What Makes a Great Massage Therapist? Part 1

​There are many factors that go into making a great massage therapist.  The best massage therapists are dedicated to helping and healing their clients through the power of touch.  Through their training they are able to help their clients achieve optimum health and wellness.  Besides dedication and training, there are a few habits that the best massage therapists have that help them to rise above all others.

1.  Cleanliness.  Licensed Massage Therapists should pride themselves on cleanliness.  The bed sheets should be clean. The room itself should be clean, dust free, and without excess clutter.  Most importantly, the therapist should wash their hands before and after a massage.  

2.  Listen.  A top-notch massage therapist must have the ability to listen to what the client is saying and to accurately use that information to determine what their needs and wants are. Why did the client make the appointment?  If it is for relaxation purposes, then the therapist would inquire what, if any, music would help them to relax.  The therapist would also make sure the environment is as relaxing as possible.  If the client came in specifically for pain relief, the best therapist will ask the client where their pain is, have them describe the pain, and ask the client what makes the pain worse, and what makes it better.  The treatment would then be specific to helping that client seek pain relief and begin the healing process.

3.  Continuing Education.  The best licensed massage therapists are always seeking to learn more and enhance their skills.  It is recommended that the therapist obtain at least 10 to 12 continuing education credits per year so their knowledge base continues to grow.  At Meridian Healing Center, our therapists keep up-to-date on their CEU requirements. Best of all, we are always learning from one another.  We share our techniques and our knowledge here so our clients receive the ultimate care.  The more a therapist knows, the more tools they have to deal with each clients unique needs.