Two of the most important things to consider when working with a massage therapist are compatibility and competency.  You and your therapist should feel comfortable communicating with each other and your therapist should have the training and credentials to do the work. Ask where they received their training.

A question you may want to ask your therapist is if they are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.  This means that they have completed a required amount of training and have passed a national certification exam covering Anatomy, Kinesiology, Physiology, Pathologies, Theory and Assessment, and Standard Ethics and Business Practices.

Another question would be if they are licensed in their city and state.  For example, a therapist practicing in North Carolina must be approved by the NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. The correct designation behind their name would be LMBT (Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist with a number, i.e. LMBT #268.  If you want to verify this information or their standing with the board, you can go to the link above and look up a licensee by either their last name or by their license number.

You might also ask the therapist what continuing education they have completed as well as what kinds or techniques they use in massage and bodywork therapy.  Explain to them what you are wanting to accomplish through massage or bodywork and comparison shop.

You can also use the Massage Therapist Locator Service through the American Massage Therapy Association’s web site to help locate a therapist in your area.