Choosing the Right RMT for Me
Whether you’ve been experiencing muscle pain, soreness, or a tension in your body that you just can’t seem to get rid of, help is usually just a phone call away. Registered Massage Therapists, or RMTs, are licensed healthcare professionals who manipulate the soft tissues of the body to provide relief from common muscle aches and pains. The therapeutic benefits of Massage Therapy can even go beyond the physical, as research shows that it can also have several mental health benefits.
However, while RMTs often have the same basic knowledge of Massage Therapy and its techniques, they can differ in other ways that may affect your treatment. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to find the right RMT for you and your particular needs.
So, before you pick up that phone, here is some advice on choosing the right RMT for you.
Figure Out Your Goals
What are you ultimately hoping to gain from Massage Therapy? For example, are you trying to recover from an injury or just get relief from everyday aches and pains? RMTs may specialize in certain types of treatment, so be sure to connect with one that sounds like the best fit for your situation.
Identify Any Personal Preferences
These don’t necessarily have anything to do with the RMT themselves. They’re more just things that you would prefer to help you narrow down your list.
For example, would you prefer:
An RMT working out of their home or a formal office?
A male or female RMT?
Someone local or out of town?
Get Some Names
You can search around on the Internet or ask for RMT referrals from your friends, family, or doctor. No matter where you get your list of names, consider checking to make sure they’re registered with your local professional association, if applicable.
For example, in Ontario there is the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. You can type in the name of any RMT on their website to learn more about whether they’re authorized to practice, any disciplinary history, and other important information.
Check out this helpful feature here.
Research, Research, Research
Search around on the Internet or call the RMT’s office directly to learn more about their practice. There’s lots of things you may want to consider here, such as:
Education
Years of experience
Philosophy of care
Specializations
Treatment style or technique
One other thing you may want to get an idea about is the RMT’s personality. You’re probably going to want someone you feel comfortable with, as a massage is supposed to be a relaxing experience. Since it can be hard to assess a person’s personality in a short meeting or phone call, you may want to just go ahead and ask their previous clients. If you don’t know any, then look for customer reviews and testimonials online to get a better idea.
Looking for Somewhere to Start?
At cedar + sage, our Registered Massage Therapists can help you with your Massage Therapy goals and treatment. Click here to book your appointment today!