How to find the perfect massage therapist…for you

"How will I know if the massage therapist and I will be a good fit?"

I've often asked this before receiving a massage from a new therapist I haven't met. The truth is, you won't know until after the massage is complete. Massage therapy is an extremely subjective practice. What one client loves, another might hate. But there are some tips for finding the best massage therapist for you.

Will we be a good fit?

You need to find a therapist that enjoys performing the style of massage you enjoy receiving. That's first and foremost. Second, you need someone who not only understands why you are there, but that is invested in helping you feel better and reach your goals.

I have found that the best sessions I have ever received have been from therapists in private practice. We have a vested interest in giving you the best massage possible. And over time, we can get to know your body better than you; what it likes, where it needs attention, and when is the pressure just right.

I have relied on massage to help keep my body in fine operating shape and to heal from injuries ranging from light sprains to shin splints to chronic lower back pain. While the idea of a spa day with Swedish massages and facials sounds relaxing, it's not why I got into this field. If all you want is a fluff and buff massage, you can stop reading here and return to your search for your perfect CMT.

Glad to see you've continued on!

To help stay on track, you should incorporate regular massage into your training schedule. With a session every week or two, you will be able to keep your soft tissue working hard for you so you never miss a day.

Too often, people think of massage as a luxury they can only treat themselves to if it's a special occasion, or more often when they injure themselves. But to reap the full benefits of massage, you have got to be consistent. Do you change your car's oil more often than you get a massage? Do you spend more money on clothes and stuff to compliment your outside than you spend on keeping the inside pain free? You are worth way more to yourself than that. Why make yourself less of a priority in your own life?

Will it hurt?

Maybe? … Yes? But I like to keep things in that tolerable “good pain” zone.

I'm equipped with a variety of tools to target the areas that concern you and help get you on the path to feeling great again. Just because you've had a pain for a while doesn't mean you have to keep it. Break up with your bad posture and bad habits, they have held you back long enough. Let's start a rejuvenation routine to get you back on track.

My $@%¥ is KILLING ME!

Whether you answered neck, back, legs, arms, feet or face, I've got you covered. Myofascial Therapy is starting to gain some of the recognition it deserves and I've had extensive training and experience utilizing this modality. It's a great technique to use on serious knots, muscle or tendon issues that are bothering you.

Fascia is the "stuff" that holds everything in place. It wraps our muscles, organs, our whole body from heel to head. Think of it as stretchy, sticky plastic wrap. This stuff can get stuck, to put it mildly. And mho-fascial therapy helps un-stick it from itself and the muscles and layers of adipose tissue.

So, if your $@%¥ is killing you, I'll probably recommmend a physical assessment and some deep myo-fascial work. Sorry, no naps allowed!

How long do you recommend?

I prefer to book in 90 minute sessions, because frankly, you're worth it. Ask any therapist and they will all agree, if you want the best impact from the session you want 90 minutes at a minimum. I don't like to feel rushed and it's unfair for parts of your body to go untouched. However, if time is not your friend, I do have one hour sessions available as well.

After the session, you may be sore for one or two days at most. Our bodies are wonderful, but they take some time to heal themselves. I will give you some stretches or excercises to do between our appointments that will not only help you heal, but help you gain the true results you are looking for.

James Palmer is a Licensed Mobile Massage Therapist at the Jersey Shore, serving Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Red Bank, Eatontown, Monmouth Beach, Deal, Rumson, and Little Silver.