Choosing your Therapist
The Magic of Touch....something we all need.... You have decided to have a relaxing massage but you are not familiar with any therapists in the area. You have several options ---ask friends---check the local advertising pages in your phone book or call AMTA, The American Massage Therapy Association the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, (NCBTMB) Both agencies will be able to able to provide you with names of therapists in your area. Therapists listed in both the AMTA or the NCBTMB must meet specific criteria such as having graduated from a minimum 500 hour Educational program; adherence to Standards of Practice and a strict Code of Ethics and to participate in Continuing Education. In addition, therapists who have the NCTMB credential have successfully passed a national exam. Once you've determined to make your appointment, you may wish to ask the following questions...... Are you licensed by the State? Currently, there are 40 States plus the District of Columbia which have some form of regulation for Massage Therapy. Massage Therapy is regulated in Indiana as of July 2009. The Indiana Chapter of AMTA submitted a proposed Bill that the lawmakers passed and the Governor signed. All new Therapists must be graduates of a minimum of 500 in-class hour program and to have successfully pass a National Exam. Do you belong to AMTA, ABMP and / or are you Nationally Certified by NCBTMB? Are you a graduate of a School accredited by COMTA? To be approved or accredited by COMTA, the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, a School must offer a curriculum that meets certain requirements, submit an extensive self-evaluation; undergo a site evaluation by a team of experts and be evaluated by an independent accreditation Board. Where did you receive your Massage Therapy Education? And, how many hours did you complete? Do you have advanced education in any specific massage techniques? How many years of experience do you have? You may find the "right" Therapist the first time you try. However, you may also need to try several Therapists to find the "right fit" for you because, besides credentials, there is also a personal element to massage. You should feel comfortable and have confidence in your Therapist. Make the Most of Your Massage The Therapist may ask you specific information regarding pre-existing conditions or why you are calling for the appointment. This allows the therapist to modify the service you are requesting. If this is your first appointment you will be completing a health form...be sure to answer all the questions. This inquiry will be more in-depth than your initial phone call. The amount of clothing you remove is determined by type of service you have scheduled. You may be asked to disrobe to your "undies" or not depending on your comfort level. Expect your modesty and privacy to be strictly adhered to at all times. You may wish to bring You should expect your Therapist to be non-judgemental regarding your race, religion, politics or lifestyle. In addition, your Therapist will not judge your body - the extra pounds, the cellulite, the unshaven legs, and....of course, there are always exceptions....and the main one concerns your safety. . Massage tables are built with certain body weight restrictions. This includes a stationary weight -while you are just lying on the table and a working weight - while the therapist is performing the Massage The extra amount of working body mass over the manufacturer's stated guidelines may cause the table to become unstable and break Let the Therapist know if you are having pain, if the pressure is too light or too deep, or if you want extra time spent on a particular area. and Always expect cleanliness with every aspect of your Massage Check with your Insurance Company....they may either pay for the Therapy or may have a list of Therapists who offer a discount to the Insured policyholders. Above all.....lie back....take deep breath...exhale slowly and thoroughly enjoy your Massage..... Call the Spirit Within to schedule a session 3366 N. Vineyard Drive La Porte, IN 46350 (219) 326-1380 |
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