How to Choose a Swedish Massage Therapist

Swedish massage goes back to the 19th century when body workers in Sweden began using it as a from of exercise for muscles and joints. It's now the most popular massage therapy in the United States. To enjoy its benefits, you should choose a licensed Swedish massage therapist.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand the difference between Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and other forms of massage therapy and then determine your preference before choosing a therapist. In Swedish massage, the therapist using her hands, forearms and elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of your muscles. Deep tissue massage is a more intense, deeper form of manipulation and can be uncomfortable for some people.

2. Contact the American Massage Therapy Association for the name of a licensed Swedish massage therapist in your area. Licensed therapists must have graduated from a program of study accredited by the Commission for Massage Therapy Accreditation and Approval in the United States. The program involves 500 hours of training, and the student must then pass the national certification exam for therapeutic massage.

3. Know that certified therapists are required to complete a specific number of continuing education credits (CCUs) each year to maintain an active certification. This way they stay up on the latest techniques.

4. Check with your state health department for any disciplinary action against the therapist or therapists you are considering. Most states have registries expressly for this purpose.

5. Get a massage from a massage school. Most have internships that allow their students to work on members of the public as part of their hands-on educational requirements. In addition, most schools keep a directory of information about their graduates and that can point you to a local therapist skilled in Swedish massage.

Tips & Warnings

• While most healthy people don't usually need medical clearance for massage therapy, check with your physician if you have any doubts or concerns.

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Resources

• American Massage Therapy Association offers a list of certified members.
• Videos of various types of massage, including Swedish.

[jpwhickson]

on 12/11/2007 Thanks for the info. My daughter-in-law is looking for a place to study.