5 guestions to ask you massage therapist

In order to confirm your prospective massage therapist’s qualifications and ensure that your massage therapy will benefit your health needs, consider asking him or her the following questions:

1. Are you licensed to practice massage in this state?

The state of Hawaii regulates massage therapy profession. Depending on the state, this regulation comes in the form of a license, registration or certification. Also, some local governments may have some form of regulation.

2. Are you a member of any Massage or Business Associations?

Professional massage therapists demonstrate their competency through being part of associations relevant to their profession or business.  It demonstrates commitment and good business sense as well as a certain transparency to the community about who they are and what they do.

3. Where did you receive your massage therapy training and did you graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation?

To ensure that your therapist has had proper training,  the AMTA recommends you find a graduate of an accredited program.  This makes sure the massage schools they attended offers rigorous training and possess qualified faculty and proper equipment.

4. How many hours of initial training did you have?

AMTA suggests that your massage therapist has completed at least 500 hours of training, which is also the standard for most states that regulate the massage therapy industry.

5. Are you trained in any specific massage modalities?

The various types of massage are termed massage modalities. Each massage and bodywork modality requires specialized training. While some massage therapists use just one or two types of massage, most employ a variety of techniques in their practice.  Finding a therapist who is experienced in the modality you need, will ensure that you get more from your sessions.