A few things come to mind when we think about relaxation: not getting out of bed until late morning, cozying up by the fair on a gloomy day, and, of course, getting a massage.
People have used massage therapy as a healing practice for hundreds if not thousands of years. The massage was common among ancient Greeks, Indians, Chinese, and Egyptians who were convinced of its therapeutic properties.
Massages are a form of manual therapy involving kneading or applying pressure to a person’s soft tissue, ligaments, tendons, and muscles to alleviate discomfort, pain, or anxiety.
Overall, massage helps induce a relaxed state and improve the body’s overall well-being. But finding good massage places near me is not as easy as it might seem. A lot of things could go wrong when you’re lying semi-nude on the masseuse’s table.
As such, here are three things you should avoid when looking for a good massage place near you.
- An Uncomfortable Massage Space
As the client, it perhaps should go without saying that you’re looking for a place you can relax. So, the atmosphere of a massage place should be calm and soothing to make you feel comfortable.
How clean is the space? A tidy massage place shows that the business is professional and puts a lot of effort into creating a good environment for their clients to feel comfortable.
Do they use too little or too many aromatic smells? A serene massage room should use just the right amount of scented candles and essential oil diffusers to create a pleasant smell that’s not strong or underwhelming.
Also, try to find out the state of the massage tables. You need a comfortable table with an adjustable face cradle to fully relax your body during the massage.
All in all, the overall mood of the massage place and their approach to providing clients with good value massage therapy is just as important as the actual massage so don’t settle for less.
- A Massage Place Operating Without a License
Many people make the mistake of believing just about anyone can do a massage. What they don’t realize is unlicensed massage therapists don’t have the same training or expertise as licensed therapists.
Therefore, you need to find a licensed massage therapist who has received formal education at an accredited school of massage and passed a written examination.
They should also have a decent understanding of body anatomy and physiology. A massage is a complex procedure, and with so many types of massages, therapists need to have a solid understanding of the body and its muscles to do a good job.
Getting a massage from an uncertified masseuse poses several risks, such as bodily injury if the masseuse tweaks your body incorrectly or uses a wrong technique that lengthens your recovery time if you’re getting the massage as a means of rehabilitation.
- Poor Communication Practice
Communication is crucial between the client and massage therapist to ensure an overall positive massage experience. The massage therapist must have good listening skills so they can attend to any concerns raised before, during, and after the massage session.
Perhaps there is a specific region you don’t want to be touched or stretched. Maybe there’s a certain area that’s just too unpleasant for you. You should be able to communicate such concerns to the masseuse, and they should respect your wishes whether or not they agree with you.
You also need to let the masseuse know if they’re applying too much pressure. After all, they’re bodyworkers and not mind readers. They won’t know if something is off unless you let them know.
The Bottom Line
With so many massage therapists in business, you might be wondering, ‘how do I find reputable massage places near me?’
Well, whether you’re looking to incorporate massage into your routine or just looking to unwind once in a while, the key to getting the most out of your experience is knowing how to find a good massage place that understands your needs.
A trained masseuse should know how to perform a good massage even in cases where the client doesn’t want all of their body massaged. The aim is to leave there feeling relaxed so avoid massage places that seem unwilling to have a conversation with you about how they can help you achieve your goal.