What do I have to do to receive a good massage?

If you want to make sure you get a good massage and not waste your time and money, the key is to ask the right questions.

Some questions can make the difference between bitter disappointment and sky massage.

If you have any goals for treatment, please let them know. Make sure your massage therapist can accommodate your goals. If, for example, you like a firmer massage and make an appointment with someone whose typical massage is a light Swede, you might be preparing for disappointment.

The better a massage therapist is in a modality, the more they will get him out of his bag of tricks. If a therapist is good at therapeutic techniques and deep tissue, they will generally tell you that their massages are deeper or firmer. Someone who generally does lighter work will tell you that their massage is more relaxation oriented, or they may say that they do more of a Swedish massage that is described as long, relaxing (and generally lighter) movements.

Good advice is to talk to your therapist about your massage. You can ask them ~
How would you describe your typical massage? Is it a firmer touch or a lighter massage?

You may think that asking someone how long they have been doing massage therapy is a good measure of talent, and it can be, but not always. I have received many massages from long time practicing massage therapists whose massages are without talent or effort. People are exhausted with all kinds of jobs. Masseurs are no different. The problem is, you don't want to end up at your table if you can avoid it.

A massage therapist once told me that she no longer wanted to lift her limbs. She said it is too much effort. This was from a woman who had been doing massage therapy for over 10 years. Seriously? Who wants to pay someone good money if they can't even bother raising their arms?

Clearly, talent is not just about how long a Massage therapist has been practicing, it's much more about wanting to do your best and love what you do. I have had very good massages from recent graduates with great attitudes.

Talk to your massage therapist about how long they have been doing massage therapy, if they still enjoy it, and why. See if you can feel some joy and excitement when they talk about their work.

A good massage therapist will take care not only of giving good massages, but also of getting good massages.

At first, you may wonder what this has to do with getting a good massage, but it has a lot to do with it. If your massage therapist is busy figuring out who is really good, then go out and find out why, chances are you've found a good massage therapist.

Talented masseurs learn to give really good massages by getting really good massages. Many of them.