12 Ways to Find a Good Massage Therapist (Travelers Edition)

“When traveling, how do you find a good massage therapist in a new city or town you’re visiting?” This question was posed to me by a well-traveled client. You can also use this advice if you have relocated to a new town and or city.

As a massage therapist I often search for talent in my own industry to deliver an incredible experience, so I understand the need to search for quality locally and in a new place. The term “good” is one that would allow for some flexibility. Everyone has different needs when it comes to their massage and what may seem good for you may not be for another person.

Style

I would begin by having a clear understanding of what type and style of massage you enjoy in your hometown. If you have a massage therapist that you work with on a regular basis ask them “If you were to refer me to a different massage therapist, how would you describe the best massage style for me?” A professional massage therapist should not be alarmed or offended at the prospect of you seeking services outside of theirs in a new place. Traveling is arduous on the body and the stress of catching flights, renting vehicles, navigating through unfamiliar streets, sleeping in a strange bed and doing “you-know-what” in a new toilet all places strain on your nervous system. Offering massage while traveling has created jobs for many hotels and resorts so you’re not alone in your quest. After discovering your massage type, you can follow up by learning your preferred pressure.

When I visit a new therapist they’re often surprised to know that I dislike deep pressure despite decades of receiving bodywork. I’m in tune enough with my body to know what I like and what I don’t and you should also, in order to gain the best experience. Pressure in massage is usually designated under the three categories of light, moderate or deep. Some places differ in their description such as using the word “firm” as opposed to “moderate” but you get the idea.

Add-ons and Speed

Another aspect about knowing what you enjoy is understanding add-ons. For example if you like stretching during your session and if so, is it gentle or aggressive? Thai massage is normally categorized as aggressive stretching for most and is traditionally done on the floor (or mat work). Apart from the pressure you enjoy, it’s also helpful to communicate your preferred pace. For example, fast or slow. The concept of a “fast-paced” massage may seem foreign to some people and businesses will often replace the word fast with invigorating. There are some modalities such as the Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage that is light and fast as well as a pre-sports massage. Both are meant as a full body warm-up massage to loosen the muscles superficially and increase circulation, despite the speed these massage styles may also produce a relaxing effect.

Slow-paced massage is widely known and preferred among the majority of people as it’s used primarily to help for a deeper relaxation. Also, slow work goes very well with moderate to deeper pressure. Neuromuscular massage therapy (my specialty) is refined, specific, slow with moderate to deep pressure. Massage styles often reflect the personality of the therapist and it’s fascinating to see how a provider’s work differs. One helpful tip is that a therapist that has a similar personality as yours will most likely deliver the style of massage you love. Not always but pretty close. At this point in my career I can guess which modality would be a good fit for an individual based on preferences and taste.

Best Results

The next objective to finding a good massage therapist is to ask what style of massage they are skilled at doing. Where do they see the best results in their work? What have their clients referred friends and family for? For example, if they are a clinically trained therapist that also has the ability to deliver a relaxation massage then this is an excellent benefit for you. Medical massage therapists can straddle between both styles and fluctuate easily with what a person needs that day. If you find yourself with a muscle injury during your travels I would strongly recommend scheduling with a therapist that has the following in their description of services “orthopedic, neuromuscular, clinical or medical massage” . A considerate massage therapist will always refer out if they are not trained to address an injury they are not familiar with. They will share their experience with you and help you make an informed choice.

Local vs. Corporate

Call individual practices and providers; small business owners have taken the risk to launch a business and are deeply invested in its success. Also, if a provider has managed to stay in business they must be proficient enough in their craft to support an ongoing client base. If you rather go to a larger and or corporate facility avoid calling spas and franchises and asking “Who’s your best therapist?”. The admin staff will be trained to not answer that question and often say “they’re all good!”. A savvy spa, resort or franchise front desk receptionist will help you by asking the right questions such as the ones I mentioned at the beginning of this post. 

• What is your main objective : relaxation or pain relief
• What pressure do you respond best to? Light, medium or deep.

Bonus questions 

• What pace do you prefer? Slow or fast paced.
• What add-ons do you enjoy? Stretching, heat. 

The last two, you may have to volunteer the information yourself. If I were calling a new place I’d say “ Hi, I’d like to schedule a 60 minute customized massage with a focus on neck and shoulders and with moderate pressure. I want a therapist with a calm personality and that works slowly.” The administration that interacts with the staff knows their personalities and if they care, then they will pair you with a close fit. If this sounds like ordering a fancy coffee at a local artisan cafe then it’s a similar experience. Your massage experience is based on how well you “gel” or connect with your therapist. It’s kind of like dating based on values or pairing the perfect wine with your cuisine. It’s a risk when traveling but these specific questions will inch you closer to having you schedule with a therapist that fits your needs.

Reviews

Don’t trust the reviews unless you’re ready to curl up with a good cup of tea or coffee and take some time reading. These days, some reviews are fake and paid for by the business. Many software companies such as the one I use will let me allow reviews on their site only by customers that have checked into the business and received a service. Other platforms have gone to lengths to ensure the authenticity of their reviews. Despite their efforts, as a consumer, I recommend that you do your due diligence and use your money and time wisely. Take your time to slowly scroll through the reviews and look for detailed accounts of helpful information such as “I came in with a right shoulder injury and after three sessions it was completely gone”. The user should have a few reviews under their belt of local businesses and if they have a photo of themselves it’s a good sign. It’s sad that in today’s tech-filled world we have to take these measures to assure good service but that’s the way it is for now.

Experience and Talent

Speak with the therapist on the phone if possible and don’t focus on asking them where they went to school or how many years of general experience. As a massage provider of over two decades I stand behind this statement. Experience doesn’t equal quality work because I have met massage therapists with decades of experience that are awful at what they do. I have met recent graduates that have “the touch” and have blown me away with their raw talent. Also, some massage therapists attended a small trade school in their community that did not have the best ratings. However they had one outstanding teacher in the massage training program that made their education worthwhile. You just never know. The only time that experience matters in bodywork (as well as continuing education) are with medical conditions and or injuries. If you’re in pain, do not hire a therapist less than two years in their career without any certification or training on how to handle injuries.

Other Pro Recommendations

Massage therapist and founder and Badass Bodyworkers, Rebecca Brumfield suggests “Look at their website, Instagram and ask any friends that live in the area to tag recommendations on Facebook. If you resonate with their images and services then book online.” Online scheduling is also a marker of a serious business owner and makes the process easier for you. For International travel, Nicki Iskander, RMT of Toronto, Ontario gets a massage each time she travels to a new country. She shares her criteria “searching for proximity to where she is staying, professional photos and not stock photos, book with a therapist that was trained in that country.”

Conclusion

Last but not least, I would call physical therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists in that town and or city and ask for referrals. Providers in allied health rely a lot on self-pay clients, marketing, networking and referrals. They know who’s who in their town and who gives great service so take advantage of that. This is not to say that you cannot find an outstanding therapist as an employee of a spa, resort, health club or clinic.

To recap

1. Know what style you enjoy the most
2. What’s Your Preferred Pressure? Light, medium, deep.
3. Favorite Add-ons (stretching, heat etc.) 
4. Slow or fast, what pace do you like? Fast-paced or invigorating! Slow and deep.
5. Search for a therapist with a similar personality to yours. Sometimes, like attracts like in massage.
6. What’s their highest skill set or where do they have the best results? (e.g. relaxation or pain relief).
7. Book a therapist that can treat both medical conditions and is willing to give a relaxation massage. 
8. Support small and call individual providers.
9. If going to a corporate facility, avoid asking “who’s your best?”
10. Look for detailed and authentic reviews.
11. Get the therapist on the phone (if possible)
12. Experience matters with medical conditions, aside from that new therapists with raw talent work just fine for general relaxation massage.
13. Check out their website and online booking

You can use all these tips or only use a few. I hope this helps you narrow down your search and I wish you happy and safe travels!