According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapy is an $11.7 billion industry. Your Better Business Bureau can help you pick a trustworthy massage therapist.
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help rehabilitate injuries, improve circulation, and relieve stress, increase relaxation and aid in the general wellness of clients. Last year, roughly 32.6 million Americans received a massage at least once.
Over the last year, your BBB recorded about 1,300 inquiries locally about massage therapists. Nationally, your BBB received almost 89,000 inquiries and more than 600 complaints about this industry.
When choosing a massage therapist, your BBB offers these tips:
• Get recommendations from friends and family.
• Research and compare several massage therapists.
• Find out how long the company has been in business.
• Make sure the therapist is licensed and carries malpractice insurance.
• Make sure the facility is clean and well-maintained and ask how often equipment is sanitized.
• Inquire about discounts. Many massage therapists offer discounts on package deals for example new clients, students or senior citizens.
• Ask about appointments. How long in between visits and what is the average waiting time before appointments.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the massage therapist. If you don’t like him or her, you’ll be less likely to schedule again.
• Ask the massage therapist about his or her specialties.
• Find out if a massage therapist is a member of an association like the American Massage Therapy Association.
• Get everything in writing, including cost, number of massages, etc.
• Check with your insurance to see what is covered. Remember, as with any other health care plans, deductibles and co-pays may apply.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Remember, you can also ask your chiropractor or primary care doctor for recommendations. Some chiropractors integrate massage therapy within their practice.
If you have any questions regarding massage therapists, you can always get help from your BBB, such as a list of BBB Accredited massage therapists and Business Reviews on ones you’re considering. For more information, visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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