Finding the right massage therapist

**(Swedish vs. Specialty Massage: What You Need to Know)**

How do you decide which type of massage therapist to visit?

Massage prices can range anywhere from $60 to $300 per hour, and this alone can deter people from trying a session without a recommendation.

Thank goodness for online reviews, but many truly gifted therapists don’t have a large online presence or may be working inside a spa where their skills aren’t individually highlighted.

To make the search easier, here are three questions to help you find the right therapist for what you need.

Look for my blog, “How to Give Your Massage Therapist Feedback,” to get the most out of your sessions.

Am I in pain?

Your answer determines the category of massage you should seek.

Yes — I am in pain.

You need a specialist. These therapists are trained in clinical or orthopedic approaches that address pain, dysfunction, imbalance, and restricted movement.

Look for training in:

• orthopedic manual therapy

• neuromuscular therapy

• Hendrickson Method

• myofascial work

• structural integration

• sports/rehab massage

• cranial sacral therapy

• scar tissue/fiber alignment techniques

These are not Swedish massages. They are slow, precise, assessment-driven sessions designed to change function.

No — I’m not in pain, and I want to prevent it.

Choose a therapist with advanced or integrative skills who can locate problem areas before they flare.

Look for methods such as:

• Thai yoga massage

• orthopedic manual therapy

• Hendrickson Method

• cranial sacral therapy

• structural integration

• Rolfing

These blend relaxation with correction and are perfect for maintenance.

No — I just want to relax and stay connected to my body.

This is where Swedish and spa modalities shine.

Try:

• Swedish massage

• deep tissue (non-clinical)

• aromatherapy

• herbal scrubs

• wraps

• hot stone therapy

These promote deep relaxation, stress relief, and comfort. They are not intended to correct orthopedic dysfunction although they may have a very positive and healing effect.

Do I want a massage therapist to see regularly?

Yes. Consistency matters to me.

If you’re looking for a therapist you can stay with for years:

• Ask trusted friends for recommendations

• Call local spas and ask which therapist they suggest based on your goals

• Consider therapists in private practice—they often remain in one location long-term

• Visit massage school clinics for affordable sessions and regular maintenance

No.

If you prefer to explore or try something new:

• Reflexologists offer detailed foot and hand work

• Cranial sacral therapy is deeply relaxing for the nervous system

• Hendrickson Method blends orthopedic assessment, soft tissue mobilization, and joint function in a way that resets patterns

• Thai yoga massage incorporates stretching and movement

• Lymphatic or energy-based therapies offer unique benefits

This is a great way to sample modalities and discover what resonates.

Do I want to feel pain during or after the massage?

Most people assume the answer is: “No, I don’t want to feel hurt.”

But massage has long carried the misconception that pain equals progress. This is not true.

Only a few treatments—such as scar tissue work or mobilizing a restricted tendon—may cause discomfort. And even then, it should be controlled, specific, and brief.

Pain is not gain.

Occasionally you may feel a natural healing response (mild fatigue, slight tenderness) afterward, but you should still feel overall relief.

If a therapist is hurting you… (how do you know)

If you cannot physically relax, or your brain is saying, “Ouch,” even if you’re trying to tolerate it, the therapist can adjust so you receive the maximum benefits.

Many clients believe their tissue needs to be “broken up,” but the real issue is often fiber misalignment, not scar tissue. Painful pressure can distract you from the original problem and may do nothing to correct dysfunction.

If you want results without being hurt, ask your therapist:

“Is painful pressure expected for this type of work, or can you get results gently?”

If they answer with a pain-based philosophy, you get to decide whether that approach matches your needs.

Finally ask yourself: Did my condition improve, and for how long?

If the relief is only temporary or the pain increases significantly, you may need a different therapist or modality.

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