How to choose a massage therapist.

When muscles grow stiff and aching, tension has a firm grip and it’s hard to relax, chances are you’re ready for a massage—or perhaps a whole series. Besides providing short term relief, body work offers a whole array of more lasting benefits. If you’re not sure where to turn for a quality experience, here are some places to start.

~Review the options in your area while forming ideas about which seem most appealing. Descriptive terms can be overwhelming, so unless you focus in on a specific modality it’s probably best to start with a standard chair or table massage. You can test your comfort level with a therapist and setting while remaining open to other options.

~Those new to body work or squeamish about baring their skin will definitely want to try a chair massage. After removing only bulky outer clothing and perhaps some jewelry you will semi-recline face forward on a cushioned, specially designed “chair.” The massage will focus on shoulders, neck and back, with perhaps some attention to arms and hands. The standard length is 15 minutes, though both shorter and longer durations are possible. The chairs are usually set up in public places to attract a flow of customers, so expect some extraneous noise.

~Table massages take place in private, sound-proofed spaces with soft music and other relaxation inducing features, such as fountains, heat, dim light and aromatherapy. Here you remove most or all of your clothing and recline between soft sheets, remaining fully draped except for the area your therapist is currently working on. Oil or lotion is used to moisturize the skin and allow for a smooth glide. Durations range from 30 to 90 minutes with an hour as the standard. Although half an hour makes a fine introduction it’s less conducive to full relaxation and is best suited to a focused rather than a general massage.

~While you zero in on a modality, solicit recommendations from anyone you know who receives body work. Some see specific therapists regularly, while others are content with whoever is available in their time frame at a health center or day spa. In either case, word of mouth impressions are invaluable. For more information, seek out ads, business cards, brochures and web sites.

~Now you’re ready to compare details such as credentials, experience and fees as well as more general impressions. Mini interviews with therapists and appointment takers can be extremely helpful here. Credentials indicate a therapist’s level of training and professionalism as well as areas of specialization. Years of experience are desirable for obvious reasons, although someone just starting out may charge less. Many offer introductory rates and package deals, so don’t hesitate to ask. The most economical rates are found at massage schools where students are doing their internships.

~As you proceed to making a first appointment (chair massage is usually walk-in), specify your needs as best you can, making sure you are heard. Feel free to mention areas that you think need special attention, how much pressure you prefer and your state of health. If stairs are a problem for you, ask about this now. You may also wish to inquire about out-calls, which many therapists will happily provide for an extra fee.

~Before any table appointment, be sure to bathe so your therapist will enjoy working on you. In turn, expect him or her, as well as the site of your massage, to be clean and uncluttered. Be punctual and prepared to be taken right away. You will need to dialogue for a few minutes at the beginning about what’s going on with your body, whether you’re comfortable on the table, what will be used on your skin, the amount of pressure, how your massage will be structured, and so forth. Any dialogue afterwards, other than to convey how you’re feeling, is completely up to you. It is never rude to close your eyes, fall asleep, ignore chatty comments or even announce that you’d rather just be quiet now. Anyone who does not take the hint, or is less talkative than you like to be, is not a great fit. Ditto for those who answer phone calls, are inflexible about their routine and otherwise suggest that they’re not fully focused on you. This is your time to be nurtured and you’ve earned it.