How Finding Your Personal Massage Therapist Isn’t Personal

A personal massage therapist… Sounds like something only afforded to the rich. Let’s start with this question…

What is a personal massage therapist?

A personal massage therapist isn’t one quantified by high volume frequency. It isn’t about how much money you pay for a massage. And, it’s certainly not about getting a spa day while on vacation. It’s about finding someone you trust touching your body to help you achieve your wellness goals. Your goal may be to unwind, relax, loosen up your shoulders or help you live life pain-free. A personal massage therapist is a professional therapist who is knowledgeable, skilled, talented and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.

Ask anyone who knows me and they will probably tell you that I have high standards when it comes getting a massage. I jokingly say that I was born this way. That is simply not the case. I was taught to have this expectation. Some of my earliest personal massage therapists were educators by day, massage therapists evenings and weekends. They brought their love of learning and integrated it into their art of massage. I will always be grateful to the educated and talented therapists who have come before me and enthusiastic for the therapists who humbly learn to fill their shoes.

Massage therapists with a passion for learning are what my wise client likes to describe as “students of the game.” Their desire isn’t accolades or money. Their desire is to facilitate healing. They seek answers to questions that were not addressed in massage school. They seek industry leaders for continuing education. They read research papers, brush up on manual techniques, and search outside their comfort zone for trusted knowledge.

You might be asking how this is important in searching for your personal massage therapist.

It is the foundation of your search!

A knowledgeable massage therapist might not be born talented. However, their drive will push them to develop their talent. Whether it be by giving countless hours of free massages to friends and family just for constructive feedback, traveling to far reaching destinations to learn from industry leaders, researching medical conditions, or finding mentors to guide them. They WILL craft their skill into a talent that money can not buy.

So, when you are ready, they are already ready for you. They will have taken the time to listen to your needs and goals. They will access your current situation before you get on the table, and continue making assessments based on what they feel during the massage. They will be able to articulate what they’ve learned about you based on experience and knowledge. They will gain your trust.

So, what is a personal massage therapist?

It’s the massage therapist you call when you want or need a massage next week, month, or year.