How Do I Find a Massage Therapist?

Not all massage therapists are equal and not all massage therapists are a one-stop shop. A good therapist will steer you to a therapy that will work for you even if that means referring you to someone else.

Any practicing massage therapist within Florida must be licensed. A copy of the license must be on display at the Massage Establishment in which they work. The license ensures the therapist has received at least 500 hours of qualified training, passed a state exam, background checking, and keeps up with required continuing education. A therapist’s license information can be verified on the Florida Board of Massage Therapy’s website. In addition, each therapist should carry practice insurance. Don’t be afraid to verify these details about any therapist you choose.

Licensing sets a minimum bar for massage therapists and doesn’t necessarily mean they have good communication skills or the ability to treat the needs of everyone. To find the best therapist for you will require asking some questions. Think of this as an interview. Your body is important and you have the right to know the qualifications and character of the person who will be touching you. How can you relax if you have any question at all about competence? Any good therapist will be happy to respond to all your questions and steer you in the right direction. What matters is your experience and well-being, not our pocketbook.

There are many types of massage and most therapists tend to gravitate to some kind of specialty. Asking a potential therapist about their specialty will go a long way to ensure you receive the massage you want and that your therapist is knowledgeable about your needs, wants, and conditions.

Other important aspects to look for is whether the therapist is listening to you? Do they seem present with you? Do they answer all your questions and address your concerns? If not, ask for another therapist.

At Sacred Pathways Sarasota, we specialize in healing, relaxing, memorable, and mindful bodywork. We take extra care in making sure you receive what you need and what you ask for. Our therapists are taught how to listen. They take time to evaluate if we are a good match for your needs. Our list of services will help you decide if we have the right therapist for you. This doesn’t mean we can’t help an established client with a new issue. We can work significant issues that crop up using various techniques. However, we believe most issues can be resolved with gentle techniques and don’t necessarily require deep pressure or trigger point therapy. We also recognize that when a required technique induces a small amount of pain upon delivery, it should only last a few moments. It is our ability to use mindfulness and energy techniques when needed that help us stand apart from others.