So, you’ve decided to go out and get that massage you’ve always wanted. Friends and colleagues have raved to you about their amazing experiences and you’re finally giving in to the temptation. Now you just have to decide where to go for that first massage. You’ve gotten recommendations for different places, but everyone seems to have their own preferences. Some recommend you go for a deep tissue massage, while others suggest a more gentle relaxation type of massage. Then there are people recommending cupping and acupuncture with massage therapy. With all of these different options it can be hard to decide where to go, who to see, and what type of massage would be best for you. Well, look no further because today we’ll discuss how you can choose the right massage therapist for you!
Finding a good massage therapist can often be challenging. Since massage therapists are people too, it’s helpful to have one that you can connect with. Your experience will be significantly better if you have a good therapeutic relationship with your massage therapist. While many individuals focus purely on the physical aspect of the massage, the relationship between you and your therapist can have a large impact. As you develop a therapeutic relationship with your massage therapist, it will allow them to learn your situation and cater to your individual needs. They will also be able to guide you with the type of massage that may be best for you.
It’s important to recognize that some massage styles are more suited to certain individuals and their situations; not everyone will benefit from a deep tissue massage. In general, deep tissue massage will be good for those who have had experience with massage before, and those who aren’t in a significant amount of pain. On the other hand, gentle relaxation massage will be more ideal for those who have not had as much experience with massage, and those who might have a significant amount of pain. While massage can often improve pain sensitivity, in some situations it can trigger an increased pain response. This most commonly happens when someone who is already in a lot of pain attends a deep tissue massage. When in doubt, try a gentle massage before progressing to a deeper massage.
A good way to start your journey to choosing a massage therapist is to look at online reviews. These often provide good insight into what other clients liked or disliked about a particular massage therapist. You can also review the therapist’s online web page to see what kind of person they are and what kind of treatment style they typically use.
As mentioned before, it’s important to choose a massage therapist who you connect with and feel you can trust. If you’re not experiencing a good connection with your massage therapist, it doesn’t hurt to search around and try out different options.
How often should you get a massage?
Similar to massage therapists and massage styles, the frequency of massage that’s best for one person won’t be best for everyone. This is another reason why it’s important to develop a good relationship with your massage therapist. They will be able to guide you on the most appropriate frequency of massage based on your individual situation and needs. With that said, the amount of pain or discomfort you’re experiencing may help guide how often you should be attending massage. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain, more frequent massage may be beneficial to help manage your symptoms. For example, some individuals attend massage appointments weekly or biweekly. On the other hand, if you’re not experiencing much pain or discomfort, you may be fine with less frequent massage. For example, some individuals will attend massages monthly or even every 2 months. Again, it’s important to discuss your individual situation and needs with your therapist, so that you can work together to develop the best plan for you.
Still not sure what to expect with massage therapy? Call us at 519-895-2020, or use our online booking tool on www.strivept.ca to book an appointment with one of our knowledgeable physiotherapists, and they will be sure to help you understand your injury.
Cheers,
Liam Newlands
Physiotherapist at Strive Physiotherapy and Performance