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Is Your Massage Therapist the Right One?
There’s nothing like a relaxing massage to ease your pain and make your worries drift away; however, if your therapist makes you uncomfortable, self-conscious or embarrassed, a dreamy massage can become a nightmare. It seems obvious that patients seeing a counselor or psychotherapist need to have a good rapport with the providers who are caring for their mental health. It’s equally important when a massage therapist is taking care of your body. Degrees, experience and technical skills are essential, but they don’t guarantee that a particular therapist will be a good match for you.
Why Is the Right Fit So Important?
Being physically and mentally relaxed and comfortable ensures that you get the most benefit from massage therapy. If something occurs during a session that makes you feel nervous, irritated, embarrassed or otherwise stressed, your muscles will tense involuntarily, your cardiovascular system will react, and the chemical makeup of your brain and body will change in a negative way that counteracts the very benefits provided by massage. In a nutshell, a bad interaction between you and your therapist can sabotage the entire process. unwind.
Finding the Right Massage Therapist
Choosing a massage therapist involves both checking credentials and following your gut instincts. It also involves defining your personal preferences and needs. Before making an appointment, decide what characteristics you are looking for in a therapist. For example, you may have an age or gender preference. If you have a medical condition, you may seek a therapist who has worked with others who have the same problem. You may also prefer a certain style of massage or a particular environment. Once you narrow down your choices, you can make appointments to meet your prospective providers in person to see if you click in person.
How you’ll know it’s time for a change
Certain behaviors and feelings can help you determine when it’s time to walk away from a provider. If your therapist says something that offends you or makes you uncomfortable, crosses personal boundaries, has little or nothing to say that is supportive or comforting, makes you feel misunderstood or judged, or simply doesn’t make a connection with you, he or she is probably not the right choice.
Speak up and Get the Most from Your Therapy
Therapy sessions that leave you feeling uneasy are not delivering maximum benefits. If you and your therapist just don’t make a connection, don’t be afraid to request a change. There’s no need to feel guilty or wait to see if things get better. Everyone is different. The therapist you don’t like may be a perfect match for someone else. If you have a bad experience, don’t give up. The right therapist is always out there.
