Shortly after graduating from massage therapy school, I had the parent of a friend ask me,
“How can you tell if a massage therapist is like.. a good therapist??”
He had heard some massage horror stories which he then relayed to me.
What I think this man ultimately wanted to know was:
How can I tell if a massage therapist is:
- Skilled
- Knowledgeable
- Ethical
- Professional
- Trust-worthy
If you have been wanting to schedule a massage, but worry about finding the right therapist, this article is just for you!
So without further ado, here are 11 ways to tell if a massage therapist is a good one; in other words, how to tell if a massage therapist is skilled, knowledgeable, ethical, professional, and trust-worthy.
1. He/She has completed training in an accredited program.
Massage Therapy program requirements vary across the United States with some states requiring a minimum of 500 hours of training, and others requiring up to 1000 hours of training.
Program specifics vary but your massage therapist should have had courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, ethics, and various modalities of massage.
Each state also has a minimum requirement of hands-on hours for massage therapists to gain experience prior to licensure.
2. He/She has taken and passed a national exam specific to massage therapy.
Individuals who have completed training in an accredited program are required to take either the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) depending on what state they choose to practice in.
These exams cover a range of subjects including:
- Kinesiology
- Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning
- Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Guidelines for Professional Practice
- Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Population
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws and Regulations
3. He/She has a valid license to practice massage therapy in his/her own state, business license, and insurance policy
As mentioned above, each state has differing requirements for licensure. For more information regarding what those requirements are, please visit your state’s website for their Department of Public Licensing.
If your massage therapist is operating under their own business, he/she must fulfill city, state, and federal requirements to own and operate a business. They should have this business license on display in their office.
As massage therapists work so closely with the human body, there are certain risks that exist. While your massage therapist should do everything they can to inform you of, and prevent these risks from occurring, they should also uphold a valid liability insurance policy. This offers protection to you and to them.
4. He/She completes a thorough health history and intake process.
As stated above, there are sometimes risks involved in receiving massage therapy. A good massage therapist will have you complete a thorough health history prior to receiving massage.
In addition to completing this, your massage therapist should discuss it with you, including any relevant goals, questions, or concerns that you may have.
5. He/She sets clear expectations & boundaries and RESPECTS YOURS
Before you even set foot in a treatment room, you should be made aware of what the massage therapist’s policies and procedures are. These should include statements regarding late shows, no-shows, cancellations, payment methods, patient privacy, and respect for boundaries (to name a few). (My policies and procedures can be accessed HERE.)
In addition to the therapist outlining their policies and procedures, you should set your own boundaries. These boundaries must be respected by your massage therapist. Your boundaries include what extent you choose to disrobe (undress) to, the type of pressure you want, which techniques you do or do not want employed, and so forth.
5a . A good massage therapist will never massage areas that you keep clothed, or remove items of clothing that you have chosen to keep on without your explicit informed consent.
If you keep an item of clothing on, you are communicating to your therapist that you do not want him/her to work on that area.
(Some therapists may, at times, perform compressions or other techniques over areas that are covered, but this should not be done without your consent.)
5b. A good massage therapist will never reach under clothing or linens to massage an area.
If a previously draped area needs to be accessed, your massage therapists should inform you, obtain your consent, and re-drape as necessary, checking to ensure that no boundaries have been crossed.
6. He/She regularly checks in with you regarding your pressure preferences throughout the massage
While excessively deep pressure can pose a risk to either you or your massage therapist, your massage therapists should strive to provide the most appropriate and therapeutic pressure for your needs. It is absolutely essential that your therapist to respect any request for lighter pressure.
7. He/She clearly communicates and firmly upholds a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.
Ethical professionals in the field of massage therapy have been fighting for decades to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about massage. We work hard everyday to earn respect in this field in a while a small number of unconscionable/ignorant individuals and businesses spread the belief that massage therapy is synonymous with prostitution.
Because of this, it is imperative that massage therapists clearly communicate and firmly uphold ZERO tolerance policies for sexual misconduct.
8. He/She upholds client confidentiality laws (HIPPA)
While Massage Therapy can take form as both a personal care service, and a healthcare service, it is still unquestionable that a good therapist will be mindful of your right to privacy and confidentiality. This includes (but is not limited to) any health information that is relayed, conversation that takes place, or observations noted during your session.
9. He/She does not practice outside of his/her scope of practice
The scope of practice of a licensed massage therapist is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Any ‘popping’ of joints, manipulation of the spine, application of acupuncture needles, diagnosing of medical conditions, or prescribing of treatment, without relevant training and or licensure is illegal and irresponsible.
10. He/She maintains standards of cleanliness and sanitation
It goes without saying that a therapy that is based so heavily on personal touch should also involve the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation. This includes regular and thorough hand washing of therapists, washing and sanitation of linens and supplies, disinfecting of high contact surfaces, as well as general office/treatment room maintenance. Therapists themselves should maintain the highest levels of personal dress and grooming standards.
11. He/She continually seeks to further their education and stay up to date on research
While license renewal processes differ from state to state, most require a minimum number of continuing education hours yearly. Exceptional therapists are constantly looking to widen their knowledge of massage theory and practice, even beyond state guidelines. For a fun test–ask your therapist what their most recent continuing education was on, or what class/training they’re most looking forward to. A good therapist will be eager to share and try out new practices!
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