There are so many choices when it comes to choosing a massage therapist. It can be difficult to know where to start, or even what type of massage you need. But with a little bit of research, you can make an informed decision about which massage therapist is right for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between therapeutic and general massage, as well as some important factors to consider when choosing a massage therapist.
Education and Credentials
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a massage therapist is their education and credentials. A qualified therapeutic massage therapist will have completed an accredited training program and have experience working with clients who have injuries or medical conditions. They will also be familiar with the latest research on the benefits of therapeutic massage and how it can help accelerate healing and speed recovery from injuries.
By contrast, a general massage therapist may not have any formal training or education in therapeutic massage. They may also not have experience working with clients who have injuries or medical conditions. While they may be able to provide a relaxing massage, it’s important to understand that the quality of their massage may not produce results equivalent to that of a trained and experienced therapeutic massage therapist.
Quality vs. Quantity
Another factor to consider when choosing a massage therapist is the quality of their therapeutic massage vs the quantity of general massages they provide.
A therapeutic massage therapist will focus on providing quality massages that target your specific needs. They may not offer as many massages as a general massage therapist, but the quality of their therapeutic massages will make up for it. Each massage is intended to be very intentional and results-driven.
“Big Box” massage offerings can be relaxing, smell nice and provide a relaxing massage, but they likely won’t provide the same level of therapeutic result as you would get from a dedicated therapeutic massage therapist. Often, their business model favors more people through the doors, vs. individualized and custom plans for resolving pain issues.
Life Experience
It can be helpful to learn more about the person who will be providing your massage. Some questions to ask:
- Do they understand physiology and human anatomy?
- Do they have a proven track record of assisting in injury recovery, especially with high-performance athletes?
- Do they understand the importance of competitive drive and keeping athletes in peak condition? And the psychological impact of not being able to perform at a high competitive level due to injury?
- Are they an athlete themselves, understanding the role health and fitness plays in overall well-being?
- Can they help devise a plan to get you from point A to point B in your fitness or recovery journey?
Therapeutic vs General Massage: Which is right for you?
If you’re results-oriented, looking to reduce pain and discomfort, or speed recovery from a sports injury, then you may want to choose a therapeutic massage therapist. On the other hand, if you’re looking for general relaxation and stress relief without any specific goals in mind, then a general massage therapist may be beneficial.
When choosing a massage therapist, it’s important to consider their education, credentials, and experience. The best therapeutic massage therapists will have formal training in an accredited program, experience working with clients who have injuries or medical conditions, and knowledge of the latest research on the benefits of therapeutic massage.
If you have questions regarding therapeutic massage, contact us at RuppMassage. We will do our best to answer your questions and help guide you in selecting the right solution for your needs.
We look forward to helping you on your journey toward wellness!