Whether you’re someone who’s new to getting a therapeutic massage or someone who has relocated and needs to find a new one, there are some steps that you need to take in choosing your specialist.

Having the right massage therapist is important because you want someone who’s professional that you can trust. Don’t use the services of a massage therapist who isn’t licensed.

This helps protect you to make sure that the person conducting the massage is trained on how to massage without causing damage to your body. You’ll want to make sure that the massage therapist keeps good records of your visit.

There are a couple of reasons for this. First, because record keeping will ensure that you get the best possible massage every time that you come. Your therapist will be able to have a record or a timeline regarding your treatments and that way he or she can tell if something is working or not.

Areas of the body that don’t respond to massage therapy can signify a greater problem – and by keeping records, your massage therapist will be able to spot this.

Second, you want to make sure that records are kept for insurance purposes. There are many insurance companies that will pay for massage therapy, but usually only if the therapist is licensed by the state.

You want a therapist who knows the different massage styles and is willing to take the time to explain what you need from the session and how it’s going to benefit you.

The relationship is a partnership of sorts – and you need to be completely comfortable with the massage therapist. There are some common questions that your therapist should ask you.

She should ask you if you’re coming in for a general therapeutic session or you’re seeking treatment due to an injury. You should also be asked if you’re under any kind of stress that could be contributing to the way that your body is feeling at the moment.

She should ask if you’ve recently experienced any kind of emotional trauma – such as a move, the loss of a loved one, a divorce or a difficult medical diagnosis.

This is because your emotions are connected with your physical health. She should also ask you what it is that you want to concentrate on in your first session – such as are you looking for an all over therapeutic massage, or do you want her to focus on a specific area?

You should also be asked how often you’d like to come in for a visit. You should be ready to ask some questions of the therapist. You’ll need to know up front what the cost is per session.

You’ll also want to discover if the practice takes your insurance or if you have to pay out of pocket and wait to be reimbursed. Find out how long the therapist has been in business.

It’s usually best to have someone who has been doing it for awhile. Ask if the therapist has ever worked specifically with your condition if you’re seeking therapeutic massage for a health issue.

It isn’t difficult to find a massage therapist. You can search using a search engine online or you can check out the local spas in your area. Many of these offer sessions with licensed massage therapists.

You can also ask someone that you work with or friends and family to recommend someone who can help you. Another good place to check is to ask your family doctor if he or she is aware of a qualified massage therapist.

Checking with local chiropractors is also a good way to find one. If you have a session with a therapist and you don’t feel comfortable or the professionalism is in question, then don’t hesitate to seek another one.