Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Massage Therapist

Massage therapy can be a powerful tool for melting away stress, relieving pain, or promoting healing and overall wellness. Given the many massage therapists available in the area, do you know what to look for when finding one?

Choosing the right massage therapist is crucial to ensure a safe, professional, and beneficial experience. Here are some key red flags to watch out for when selecting a massage therapist.

Lack of Proper Credentials

One of the most important factors in choosing a massage therapist is verifying their credentials. A legitimate massage therapist should be licensed and registered with professional organizations.

Mikki Williams, LMT at Rassel-Daigneault Holistic Health Center, emphasized this point: “You would want to look them up on the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) websites and see if they’re on there. If they’re not, when you go in person, you can ask them to show you the massage license. They should have it hanging up on the wall in a picture frame.”

Unprofessional Environment

Inspect the environment as well. The massage environment should be clean, private, and conducive to relaxation. Be wary of spaces that feel unclean, lack privacy, or where you can easily hear conversations from adjacent rooms. Additionally, consider the overall professionalism of the establishment and its staff.

Insufficient Intake Procedures

It’s also important that the therapist provides a good intake form, asking about your medical history, current health conditions, and any areas of concern. For example, they need to know if you’ve had any surgeries, have a heart condition or are on blood pressure medication. If they skip this step or seem uninterested in your health information, consider it a warning sign.

Poor Communication and Boundary Setting

A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing.

As Mikki noted, “If they’re trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that’s a red flag. If you ask them how much you should undress, and they give you an answer, it would be more along the lines of, ‘Usually, this is what people do because it’s easier to glide skin to skin.’ But if they say something like, ‘Get undressed and get ready, I’ll be right back,’ that’s a red flag.”

Inadequate Draping Practices

Proper draping is essential for maintaining privacy and comfort during a massage. A reputable therapist will use full sheets and only undrape the area they’re currently working on. Avoid therapists who use inadequate coverings or expose more of your body than necessary.

Report Unprofessional or Inappropriate Behavior

If you encounter inappropriate or unprofessional behavior from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), it’s crucial to report the incident to the appropriate professional organization. Both the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) have dedicated channels on their websites for filing complaints. These organizations take such reports seriously, as they are committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethics in the massage therapy industry. By submitting a report, you help ensure the safety and integrity of the profession, while also contributing to a healthier and more respectful environment for both clients and practitioners.