| The five most important things you should know | | | | your respective state, they have followed the |
| about massage therapists. | | | | required certification requirements. |
| There are many questions one would have when | | | | Where can I find a licensed and insured massage |
| looking for a massage therapist. Before | | | | therapist? |
| considering service, one should know these five | | | | There are many places to find reliable massage |
| things to get the most out of your service. | | | | therapists. The best places are day spas, where |
| How much does a massage therapist cost? | | | | therapists are essentially employees who are |
| Typically, a certified professional massage | | | | certified and have all the tools available for the |
| therapist will range depending on his facility and | | | | best experience possible. |
| experience. A standard Swedish massage can | | | | Sometimes, freelance specialists can be found on |
| range anywhere from $50 to $75 an hour and | | | | the internet for a reduced rate. It is important, |
| can go up from there. | | | | however, to ask for proof of license and |
| Overnight spas typically charge quite a bit more | | | | insurance if available as there are many people |
| as they are seen as a specialty service and only | | | | willing to offer services without proper training. |
| employ top most talented therapists. Their rates | | | | Can the massage therapist come to my home? |
| can even be as much as $300 a session or more. | | | | While many therapists work only out of a spa, |
| Specialty massages such as hot stone and | | | | gym, or other health facility, specialty |
| specialty oiled massages can vary wildly and it is | | | | appointments can be made if one is not able to |
| best to inquire about pricing and duration from the | | | | travel. |
| booking agency. | | | | Many times, an independent therapist may be |
| How do I know if someone is certified and | | | | available to make house calls, but in these cases |
| qualified? | | | | several important questions such as qualifications |
| There are a lot of massage schools more | | | | and referrals must be asked to determine if the |
| interested in profit and business, than in training | | | | therapist is able to meet your needs. |
| qualified massage therapists. In fact, I know a | | | | What will my first visit be like? |
| few schools who have business teachers on staff | | | | Typically, a qualified, experienced therapist will ask |
| and no massage therapists. | | | | several general questions about your needs and |
| Also, you want to make sure that the therapist is | | | | history. It is important to be very specific and |
| certified. There is a National Certification Agency | | | | detailed in your description if you have health |
| for massage therapists called, National Certification | | | | issues as any type of issues may create |
| Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork | | | | complications in your therapy. |
| (NCBTMB). All states do not require a national | | | | Then, an assessment will be made as to the |
| certification, although you can be sure that | | | | duration and type of procedure that the therapist |
| therapist who acquire it are dedicated to their | | | | will perform, much like a doctor would treat a |
| craft since it requires them to take a | | | | patient. After all, your personal massage therapist, |
| standardized test. To find out which states require | | | | if licensed, knows very much about the nature of |
| NCBTMB, go to | | | | physical illness and can help you to recover quickly. |
| As long as the Massage Therapist is licensed in | | | | |