What To Look For In A Massage Therapist

Have you ever had a massage? Did you enjoy it? Did you feel better afterward? Why did you feel this way? Is there something magic about massage therapy that exercise, or stretching can't do?

Well maybe there is. Massage can help you relax, help you manage stress and help you recover from workouts. But what's the difference between a massage and an oatmeal bath? Both are nice, relaxing experiences but only one involves a trained, legitimate professional.

One thing to watch out for in massage therapy is the number of people who are out there who are not trained, state certified or legitimate practitioners. Many will masquerade as massage therapists, but their skills are not those of a true body worker, who has received ample training in bodywork and different types of massage therapy.

Getting a massage from an experienced licensed massage therapist is a whole new experience. You should feel safe, relaxed, rejuvenated and possibly consider repeat sessions if needed.

Massage therapist is a term reserved for a person who has gone to school, taken continuing education classes, spent time in massage school becoming trained in basic massage techniques as well as learning far more about the anatomy and physiology of the human body.

Remember, there are those who call themselves "massage therapists" who have only studied massage for a weekend in a convention hotel or on the beach, but they think they're an expert! If you don't believe me ask a massage therapist, or go to the EWMA or NCBTMB and ask about licensed massage professionals. You want a true, professional massage therapist find someone who has LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) or CMT (Certified Massage Therapist) on their website or business card.