyone may also be quite good at it. But what if they aren’t and instead cause injury or pain, and that injury or pain is unwittingly inflicted on you? Please don’t ever be shy to tell your therapist that they are hurting you. This is not okay and is something I hear about often.

The choice is always yours on which therapist you see, but to ensure you are in safe hands, I would always recommend that you ask your therapist what qualifications they hold, what experience they have, or what types of massage they have studied. Make an informed decision on whether they are appropriate for you to see. Don’t be embarrassed to walk away.

Massage therapy in New Zealand does have a self-regulating body. This is Massage New Zealand (MNZ).

Website: www.massagenewzealand.org.nz

Therapists that consider themselves as professionals, having undertaken specific training and continuous professional development, pay annually to be part of this formal association, working to a strict code of ethics, and standards that are prescribed. I would suggest that all of the therapists that are members of this association are reputable and safe therapists and better still, you can search for therapists near you and know that they are reputable.

It must be said that not all professionally trained massage therapists are part of this association, but are still great at what they do - and qualified. A quick ask of your therapists qualifications will demonstrate their skills and expertise to reassure you that you are in good hands.

A good therapist will take the time to review your client intake information. They will want to ensure that your medical history and any medications that you take, are not contra-indicators for massage therapy. The therapist will want to understand what your goals are for the session and understand your expectations. A good therapist will check in with you, on how their pressure is, whether it is too much, not enough or just right and will work with you instead of against you (tensing up muscles). please be honest with your therapist, don’t let them apply too much pressure. You will just leave the session sore.

The end of your session should include a rundown of the session from your point of view and the massage therapists’, to ensure a good result was achieved and if not what needs to be done differently.

In summary, make sure that the massage therapy session you are booking is suitable for your needs, if you require specific treatment, (Remedial/Sports/Deep Tissue) ensure that the therapist you choose is qualified and capable of delivering that service. Check the therapist is qualified and has knowledge of anatomy and physiology, so they don’t hurt you.

And above all, enjoy your session!