Having a terrific massage therapist is essential to having a blissful and relaxing hot stone experience. Being one of the few people you allow to get inside your personal bubble, it is only necessary that you are able to find someone who is professional and whom you can fully trust.

However, finding the right therapist is not that easy especially with hot stone massage which is not as common as Swedish or Shiatsu. Sometimes, you will have to try out the services of many therapists and still you won’t find what you’re looking for.

To help you in your search for the right hot stone massage therapist, here are some tips you will definitely find useful.

Where to find

• Get recommendations from family and friends who have tried this massage style. It’s easier to trust someone whom people close to you have confidence in. Don’t hesitate to ask them how long they have been receiving services from this therapist, the type of equipment that was used, or if they were satisfied with the experience.

• Get a referral from your doctor. Often, health care practitioners recommend massage therapy as part of a treatment so it’s a sure bet that they know of efficient therapists.
• Be sure to check out the massage therapy schools in your area. They can always provide a list of graduates that are also great to try.
• Research online for a listing of therapists that are located in your city.

Things to ask

• Before you schedule an appointment with a therapist, do a little background interview. Check if he or she has a current city-issued massage permit and a certification of education on massage.
• Ask questions about the therapist’s educational background, specialized training and experience to find out if he or she has sufficient skills to give you the kind of quality massage you’re looking for.
• Ask him or her about hot stone therapy. A hot stone therapist should be adept in explaining the rudiments of this massage style.

A good massage therapist should…

• …ask you about your health history and current medical conditions.
• …check on your personal preferences like what type of music, temperature and lighting you prefer and if you’re comfortable doing the massage naked or you’d rather be partially covered.
• …be decent. Wearing lingerie and showing sexual insinuation are not part of legitimate massage practices.
• …be able to answer most of your questions about hot stone therapy.
• …have a complete set of hot stone therapy supplies.
• …have a neat, clean, and organized massage environment. If you do not have a good vibe or feeling about the ambience, it is always right to trust your gut and leave.
• …be receptive and open to negative feedback and do everything to improve his or her service.
• …always make you feel comfortable.

Finding a wonderful therapist is as tricky as finding a true friend. Once you’ve found yourself someone whom you can feel comfortable with, whom you can trust and who has amazing hands, be sure to establish a good relationship with him or her and give the kind of treatment and respect that you would give a friend.

“Mary Singleton regularly writes for AML Stone Source, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry such products as basalt stones for hot stone massage, as well as many other many other oYtl accessories for hot stone therapy.
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Tags: basalt stones, hot stone massage