My intention for this section, and actually for the whole website, is to educate and give different ideas and perceptions to think about.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a professional for any type of work, but particularly for choosing the right Healthcare Practitioner for you. Since Massage Therapy is such a personal service, it is even more important to find someone that you are comfortable with. Each person has their own individual needs, so this is just a guideline.

I am including quite a few questions for you to ask yourself, and your potential therapists, and other suggestions that pop into my head from my experience on the giving AND receiving end of massage. You may use this as a guideline or starting point to help you make that decision.

Do you simply want to relax or rejuvenate yourself? An hour of pampering?
o Is this for more health related concerns and to take a more proactive role in your healing process?
Do you want someone who simply uses basic Swedish massage techniques for relaxation, a therapist who specializes in one specific modality, or a therapist who has a more integrated, eclectic style of massage
Do you want a clinical atmosphere, or a more relaxing one? New age?
Spa? A home-based office?
Preference for a male of female therapist?
Lighter or deeper pressure?
Aroma or no aroma?
Do you simply want to enjoy your massage, or do you want to purchase skincare products (such as at a spa)? Or nutritional products,(at certain doctor's offices)?
Do you want advice on how to improve your health and well-being?
What kind of educational background and experience would you prefer your therapist have? Basic training, advanced training? Someone fresh out of school, a student clinic that usually offers sessions at a reduced rate? Someone with several years experience (which may or may not cost more)?

Depending on the state in which you live, there are various licensing requirements, or lack thereof. Some states require a minimum of 500 hours of education, some require much more. In some states, such as Pennsylvania, there is no licensing yet in place. (New Jersey is in the process of licensure).

Simply put, anyone in those states with no licensing requirements can put up a shingle that says "massage therapist", even if they have no training. (As a side note, we use the terms "Massage Therapist", "Body worker", "Massage Practitioner", or for those with specific advanced training, their title would reflect that training. We no longer refer to the terms "Masseuse" or "Masseur". Thanks!)

There is an optional National Certification by the NCBTMB that many therapists opt to have for credential purposes. This certification, or being a member of the ABMP or AMTA would ensure that the practitioner has a minimum of 500 hours education, and also follows through with continuing their education.

It is a good idea to ask where the therapist received their education. Some people mistakenly believe they are "certified" after a 6-week course. Others, as I have found when looking for a "Neuromuscular Therapist" only received "advanced" training as an intro-course within their basic training.

Before I go any further, I must say that in my experience I have received massages from "trained professionals" that have, at best, been not very good...and at worst some have done some pretty crazy or even unprofessional things! One person even hit me very hard in the middle of my chest to "see if I was breathing"! To say that I was startled is an understatement! Another therapist went out of her scope of practice and performed a chiropractic adjustment on my neck, and even took 2 phone conversations and talked on the phone (with it nestled on her shoulder) WHILE she massaged me....

My list is quite long, but you get the idea.

I have wisely learned from the mistakes of other therapists...as well as my own. Sometimes I don't say anything because I just want to see how bad it can get! However, I would recommend if you don't like something, please speak up! Some of the "professionals" just didn't seem to be into their work. Or, when I have requested deeper pressure, and was charged more for it, the therapist couldn't or wouldn't do it.

However I have had some wonderful massages from skilled and experienced therapists who value education. And I have also trained family members, friends and students who have never given a massage before who had a natural ability and talent, gave from the heart and the experience would be absolutely wonderful!

For me, I need to like the person's work as well as their personality.

(If I am not comfortable with someone, I do NOT want that person touching me no matter how great their work is. However, I may think someone is a wonderful person but if their techniques stink I don't want to waste my time or money...) I have also received this feedback from others as well.

That being said, if someone does not have the proper education, they may or may not know about various contraindications that may make massage unsuitable or even dangerous for someone. They may not realize that certain areas need to have lighter pressure due to blood vessels, nerves, or bony areas, etc. They may not realize the importance of massaging the muscle attachment sites in addition to the bulk, or "belly: of the muscle.

In my personal opinion, the most optimum massage is a combination of natural talent, quality of education, fluid movements, compassion and intuition of the therapist, coming from the heart, and a focus on really wanting to help the individual during the session as well as to educate the person to help empower themselves, without being overbearing or pushy in their own views.

You may want to begin by looking online or in the phonebook. Many therapists are available at health fairs and community events for you to meet them first. Recommendations by friends are great, but remember, what you would like and what your best friend would like may be a bit different. You can also call and "interview" various therapists (or other health care professionals, for that matter). Some may even offer to have you come to the office and meet them for a complimentary consultation.

Whether by phone or in person, please do this in a respectful manner of valuing their time. Have your questions ready and realize they may have another appointment after yours.

I do offer many ways for individuals to meet me and decide if I am the right therapist for them. Many clients tell me that they love and appreciate my work; although I am sure there are those who don't, or those who may be looking for a different style of massage, or maybe there is just no "connection" there. And that is fine. In these cases I also try to help them find another therapist who suits their own personal needs better.

I wish you luck in your search! If you have any questions, please refer to my FAQ section. Any questions beyond that, please feel free to contact me.

Below are several organizations that you can look for when selecting your therapist.
NCBTMB --National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
ABMP--Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
AMTA--American Massage Therapy Association
LMT--Licensed Massage Therapist
CMT--Certified Massage Therapist - Okay, this one is debatable. When I was in school, you could only call yourself "certified" if you took the national test, or your state's test. Now I see many therapists putting it on their marketing materials when it simply means that they received a diploma from their school. And still others use it when they haven't completed a massage program...so you can ask where they received their certification.
NCMT--Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (Through the NCBTMB)
CNMT--Certified Neuromuscular Therapist.

Side note: Accreditation refers to a school, not an individual. Someone could have gone to and accredited school, but would not be accredited themselves.