Kristen Sykora: Hi! I am Kristen Sykora, massage therapist and member of the AMTA. Today, I am here to help you get the most out of your next massage. Right now, I am going to help you get started and finding a massage therapist that is right for you. We will get started by logging on to www.

findamassagetherapist.

org, you might want to ask yourself a few questions, like, what setting might I want to receive a massage in? Massage therapist can be found in a variety of settings, such as, a spa or salon to a clinical office or even a hospital. You may even want to have massage therapist come to your home. In addition, there may be a massage technique that you have been interested in such as a deep tissue massage. And finally, you want to consider your schedule, and when you might be able to go and get this massage. You might need a therapist who works on the weekends. You can find a massage therapist that meets all of these requirements for you. Members of the AMTA are required to meet a specific set of standards through education, testing and by adhering to a code of ethics. That's how you can find a qualified massage therapist. Right now, I am going to discuss some questions that you should ask your massage therapist. For example, if you have a specific health condition that is of concern to you, you might want to discuss with your therapist whether they have had experience in treating this certain ailment. In addition, if you'd like to receive a certain style of massage, such as a deep tissue massage, you want to see it that therapist practices that style. You'll also want to inquire about fees, payment method and if tipping is appropriate. In scheduling your massage, you want to make sure that it's a comfortable time for you to relax. Additionally, you may have a preference in setting, perhaps you would like to receive a massage in a spa, you want to see where their location is and make sure that it is convenient for you. Those are the questions that you should ask a massage therapist before the massage begins, so that you ensure that you and your therapist are on the same page. Now let's discuss what to expect on your first massage.