Once you’ve decided that massage is for you, you will need to find a reputable and knowledgeable therapist. There are vast differences in the level of training and experience that “certified” massage therapists have.

Here are some questions you might ask as you interview various therapists:

• What is your level of education?
• Are you certified in your state or city?
• How many years of experience do you have?
• Do you frequently see people that have the same needs as I do?
• How would you approach my situation?

It is always wise to get a few different ideas by talking to multiple therapists. You will probably find that one of them suits your goals and your style of communication best.

Your therapist should start by asking you about your health history and your goals for the session. If you are seeking massage for pain relief, your therapist will probably check your levels of pain when you move. You will be asked to use a scale of one to ten to describe how you feel when you move in various directions. This is called “range of motion” assessment, and will help your therapist decide which muscles need to be worked on. It is common to feel a bit sore for about one day after receiving Deep Tissue or Trigger Point massage. But it shouldn’t be painful or long lasting.

Before your massage, your therapist should explain what their treatment plan is for you. He or she will describe how much pressure will be used, and what parts of you will be worked on in what order. You will want to choose a therapist that is knowledgeable and makes you feel safe, so that you will be comfortable to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

If you are seeking a massage to create a feeling of nurturing, comfort and relaxation you should know that you aren’t expected to talk during your massage. It’s OK to be silent, or even to fall asleep. Many people report getting a massage can result in an excellent night’s sleep due to the deep calming of the nervous system.

If you are an athlete, you are probably interested in sports massage. However, understand that there are many different types of sports massages which relate to different needs of athletes and different parts of the season. Deep sports massage is usually reserved for pre-season and injury management. It is ordinarily not recommended to get a deep massage within a day or two of an intense workout or race. This can lead to instability in the muscles which may leave you more prone to injury. On the other hand, receiving a firm but not deep massage just after a really hard workout, game or race can significantly reduce muscle soreness. It will help your body recover more quickly so you can feel refreshed and ready for your next training session. Many athletes enjoy weekly or monthly massages on a training program’s “rest day”.

What about modesty? Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of that they will have to get completely undressed to receive a massage. No problem! Your modesty should be respected at all times, which means you will be covered by a sheet the entire time, and only the limb that is being worked on will be uncovered. An experienced massage therapist will be able to work over your clothing and/or undergarments if you choose to leave them on. At no time will you be fully exposed, and your therapist will leave the room to give you privacy while you disrobe.

Massage can be a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle. It can be a way to get in touch with your body, take some well-deserved time for yourself, and relieve chronic pain.